Choosing the right colors for your living room can be a daunting task. The living room is often the centerpiece of a home where family and friends gather to relax and socialize. Selecting the wrong colors can make the space feel cold, dated, too busy, or not cozy enough. There are many factors to consider when picking living room colors including the size of the room, how much natural light it gets, the style of your furniture, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
How to Pick the Best Colors for Your Living Room
Follow these tips when deciding on paint colors and decor accents for your living room:
- Consider the room’s size – Small rooms look best with light, bright colors which make the space appear larger. Dark hues can make a small living room feel closed in.
- Factor in natural lighting – North facing rooms with little natural light suit warm colors like reds, yellows, and oranges. South facing rooms awash with sun can handle cooler hues like blues, greens, and grays.
- Complement your furniture – Match colors to your existing furniture and decor. For traditional oak furnishings, go for deeper shades. Modern decor stands out against bold, bright walls.
- Create a mood – Energizing red-orange hues promote conversation. Cool blues and greens have a calming effect. Go for neutral beige or taupe for a tranquil ambience.
- Use accent colors sparingly – One or two bold accent colors prevent overwhelm. Blue sofa? Paint the walls soft tan and add orange and green pillows.
- Consider resale value – Neutral walls appeal to more buyers if you plan to sell. Add color with less permanent decor items like throw pillows and area rugs.
Best Living Room Paint Colors
These popular paint hues work beautifully in most living rooms:
| Color | Mood |
|---|---|
| Soft white or off-white | Clean, bright, and airy |
| Light gray | Calm and tranquil |
| Taupe | Warm, cozy, and relaxing |
| Khaki or greige | Natural, subtle, inviting |
| Pale blue | Peaceful, soothing, ethereal |
| Sage green | Nature-inspired, peaceful, earthy |
Neutral living room wall colors like white, gray, beige, or light blue are easy to decorate around and provide a clean backdrop for bold accent hues. Bolder paint choices like navy, emerald, or mustard work well in large open concept living rooms with lots of natural light.
Best Accent Colors for Living Rooms
Accent colors add visual interest when used sparingly in living room decor. Try these popular, inviting accent shades:
| Color | Where to Use |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Pillows, flowers, artwork |
| Red | Rugs, blankets, accent chair |
| Orange | Rugs, pillows, accessories |
| Purple | Area rug, pillows, flowers |
| Green | Houseplants, pillows, art |
| Pink | Pillows, flowers, art |
| Navy | Accent wall, pillows, rug |
Vibrant accent colors like red, orange, and yellow inject energy into a neutral living room. Cool tones like purple, green, and navy blue create serene ambiance. Use accents in moderation – too many colors compete for attention.
Living Room Color Combinations
Choosing two or more complementary colors keeps living rooms stimulating yet balanced. Popular color pairings include:
- Gray + Yellow – This gender-neutral combo lightens up gloomy rooms.
- Blue + Orange – These contrasting hues play off each other in an energetic, yet harmonious way.
- Green + Purple – Earthy green softened by soothing purple creates a zen sanctuary.
- Red + Beige – Red’s vibrancy pops against neutral beige backgrounds.
- Navy + White – Crisp white offsets rich navy for an elegant nautical vibe.
Remember the 60-30-10 rule – 60% neutral main color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color. This formula prevents clashing and keeps the room feeling cohesive.
Living Room Color Schemes
Color schemes offer foolproof combinations for striking, sophisticated living rooms. Popular schemes include:
Monochromatic – Different shades and tints of the same base hue. For example, soft mint walls, icy blue sofa, and pale blue green chairs. The overall look stays soft and cohesive.
Analogous – Hues located right next to each other on the color wheel, like yellow, yellow-orange, and orange. This harmonious scheme is vibrant yet peaceful.
Triadic – Colors spaced evenly around the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. The contrast adds visual interest without clashing.
Complementary – Opposite colors on the wheel, like red and green or purple and yellow. Sparingly use these bold complements for eye-catching style.
Split Complementary – A base color plus the two hues adjacent to its complement, like blue with yellow-orange and red-orange. Offers a subtler complementary balance.
Tips for Decorating a Living Room
Keep these decorating tips in mind once you’ve selected your living room wall and accent colors:
- Choose furniture and decor in colors drawn from your color scheme – blue sofa with orange and green pillows.
- Repeat colors throughout – sage walls, art with green accents, green area rug.
- Use patterns and textures to add depth – grasscloth walls, wool rug, velvet pillows.
- Incorporate natural elements – houseplants, woven baskets, rattan or wood furniture.
- Light it up with stylish lamps – update old lamps with on-trend lampshades.
- Add personal touches like family photos, art, cherished collections.
A thoughtfully decorated living room in harmonious, complementary colors provides a welcoming space for gathering and relaxing in style.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect living room colors may seem tricky, but just remember these key tips:
- Go for light, bright tones in small rooms and bold colors in large spaces.
- Choose a relaxing neutral main color and add energizing accent colors.
- Combine analogous, complementary, or triadic hues for pleasing palettes.
- Incorporate colors throughout the space in furniture, decor, artwork, and accessories.
- Add visual texture with layered rugs, throws, pillows, and plants.
Thoughtfully selected living room colors create a stylish, welcoming space your family and guests will enjoy. Trust your instincts, take risks, and have fun designing your ideal relaxing retreat.
