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Color combinations for furniture


Painted Furniture | 10 Winning Color Combos

Hi SI family, happy Tuesday to you!  As per last weeks comments, today’s post is all about WINNING Color Combo’s for your painted furniture!

I get a TON of questions asking what colors go together, so today I’m sharing 10 of my favorites combos’ that I’ve used — and a few others that I’ve seen used, and absolutely love!

To backtrack, when I started painting furniture I only used SAFE neutrals – creams and whites mostly. If this is where you’re at, don’t fret. Solid neutrals are ALWAYS a classic. And if you sell your pieces, they sell extremely well too.

But if you’re getting the itch to experiment and branch out… I know choosing colors that pair well together can feel INTIMIDATING, right?!!!

I know because I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. And truth be told, I’ve had to repaint my fair share of pieces due to ugly combos… but YOU don’t have to! If you’re curious to see my color mishaps, I’ve linked to a few of them at the bottom of today’s post under “Related Posts”.

Here are 10 of my all-time favorite WINNING color combinations.  I hope you love them as much as I do…

1. French Linen + Sawmill Gravy

I’ll start with last weeks headboard makeover as this is the piece that you guys left the comments on. These 2 colors are BRAND SPANK’N NEW to the Dixie Belle Paint line and won’t be available until mid-August… definitely worth the wait! I’m so excited because this is such a gorgeous greige neutral. French Linen and Sawmill Gravy are definitely going to be a staple in my paint arsenal!

2. White + Tilton + Barcelona Orange + Emperors Silk

Looking for a yummy sorbet kind of finish?! Check out what Ildiko from Restored4U created with this winning combo of Annie Sloan Colors. It reminds me of a gorgeous sunrise!

via Restored 4 U

3. Fluff + Sand Bar

Another amazing soft and neutral combo is Fluff and Sand Bar.  If you’re looking to create a classic dreamy piece, these colors work perfectly together. You can check out the full dresser and blending tutorial [including video] here.

4. Blueberry + Bunkerhill Blue

Love blue? These two blues blend beautifully together! This French Provincial High Boy was transformed by using a base coat of Blueberry and then blending in Bunkerhill Blue. Tip~ blending two colors can be as dramatic or as subtle as you like just by the amount of blending you do!

5. Old Ochre + Tea Rose

Tip~ you can always mix paint brands so long as the base formula is the same ie water-based with water-based. Years ago, this flip-top desk was originally painted in Annie Sloan’s Old Ochre. The flat paint job wasn’t doing a whole lot for me so I put it to the side. Then a few years later, I had the urge to give this desk some character, so I added a blend of Dixie Belle’s Tea Rose and some floral transfers. This is a great duo if you’re looking for a warm neutral with a soft pink added in.

6. MMS Flow Blue + Grain Sack + Eulalie’s Sky + Artissimo

Color combos aren’t just for Chalk and Mineral paints. Check out what Jeanne from Blush Vintage Design did with milk paint! Painted with Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Flow Blue, a custom blend (Flow Blue, Grain Sack, Eulalie’s Sky and Artissimo), and finished with a watered-down wash of Schloss, this piece is heavenly.

via Blush Vintage Design

7. Rebel Yellow + Terracotta + Collard Greens

This is one of my all-time favorite curb-shopped makeovers. The color combo on this piece was inspired by YOU, all of you who chimed in on Facebook. This is a great warm autumn look, don’t you think? This winning combo was created using Rebel Yellow, Terracotta and AS Olive… but you can get the equivalent and substitute with DB Collard Greens.

8. Drop Cloth + Sand Bar

The brown wax which creates texture on this piece may trick your eye away from this paint duo, but believe me, if you’re looking for winning subtle beige duo, Drop Cloth and Sand Bar are a winning combo! They look great layered or blended or even individually painted side by side. You can check out all the details on this DIY Weathered Wood dresser here.

9. Amethyst + Blueberry

One of my all-time favorite purple pieces is this gorgeous tallboy dresser restyled by my friend Do at Do Dodson Designs. She used Amethyst and Blueberry to create this dramatic effect. You can check out all the details on this makeover here.

10. Dried Sage + Tea Rose

This Restore Buffet Before and After was blended in Dried Sage and Tea Rose and I’m in love. It’s an easy combo which creates a soft combination of beige/green with hints of soft rose. Tip~ if you want any of your colors and/or details to stand out, even more, try adding a light touch of gilding wax in a coordinating color.

Bonus ~ Spanish Moss + Terracotta + Stormy Seas

If you’re a fan of green, this color combo is earthy and rich. I used Spanish Moss, Terracotta and Stormy Seas which compliment each other beautifully. You can check out how I layered all three colors here.

Color creates a mood. When picking your colors, go with what you love and what makes you happy. Referring to a color wheel can be helpful, but I also like to keep in mind that mother nature has NO color wheel. Everything seems to go with everything and look absolutely perfect… so follow your heart. xo

I HOPE THESE COLOR COMBO’S HAVE INSPIRED YOU!  IF YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE COLOR COMBO’S YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE … I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.

Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with inspiration and Happy Painting friends!

