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Colorful small living room ideas


19 Colorful Living Room Designs

By

Lauren Flanagan

Lauren Flanagan

Lauren Flanagan is an interior design expert with over 15 years of experience writing, editing, and producing articles for renowned Canadian publications and shows for HGTV on home decor. She worked in high-end home decor retail before discovering her passion was to share what she knew in publications and on television.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 10/05/21

Per Magnus Persson / Getty Images

Decorating with color can be a scary thing. Should you go light or bright? Should you mix or should you match? Should you go all out or be conservative? There are so many questions and an endless number of answers. But the truth is that if you follow your instincts decorating with color isn't really that scary. And when it comes to colorful living rooms, there's no shortage of design inspiration.

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Colorful living room ideas explore a rainbow of possibilities.  It's out with the dreary grey and blaa beige, and in with all things bright and alright.

You heard us, folks - let's all have some fun. Living room ideas are all about flexible living, so it's now or never to bring in versatility, coziness, and joyfulness through mood-enhancing color choices, and easy updates. 

Amy Stansfield, interiors writer, WallSauce , says: 'The living room is the perfect place to embrace color. Different from a bedroom or bathroom, this space is all about socializing and hosting. Choosing colors that are energetic and warm is key. Tones of terracotta, red, orange, yellow, or even multi-colored, are perfect shades for a fun lounge.'

From scheme-changing living room feature wall ideas to affordable updates with accessories for a quick refresh, there are living room color ideas for every lounge, and every style. 

1.  Explore a rainbow of possibilities

(Image credit: Photo: Katie Lee Photography)

For a quick, easy, and affordable apartment living room idea that you can switch up every season, bring in color accents with bright accessories.  

Assouline Publishing is a good spot to get colorful coffee table books and Juniper Print Shop .

Mel Bean of Oklahoma-based Mel Bean Interiors , who is well-known for her use of bold colors and prints, says: ‘Color can be instantly interjected into a neutral space by incorporating bright accessories. Think about adding colorful glassware and vases on open shelves, books, trays on the coffee table, and vibrant throw pillows to re-energize a room for the warmer months.’

Combine colorful fresh picks with modern coffee table decor ideas for the ultimate finishing touch.

2. Color drench walls for bold impact 

(Image credit: Anna Jacobs)

Dress your modern living room from head to toe in one saturated hue, and transform your space from drab to fab with added oomph. A seamless color scheme is one of this season’s hottest interior paint color trends - so go on, we dare you to go bold! 

Simon Morris, Marketing Manager at The Radiator Company , says: ‘The attention to detail we take when designing our homes has never been greater. Gone are the days when standard neutral finishes are the norm. The trend for embracing color has never been stronger and as a result, there is a greater demand for products that complement or blend with decorating schemes. Color drenching has become particularly popular. These saturated tonal schemes provide a beautiful canvas for accessories and furniture to sit within.’

Justyna Korczynska, senior designer, Crown , says: ‘Injecting colors into our homes can give us a boost of positive energy and improve the comfort in the spaces we live in. Color drenching is a simple and effective way to achieve a dramatic transformation, even to the bleakest of rooms in our homes. Rich, bold colors work best.’

As shown, for a similar electric blue, try Sherwin Williams's blue paint colors . 

3. Or choose a color palette 

(Image credit: Elizabeth Ryan Interiors)

If you’d prefer a more subtle approach to color, with a variety of shades in the mix, Elizabeth Ryan, Elizabeth Ryan Interiors , advises: ‘Don’t choose just one color, choose a palette. ’

‘To avoid your color being too punchy, select some supporting colors to round out the palette. If you love a soft color, look for a deeper color to help ground it, and a zingy color to give the room some life! If you are excited about vivid colors in your spaces, choose two like the yellow and orchid in this sitting room and surround them with a few different neutral tones.’

We love how the trunk has been used as a creative coffee table alternative, for an eclectic addition. 

4. Shine bright with neon lighting 

(Image credit: Snug Sofa)

Make a fun-loving statement with a colorful living room lighting idea that’s sure to grab everyone’s attention.

Jess Munday, Co-Founder, Custom Neon , says: ‘There's no better way to incorporate bright colors into your living room than adding a luminous LED neon sign! Not only does it illuminate the space with a colorful neon glow, but it also doubles as a gorgeous piece of light-up wall art to spruce up the place. ’

For a fun crafty evening, you could always make a neon sign in five easy steps.

