Deciding on the perfect color for an accent wall in your living room can be a fun yet challenging process. The accent wall serves as a focal point and can make a bold statement or create a soothing atmosphere, depending on your color choice. Selecting the right hue involves considering the size and layout of your living room, the existing decor, the mood you want to achieve and your personal taste. With so many paint color options available, narrowing it down can seem overwhelming. This article will guide you through the factors to weigh when choosing an accent wall color for your living room along with providing popular paint color recommendations.
Consider the Size and Layout of the Living Room
The size and layout of your living room are important considerations when selecting an accent wall color. Here are some tips based on living room size and shape:
Small Living Rooms
In small living rooms, bright and light accent colors work best to make the space feel open and airy. Soft muted tones can make a small room feel even more cramped. Stick to cool tones like soft blues, greens and grays to achieve a relaxing vibe.
Large Living Rooms
Large living rooms can handle bold, dramatic accent wall colors since you have ample room for contrast. Dark jewel tones like navy blue, emerald green and rich plum make a stylish statement. You can also opt for two-toned accent walls with a bold color on top and neutral on the bottom.
Long, Narrow Living Rooms
Use the accent wall to make a long, narrow living room appear wider and less enclosed. Dark accent walls can make the room feel more closed in. Instead, choose light airy colors like beige, sky blue or soft sage green.
Open Concept Living Rooms
In open concept living rooms that flow into other spaces, bolder accent colors work well to delineate the living room area. Sophisticated rich shades like burgundy, deep teal or charcoal gray can define the space beautifully.
High Ceilings
Living rooms with very high ceilings can handle deep, dramatic accent wall colors. The height prevents the dark hues from feeling too overpowering. Consider moody shades like eggplant purple, forest green or brick red.
Consider Existing Living Room Decor
The existing decor in your living room should play a role in choosing an accent wall color. You’ll want to select a hue that complements your furnishings and decor style.
Furniture Color and Style
Look at the color palette and style of your furniture and decor when selecting an accent wall color. For a bold, vivid accent wall, stick with furniture in neutral tones. Earth tones and muted mid-century modern furniture pair well with dramatic colors like crimson or turquoise. Bold prints and patterns also stand out nicely against a brightly colored accent wall. If your furniture is already vibrant, choose an accent color that complements rather than competes with it.
Flooring
Lighter colored carpeting and hardwood floors allow the accent wall color to take center stage. Dark floors and rugs call for a lighter, brighter accent wall to provide contrast and keep the room from feeling too heavy. Accent walls in similar tones to wood or tile flooring can give a seamless, blended look.
Determine the Mood You Want to Achieve
The accent wall color should match the mood and atmosphere you want for your living room. Here are some common living room moods and corresponding accent wall color suggestions:
| Mood | Accent Wall Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Calming and peaceful | Pale blue, sage green, dove gray |
| Uplifting and positive | Buttery yellow, coral, sky blue |
| Inviting and cozy | Latte brown, cinnamon, earth tones |
| Bold and dramatic | Burgundy, navy blue, chocolate brown |
| Romantic and feminine | Blush pink, mauve, light peach |
| Sophisticated and elegant | Deep teal, charcoal gray, eggplant purple |
Consider Your Personal Taste
While current color trends can help guide your accent wall decision, ultimately the color you choose should align with your personal preferences. Pick a hue that you’ll enjoy living with for years to come. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Do I tend to favor cool or warm tones?
- How do I want the color to make me feel when I walk into the room?
- Is there a color I’ve been eager to use more of in my home?
- Do I prefer lighter muted shades or bolder dramatic colors?
Keep your answers in mind as you navigate the many accent wall color options for your living room. This will help narrow down the choices to a hue you’ll absolutely love.
Popular Living Room Accent Wall Color Ideas
Here are some of the most popular accent wall color choices for living rooms:
Navy Blue
A navy blue accent wall lends any living room a polished, sophisticated look. This versatile hue pairs well with both warm and cool color palettes. Use it to create a bold coastal vibe or go bold with dark navy for drama.
Forest Green
Deep forest green makes a stunning accent wall color that feels refined, yet natural. It’s an ideal accent for rooms with lots of neutral tones and pairs nicely with wooden furniture. Use green tones ranging from sage to emerald.
Charcoal Gray
For an accent wall with timeless appeal, you can’t go wrong with charcoal gray. This deep, muted gray adds just enough drama without overpowering. It works in both modern and traditional living rooms for a tailored look.
Terracotta
Warm up a living room with the inviting glow of terracotta. This earthy orange-red tone brings a fiery sophistication. Use a muted natural clay shade for a subtle pop of color.
Light Blue
Soft, airy light blue makes an accent wall feel open and breezy. Use a pale sky blue or baby blue for a cheerful pop. Robin’s egg blue is another great option for a playful, beachy vibe.
Sage Green
For a tranquil living room accent wall, try a soft sage green. This pale, muted green oozes natural serenity. Pair it with neutral furnishings and creamy off-whites for a relaxing oasis.
Accent Wall Color Considerations
Here are a few final tips when deciding on your living room accent wall color:
- Select a matte or flat finish paint, which minimizes imperfections on the wall.
- Be mindful of light exposure, as colors can pull different undertones in natural vs. artificial light.
- Use samples to view colors on your wall before fully committing.
- For a playful look, use two harmonious accent colors divided horizontally.
- Paint your accent wall the same hue but different shades for visual interest.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect accent wall color for your living room requires balancing the room’s size and layout, current decor, desired mood and personal tastes. Classic accent wall color options include navy blue, charcoal gray, forest green and light blue-green tones. Earth tones like terracotta and sage also make stunning focal points. Consider the tips and recommendations in this article as you explore color options for your living room accent wall. With careful selection, you’re sure to settle on the ideal hue to make your living room pop.