Should a color scheme for a formal room differ from that of a casual room?

The same colors and combinations are used in both. How they are used, however, can differ, particularly in proportion and the presence or absence of textures.

If the room is formal, the fabrics are likely to be smooth ones, like satin, brocade or velvet. In a casual room, the tendency is to use nubby or textured materials, like tweeds or rough cottons.

Patterns are usually bolder in a casual room and brighter colors may cover a larger area. Patterns in a formal room tend to be delicate and restrained, and to have neutral backgrounds.

Friday Back When is a weekly feature highlighting images and text from vintage decorating books. Today’s exert is from The Complete Family Interior Decorating Book, 1972.