5. Create a glam ‘Femme Den’ 

(Image credit: Rachel Cannon; Photo: Jessie Preza)

Escape everyday stresses, recharge with color, and introduce pattern into your home, as demonstrated here in this extrovert living room, designed by Rachel Cannon . Affectionately called the ‘Femme Den,’ Rachel's client, wanted a very colorful space where she could retreat to relax, read and restore her energy at the end of a long day. 

Rachel says: ‘Contrary to popular belief, a peaceful, restorative space does not mean it needs to be void of color.’

When designing the space, Rachel was able to incorporate some of her client's heirloom pieces, including the rug, crystal sconces, and armoire. She loved that these pieces brought in a lot of history and character instead of using all-new pieces.

6. Curate an abstract gallery wall 

(Image credit: Mel Bean Interiors; Photo: Laurey Glenn)

Nothing says ‘unique decor idea’ like a gallery wall idea bursting with artful prints and artwork in color-pop hues. For a cohesive look (as shown here) choose a single theme for your gallery wall, and uniform frame finishes and sizes.

Grace Baena, interiors curator, Kaiyo , says: ‘A great way to make your open plan living room more fun and colorful is to add a gallery wall. Each gallery wall is entirely unique, so you can make yours exactly the way you want it to be. You can choose a theme of one or multiple colors and create a symmetrical pattern with them, incorporating the color(s) into the frames, pictures/art, or both.’

‘You can also choose to be more random with your color choices, simply choosing colorful frames and pictures/art that you like and hanging them in a more spontaneous pattern. Regardless, you can make it entirely your own, choosing the colors you want and the level of playfulness or sophistication that you want the gallery wall to convey in your living room.’

7. Go bold with a maximalist wallpaper mural 

(Image credit: WallSauce)

Take inspiration from wallpaper trends 2022, and unleash your home’s inner maximalist side with a bright-delight wallpaper idea bursting with personality and a sassy attitude.  

Stansfield says: ‘Invite color into the room in stages. Firstly, the walls. Choose a bold paint color or a colorful wallpaper mural (by Wallsauce) . Then use the walls as inspiration for the rest of the room by selecting décor in shades taken from the design. A plum-purple-toned scatter cushion to bring out the indigo shades in a marble effect wallpaper for instance. And most importantly, make it fun!’ 

8. Explore rich, jewel hues in a small living room 

(Image credit: Perlmutter & Freiwald)

Just so you know, color isn’t just reserved for spacious lounges. Treat your modern small living room to a luxe revamp with rich jewel hues, and metallic details dripping in decadence. 

Mark Manardo, principal designer, Perlmutter & Freiwald , says: ‘I find that rich tones, like this peacock blue, in a smaller living room can do wonders in terms of making the room feel like a little jewel box. It adds instant character and interest and will help anchor the rest of the room's design in a very cohesive way. ’

Feeling seduced by the peacock paint shade on the wall in this blue living room idea - addictive isn’t it? Recreate the same look with Twilight , by Benjamin Moore. 

(Image credit: Swyft )

Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft Home , gives advice on how to pick the perfect color scheme for your living room and a new sofa color:

‘The sofa coloring and style set the tone for the whole room. The design, with everything from mid-century modern to baroque, dictates how the rest of the room will look and feel. This single style choice will inform every other decision you make.’

‘If you’re starting from scratch or feel like adding a dash of color to your living space, then blue or green sofas offer classic tones. Green has a calming effect, echoing the natural world and works well with feature plants and geometric black and white patterns.’

‘The material is also important. Whether you choose luxurious fabric sofas in velvet, opt for opulent leather or pick a bold print, you can use these as motifs throughout the rest of your space. ’

Feeling inspired? Discover the best sleeper sofas and host in (slumber) style.

10. Embrace ‘new neutrals’ for gentle color infusions 

(Image credit: Marian Louise Designs)

Colorful living rooms can have a softer side too… Giving gray and beige a nudge to one side, soft pastel shades (think baby blue, calming coral, dreamy lilac, and sea green or mint) are the modern neutrals of the now. 

And pastel decorating ideas are a great way to enhance your space with subtle color infusions, that are also uplifting and playful. 

As shown, pastel tones work beautifully in rustic living rooms, lending a flirty yet cozy vibe. 

11. Use rugs as wall art

(Image credit: OUIVE)

Hang a wonderfully bright, patterned rug as wall art, in a jungalow-inspired, boho living room design. 

