How to Decorate Your Home Like Downton Abbey

For me, the library is the room I picture when I think of Downton Abbey. Despite its grandeur, it manages to feel cozy thanks to the warm colors, lots of squashy upholstery in classic English shapes, and, of course, the many books. In later seasons they even layer two smaller-patterned carpets on top of each other for even more richly layered comfort.

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Fortunately, all of these elements are easy to replicate, even if your living room isn't quite as opulent as the Granthams'! Read on for ways to bring the Downton feel home.

Rich colors are your friend, but if red isn't your favorite, faded apple greens, peachy pinks, and golden yellows are also common to the era. Avoid colors that are too cool, too bright, and all but the warmest taupe-y grays.

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That said, rugs of the era were usually red-based. Of all the rooms I could find photos of, only Mary's room has a rug that isn't mostly red (it's green) - and even then it has a red and pink floral design. (It's still common in British design to see rooms that are blue/green/yellow, but with a red rug. Although admittedly that takes a little bit of skill, and if you aren't confident about mixing colors, a designer can help.) Avoid neutral and overly simple rugs that look modern - search for Persian, Turkish, or Aubusson rugs to find things with the right feel.

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Upholstery is best in velvet, damask, or chintzy florals. Avoid linens or weaves. Embroidery, tassels and fringe dress it up even further.

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The more generously sized the art, the more accurate it will feel. Antique portraits, landscapes, horses and dogs are your best bet, ideally framed in thick gold or dark wood frames.

If you're ready to make more of an investment in the style, the Downton Abbey library uses several traditional English couch styles to create its cozy, welcoming look.

Although Knole sofas (the "tied-together" couch in the foreground of the library photo) are rare, there are modern flared-arm sofas which create a similar impression. Camel-back sofas are more common, and the English roll-arm style (used on the chairs in the library) is very easy to find. If you can't find one with a pretty (not square) wooden leg, adding a skirt to a sofa immediately makes it feel more traditional.

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For larger spaces, a higher-backed sofa will create an enclosed "nook" inside the larger room - a tall wing-back sofa is another fun option. For smaller rooms, you'll want a lower back to prevent it from feeling crowded.