When choosing paint for your living room walls, there are a few key factors to consider including the room’s size, natural lighting, and purpose. The right paint color and finish can transform the space, making it feel bright, cozy or sophisticated. This guide will examine the pros and cons of different types of paint for living room walls to help you select the best option.
Types of Paint for Living Rooms
The most common options for interior wall paints are:
- Latex (acrylic)
- Oil-based
- Matte
- Eggshell
- Satin
- Semi-gloss
- High-gloss
Let’s look at the characteristics of each to understand which is best suited for living room walls.
Latex (Acrylic) Paint
Latex paint, also called acrylic paint, is the most popular choice for interior walls in living rooms and throughout homes. Here are some key advantages of latex paint:
- Dries fairly quickly, within 2-4 hours
- Water-based and low odor
- Easy clean up with soap and water
- Durable and scrubbable when dry
- Resists fading from sunlight
- Wide variety of sheens available
- Affordable compared to other paints
On the downside, latex paint tends to be less durable than oil-based options. It may also show brush marks more easily during application depending on the sheen. Overall, latex delivers excellent versatility for living room walls.
Oil-Based Paint
Traditional oil-based paint was once the go-to choice for home interiors. Features include:
- Hardest, most durable finish
- Resists moisture damage
- Smooth application minimizes brush marks
- Long-lasting color that doesn’t fade over time
The drawbacks of oil-based paint are strong odor, extended dry times of up to 24 hours, and difficult cleanup requiring paint thinner. It’s also typically more expensive than latex. While very durable for high traffic areas, oil-based paint is less commonly used for living rooms today.
Paint Sheens for Living Rooms
The sheen level of paint impacts its look and durability. Here are some guidelines for choosing sheen based on living room wall uses:
| Sheen | Level of Shine | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Matte (flat) | None | Minimizing wall imperfections, ceilings |
| Eggshell | Soft velvety | Low to moderate traffic areas |
| Satin | Low luster | Living room walls, bedrooms |
| Semi-gloss | Some sheen | Bathrooms, kitchens, accent walls |
| High-gloss | Very shiny | Doors, trim, cabinets in moderation |
Matte paint is too flat and delicate for most living room walls, showing scuffs and marks easily. Eggshell provides a soft velvety finish that works well in low to moderate traffic living room areas. Satin gives a budget-friendly luster that beautifully highlights decorative molding. Semi-gloss is very durable and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and cleaning easily. High-gloss has a brilliant sheen best used for small accents. Most designers recommend satin or eggshell for the majority of living room walls.
Color Considerations
The ambiance of your living room is hugely impacted by paint color. Here are some tips for choosing shades:
- Opt for light, neutral colors like beige or gray for airy, spacious feelings in small rooms
- Use medium tones like taupe or sage to add cozy warmth
- Bold colors like navy blue and emerald green create dramatic effects
- Complement existing furnishings and decor
- Accent walls in bolder hues add interest
- Stick with matte finishes on darker shades to avoid a cave effect
Consider the room’s purpose and your own color preferences when deciding on shades. Bold colors make a strong style statement, while lighter neutrals maximize the feeling of openness.
Top Paint Brands
Quality paint ensures an even application and durable, lasting finish on living room walls. Top brands include:
- Behr – Excellent quality and coverage at mid-range prices
- Benjamin Moore – Premium brand with stunning colors
- Sherwin Williams – Top quality with many sheen and color options
- Valspar – Budget-friendly brand sold at Lowe’s
- PPG Paints – Professional-grade durability and selection
While more expensive, paints from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer exceptional depth of color and coverage. Valspar is affordable without sacrificing quality. Choose the best brand you can reasonably afford for a long-lasting living room wall paint job.
Conclusion
The best living room wall paint combines great coverage, durability, and color at a reasonable cost. For most homeowners, a midrange latex satin paint from Behr, Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore offers the ideal balance. Satin provides a subtle sheen that beautifully showcases decorative trim. Latex dries quickly with low odor yet delivers a scrubbable, vivid finish. Choosing colors that complement your existing decor, as well as the room’s size and natural lighting, ensures your living room walls look their absolute best.