Kristina Williamson, Founder + CEO of OUIVE , says: 'Living rooms are where you get to set the tone for your free time. It’s a place to lounge, play, and get together with loved ones. Designing a colorful living room can energize your home and showcase your personal style.'

'Textiles are a great way to add color to your living room: an eye-catching rug, wall hanging, pillows, or throw blankets are easy ways to incorporate color into your home.'

How can you add color to a neutral living room?

Ryan says: 'When you have your color palette selected look out for these colors as you shop. Accents in art, fresh flowers, and even book spines are great ways to emphasize your color palette.'

What's the best quick color update for a living room?

Lily Wili, founder of Ever Wallpaper says: ‘There are many ways to make a living room more colorful. One option is to add brightly colored accessories, such as pillows, rugs, or paintings. You could also paint one or two walls a bold color.’ 

Holly is a Content Editor at Real Homes, and has previously worked at Future Homes brands including Country Homes & Interiors and Livingetc. She has a background in interior and event styling spanning a decade, which previously took her from coast to city and beyond to Australia.  

Holly loves working with creative minds and discovering fresh, indie brands, and is a firm believer that no home can have too many cushions, unruly blooms or decorative details of happy

60 interior photos, renovation ideas

A small living room is not a problem. Even the cramped, at first glance, room can easily be turned into a cozy place for evening relaxation in front of the TV, chatting with friends and family holidays. Our ideas and tips will help you to ensure comfort, as well as create a relaxed atmosphere!

Interior style for a small living room

The living room is the face of the house and its arrangement should be given special attention. It is always a pleasure to relax in a beautiful interior, as well as invite friends. To visually increase the space of the room, it is advisable to opt for one of the styles described below. They are united by lightness, unloaded details and predominantly light colors in the finish.

Contemporary living room

This style combines functionality and neatness. Clear graphic lines, soothing monochrome colors, cutting-edge materials and the latest in electronics are the perfect environment for busy people. Modern style is reminiscent of the office, but it can always be complemented with cute home decor, textiles, cushions or houseplants.

Classic living room

The luxurious classic style is characterized by harmony and symmetry. The abundance of white, crystal chandeliers and sconces, mirrors in gilded frames will fill the room with a soft glow.

The main decoration of a small living room in a classic style is carved furniture in ivory color or expensive wood polished to a shine.

Stucco molding, relief cornices, arches, columns are required. The windows are covered with heavy curtains with vertical drapery and jewelry-made tiebacks.

Provence style living room

The charming simplicity of southern France is the best solution for a small romantic living room. The distinctive features of Provence are lace, floral prints on the wallpaper, as well as pastel beige, peach, blue and gray shades. It remains only to get a beautiful service, put a vase with homemade jam and have a tea party!

Loft style living room

The design of a small loft-style living room provides for bare walls, panoramic windows and a minimum amount of furniture. Abstract paintings, black and white photographs, metal floor lamps can act as decor.

Minimalist living room

The name of this direction speaks for itself - a minimum of things, no decorations, only the necessary compact furniture and modern appliances.

Only one of the colors is used, in extreme cases - two. Available in white, grey, beige, silver or blue. Accents can be saturated, but always in a calm range.

Scandinavian style living room

Scandinavian interior style - a snow-white background with a slight admixture of beige, bright accents, as well as a lot of natural light. This design will create a feeling of freshness in a small living room.

Color matters!

To visually enlarge a small living room, it is necessary to keep the design in two or three light or neutral colors. Darker ones can be used in flooring, furniture, neat decor. The pattern should be on one thing - if the walls are decorated, then the textiles are plain, and vice versa. Restrained palette, conciseness, lack of flashy details - this is the secret of a room in which nothing will distract or annoy.

White living room

White color is ideal for the background (walls, ceiling), goes well with other colors - gives them contrast. Makes the living room more spacious and brighter.

Gray living room

Neutral grays tone down objects that are too bright. For vertical surfaces, a bleached tone of dry asphalt, silver, is suitable. Furniture and decor could be darker.

Brown living room

Brown color looks great in autumn colors - from sand to chocolate. Interspersed with orange, red, burgundy or light green shades are possible.

Blue living room

Blue color has a calming effect on the human psyche, cools. A white ceiling, blue walls and light furniture are a magical option for a small living room interior design.

Green living room

Green color has a good effect on vision and improves well-being. Looks beautiful surrounded by natural elements in shades of wood, stones, water and flowers.

Lilac living room

Shades of sunset and lavender fields. A small living room in lilac color will set you in a romantic mood and will become a favorite vacation spot for all the inhabitants of the apartment.