Denise XO

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54 Living Room Color Combinations

1

Citron and Blue-Black

Thomas Loof

Decorator Garrow Kedigian pulled color inspiration from The Carlyle's timeless decor for his own apartment in the iconic New York building. The bright yellow walls pay homage to the lobby's velvet sofas while the black moldings echo the iron doors and the window mullions.

2

Persimmon and Taupe

DAVID TSAY

Instead of looking to the walls, designer Fran Keenan decided to introduce color into this Los Angeles family room by hanging persimmon curtains. The light-taupe upholstery and bronze-brown carpet (Fibreworks) make the room feel gracious and relaxed.

3

Pale Apricot and Blood Orange

Melanie Acevedo

In Summer Thorton's Chicago townhouse, an oversized orange sofa brings out the warm undertones of the apricot living room. Woven bouillon fringe (Samuel & Sons) adds a flirty touch to the velvet mohair seating.

4

Beach Pink and Soft Blues

Eric Piasecki

The floral linen by Blithfield covering the comfy sofas and tufted armchairs inspired the soft pink and barely-there blue palette in this Block Island living room. Designer Miles Redd sprinkled oak spindle armchairs cushioned in white terry and woven rattan drum tables throughout to amplify the home's beachy feeling.

5

Reimagined Red, White, and Blue

Mark Roskams

To counter this Upper West Side pied-à-terre's spacious rooms, designer Anthony Barrata played with arresting colors and dramatic furnishings. An American painting by Tomory Dodge and an oversize custom floor lamp take advantage of the capacious height. Plaster and marble objects, including an over-the-top amphora lamp, echo the color and classical tone of the original ceiling moldings. The cherry-red velvet is by Pierre Frey.

6

Park Green and Cream

Thomas Loof

Taken by her famed neighborhood's green, decorator Cece Barfield Thompson ushered verdant color and nature-inspired patterns into her family's New York City living room. The white walls, tonal carpet, and punchy green curtains give the Louis XVI chairs a modern presence. An oil painting by London artist Daisy Cook hangs over a nine-foot Schneller sofa upholstered in stain-resistant fabric (Perennials).

7

Taxicab Yellow and Pastels

Douglas Friedman

Sweet pastel tones, taxicab yellow walls, and cobalt Chinese lamps give the living room of Todd Romano's San Antonio home a dose of vibrancy. On the walls are two prized artworks from Romano's vast collection: an Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Liz Taylor and a flamboyant Todd & Fitch work.

8

Teal and Red

Mark Roskams

Decorator Anthony Barrata played up high-drama Americana with an emphasis on textiles and folk art in this historic New York apartment. The study is dressed in a Lee Jofa tartan pattern recolored specifically for this room. The armchair upholstery is inspired by an early American weaving; the leather chair is antique English.

9

Gold and Green

Annie Schlechter

Raw oak rafters mix with white-painted panels and crossbeams, and golden walls (Standish White by Benjamin Moore) in this Carrier and Company-designed New York family room, making it an energetic place for parents and kids to hang out. The sofa is upholstered in a moss green fabric by Kravet.

10

Modern Earth Tones

Brie Williams

Designer Ceara Donnelley used an Art Deco–inspired wallpaper (Iksel) to headline a warm, earthen palette in the sitting room right off the kitchen of her 18th-century Charleston home. The Dmitriy & Co. sofa is covered in a Schumacher fabric.

11

Juicy Apricot and Kiwi

Thomas Loof

For this Naples, Florida home, designer Summer Thornton ushered in delightful color and buzzy prints to create an energizing family hub. Apricot walls are amplified by verdant fabrics and botanical prints. The gauzy block-printed drapery (Muriel Brandolini) filters sunlight into the great room.

12

Sunshine Yellow and Muted Peach

Julia Lynn

Designer Angie Hranowsky gives each room of this late-20th-century Tudor in Austin its own distinct personality with the help of buoyant color. For the lively living room, energizing shades of yellow on the wall (Golden Straw, Pratt & Lambert) flirt with the soft peach tones of the sofa (Pierre Frey).

13

Metallic Neutrals

Mali Azima

Ravishing neutrals and brilliant metallics dominate the sprawling, light-filled salon of this Atlanta home by designer Melanie Turner. Historic styles mix to create an elevated look from conical Murano glass chandeliers and Louis XVI–style commodes to the chevron-pattern custom carpet (Patterson Flynn Martin). The custom retro-inspired sofa is by Björk Studio.

14

Blue Velvets and Oak

Annie Schlechter

Blue velvets, lilac prints, and touches of red liven up the original oak panelings in this New York living room by Carrier and Company. The Bridgewater-style sofa is covered in a Mohair fabric by Maharam. The walnut veneer drawings are by Neal Perbix.

15

Apple Green and Raspberry

Annie Schlechter

In this New York living room designed by Chiqui Woolworth, vivid dragon-print draperies (Jim Thompson) and glossy apple green walls cloak the living room in a carousal of color. The artwork over the mantel, Contemplation, is by Anne Rose, the owner’s mother.

