Green is an interesting color choice for a living room. While bold, it can also create a relaxing and natural environment when done right. There are a few things to consider before painting your entire living room green.
The Effect of Green
Green is considered one of the most relaxing colors. It reminds us of nature and evokes feelings of health, tranquility, and renewal. Painting your living room green can help create a calming environment perfect for conversation and unwinding after a long day.
However, green can be overwhelming if overdone. Darker greens may make a room feel small and gloomy if applied to every wall. Lighter greens can feel institutional if not balanced with warm woods and natural textures.
The key is choosing the right green tones for your space. Organic greens like sage and olive are cozy while vibrant greens like lime or grass green are energizing. If you want an inviting green living room, steer clear of cold greens like mint or bright kelly greens.
Choosing a Green Paint Color
With so many green paint options available, selecting the perfect green for your living room can be tricky. Consider the following when choosing a green:
- Room size – Dark greens can feel oppressive in small spaces. Go for soft lighter greens.
- Window light – North facing rooms need warm greens while south facing rooms can handle cooler greens.
- Furniture – Greens should complement wood tones in your furniture.
- Accent colors – Coordinate greens with accent colors like ivory, blue, purple or rust orange.
Green has many undertones including blue, yellow and gray. A blue-green like teal suggests tranquility while a yellow-based green is vibrant. Gray-greens are sophisticated neutrals. Decide whether you want an invigorating green or restful green before choosing a shade.
Some popular green paint colors include:
| Green Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Sage | Natural gray-green, pairs well with creams and browns |
| Avocado | Deep green with gray undertones, feels elegant and rich |
| Lemongrass | Yellow-green that feels cheerful and bright |
| Basil | Fresh botanical green works with warm woods |
Paint Sheen
Green paint comes in various sheens from flat to high-gloss. The sheen you choose impacts the mood of your green living room:
- Flat – Completely matte finish, feels warm and cozy
- Eggshell – Soft velvety finish, hides imperfections
- Satin – Subtle shine, elegant and sophisticated
- Semi-gloss – Some shine, durable and wipeable
- Gloss – High shine, creates a sleek modern look
Low sheens like flat or eggshell work best for darker shades in small spaces. Glossy sheens open up rooms but show more flaws. Satin or semi-gloss are good all-purpose sheens for green living rooms.
Applying Green Paint
Preparing your living room properly will ensure your green paint looks its best:
- Repair imperfections in walls and fill holes
- Wash walls to remove dirt and grease
- Sand glossy areas to help paint adhere
- Remove switch plates and vent covers
- Tape off ceilings, baseboards, trim and windows
- Lay drop cloths to protect floors and furniture
Priming walls before painting green can help the color appear more vivid. Opt for tinted primer that matches your green shade.
Use good quality roller covers and brushes made for the wall texture. Apply paint in a V-shape path working from top to bottom. Maintain a wet edge and work in 3×3 foot sections. Let the green paint dry completely before doing a second coat.
Creating a Green Feature Wall
Painting one green feature wall can add character without overwhelming a space. The most popular wall for a bold green accent is:
- Fireplace wall – Draws the eye and anchors the furniture
- Entry wall – Makes a strong first impression
- Behind a sofa – Provides a dramatic focal point
- TV wall – Energizing complement to media
Choose a vibrant green like emerald, chartreuse or lime for your feature wall. Glossy paint adds depth on accent walls. For a coordinated look, repeat the green tone in accents like throw pillows and art.
Green Living Room Ideas
Green need not dominate a living room to create a nature-inspired oasis. Here are some ways to incorporate green decor:
- Paint built-in bookcases a soothing sage green
- Choose a forest green leather sofa for lush texture
- Display glass bottles in green hues for zen vignettes
- Add green and white patterned pillows to a neutral sofa
- Layer green wool rugs over natural jute carpeting
- Hang a large green abstract canvas print or artistic mirror
Plants are a natural (and literal) green accent for living rooms. Place potted palms, succulents, snake plants or trailing ivy in planters matching your decor. Large leafy plants can visually soften a bold green wall.
Tips for Green Living Rooms
A green living room can feel warm and inviting with the right balance. Here are some tips:
- Introduce creams, tans and wood tones to soften green
- Add pops of contrasting colors like red, orange or indigo
- Layer green tones and textures for subtle depth
- Keep furniture sleek and modern against bold green walls
- Warm up cold greens with brass and golden accents
- Display natural elements like dried flowers, rattan or jute
Conclusion
Painting your entire living room green is bold but doable with some planning. Choosing the right green hue, sheen and application technique ensures the color feels harmonious rather than overwhelming. Balance vibrant green walls with neutral and wood furniture tones. Add plants and natural accents for an inviting green living room oasis.
