20 American living room features that Europeans find fascinating
20 American living room features that Europeans find fascinating
Coming from Europe and spending time living in the USA, I was surprised and fascinated by a few differences between American living room features and our European ones! Living rooms across the United States often showcase a variety of unique features that might catch the eye of a European visitor.
From the expansive open floor plans to the decorative mantels, American living rooms offer a mix of comfort, style, and personal expression that differs significantly from typical European designs.
This article explores 20 fascinating American living room features that often surprise our friends from Europe, each bringing its own cultural flair and functionality.
1. Open Floor Plans
American homes frequently feature open floor plans where the kitchen, dining, and living areas seamlessly flow into one another. This layout is less common in Europe, where rooms are often separated and more defined.
The open floor plan in American homes is valued for its ability to facilitate social gatherings and family time, creating an inviting and spacious environment.
2. Taxidermy Animals
In many American living rooms, it’s not unusual to see taxidermy animals as part of the decor. This practice can be quite surprising to Europeans, as stuffing and displaying animals is not widely adopted in European interior design.
In the U.S., taxidermy is often seen as a way to preserve the memory of a hunting triumph or to add a rustic touch to the home.
3. Hanging Antlers
Similar to taxidermy, decorating with antlers is a distinctly American habit, often linked to the popularity of hunting in various regions of the country.
In contrast, European homes rarely feature antlers unless they’re part of a specific traditional or rural aesthetic.
4. Awards and Medals
Americans are more inclined to display personal achievements such as awards and medals in their living rooms.
This contrasts with the more private approach to personal accolades common in Europe. In American homes, these displays serve as a source of pride and conversation among guests.
5. Graduation Photos
Displaying graduation photos in the living room is a common American practice that reflects the importance of academic achievement in family life. This tradition is less prevalent in Europe, where such personal milestones might not be as prominently displayed.
6. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Extensive use of carpeting is a notable feature in American living rooms. Carpets provide warmth and comfort, covering entire living room floors from one wall to the other. European living rooms, conversely, might feature hardwood floors with occasional rugs.
7. Recliner Chairs
Recliner chairs are a staple in many American living rooms. Known for their comfort and versatility, these chairs add a relaxed feel to the room, which might be less commonly found in European homes where furniture is often more formal.
8. Large-Screen TVs
In the U.S., it is typical for living rooms to be equipped with large, flat-screen TVs, often mounted on the wall. This feature highlights the American love for entertainment and technology, differing from the smaller, less prominent TVs in European living rooms.
9. Fireplaces
Both functional and decorative, fireplaces are a common feature in American living rooms. They not only provide warmth but also serve as a central decorative element. While European homes might also have fireplaces, the styles often differ, and they might not be as commonly used as in the U.S.
10. Sectional Sofas
Large, sectional sofas that can accommodate multiple people are popular in American living rooms. These sofas emphasize comfort and social interaction, providing ample space for family and guests.
11. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are frequently installed in American living rooms for improved air circulation. This feature is practical in regions with warmer climates and adds a functional aesthetic element to the room.
12. Home Entertainment Systems
Comprehensive home theater setups with surround sound are a proud feature of many American living rooms. This dedication to an immersive entertainment experience is generally more elaborate than the typical European setup.
13. Oversized Furniture
The trend of larger-than-average furniture in American living rooms reflects a preference for comfort and spaciousness. Oversized sofas and coffee tables are less common in Europe, where living spaces often favor more modest, sleek designs.
14. Old Wooden Furniture
Americans often cherish old, wooden furniture which adds a sense of history and warmth to their living rooms. This preference stands in contrast to the European trend towards more modern or minimalist furniture styles.
15. Decorative Throw Pillows
American living rooms often feature an abundance of decorative throw pillows, adding color and texture to the space. This detail enhances comfort and aesthetic appeal, whereas European sofas might be less adorned.
16. Open Shelving
Open shelving is popular in American homes for displaying books, photos, and various decorative items. This choice not only serves as storage but also as a way to personalize the space, which might be approached differently in European homes.
17. Mantel Decor
Decorative mantels over fireplaces are common in American living rooms. Adorned with photos, candles, and various knick-knacks, these mantels serve as focal points, whereas European fireplaces might be simpler in decoration.
18. Multiple Lighting Sources
American living rooms often feature a variety of lighting sources, including floor lamps, table lamps, and recessed lighting. This diversity allows for adjustable ambiance and practicality, differing from the more uniform lighting in many European homes.
19. Sliding Glass Doors
Large sliding glass doors leading to outdoor spaces are a significant feature in American living rooms, particularly in homes with patios or backyards.
This design enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, a concept less prevalent in Europe due to climate and architectural differences.
20. Photo Galleries
Walls adorned with photo galleries are commonplace in American living rooms, showcasing family memories and personal moments. This practice highlights the American emphasis on family and personal storytelling, in contrast to the often more reserved European approach.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.