16

Timeless Blue and White

Stephen Karlisch

17

Aubergine and Olive

Francesco Lagnese

At a Montana condo designed by Palmer Weiss, a Pierre Frey floral linen called Mortefontaine inspired a scheme for the living room of nutty aubergine, soft brown, navy, and olive tones to play off walls of shiplap paneling. Leopard carpet acts as a neutral and stands up to snowy boots. A Paul Marra chandelier “feels like an old bobbin bed, but with a modern attitude,” says Weiss. The 19th-century portrait of Pocahontas is by Victor Nehlig.

18

Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby

Douglas Friedman

For a client's home in Connecticut, designer Miles Redd found these George II–style painted mirrors at auction “for a steal. They are totally Mario Buatta and really anchor the living room.” Emerald silk walls (Kravet), lapis-blue taffeta curtains and bullion fringe, and ruby red accents illuminate the room to radiant effect. Hand-blocked chintz upholstery fabric, Clarence House

19

Coming Up Roses

DYLAN THOMAS

20

Midas Touch

William Abranowicz

Who said luxury can't be laidback? At this seaside houose in the Hamptons, designer Alex Papchristidis created a scheme for the entire home comprising whites, creams, silvers, and golds for a luxe look that feels appropriately casual for the beach. In the living room, a pair of custom cantilevered sofas are upholstered in white velvet (Cowtan & Tout). Ceiling lights and sconces, Hervé Van der Straeten. Drapery fabric, Fabricut

21

Caramel and Indigo

Douglas Friedman

This Naples, Florida, living room designed by Celerie Kemble defies all the tropes of coastal style with its moodier palette of caramel and indigo while still retaining hints of the tropics, like a natural wall covering crafted of dried water hyacinth (Phillip Jeffries). Art series, Henri Matisse

22

Cinnabar and Neutrals

Nelson Hancock

In this Connecticut living room featuring cashmere-upholstered walls, designer Markham Roberts brought the room to life with fabrics steeped in history. A cartouches printed linen (Rose Cummings) and a Kashmir wool paisley (Clarence House) adorn contemporary pieces like a custom sofa and slipper chair. Mandala artwork, Julia Condon

23

Blue, Tobacco and Coral

Melanie Acevedo

In Danielle Rollins' Atlanta living room, a curated rainbow of blue, tobacco, coral, and off-white unites an explosion of patterns. Sofas in a Prelle silk velvet, DeAngelis; curtains in a Cowtan & Tout fabric; wallcovering, Pierre Frey; artwork over sofa, Kelly O’Neal.

24

Cantaloupe and Coral

WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ / ART + COMMERCE

In this Upper East Side townhouse, Jeffrey Bilhuber used a pair of slipper chairs to a create artful mirror image seating area and ground the living room color scheme—soft cantaloupes and peaches plus cheerful accents in coral—with an earthy neutral.

25

Black-and-White Flair

Simon Upton

Shades of ebony and creamy white keep the attention of this Atlanta living room by Amy Morris, which showcases the Tudor-style home's original architecture and craftsmanship. Cool linens (Jim Thompson Fabrics) covering the armchairs paired with elemental ebony tables (Baker Furniture) add to the room's tailored look.

26

Verdant Views

Annie Schlechter

This Millbrook living room by Lynne Stair of McMillen, Inc., is a dazzling emerald showcase. An ethereal de Gournay wallpaper enveloping the space is punctuated by green draperies (Manufacture Prelle) and a Murano glass chandelier. The mahogany library table formerly belonged to the Marquess of Downshire, a British politician who served as secretary of state for the colonies in the mid-1700s.

27

Dapper Greens and Reds

Annie Schlecter

In his role as Colonial Williamsburg's Designer in Residence, Anthony Baratta brought modern energy and vivacious color into this revolutionary-era home. To accentuate the tall ceilings of the living room, Baratta painted the trim a dapper gray-green (Goodwin Green by Benjamin Moore) and hung a Chesapeake Bay shipyard sign over the doorway to a broom closet, reimagined as a spirited red bar.

28

Indigo Relaxing

Douglas Friedman

Stucco arches painted in a sweet pink color play down the architecture's imposing qualities and dial up the charm and comfort in this outdoor living room by Celerie Kemble. Indigo fabrics covering the slipper chairs (Penny Morrison) and dark teak furnishings ensure the room's link to the outdoors is organic and authentic.

29

Parisian Pastels

Christoph Theurer

Sweet candy tones transform this 18th-century Paris living room into a fresh stage for modernist artwork. Designer Jean-Louis Deniot filled the space with colorful midcentury and contemporary furnishings, such as the curvy sofa covered in a flecked bouclé (Raf Simons) and pink porcelain side tables (Djim Berger), which stand out against the gray-painted boiserie.

30

Accented in Emerald

David Tsay

Los Angeles–based designer Peter Dunham combed through flea markets and auction houses across the world to find the antique fabrics and colorful pieces to fill this Newport Beach living room. Emerald tones in the vintage chintz on Syrie Maugham armchairs and Flemish tapestry on the round ottoman informed the calming color palette of the space. The verdant drapery and shade fabric (Tassinari & Chatel) pops against creamy walls.

