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How do I Make a Western Living Room?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

There are a number of ways to create a western flare in a living room, from adding just a few accent pieces to doing a complete overhaul of the furnishings and decorative items. Someone looking to make a western living room without spending much money might focus on changing out items such as rugs, lap shades, wall hangings, and a few key accessories. It may also make sense to focus on eliminating or replacing items that run in direct opposition to the western aesthetic such as any items that are overtly modern, Victorian, or of any such style that is difficult to blend in with the western style. On the other hand, it is possible to create a deeply styled western living room by replacing almost everything in the room and even repainting or re-papering the walls.

One of the best places to shop for items for a western living room is any home furnishing company that specializes in furniture, accessories, and lighting that are part of the western aesthetic. Depending on one's location, this shopping might be done in person or online. For example, someone living in Arizona, New Mexico, and neighboring southwestern US states would probably be able to find a number of retailers in their area that would be perfect to help them outfit their western living room. Someone living in the South or New England states, on the other hand, might have a harder time finding such a store and might have to use an online retailer to help them outfit their western living room.

Old furniture can reupholstered with new fabrics in Western patterns.
Old furniture can reupholstered with new fabrics in Western patterns.

When decorating a western living room, it is important to first make a list of what present furniture will remain or will remain in an altered state. In some cases, it is possible to reupholster, repaint, or refinish an item in order to make it appropriate for a western living room. This is often a cost effective practice. Then make a list of what items must be replaced. Take detailed measurements to make sure that the replacement furniture will fit as well, or better that the old furniture.

The final step is choosing the colors, patterns, and overall look of the western living room. It is very helpful to use swatches and tear sheets from magazines when shopping. This will help when choosing between options. Using patterns and swatches is also a great way to make sure that, when the western living room is finally assembled, everything will tie together well.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Old furniture can reupholstered with new fabrics in Western patterns.
      By: Maruba
      Old furniture can reupholstered with new fabrics in Western patterns.