Small living room decoration

To make the living room look impressive, you should choose high-quality, but not necessarily expensive materials for its decoration. The main criterion in this case is aesthetics.

Floor

For flooring in a small living room, natural parquet, laminate and carpet are most often used.

An extravagant design can also be created with self-leveling floors, artificial stone, tiles or porcelain stoneware. A glossy or polished surface will visually add height to the room.

If there are small children in the house, it is worth laying carpets - they will soften falls and warm the kids while playing on the floor, and protect expensive finishes from damage.

Walls

The side background of a small living room should be light, without noticeable color spots. Monochromatic painting, seamless wallpaper (with narrow vertical patterns), brick or stonework, polished stone, plastic panels are suitable.

Panoramic wallpaper with 3D effect, mirror and glass partitions, artistic painting can be an interesting addition.

You can make interesting illuminated niches in plasterboard walls to place appliances, an aquarium, a collection of souvenirs or books.

Ceiling

Best of all in a small living room will look stretch mirror ceiling, two-level plasterboard or combined.

In an economical version, it is enough just to level it and paint it white. All kinds of plastic panels should be abandoned - squares and stripes will visually reduce the height of the room. The same goes for massive hanging chandeliers.

Decor and textiles

The choice of fabrics will largely depend on the overall style of the interior. So, for the classics, satin, silk, velvet textures are ideal; for the loft - translucent white, for Provence and country - in a small flower.

To visually increase the space of a small living room, it is recommended to use light and shiny textiles. Curtains should be in harmony with the rest of the finish, partially repeat the patterns on the wallpaper, emphasize the color of the walls or merge with it.

Attaching a cornice to the ceiling and lowering the curtains to the floor will make the room appear higher. A good solution for a small-sized hall is curtains throughout the wall, always light and with vertical drapery.

Large perspective paintings, mirrors, modular images, family photos and interesting panels are suitable for decoration. Vases with flowers or branches, indoor plants will also be appropriate in the living room.

Collector's editions of books, figurines and interior candles can be placed on open shelves. In order not to disturb the harmony of a small space, it is advisable to use the decor very sparingly.

Placement of furniture and equipment

The location of the sofa, TV, coffee table, shelves and other important things in a small living room largely depends on its layout. So, in a studio apartment, you will have to combine a recreation area with a dining room, and perhaps also provide for a folding bed; the walk-through living room should somehow be protected, made more comfortable; a rectangular room will need to be balanced using geometric techniques.

Small square living room

The symmetrical harmony of the square allows you to beautifully arrange any furniture under the wall or in the center. Using corner structures, the situation can be made diamond-shaped.

Narrow (rectangular) small living room

In such rooms, usually the door is located opposite the window and the effect of the corridor is obtained. You can improve the situation as follows: curtain the window with white curtains with a smooth horizontal drapery, make the front door large and light - this will increase the narrow walls. Free areas should be trimmed with elements like brickwork or racks with elongated shelves should be arranged.

The broad sides should be mirrored, glossy, with prominent vertical lines of contrasting color and clear form from floor to ceiling.

Plank flooring should be laid parallel to narrow walls.

It is advisable to choose furniture with high backs - a squat one will “smear” the room.

Small irregular living room

If the living room turned out as a result of complex zoning or the owners decided to equip the attic for this purpose, the problem of non-standard planning arises.

In this case, it is worth ordering corner or semi-circular furniture, walls with beveled edges, unusual tables and taking care of the access of light to every part of the space.

Small living room lighting

Proper placement and aesthetic appearance of luminaires can greatly transform any small space. The living room definitely needs at least one powerful lamp on the ceiling, but you should not hang a bulky chandelier if the actual height of the room is less than 4 meters.

Neat spot diodes can be installed along the perimeter, wall lamps can be attached to the wall near the sofa (for example, to make it convenient to read books), and decor or shelves with favorite things can be illuminated with flexible ribbons. In some design options, stylized lanterns, garlands and luminescent elements will look very nice.

Get rid of the feeling of hanging overhead ceiling will help the light coming from below, vertically from the floor. Reflected in a glossy film, it will make the room look higher.

Design of a small living room in Khrushchev

In Khrushchev, as a rule, one cannot do without redevelopment - in such cases the living room is often combined with the kitchen. This helps to increase the area and turn a familiar room into a modern studio.

To save space, it is recommended to stick to minimalism: use compact narrow racks, doors without handles, hang a flat-screen TV on the wall, and not install it on a bulky cabinet.