31

Mediterranean Splashes

HELENIO BARBETTA

Blue and green glassware and furnishings echo the sparkling Mediterranean outside in Milanese landscape designer Marco Bay's Portofino farmhouse. Handmade terra-cotta floors and tiles crafted in Tangier, Morocco, nod to the rosy tones of the landscape and fruits hanging from the trees in the home's garden.

32

Island Spirit

MELANIE ACEVEDO

In the living room of this Bahamian getaway, designer Miles Redd needed to find a way to ensure the sunny yellow shades and watery tones worked together rather than competed for attention. His solution was to use art as a color equalizer.

"Not only does art help a room feel complete, it can make soft colors feel less wan and stronger colors appear more mellow," says Redd. The painting "So To Speak" by Doug Argue hangs over a sofa in a Osbourne and Little fabric. The yellow linen fabric seen on the ottoman and lamp shades is from Pierre Frey.

33

The Turquoise Coast

Thomas Loof

Sharp shades of turquoise and red make a powerful statement in the living room of this Hamptons home designed by Katie Ridder. Playing off the colors of the graphic, hand-painted Iksel wallpaper, Chinese red pillows and a Jim Thompson sofa fabric headline the room’s vibrant palette. A bold chrysanthemum print by Bennison Fabrics covers the club chair and ottoman.

34

Pretty in Pastel

Annie Schlechter

Soft yellow accents playfully mingle with green and blue hues throughout designer Meg Braff’s Long Island living room. A floral print by Lee Jofa covers the pair of club chairs and complements the green-patterned Bernard Thorp drapery fabric. Braff’s vintage goatskin-lacquered coffee table by Karl Springer boasts an exotic finish, which is emblematic of Springer’s 20th-century style.

35

A Maximalist's Jewel Box

Björn Wallander

Vivid jewel tones shine in the sitting room of this Sig Bergamin–designed Miami apartment with the help of sand-colored textiles. Among the nearly two dozen patterned fabrics Bergamin used in this room, a fabric by Braquenié serves as the trim on a George Smith sofa. The solid tan-colored sofa fabric comes from Peter Fasano. The ottoman is covered in a Lee Jofa fabric and the bolster tassels are from Samuel & Sons.

36

Sunny Disposition

Amy Neunsinger

Cheerful yellow walls and neutral yet lively patterns set a whimsical tone within this midcentury living room designed by Mark D. Sikes. Exuberant walls in Farrow & Ball’s Citron and a geometric rug from Patterson Flynn Martin make this room that talk of the house. An ikat fabric by Pierre Frey covers the armchair by Hickory Chair Furniture Co. The floral drapery and tufted sofa upholstery is by Lee Jofa.

37

Rust Reinvented

Annie Schlechter

A soft rust velvet sofa pops against blue and white textiles throughout the casual and ultrastylish family room of Meg Braff. James Mont-style horseshoe chairs, upholstered in a ticking Malabar cotton, channel the curvy, low slung forms of the Ming dynasty. A rattan chandelier from Currey & Company hangs at the center of the media room with Katie Ridder wallcovering decorating the walls.

38

A Robin's Nest

Thomas Loof

In this New Jersey home designed by Miles Redd, subtle pink florals are amplified by lacquered robin’s egg blue walls in the living room. An exaggerated pelmet disguises a low window and draws the eye upward with the help of treatment fabric by Fisherman’s Fabric. The custom tufted sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils silk velvet. The wall color is Bird’s Egg by Benjamin Moore.

39

Lights of Gold

NICKOLAS SARGENT

Designer Cindy Rinfret uses gold leaf lighting by Currey & Company and ultramarine furnishings to play off the entry’s domed, Moroccan-influenced architecture within the Kips Bay Show House. The 1970s Jansen palm tree acts as a tasteful nod to the living room’s Palm Beach setting. The patterned grass cloth wallpaper and panels were designed in collaboration with Nicolette Mayer. The drapery fabric is by The Shade Store.

40

Shell Tones

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

Echoing the soft tones of a seashell collection, pinks and creams make for a romantic setting in this Palm Beach living room designed by Susan Zises Green. Claremont fabrics cover the custom sofa and both pairs of armchairs with pillows in Fortuny fabrics. A pair of Daniel Barney lamps top side tables by John Rosselli Antiques. A framed artwork by Belgian artist Diane Petry hangs above the sofa.

41

Notes of Dior

Melanie Acevedo

Taking a few tricks from Christian Dior’s decorating legacy, historian Maureen Footer pairs far-flung artifacts with contrasting lime green and red tones in her fanciful New York apartment. The living room’s custom sofa is in a Bergamo fabric with Urban Archaeology sconces hanging above. A Bryan Burkey artwork sits between two windows dressed with Brunschwig & Fils damask shades.

42

Splashes of Green

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

Youthful energy bursts from this Palm Beach living room with the help of apple-green seating. Designer Bunny Williams covers antique Italian chairs in a bright Zimmer+Rohde fabric. Bradmore armchairs in a Quadrille print surround a Bernd Goeckler cocktail table. The custom curved sofas are from Liz O’Brien.

