No, that’s not right. Is it your drawing room? Both rooms may seem similar enough that you could mistakenly think they are the same. There are subtle differences between them. How can you tell if you are working in a drawing room or a living-room? Heather Goerzen, Havenly, explains the differences below.

What is a drawing room?

Let’s face it: You may not have heard of the term “drawing room” in a while, but these rooms were popular a few hundred years ago. The drawing room is a shortened form of “with-drawing rooms,” which was where families spent time with guests in the 16th century. Some research indicates that women used the drawing room to retreat from the male-dominated dining room. 1

Goerzen says that the drawing room, or parlor as it’s sometimes called, is usually found near the front door of the house and is where you’d’receive” guests. “A more formal look–and no TV.” “Fancy people might even serve tea or cocktails [here].

This space still exists in many homes with generous square footage, even though most have swapped their drawing rooms for family rooms. This space is often all about the glitz.

Goerzen explains, “My grandparents had an elaborate drawing room with French doors, a sofa in a provincial style, a crystal chandelier and all sorts of china.” It was only used for holidays and special occasions.

What is a living room?

What about a room for living? Goerzen says that this room is about living. Goerzen explains, “We believe that a home is meant to be lived in, with partners, children, pets, guests and even messes. “For this reason, we are all for the living-room.”

The modern living room was not always the most popular space in a house. It took decades to develop. According to BBC research, the evolution of the living room began with the Industrial Revolution. The rise of machines, which made the workday much easier, meant that people had more time to relax and unwind.

The New York World’s Fair in 1939 predicted that the living room would be filled to the brim with cutting-edge technology. In the years that followed, lofty design ideas became a reality. The advent of television in the home changed the way residential spaces were used. 2 Shows like The Dick Van Dyke Showand The Brady Bunch portrayed the living room as being the hub of the home. The living room became thanks to the open concept layouts.

Goerzen states, “This space is for everything: reading, working, relaxing, watching your favorite TV shows, or even having fun.”

A living room, unlike the drawing room (which is usually located near the entrance), can be placed anywhere. Goerzen, however, says that living rooms are usually found near the kitchen.

How to decorate a drawing or living room

It’s important that you decorate your room with care, whether you’re a fan of the drawing room or living room. If you have the space in your house to accommodate both, you should do so. It doesn’t matter how you define your room, because it’s likely that you’ll spend quite a bit time in there. What is your top priority? Create a room that actually suits your needs.

Goerzen advises: “If you enjoy entertaining, you should make sure that you provide enough seating and space for guests to move around.” If you like to entertain, consider adding a Bar Cart. If your idea of the perfect Friday night is pizza, a movie and sitting on the couch with your feet up, then opt for a sectional that’s comfortable.

And, if you do choose to give your living quarters a drawing room edge, Goerzen recommends rethinking those fancier, for-special-occasions-only pieces.

She says, “It can be beautiful. It can show off your style. But it’s not meant to be a home.” The idea that your home is so valuable that you can only use it for special occasions or that you will be worried every time someone drinks wine, [that] is not what a home should be!

You can also add a sound system and to your room. Even though a drawing-room isn’t equipped with a television, it can still be an entertaining space.

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