Upholstered furniture is better to choose folding - so in case of spending the night guests will have an extra bed.

A free corner of a small living room in Khrushchev should be equipped as a workplace: put a computer, a lamp and attach hanging shelves for books.

Integration with other premises

In cramped conditions, a good way to increase the area is to combine the living room with adjacent rooms.

Combination of a small living room and kitchen

This is a very logical option - in the living room they receive friends, relax, and can not do without tea or festive feasts. It is enough to visually separate the cooking area with a bar counter, and on the other hand put a sofa, TV, wall - and you get a comfortable multifunctional studio.

Combination of a living room with a balcony or loggia

By removing the partition between the small living room and the loggia, due to the latter, you can significantly expand the space, as well as arrange a greenhouse or work area. To prevent heat from escaping from the apartment, the balcony will have to be glazed, the cracks closed and well insulated.

Combination of a living room with a hallway or a corridor

This redevelopment option is often found in private houses, but it is also quite suitable for apartments. A few square meters at the entrance can be left for storing clothes and shoes, separating this area, for example, with ceramic floor tiles (to make cleaning easier), and cover the rest of the space with carpet or parquet and use it as a living room.

Small living room design ideas - photo

Our gallery contains the most interesting design solutions for small living rooms. In the photo you can see what effect this or that finish gives, how different combinations of colors look, where it is better to put furniture and appliances. Get inspired!

Video: Small living room design

Small living room - 55 photos of custom design in a small living room

Today, a small living room is not a reason to worry.

Using certain design ideas, you can create a modern and beautiful interior of the living room and housing in general.

Contents:

Features of a small living room

It is important to focus on important details before arranging a very small living room:

when purchasing furniture, you should not choose furniture that takes up extra space due to convex elements;

you can give preference to the redevelopment of housing, for example, equipping a small kitchen, which is combined with the hall;

the gamut of shades of the room, as well as the abundance of light, is of no small importance;

Do not neglect modular compact walls that take up a minimum of usable space in a small living room.

Accents and colors

Surely, many people know that light shades and compact pieces of furniture are suitable for a small room. However, there are more nuances.

For example, in addition to plain wallpaper of light color, you can use coatings with a pattern, and the smaller it is, the more the room visually enlarges.

You can focus on a particular subject. For what?

For example, if you are creating an interior in a cottage, then you have freedom in your own actions, it makes a lot of sense to focus next to the sofa, like in the photo of a small living room in the catalog of our site. Furnish the sofa with chairs.

It is important that the room is well lit, especially if it is a small room. Don't forget about accessories too.

All decorative elements in the form of curtains, rugs, pillows should be colorful, and the materials should be natural and almost weightless. Matte as well as shiny material will look great.

Stripes

Vertical or horizontal stripes fit perfectly into the interior of a small living room.

Visually enlarge the room with horizontal lines, while vertical ones stretch it, visually lifting the ceilings up. Decide on the disadvantage in the room: a narrow room or a low ceiling surface and use a suitable strip when arranging.

You can combine similar colors with mirrors, but the main thing is not to overdo it. You can hang a large mirror on one wall, and make the opposite wall glossy.

If you plan to put a wardrobe in your living room, then choose furniture with mirrors.

Furniture

If you want to furnish the living room in a small apartment, then do not forget about the rational approach to the design layout.

It is important for you to exclude congestion with unnecessary items, take into account the shape and dimensions of the furniture.

The main furnishings, without which it is impossible to imagine a room, even a small one, are a sofa with armchairs, a table and, of course, a wardrobe. You can purchase a folding table, as well as a sofa.

If you need chairs, it is also a good idea to purchase folding models that can be hidden if necessary.

As for the closet, the best choice, of course, will be a closet, because in a regular closet opening doors visually reduce the room. Armchairs will bring maximum comfort to the interior design of a small living room.

A small area with a corner sofa will look unusual and extraordinary. Remember that there should be enough free space between the furniture.

Therefore, if the dimensions of the living room allow you to accommodate the listed items, then by all means buy them.

Style

If we talk about the stylistic design of a small living room, the Scandinavian style will be the best option. The classic is not without demand, but the room in this style will look simple, which is not typical of such a design.

If you wish, you can create your own extraordinary style, for example, by combining designs in different styles, transforming the room in a special way in this way.

If you don't have any ideas for creating coziness in your living room, you can look at the arrangement methods on the Internet, choosing the most suitable one for your small living room.

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