43

Lacquered Lifestyle

Simon Upton

Overlooking New York’s Central Park, this Hampshire House apartment designed by Tammy Connor boasts classic cosmopolitan style with a punch of blue lacquer, accented with mossy green and brick red. The tilting oculus of the family room brings natural light in the adjacent stairwell. The John Saladino X bench in a Kyle Bunting hide perfectly matches the George Smith armchair. The Ferrell Mittman sofa is in a Peter Dunham Textile stripe, and the custom rug is from Beauvais Carpets.

44

A Balancing Act

Kevin Spearman Design Group

Dark furnishings and a creamy white palette gracefully work together, creating a surprisingly soothing living room in this Tel Aviv home. Designer Kevin Spearman covered Rose Tarlow armchairs in a Loro Piana fabric. The sofas are from Dmitry & Co., and the rug is by Beauvais Carpets.

45

Stripes of Blue and White

J. Savage Gibson

A classic seaside palette and warm-weather textures make for the perfect getaway in this Phoebe Howard–designed Palm Beach living room. An Abaca rug by Patterson Flynn Martin ties the room together, while Richard Serra artwork acts as the room’s main focus. Howard covers the McGuire armchairs and daybed in a blue-and-white Bennison fabric. The custom sofas feature a C&C Milano stripe, and the curtains are in a Raoul Textiles print.

46

Purple Reign

Max Kim-Bee

Designer Colette van den Thillart incorporates varying shades of purple and cream to accent the delightful curves in the living room of her Toronto home. A Marvic Textiles crewel dresses a 19th-century Italian chair. The roman shades are Nicky Haslam for Turnell & Gigon, and the Italian glass lamps are custom.

47

Green with Envy

Thomas Loof

Black-and-white patterns have never looked so vibrant in the verdant green living room of this Washington, D.C., home designed by Alessandra Branca. The room’s sofa and chairs are from the designer’s Casa Branca collection, and the chairs are covered in a Schumacher fabric that pop against the lacquered green walls. The 1940s lacquer cocktail table is from Maison Jansen and artwork is by Ellsworth Kelly.

48

Into the Woods

Simon Upton

Crisp lines and natural materials enable rich textures to shine throughout the Atlanta home of architects Bobby McAlpine and Blake Weeks. Stark white furniture and warm wood-paneled walls work together to create a dramatic contrast in the sitting room. A Paul Ferrante lamp sits on an antique French altar-boy seat. The sofa and screens are by McAlpine Home for Holland MacRae. The cocktail table is from John Saladino.

49

Velvet Dreams

Thomas Loof

In Diana Ross’s former apartment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, riots of color make a powerful statement against glossy lacquered walls and mirror insets. Designer Jeffery Bilhuber incorporates saturated shades of plum, French blue and olive green throughout the living room to add a contemporary spin in the historic apartment. A Caio Fonseca artwork hangs above a custom sofa covered in blue Cassaro fabric, which is flanked by brass cocktail and side tables from Michael Dawkins Home. The rug is from Holland & Sherry.

50

Plaid Chic

Eric Piasecki

Designer Anthony Baratta embraces the impactful power of plaids in the black, white, and red living room of this Utah mountain home. Ralph Lauren Home checks decorate the custom chairs and ottoman while a custom-painted Kevin Cross trunk accents the home’s warm palette. The walls are in White Dove with ceilings in Yarmouth Blue, both by Benjamin Moore. The custom mantel is by Thomas W. Newman.

51

Metallic Motifs

Francesco Lagnese

Deep purple upholstery stands out against luminous metallic walls in a quaint Upper East side apartment designed by Nick Olsen. Missoni chevron-covered spoon-back chairs frame a John Salibello cocktail table. The curtains in a Manuel Canovas satin silk reflect the sleek Roger Arlington wallcovering. The custom sofa and armchairs are in a Holland & Sherry velvet, and the rug is from Eskayel.

52

Sunshine Yellow

Melanie Acevedo

Vivacious yellow walls and an emerald Décor de Paris velvet sofa flourish in the living of this Miles Redd–designed Manhattan apartment. The colorful Sultanabad rug inspired the room's rich palette. Redd covered the pillows in a Clarence House leopard silk velvet. The 1930s French coffee table is from Todd Alexander Romano.

53

Lush Living

Max Kim-Bee

Designer Ashley Whittaker infuses earthy greens and browns and outdoorsy imagery into the family room of this Upper East Side townhouse. A piece of art by Carol Greenan Bouyoucos and a Les Indiennes wall fabric serve as the room’s focal points. The custom sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils wool and flanked by custom lamps with shades in Rogers & Goffigon stripe. The custom ottoman is covered in a Schumacher fabric.

54

A Rustic Revamp

Joshua McHugh

In this lively New York living room designed by Nick Olsen, rustic wood beams and painted floors perfectly frame vivaciously upholstered furniture in shades of green, blue, yellow, and red. A Bennison Fabrics crewelwork covers a Ann-Morris armchair and ottoman. The walls are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore.

