Grandma’s Living Room Is The Best Design Inspiration

In a world that constantly hops from one trend to the next, it seems like you’ll always upset at least one person with your taste. There is a decor trend, an aesthetic, an essence of sorts that has truly survived the tests of time and remains as beloved as ever. Chances are, it’s even closer to home than you think. Yes, y’all—grandma’s decor and furniture may have gotten some sneers of disapproval over the years, but now more than ever, people are using her charming style as inspiration for home design. 

While there’s a lot to appreciate about the charm of her kitchen or the inviting, homey feel of her guest room, there’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of grandma’s living room. So, we made it our mission to find furniture that emulates the treasures you may remember, with a modern twist that makes them fitting in any home. Think: skirted accent chairs, game tables, secretary desks, and more—from $40

The Best Grandma-Inspired Living Room Finds

Skirted Chairs

Growing up, I remember just about every piece of furniture in my grandmother’s house had a skirt of some sort attached to it. Her bed, couch, and even her chairs all had skirted detailing around the bottom, which gave them a sophisticated, polished look. Nowadays, skirted furniture is a bit more difficult to come by, but there are options out there with similar accents to channel her style. Even if you can get your hands on an accent chair with fun, flirty skirt details, you can  get a slipcover to achieve the same effect on your existing furniture.

Hulala Home Armless Accent Chair

SureFit Essential Wingback Chair Slipcover

Jennifer Taylor Home Yolanda Round Accent Ottoman

Secretary Desks

Back in the time of our grandmothers, writing letters, sending cards, and keeping hand-written recipes, notes, and lists were not just commonplace—they were woven into the very fabric of daily life. Keeping up with all of this work was only possible with a secretary desk, and these ones feature plenty of drawers and space to store everyday stationery, a sturdy wooden construction, and ample space to use a computer, work from home, or write letters of your own.

Maykoosh Mediterranean Mingle Secretary Desk

Safavieh American Homes Collection Landon Writing Desk

Mtlskpol Mahogany Secretary Desk

Chintz Furniture

If you don’t recognize chintz by its name, its bold, beautiful, and intricate designs will likely ring a bell. Chintz, in short, is a cotton fabric that’s adorned with elaborate floral, botanical, and paisley patterns in bright or pastel shades of blue, yellow, green, pink, etc. Typically, chintz furniture is offered in accent chairs, sofas, ottomans, and more, but you can even add chintz-style decor like curtains and throw blankets to your space for a similar, charming vibe.

Mellcom Floral Accent Chair

Pia Ricco 2-Piece Floral Accent Chairs

Christopher Knight Home Nesbit Ottoman With Storage

Game Tables

In the time of our grandmothers, family gatherings were a regular occurrence. These occasions were almost always defined by a delicious assortment of foods, refreshing cocktails, and games to keep the fun going hours into the night. Whether you’re playing cards, board games, or dominoes, a proper game table is a must. Grandma likely had a flip-top, folding, or expandable table in her living room to accommodate guests, and you can do the same with these options, too. 

Signature Design By Ashley Sturlayne Expandable Flip-Top Table

Meco Stakmore Classic Folding Card Table

Haddockway Board Game Table With Removable Top

China Walls

In grandma’s house, there was no cooler thing to marvel at than her china wall. A trove of delicate, personal treasures collected as gifts, momentos from trips and travels, or beloved heirlooms passed down with care, this decor trend is gaining popularity once again. In most homes, especially Southern ones, you’ll almost always find Blue Willow plates displayed on china walls, and these ones are just as timeless as hers.

Spode Blue Italian Charger Plate

Churchill 4-Piece Blue Willow Dinner Plate

Corelle Vitrelle 6-Piece Dinner Plate Set