Choosing a wall color for your living room can be a difficult decision. The color you select can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the space. Cream is a popular paint color option for living rooms. But is it truly a good choice for your living room walls? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if cream is the right color for your space.
The Pros of Cream Walls
Here are some of the benefits of selecting a cream paint color for your living room:
It creates a light, airy look
Cream is a pale, neutral shade that helps make a room look bright and open. The light reflectiveness of cream walls can help make a small living room appear larger. Cream creates a soft, ethereal quality that makes the living room feel more expansive. This airy look is ideal for sunny living rooms with lots of windows.
It provides a soothing backdrop
The muted cream tone serves as a calming backdrop that won’t compete with your furniture and décor. Bold colored furniture and vivid artwork will pop against cream walls. You can easily change up accessories and fabrics in a cream painted room without having to repaint. Cream allows you to refresh the look just by switching out decorative pieces.
It complements wood tones
Cream beautifully complements wood furniture and floors. The beige undertones of cream bring out the richness of wood finishes. Cream walls make an ideal backdrop for living rooms with lots of wood elements like paneling, cabinets, and furniture. The soft cream lets the warmth of the woodwork shine.
It matches any style
From modern to farmhouse, cream walls work with just about any decorating style. The versatile neutral shade provides a blank canvas that you can build upon to create your desired look. Whether your taste runs contemporary, traditional or eclectic, cream walls will complement your furnishings.
The Cons of Cream Walls
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of if you choose cream paint for living room walls:
It shows dirt easily
The downside of light cream walls is that they readily show dirt, smudges and fingerprints. Cream requires frequent touch-ups to keep it looking clean. It’s not the most practical choice for homes with kids or pets that could leave marks on the walls. To minimize this, opt for an eggshell or satin cream paint rather than a flat finish.
It can look dull over time
While cream may seem like a safe color choice, over time it could feel monotonous or boring. If you don’t regularly update your living room with new décor elements, an all-cream scheme can start to feel bland. Consider accenting cream walls with contrasting white trim or boldly colored furnishings.
It can read “beige”
Some cream paint colors can take on beige undertones that give the room a dull, flat appearance. Be sure to choose a cream with a hint of yellow rather than brown. Benjamin Moore Linen White and Sherwin-Williams Creamy are examples of warm, appealing creams. Steer clear of cream shades with taupe undertones.
It shows flaws
Unlike deeper shades that can hide imperfections, cream calls attention to any flaws on walls or ceilings. You may need to skim coat walls to smooth out texture or flaws before painting cream. Uneven drywall or patched areas will likely show through cream paint.
Tips for Decorating with Cream Walls
Here are some tips to make the most of cream living room walls:
– Choose trim and ceiling colors in crisp white to contrast with cream walls. This creates definition.
– Use multiple shades of cream on different walls to add subtle depth. Try a darker antique ivory on one wall as an accent.
– Add interest with painted patterns or textures like wood paneling or brick designs.
– Hang colorful artwork or dramatic photographs to pop against the neutral backdrop.
– Add punchy accent colors with cushions, throws, flowers and other accessories.
– Use area rugs with bold patterns and colors to anchor cream walls.
– Install creamy golden wood or laminate flooring to complement the walls.
– Pick furnishings and décor in contrasting dark and light wood tones.
– Accent with black or metal finishes to keep the scheme from feeling too soft.
Should You Paint Your Living Room Cream?
Cream living room walls have distinct advantages but also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some key factors to help you decide if cream is the right choice:
Lighting
Rooms with ample natural light are best suited to cream walls, which will prevent the space from feeling dark or gloomy. North-facing living rooms may not be ideal candidates.
Furnishings
If you have mostly light wood furniture, cream makes an ideal match. But cream could clash with existing dark leather or ebony furnishings.
Style
Cream suits casual, relaxed decorative styles like cottage, farmhouse and coastal looks. For dramatic modern spaces, a bolder color may be preferable.
Traffic & Usage
Consider the wear and tear the living room walls will need to withstand. Cream requires more frequent paint touch-ups in high traffic areas.
Existing Features
Cream can help highlight special features like arched doorways, decorative molding and bay windows. But flaws and uneven textures will show through cream paint.
Assess these practical factors along with your color preferences to decide if creamy dreamy walls are right for your living room. Utilize accent colors and accessories to make cream walls shine. With the right furnishings and finishes, a cream painted living room can look absolutely stunning.