Sarah DiMarco Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand. 

floor, walls, furniture, wallpaper in the room

Contents

03/31/2021

Article rating

Basic color theory

When choosing furniture, many people continue to limit themselves to universal color schemes with a classic wood texture. They are guided by the fact that curtains, wallpaper and flooring can change, and furniture should always fit into the interior. But if there is a desire to move away from standard solutions, then you need to know which combination of colors for the floor, walls and furniture will look harmoniously in your interior. We will help you sort out this issue. But first you need to learn a little more about the main principles of color. nine0003

In the process of choosing furniture, most people are guided by what is already in the room: wall decoration, door design, flooring material, etc. In modern realities, this approach cannot be called completely correct. In any building supermarket, the choice of wallpaper, tiles, textiles and other materials is much wider and more diverse in terms of colors than the range of furniture finishes. But no matter what strategy you choose, you can always successfully choose a combination of colors in the interior if you use the rules of harmony of the color wheel. nine0013

Color wheel basics

With the help of the marked scheme, you can quickly and correctly select colors. To do this, you just need to remember the following basic principles.

· Monochrome . Provides smooth transitions of shades within the same color. When using the method, it is important to consider the level of illumination. This is necessary so that, for example, a light shade does not become dark due to the shadow from the furniture design elements. nine0003

· Related . Harmonious combinations always form colors located next to each other in a circle.

· Contrast . Opposite sectors are also well combined, but as part of the implementation of such a scheme, you need to decide on a powerful dominant and a contrasting addition.

· Triangle . The combination of wallpaper and furniture colors can be created using equidistant sectors of the circle. nine0003

· Rectangle and square . First you need to choose the dominant, and then use the lines at right angles to pick up additional color accents.

Color combination

If working with a circle is difficult, then you can use ready-made color combination tables.


To create a design concept in small spaces where the furniture will occupy a significant area, you need to use no more than 3 primary colors. At the same time, overly colorful combinations should be abandoned, giving preference to harmonious combinations. Complementary colors are used sparingly to create vibrant accents. For example, gray walls in the kitchen will go well with dark blue facades and pink upholstery of chairs. nine0003

Is dark furniture a good choice in small spaces?

If you study current catalogs with examples of residential design, you will notice that the furniture often has rich dark shades. With the right selection of other colors, you can get quite an attractive effect. But you need to remember that the combination of colors of furniture in the room must match the characteristics of the room. Fashion catalogs often present options for the implementation of kitchens and bedrooms, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is measured in tens of square meters. Therefore, owners of small apartments should not blindly repeat such decisions. But what if you want to? You can’t deny yourself a dream interior with stylish dark furniture, you just have to follow the following expert advice. nine0013

How to adapt dark furniture to small spaces

First you need to choose a set in such a way that the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe facades is no more than 30% of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room itself. This will save enough space to give the walls a suitable light shade. If you do not follow this rule, then the effect of tightness and visual reduction of space will be created.

Also use the following tips: nine0003

Use a sufficient number of light sources. If only one chandelier in the center of the ceiling is used in the room, then dark furniture will make the corners gloomy. Floor lamps and spotlights completely solve this problem;

Give preference to furniture with a glossy surface. Such a solution will allow you to qualitatively distribute the light and make the room more comfortable;

Minimize the number of open shelves. Such parts of the structure "steal" the light, which is completely undesirable in a compact room with dark furniture; nine0003

Discard excess external fittings and decorative elements. These furniture design elements will only distract and create a sense of chaos. Laconic design can visually enlarge a compact room.

It is important to note that above we examined universal recommendations for creating interiors with dark furniture. But there are rooms that allow you to boldly deviate from these rules. For example, in the design of a small study, a combination of dark walls and furniture with open shelves will look good. In such rooms, visually limited space only sets up for productive work. nine0003

Furniture color matching and psychology

We are all different, so there are no uniform design standards for creating home comfort. Someone feels comfortable in a classic country interior, while someone likes modern Hi-Tech. Therefore, first of all, each person must determine for himself what colors of furniture are combined with other interior solutions. When choosing a color solution, it is recommended to pay attention to the ability of different colors to influence the psychological state of a person. Therefore, the definition of the main coloristic dominant should be based on personal preferences, and then you can safely select additional colors according to the table. nine0003

We have identified the following main impact options.

· Red. Red color energizes and gives confidence in success. At the same time, it tones so actively that an excess of red can cause aggression. Therefore, it is not used as a dominant for the bedroom. But kitchen furniture with red glossy facades is considered a good option.

· Orange. Color improves mood and gives optimism. Furniture made with the use of such shades is well suited for the hallway and children's room. Orange color is recommended for use in rooms with insufficient natural light. nine0003

· Yellow. It is also considered a generator of positive, but it also stimulates mental activity and promotes concentration. This color can be used with confidence as a basis for the interior of a child's room or living room.

· Pink. This color for furniture is not often chosen, as it is poorly perceived by men, although its pastel shades can give everyone peace and a sense of complete tranquility. This is a good solution for the bedroom or children's room of a little princess. nine0003

· Green. Color at the same time gives carelessness and concentration. Its psychological effect is very dependent on the shade, as they can be very different. Green furniture looks unusual, but it fits especially well in classic interiors.

