Finding the right colour for your couches can be a challenging task. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to determine which colours will look cohesive in your living room. However, there are some tried-and-true strategies you can use to pick couch colours that will complement each other beautifully.
Start with a neutral base
One of the easiest ways to build a cohesive couch colour palette is to start with a neutral shade as your base. Neutral colours like beige, tan, grey, and ivory are extremely versatile and can work with practically any accent colours you choose. A neutral couch acts as a blank canvas you can layer other shades on top of. Here are some ideas for attractive neutral couch colours:
| Neutral Shade | Accent Colour Combinations |
|---|---|
| Beige | Blues, greens, browns |
| Tan | Greens, blues, reds |
| Grey | Greens, blues, yellows |
| Ivory | Blues, reds, blacks |
As you can see, neutral couches provide you with options to add pops of colour that stand out. Decorating with neutral couches as your foundation ensures all the accent colours will blend seamlessly.
Coordinate with accent chairs
Another great option is to start with two neutral couches and then bring in accent chairs to add striking punches of colour. Your accent chairs can feature bold shades like emerald green, sapphire blue, brick red, or even vibrant patterns and textures. Just make sure the accent chair colours tie back into your main couches in some way. Here are some accent chair ideas that pair beautifully with neutral couches:
- Navy blue accent chairs with tan couches
- Hunter green accent chair with grey couches
- Yellow accent chair with ivory couches
- Red patterned accent chair with beige couches
Complementary accent chairs allow you to infuse exciting colours into the living room without going overboard. The neutral couches keep the space feeling soothing and serene.
Choose analogous colours
Analogous colours are hues that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, like blue and green or yellow and orange. Picking couch colours that are analogous is an easy way to guarantee they’ll look cohesive.
Try combining a grassy sage couch with a forest green loveseat, for example. Or pair a bright coral couch with a burnt orange loveseat. Analogous colour combinations lend a vibrant, energetic feel to a living room.
Use tone-on-tone shades
If you want couch colours that seamlessly blend together, stick with hues that are different tones of the same colour. For example, pair a soft powder blue couch with a deeper royal blue loveseat. Or combine a muted tan couch with a darker walnut brown loveseat.
Tone-on-tone colour combos create an ultra-restful atmosphere. The couches end up looking like different shades of the same colour family. You can still add eye-catching accent chairs or pillows in bolder complementary colours as punctuation.
Go for bold contrast
While tone-on-tone couch combos are soothing, sometimes you want to make a dramatic colour statement. Boldly contrasting couch colours can inject serious wow factor into a room. Just make sure both couches include some similar tones to tie them together.
Some bold couch colour pairings include:
- Sapphire blue couch with burnt orange loveseat
- Canary yellow couch with charcoal grey loveseat
- Emerald green couch with eggplant purple loveseat
- Cherry red couch with navy blue loveseat
These types of pairings work great in contemporary or eclectic rooms. The clashing colours create an energizing, vibrant atmosphere.
Factor in undertones
When choosing couch colours, pay attention to undertones. Even shades that seem different on the surface can work together if their undertones are similar. For example, a warm terracotta couch could pair nicely with a sage green loveseat because both have golden-yellow undertones.
On the other hand, colours with clashing undertones can sometimes fight with each other. A cool purple couch may clash with a warm peach loveseat, for instance. Keeping undertones harmonious will ensure your couches complement each other.
Consider colour psychology
Certain colours naturally evoke certain moods and emotions. So think about the vibe you want to cultivate in your living room when picking couch colours.
Blue couches create a tranquil, relaxed mood. Green couches feel renewing and peaceful. Warm shades like terra cotta or peach lend an energizing, inviting atmosphere. Cool tones like grey or icy blue are calming and sophisticated.
By choosing couch colours that align with your desired ambiance, you can create a cohesive space both visually and emotionally. The hues will work together to produce a specific feel.
Add texture
Varying the textures of your couches is another great way to pull together contrasting colours. A sleek leather couch in one shade can pair beautifully with a plush velvet loveseat in another. Mixing materials like leather, velvet, linen, chenille, nubby weaves, smooth cottons, etc. adds compelling visual interest.
For example, pair a soft pink linen couch with a textured teal velvet loveseat. Or combine a smooth grey leather couch with a cozy orange chenille loveseat. Differing textures add depth and dimension.
Repeat colours in accessories
Tying everything together with accessories featuring the couch colours is a designer trick for creating a polished, curated look. Pillows, throws, area rugs and other accents in the main couch shades pull the whole space together.
For example, if you have a navy blue velvet couch and mustard yellow linen loveseat, use pillows in those two shades on both pieces. Layer a blue, yellow and white area rug under the seating. Add yellow and blue decorative objects on the coffee table. Repeating the key couch colours creates harmony.
Conclusion
Picking couch colours that complement each other beautifully is all about using timeless colour theory principles. Start with a neutral base shade and build on it with accent chairs or loveseats in bolder tones. Stick with analogous hues or tone-on-tone combinations. Factor in undertones and colour psychology. Adding in varied textures and repeating colours throughout the space also creates a polished, purposeful look.
With some strategizing and experimenting, you’ll be able to discover the perfect couch colour pairings for your living room. Just have fun with different combinations until you land on the right palette for your personal style and the mood you want to achieve. The couches are the foundation of the space, so make sure their colours work in harmony to create a welcoming environment.
