Painting a living room two different colors can add visual interest and dimension to the space. With some planning and forethought, a two-tone color scheme can look polished, purposeful and pulled-together. There are a few considerations when choosing two colors for a living room. The colors should coordinate well together through analogous, complementary or monochromatic schemes. The placement of the colors should also be strategic, using techniques like painting an accent wall, separating upper and lower portions or dividing the room into functional zones. With good prep work, high quality paint and proper application, a two-tone living room can be quite stunning.
Choosing Two Complementary Paint Colors
When selecting two paint colors for a living room, aim for colors that complement each other. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, creating high contrast. For example, blue and orange are complements, as are red and green. This type of bold color scheme makes a dramatic statement and adds visual power to a space. However, it’s important to strike the right balance so the colors don’t clash. Use a 60/40 ratio, where one color takes up more real estate than the other. The dominant color can be used on the walls, while the complementary color goes on an accent wall or architectural details. Tones and shades also matter. A bright orange and navy blue might look jarring, but a burnt orange and sky blue can be rich and sophisticated.
Trying a Harmonious Analogous Color Scheme
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony through tones in the same color family. Examples include blue-green and blue-violet or yellow-orange and yellow-green. This type of soft, natural color scheme is easy on the eyes but can also look muted. Make an analogous palette pop by choosing one color as dominant and the other as an accent. For instance, taupe walls with a sage green accent wall and lime green decorative pillows. The third accent color adds the missing contrast. Just be sure to repeat both accent colors throughout the living room so the scheme looks purposeful.
Using Tints and Shades of One Hue
Another approach is choosing two colors from the same hue, one in a lighter tint and the other in a darker shade. For example, you could use a soft powder blue on the walls and a navy blue on the trim. This monochromatic scheme is subtle yet sophisticated. The darker color framed against the lighter one provides definition. Adding texture through techniques like sponge painting or rag rolling gives further visual interest. Just be careful not to go overboard on the variations of a single hue. Too many tones can end up looking bland or monotonous. Two or three shades of the same color are ideal.
Defining Spaces with Color
Strategic placement of the two colors can create separate zones within an open floor plan. For example, paint the living room walls one color and the dining area walls another. Repeat both hues in each zone through artwork, accessories and furnishings to tie the whole space together. You can also use color to highlight architectural details like crown molding and baseboards. Just keep the trim work all one color so it serves as a framing device for the overall design. Painting the ceiling a different color than the walls is another option for delineating spaces.
Painting an Accent Wall
An accent wall is an easy way to properly implement a two-tone color scheme. By painting just one wall a different color than the other three, you can add drama without the risk of overwhelming the room. Choose the wall where the seating area or entertainment center will go so it becomes a functional focal point. Contrast the accent color against more neutral wall colors like beige, gray or taupe so it really pops. Make sure lighting illuminates the accent wall to draw the eye. Non-primary walls can also be painted an accent shade as long as there’s just one.
Separating Upper and Lower Halves
For a unique look, paint the bottom half of the living room walls one color and the upper half another shade. Use painter’s tape to create a clean, sharp dividing line between the two colors. This two-tone technique works especially well in high-ceilinged rooms, creating a visual boundary that makes the space feel more intimate. It can also make a small room feel larger by leading the eye upward. Just be mindful of where you place the color boundary. The line shouldn’t cut across architectural details or interfere with wall hangings.
Incorporating an Accent Ceiling
Painting the ceiling a different color than the walls is an unexpected twist on the two-tone trend. For drama, paint the ceiling black or charcoal to contrast with light colored walls. The dark ceiling grounds the space and draws the eye upward. For a beachy feel, try painting the ceiling pale blue or seafoam. Wood plank ceilings also complement bolder wall colors like deep greens or burgundy. If painting a ceiling accent, use a flat or matte finish to minimize imperfections in the surface above.
Factors to Consider
When executing a two-tone paint scheme, here are some factors to consider:
Lighting – Properly illuminate accent walls or dark ceilings so they have maximum impact. Add fixtures as needed.
Sheen – Use flat, matte or eggshell paint to minimize imperfections. Semi-gloss shows more flaws.
Prep Work – Proper prep is key for smooth finished results. Fill holes, sand, prime and caulk before painting.
Edges – Use painter’s tape for crisp edges between colors. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint fully dries.
Volume – The 60/40 rule helps maintain visual harmony. Don’t let one color overwhelm the other.
| Color 1 | Main color used on majority of walls |
| Color 2 | Accent shade used more sparingly on accent wall or details |
Application Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips when painting a two-tone color scheme:
– Always work from the top down when painting walls two colors. Paint the lighter color first on the upper portion, then do the bottom area in the darker tone.
– When painting an accent wall, paint it first before doing the other walls to avoid overlapping onto another color.
– If separating upper and lower halves, run painter’s tape along the dividing line and remove it promptly once painting is complete.
– Use high quality brushes and applicators to ensure smooth, consistent coats of paint.
– Allow proper dry time between coats according to manufacturer guidelines; usually 2-4 hours.
– Backroll when spraying paint to help blend and eliminate lap marks for a seamless look.
– For extra durability on accent walls, use interior paint with a satin, eggshell or semi-gloss sheen.
– Check paint colors in different lighting at various times of day to ensure the true shade is achieved.
Maintenance
Properly caring for a two-tone paint scheme will help preserve its looks over time:
– Allow at least 30 days for paint to fully cure before cleaning or doing touch-ups.
– Use gentle cleaners and microfiber cloths to prevent paint damage during cleaning.
– Spot prime bare spots for the best color match when doing paint touch-ups over time.
– Store leftover paint so exact shades are available for future patches or repairs if needed.
– Reapply fresh coats of protective clear sealer every 2-3 years in high traffic areas.
– Evaluate the condition of painted surfaces yearly and repaint areas as needed to restore the look.
Hiring a Professional
While a skilled DIYer can paint a living room two colors, hiring professional painters has advantages:
– Experts have the right tools, ladders and lifts to paint high walls and ceilings safely.
– They have specialized spray equipment to achieve flawless, consistent coverage.
– Professionals properly prep surfaces like patching, sanding and priming for best results.
– Painters use techniques like edging, backrolling and dry brushing with expertise.
– They have access to premium commercial-grade paints in any custom color.
For homes with high ceilings or tricky architecture, hiring painters may be worth the expense for a living room painted two colors. Get multiple quotes and check references to find the best pro for the job.
Conclusion
Painting a living room two different colors provides visual interest through contrast and adds dimension to the space. Following basic color theory principles like complementary, analogous or monochromatic schemes ensures the colors coordinate. Strategic placement using accent walls, separated upper and lower halves or defined functional zones prevents the colors from competing. Proper prep work, high quality paint and application techniques like backrolling yield professional polished results. While challenging to execute well, a two-tone color scheme makes a unique design statement when thoughtfully planned and skillfully implemented in a living room. With the right approach, you can most certainly paint a living room two different colors.