To summarize

Understanding how to match the colors of furniture and other interior elements will help create a cozy and stylish design. To do this, it is enough to use color tables and always remember your own preferences. nine0003

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Return to list of tips and ideas

what are there and how to choose

Finding the perfect color for furniture is not an easy task. With the existing variety of shades, it will take more than one day to study the palette alone. We learned from designers how not to make a mistake with the choice and stay in trend

Photo: Shutterstock

The color of the furniture is largely determined by its material: wood or its imitation, various textiles, plastic or recycled materials marked “eco”, etc. For some materials, the set of colors is limited (for example, for natural solid wood), others open up room for experimentation. We figure out together with experts what to look for when choosing the color of furniture and what is in trend in 2022. nine0003

Experts in this article:

adv.rbc.ru

What are the colors of furniture

MDF and chipboard fronts offer almost limitless palettes and all kinds of imitations, including wood effect (Photo: Rumman Amin/Unsplash)

Color solutions for cabinet furniture are largely determined by the texture of wood. Beech, wenge, walnut and oak are all names for colors and wood from which interior items are made. At the same time, MDF and laminated chipboard facades offer almost limitless palettes and all kinds of imitations, including wood grain. The basis of such catalogs, as a rule, consists of several basic colors, and further diversity is provided by shades. Only the walnut has at least three basic ones: golden, Milanese and Italian. nine0003

According to Alla Zorina, designer of the Tvoi Dom hypermarket chain, various shades of wenge, milk oak, beech and winter pine are popular this year for wooden furniture.

Wenge

Wenge - dark saturated color with a deep brown tint, sometimes almost black (Photo: Pixabay)

Wenge is a dark saturated color with a deep brown tint, sometimes almost black. It owes its name to an exotic tree from Africa. Natural wenge furniture is expensive and rare, but its imitation is considered one of the most popular colors for furniture. Wenge looks good on the facades of cabinets, kitchen sets or bedrooms. nine0003

Beech

Beech is a warm cream color with shades from muted amber to light white (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Beech is a warm cream color ranging from muted amber to light white. Due to the uniform texture and unobtrusive pattern, furniture made of beech (or its imitation) easily becomes a background or dominant on a contrasting background. White and bleached beech are two color options that are as close to white as possible; smoky beech is a darker shade compared to all others, it fades into brown. nine0003

Oak

There are several shades of oak: red, which varies from light brown to pinkish red, and bleached (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

There are several varieties: red, which varies in color from light brown to pinkish red, and bleached. The darkest option is bog oak, which is characterized by an almost black or light charcoal tone. A common characteristic feature of oak is a pronounced pattern. Milk oak is also a popular shade, it can play with pearl and pink tones. nine0003

Walnut

Walnut is a warm earthy color that can bring coziness to any interior (Photo: PPD by Pixnio)

Walnut is a warm, earthy color that can bring coziness to any interior. Its hues range from light to dark brown, sometimes with yellowish and golden streaks. Variations of this color (Milanese, Spanish or Black American) have rich tones that make them easy to pair with almost any color scheme. nine0003

Pine

Pine is a light warm color, usually with a creamy white hue that can vary somewhat (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Pine is a light warm color, usually with creamy white variations. Such furniture goes well with interior items, with different wall colors, patterns and other decor details. Winter pine is popular - a pronounced white color with smoky veins. nine0003

The range of upholstered furniture is almost limitless, especially considering all kinds of patterns, embroideries and designs on textiles. In its simplest form, the colors of sofas and armchairs can be divided into plain and patterned. The first ones are easier to choose, but printed furniture can become a real highlight of the room.

Popular furniture colors of 2022

At the psychosomatic level for a person, terracotta and brown options are a “cave” and calmness, and interiors where a person does not receive any irritation are in trend (Photo: Huseyn Kamaladdin/Pexels)

The era of terracotta with all its possible shades is coming in interior and furniture design, says designer Olesya Khudyakova. Some previously popular design solutions, such as white minimalism, are fading into the background, and in the most general form, interior trends look like this:

Shades of brown

ash and birch (Photo: Tiana Borcherding/Unsplash)

Terracotta and its various variations, from brown to chocolate, capture interiors, and furniture is no exception in this regard. This year, if you wish, you can safely change bright white sofas and wardrobes for warmer ones - caramel, beige or dark brown.

Olesya Khudyakova, designer, creator of the architectural studio Khudyakova Design:

— All acidic and bright colors are leaving our houses, but the texture remains diverse. Today, these are pleasant and understandable materials - linen, wood, wool, rattan and wicker furniture. For upholstered furniture upholstered in matting or nubuck, shades from milky to rich brown are suitable. The tree looks good in natural, natural colors: beech, maple, cedar or olive root. nine0003

Colors inspired by nature

You can look not only at shades of beige or gray, but also more juicy ones, such as jungle green (Photo: Designecologist/Pexels)

Using earthy, dirty and dusty tones is another way to enhance the aesthetics and uplift the mood of an interior space, says Ksenia Izmailova, architect, designer, blogger Prosto Remont. Earth tones create a calming atmosphere and can work very well on their own without the addition of other bright colors. In this case, you can look not only at shades of beige or gray, but also more juicy ones, such as jungle green, the expert advises. nine0003

Eco-palette

The philosophy of sustainable consumption and environmental friendliness is already a way of life for many. When choosing furniture, items of eco-friendly colors with a touch of a craft package are becoming popular, says Ksenia Izmailova. It is not difficult to imagine such a palette of things created from recycled materials.

How to combine colors in the interior: 5 tips, ideas, photos

How to choose furniture by color

Often the color of the interior precedes the furniture, and in this case, when the main background is already set, they follow the path of contrast or similar shades (Photo: Sophia Baboolal/Unsplash)

When it comes to choosing the color of furniture, there are a few things to consider beforehand.

Interior color and style

Interior color often precedes furniture selection. In the case when the main background is already set, they usually follow the path of either contrast or similar shades. For example, if the walls are bright and active, then you can choose furniture in dark colors, and vice versa. At the same time, nothing prevents the use of bright colors for both walls and furniture. The main thing is not to overdo it. nine0003

“In a classic style, you should pay attention to maple and ash, in Provence, to birch or walnut. A bright interior can be diluted with furniture with natural shades, such as birch,” advises designer Alla Zakharova.

Purpose of the room

When choosing furniture for the bedroom, calm and light colors of sets are more often considered (Photo: M&W Studios/Pexels)

When choosing furniture for a bedroom, calm and light colors of sets are more often considered. Children's rooms, on the contrary, can be more colorful and varied. The living room requires a very delicate balance - as this is where people spend most of their time.

Alla Zorina, designer of the Tvoi Dom hypermarket chain :

— Oak and alder are well suited for small spaces. Their shades are warm and fit well into the spaces of small-sized studio apartments, where objects do not look bulky. Foyers, large living rooms and dining rooms are more often equipped in walnut, wenge, mahogany or ebony colors. nine0003

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Lighting

Furniture can look different in store lighting, in a catalog and at home. In order not to get into trouble, it is better to study a specific color in advance by taking a small sample of fabric or furniture material. At home, it can be moved to different areas, necessarily changing the angle of illumination - so it will become clear whether such furniture suits you or not.

Easy to clean

Furniture needs to be cleaned and washed at some point, and the color you choose will determine whether the task is easy or difficult. Obviously, a white sofa will require more intensive stain cleaning than a dark one. But literally every mote is visible on dark wooden furniture, says designer Alla Zorina. According to her advice, from the point of view of practicality, it is better to choose light shades: ash, milk oak and beech. nine0003

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Combination of colors of furniture, wallpaper and walls

Each house has its own unique style, in many ways it is determined by the color of the furniture (Photo: Spacejoy/Unsplash)

Each home has its own unique style, and the color of the furniture defines it in many ways. Here are some ideas and tips from the designer on how to successfully fit furniture of different colors into the interior. nine0003

Ksenia Izmailova , architect, designer, author of the Prosto Remont blog:

— More and more designers are making built-in furniture and cabinets to match the walls. To do this, create a box of a neutral color, which can be white, gray or as much as possible "none". Someone more daring, on the contrary, makes it bright, but it still serves as a backdrop for accent elements, in particular the rest of the furniture. This is how a bright and unusual interior is obtained, in which the sofa ceases to be just a sofa, but turns into a piece of decor. nine0003

Built-in furniture becomes part of the decoration, and the design starts with a color neutral box. Individuality appears after filling (Photo: Ivanov Anton, project by Ksenia Izmailova and Olga Bedina)

Fit everything: how to save space with built-in furniture

Colors can be selected from manufacturers that produce matching furniture, or taken from universal palettes (Photo: Ivanov Anton, project by Ksenia Izmailova and Olga Bedina)

The interior in the above illustration uses fairly saturated colors, it does not look like a clown for all its brightness, says Ksenia Izmailova. The fact is that the neutral color of the floor and walls is chosen. Bright spots are the sofa and the rack, for which not flashy shades are chosen, but deep, dusty ones. The color of the rack, although bright, is quite versatile.

A clear trend in kitchen sets is complete sterility. Bright colors are chosen less and less and more and more mask functional areas. (Photo: Ivanov Anton, project by Ksenia Izmailova and Olga Bedina)

The volumes of the room with the help of furniture and its colors are arranged in such a way that it is not immediately clear where the set is, and where is part of the wall decoration. Of course, you can see the built-in refrigerator, oven, but the end of the kitchen is already being transformed from furniture into decoration, notes Ksenia Izmailova. The upper part is not cabinets, but ventilation and a ceiling hood built into a box, which also turned into a finishing element. It is important that the color of the floor and walls is neutral, the designer emphasizes.

An easy way to make bright furniture look good is to use a ready-made print, for example in wallpaper or in tiles (Photo: Ivanov Anton, project by Ksenia Izmailova and Olga Bedina)

You can dilute a completely neutral interior with an accent - add bright, even kitsch, chairs or a table, advises Ksenia Izmailova. In this case, a neutral background does not have to be only gray or white. Oak or black is also fairly neutral.

Mistakes when choosing the color of furniture

To avoid disappointment after buying furniture, you should remember a number of nuances and try to avoid the following mistakes: