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Colors for decorating a room


a masterclass in decorating with color |

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library / Gunter & Co. / Jonathan Bond)

As anyone who has been through the process of searching for room color ideas will attest, choosing the right color for a room can be a minefield with endless choices and subtle nuances to understand and overcome. 

'Choosing color is one of the hardest parts of decorating because we only actually know the true color of something because it’s sitting next to another color,' says Rachel Chudley, an interior designer renowned for her use of strong color.

Here, designers, decorators, and experts reveal how to approach choosing room color ideas and decorating with color with confidence, from using the color wheel to create strong color combinations to using accent shades and neutrals. 

Room color ideas – and how to decorate with color

When looking for room color ideas – or even just decorating with color in the most subtle of ways, start by embracing color theory.  

1. Embrace color theory

Color blocking is a great way to create unusual or even tonal combinations

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Color theory, which touches on color psychology, can be a complicated subject but there are a few basic principles to help steer you in the right direction. Below, Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball , explains. 

'Red is linked with passion, energy, and action. The color is also associated with increasing our metabolism, hence its popularity for dining room color ideas but at the darker end, especially a reddish-brown shade, it can look elegant, dramatic and warm for a bedroom. For further inspiration, see our guide on what colors make a bedroom feel warmer?

'Blue has many emotional attributes: at the paler end, tranquillity and calm, to intelligence at the darker end. It is often considered a restful and sympathetic color, so a paler blue is ideal for a bedroom, but I’d err towards darker blue shades for the home office, living room or for kitchen color ideas.

'Yellow (orange shares similar characteristics) is the color of energy, happiness, and optimism and therefore a brilliant choice for either a kitchen or a home office but try and avoid in a bedroom as this primarily is a space for rest.

'Green is a joy to use: the primary color of nature and the outdoors. It is the perfect color family to deliver calm and serenity and therefore has the flexibility to be applied in every room throughout the home if you're looking at decorating with green, but is especially great for bedrooms and for living room color ideas. It symbolizes renewal and growth.

'White represents purity, innocence, and new beginnings, as well as cleanliness and clarity. It can be used everywhere in the home but is very successful in the bathroom and any room where you want to create order and with little distraction. It is also an ideal foil for a well-curated room of art and furniture.'

2. Factor in daylight

For shades are flattering to live among and set off good furniture, go for colors with a bit of dirt in them, as demonstrated in the Oxfordshire drawing room of Emma Burns, director of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

(Image credit: Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler)

Another key factor is light, and the best way to address this is by considering the aspect of the room. 'As a general rule, to lighten up a north-facing room, avoid anything with a green or gray base – or don’t fight it and paint it dark which creates a cozy and cocooning feel,' says Patrick. 

Meanwhile, using soft, pale tones is a great way to maximize the feeling of light and space in a south-facing room. Light in west-facing spaces is cooler in the morning and brighter in the afternoon so warm tones will work well while light blues and greens can have a calming effect on east-facing rooms. 

'The trap that people fall into is that they consider dark rooms to be wrong, and just paint it bright white. I really like to lean into the darkness and explore the depths of color,' says interior designer Rachel Chudley . 'Go for a very deep, dark color but mix it up in a very high gloss paint, and this will reflect the light around the room. Then you get the depth you’re leaning into but also this amazing light which can glow like a jewel, especially in candlelight.'

3. Include contrasting colors to create impact

You can’t go wrong with decorating using glorious jewel colors, says Lulu Lytle co-founder of Soane

(Image credit: Soane)

Interior designers also talk about another element which needs to come into play when introducing colorful room ideas: contrast. As a result, don’t be tempted to lean on analogous colors – those that sit side-by-side on the color wheel – the result will be broadly harmonious but might lack in vitality. 

Equally, a scheme based on complementary colors will result in maximum contrast but will need to be softened by neutrals. 'Don’t forget you can introduce techniques such as color blocking to create unusual or tonal combinations,' adds Patrick.

'Clashing colors can really make my heart sing,' says Rachel Chudley. 'For a project I'm currently working on, we’ve been mixing up deep purple, almost blacks, with very bright apple red – an almost "fruits of the forest" combination.

'Getting the color right in a room is an amazing balance, because it’s those last minute touches which can really set things off. What I like to do is just when everything’s looking really harmonious and perfect is to throw in a little rogue element of chaos, like adding a little yellow silk blind in space with no other yellow. If it’s too perfect, a space can feel claustrophobic in its designed-ness, so having a couple of rogue elements like that spices things up, and also helps a house feel like a home.'

4. Base room color ideas around what you can't change

Use color to balance the weight of elements in a room. Here walls in London Brown by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint are offset by the pink upholstery

(Image credit: Edward Bulmer)

Another way to take the first step is to begin with what is already decided or what you can’t change, recommends interior designer and natural paint specialist Edward Bulmer . 

'It might be a wood floor or an old fireplace, for example. Then base your tonal choices on the color of these elements – effectively, warm or cool. If you get the tonality right first, you will then have a wide variety of colors that will work and so choice comes down to personal preference or other elements of your scheme – like fabrics.' 

5. Consider the color's weight

Blue and green are the fundamental colors of nature and work beautifully together, contrary to the old saying, believes Lulu Lytle, co-founder of Soane. Shown is their Persian Flower fabric in Lapiz and Coral wallpaper in Green

(Image credit: Soane)

'A further consideration that can help is the weight of the color,' continues Edward Bulmer. 'One can get a sense of the weight of elements in the room visually and it helps to try and balance them, for instance an old oak dresser will look better with a mid, rather than a light, tone.'

'For classic and timeless decorating, it's the rather muddy colors that I'm particularly drawn to – those that John Fowler had made up by Christopher Wall of the National Trust, the archive which was eventually given to Tom Helme of Farrow & Ball. They are, in essence, colors with a lot of dirt in them which results in warm, sympathetic and flattering shades for people to live in and furniture to sit against,' says Emma Burns director, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler . 

‘I’ve always adored blues and greens, the fundamental colors of nature,' says Lulu Lytle of Soane . 'Contrary to the old saying, I think they work together beautifully and often combine them. As a child I was exposed to lots of pattern – all our bedrooms were wallpapered – and color.  My mother, who once remarked, “raspberry’s just a neutral”, used many deep pinks around the home and clearly left an impression, since they feature strongly in the Soane fabric and wallpaper collections. Later travels to Egypt introduced me to a favorite combination of pale blue and buff and glorious jewel colors.'

6. Decorate with strong colors

Another way to go bold with color is to paint woodwork and decorate with bright accessories, says decorator and designer Bridie Hall 

(Image credit: Pentreath & Hall)

Paint ideas are the perfect way to transform a space quickly and easily, adding personality and character to create an inspired interior, says Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene . 'Bold, vivid hues and lively tones work well in rooms that are made for entertaining, or see a lot of activity, such as kitchens and living rooms. A pop of bright, rich contrasting color is a great way to add impact and an element of surprise to an otherwise muted scheme. Alternatively, bold colors are also a great option for spaces with a lot of natural light and can be used in much bigger proportions without being "too much”.'

7. Try color drenching for impact

Color drenching – painting the walls and woodwork in the same tone – is a fun way to embrace a bold approach, says Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene 

(Image credit: Little Greene)

For a strong approach, embrace the color drenching trend. This sees mid-strength tones, in just one or two very closely related colors, used to create enveloping cohesive interiors that allow color to be a focal point. It’s an approach used by interior designer Sarah Brown for the kitchen in her Chiswick home. 

'All the walls and woodwork are in the same color with contrasting notes. It’s a way of straddling the design gap between town and country, traditional and contemporary,' explains Sarah. 

The beauty of color drenching is that it can be applied to such a variety of different spaces. It can’t make a small room larger, warns Ruth but it can embrace the size of the space and create something that lifts the mood and feels really engaging, inviting and contemporary.

8. Create surprise with color in the kitchen

Walls in turquoise are paired with crisp white cabinetry in this kitchen scheme by Vanrenan GW designs

(Image credit: Vanrenan GW Designs)

Kitchen color ideas are a relatively new concept. Historically, says Edward Bulmer, the considerations taken into account were that the materials used were fire-proof, serviceable, sturdy and washable. 

But as more and more begin to embrace bolder tones, the best bet for those who want to follow suit is to consider light and volume of the space, says Louisa Greville Williams of Vanrenan GW Designs . 'If the kitchen is a very large space, we might use a patterned wallpaper and then contrast, rather than match, with a paint color. We think kitchens should be just as decorative as the rest of the house, even though it has a utilitarian use, especially as we all live in our kitchens more than ever so we should enjoy them. '

9. Use bold hues in bedrooms

Don’t be afraid to go bold in a bedroom – in this scheme by Albion Nord crisp white sheets balance the strong orange walls in Sang de Boeuf by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint

(Image credit: Patrick Williamson for Albion Nord)

Bedroom color ideas can be bold too, adds Camilla Clarke, creative director of Albion Nord . 'It’s easy to shy away from bold bedroom color ideas but it works wonderfully when paired with fresh white sheets and the creamy tones of a headboard and cushions,' she recommends.

Bear in mind, you don’t need to go bold with the walls – you can focus instead on big color pops instead. 'I live with a lot of boldly-painted woodwork and objects – all strong in color and finish which have a lot to say when they’re put together,' says Bridie Hall, interior designer and co-founder of Pentreath & Hall . 

'My trick is to sink it all into a neutral environment; all of my walls are painted white. Those blank spaces create a negative where the eyes can take a breather and are just as important as the positive impactful burst of color and form. '

10. Limit your room color ideas

Here, Sarah Peake of Studio Peake demonstrates how to pick out anchor colours and add in additional pops while always maintaining a sense of restraint

(Image credit: Alexander James for Studio Peake)

Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake , says she likes to pick out one or two colors that anchor the room and then mix in other, complementary, colors, with the main anchor tones being the common threads that run through the scheme. You can also use pattern to ensure that even a very bold color scheme is dispersed throughout the space in a more subtle, harmonious way; for example, a plain wallpaper or paint on the walls offset by patterned cushions and soft furnishings that quietly pick up that tone. It is also important to limit the overall number of different colors you use, otherwise the space may feel unstructured and overwhelming. 

11. Add color with art

Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby uses art as a jumping off point for room color ideas

(Image credit: Studio Ashby/Philip Durrant)

Colorful art is another way to go bold. A favorite painting can be a good inspiration and art is always the starting point for any scheme by Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby who is known for her dynamic designs that feature colors inspired by her South African roots. 

'Ideally, we would work from a client’s own collection. From that, we can then begin to build a color palette and design references,' says Sophie. 'In a new build, I like to go with all-white walls and curtains and put color into the middle of the room with art and textiles. While in a period house, I might go for a strong color on the wall picked out by a white ceiling and skirtings.'

12. Work with unusual color pairings

When decorating with unusual color pairings, remember to balance the scheme with a natural element such as the stone floor here which juxtaposes the bold colours, recommends textile designer Eva Sonaike who created this bathroom design for CP Hart

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki/CP Hart/Eva Soniacke)

Decorators and designers will often say they don’t follow rules when it comes to decorating but something that is helpful to bear in mind is that colors never need to match, color combinations for rooms just need to work together.  

'I love unusual color pairings,' says the textile designer Eva Sonaike who specializes in luxury African interiors, and recently showed off her bathroom color ideas with a collaboration with CP Hart (above). 'My favorite combination at the moment is green and purple,' she adds. 'If in doubt, always look at nature and, in particular, plants and flowers.'

Throwing something unexpected into an interior helps it to look considered and confident, adds Nicole Salvesen, co-founder of Salvesen Graham . 'Choose colors that come from the same tonal family or have the same depth of color, even if they are different ends of the spectrum, this will help them work together. Also choose bolder colors such as rich greens and yellows and raspberry reds as they can be easier to work with, rather than paler candy colors that can sometimes come across as insipid if they aren’t quite right.'

13. Use room color ideas to alter the mood of the space

At the hotel Les Deux Gares in Paris, decorator Luke Edward Hall chose strong olive and orange with accents of pale violet and mustard – the result is unexpected but balanced

(Image credit: Benoit Linero for Luke Edward Hall/Hotel Deux Gares)

Using a more unusual color pairing in a room will alter the atmosphere in the space, explains interior decorator Nicola Harding, founder of Nicola Harding & Co . “The greater the degree of contrast there is, the more drama there is the room and when there is less contrast, the space is calmer.' 

As a general rule of thumb, you want to include high contrast when you want a dynamic, high energy feeling but this should be done in a space that you don’t spend loads of time in such as holiday homes, cloakrooms, and rooms at home that aren’t in frequent use. 'That of course includes kids’ bedrooms which are naturally more energetic anyway as they are filled with their toys, books and artworks,' says Nicola.

Interior designer Luke Edward Hall took a similar approach when decorating the Parisian hotel Les Deux Gares – conjuring bedrooms of olive green walls with violet woodwork and orange curtains. 'I wanted to challenge the idea that guests always want to stay in bland boxes,' he explains. 'However, I don't believe in throwing a rainbow of colours at a room: there needs to be balance.' For bedrooms, consider some of the most relaxing colors to create a soothing sanctuary.

14. Pair strong and muted colors

Be sure to add a bright hue when introducing an off-tone color, says Nicole Salvesen – above all avoid insipid colors. Here, Salvesen Graham’s cane side table in raspberry red strikes the right cheery note against more modest green and pink

(Image credit: Astrid Templer for Salvesen Graham)

To achieve that balance, it’s helpful to bear in mind that one color can also be stronger than the other, adds Nicola. 'This should be used in the same way that you might use a stronger condiment with a meal, like mustard for instance. A fun color combo is soft pink with a mustard yellow. The mustard yellow would be like the mustard on your plate – therefore one color can be more intense as your accent whilst the other is more muted in tone.'

15. Choose room color ideas by instinct

One color – or pattern – can always be stronger than another when putting together unusual tones. In this bedroom, Nicola Harding chose a dynamic headboard as the protagonist, supported by various shades of nude, pale blue and red

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

For those who feel a headache brewing when it comes to choosing the right color combinations, take a step back and follow your instinct. ‘Whenever I choose colors I try not to overthink it,’ says the American designer and decorator Sheila Bridges who is known for a joyful use of color in her projects. 'Intuitively I want simple colors that feel relaxing and soothing – particularly during this very complicated and stressful time. Paint color can be transformative but also forgiving. My feeling (and advice) about wall color has always been the same: if it doesn’t feel right just repaint. It’s one of the most inexpensive yet dramatic ways to change the interior of your home.'

The architrave in Suzy Hoodless’s home was painted yellow to create a division between the two rooms but also for some sunshine in the space and to lift the room, she says

(Image credit: Paul Massey for Suzy Hoodless)

'The addition of accent colors is a quick and easy way to transform a space, define an area, or highlight architectural elements,’ believes Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene. ‘If you’re lucky enough to have wonderful architectural details such as archways, mouldings or picture rails in your home, paint is the perfect way to highlight them to create a design detail. A simple pop of contrasting color on a door or skirting is a great way to add impact and an element of surprise to an otherwise muted scheme.’

This is what decorator Suzy Hoodless decided to do in her own sitting room where she painted the architrave between the library and sitting room in a near neon yellow to create definition between the two spaces. 'Colors don't have to be bright–they can be muted too but a powerful shock of a bold or unexpected hue instantly saves a space from being too polite,' says Suzy. 'I particularly like to paint woodwork in an unexpected color, together with quieter tones and lively patterns on cushions or upholstery, it results in things that perhaps shouldn't really go together but somehow they do.'

17. Pick a white with a matching undertone

Pink is a favourite accent color of Natalia Miyar who recommends selecting a white with an undertone in the same shade for a seamless look

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

Another decorator trick when you are using a color accent in a white scheme is to bring these together by selecting a white with an undertone in the same shade, recommends the architect and designer Natalia Miyar of Natalia Miyar Atelier .  

'There are many different shades of white: my personal favorites are warm white with pink or yellow undertones used with accent colors in the same tones such as burnt orange, red or pink.' 

Don’t forget, she adds, 'you can be quite creative, don’t limit yourself to cushions, you can introduce your accent color on any surface including lamp bases, art, furniture and objects.'

18. Break up bold room colors with neutrals

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond for Katharine Paravacini )

When using strong colors in a room, you can create a balance with the accent colors you use, recommends Katharine Paravacini , founder of her own design studio. Bold walls can be complemented by accessories in punchy colors such as reds and yellows and then broken up with areas of neutral such as a carpet. 'We like adding pattern into bold schemes to add interest and depth, too,' says Katharine.

19. Introduce color in unexpected places

Bring an accent color into a bathroom by painting the vanity or architectural detail in a contrasting colour, recommends American decorator Cortney Bishop

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

Don't be afraid to bring in an accent color to unexpected places, says interior decorator Cortney Bishop . 'Consider applying a lively hue to a bathroom vanity or painting your interior doors or trim with a contrasting color that makes your walls stand out even more.  The transition and break in color will be more welcoming than you might think when transitioning between rooms.'

20. Use antique rugs as a starting point for a color scheme

For Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors, the balance of color and pattern is the most important thing – too much of one leads the eye astray rather than letting it all sit together, as demonstrated in this master bedroom

(Image credit: Paul Massey for VSP)

You can introduce room color ideas by mixing patterns and prints in interior design – especially when decorating with rugs as a starting point. 'I often start from antique carpets and pick up the colors I would like to introduce more dominantly,' says Henriette von Stockhausen, creative director of interior design studio VSP Interiors . 'I’m not one for using too many colors or patterns in my designs so I choose carefully: if I use a pattern on the walls through wallpaper, I tend to choose a plain-ish curtain fabric and bring a pop of color with trimming and fringes. It all has to feel like a natural progression – not too designed or forced – and more like an interior that has evolved over time and through collected pieces. Also, antique fabrics colors are more faded and sit softer within and next to each other.'

21. Combine room color ideas in pattern ratios

The team at Turner Pocock like to start with patterns with at least three colors in them which will then form the basis of the decorating scheme

(Image credit: Alexander James for Turner Pocock)

Pattern plays a leading role in schemes designed by Turner Pocock . 'Our starting point is always a pattern with at least three colors in it,' explain co-founders Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock. 'It can be a floral, geometric, ikat or stripe and it can come from something as small as a cushion or a large-scale fabric for a sofa, but it will form the basis of our decorating scheme. 

'We like to layer different patterns, big and small, in a room so that it creates enough interest without the eye settling on one thing for too long,' continues Bunny. 'It’s important to always work with different scales of pattern – like a large floral with a smaller geometric – as it allows each one to stand out. Working with two different patterns in the same scale means neither will be strong enough for one to bounce off the other.' 

As mentioned before, the scale and orientation of the room will mean some are better suited to more dramatic patterns. 'Rooms with plenty of natural light can lend themselves to large-scale pattern and strong colors,' says designer and decorator Sarah Fortescue . 

22. Let wallpaper or fabric inspire a room color

Demonstrating how to pick out a color from a pattern and take it to the woodwork or walls, this fabric is called Espalier by Neisha Crosland with Schumacher

(Image credit: Neisha Crosland)

One approach to introduce color confidently to a room – be it a bedroom or sitting room – is to choose a small secondary color detail in a patterned fabric design and use this as the inspiration for solid fields of complementary paint color, recommends Genevieve Bennett, head of design at Liberty Fabrics . 'It helps provide a perfect canvas for the fabrics which is both surprising and liveable and allows you to introduce bold rich colors to a scheme.'

Textile and wallpaper designer Neisha Crosland says another way to sew a room together is to pick out the strongest (or the darkest) color from the wallpaper pattern and use on the woodwork in a room. 'That could be on the doors, cornicing, window frames, wardrobes or radiators – it’s a clever decorating tip that I like to use,' she says.

23. Choose a hero highlight color

Choose a hero design in your color palette and then layer it with other designs in a mix of scales, recommends designer and decorator Birdie Fortescue

(Image credit: Birdie Fortescue)

Again, a vital consideration is about balance – perhaps particularly in a bedroom environment where the aim is to create somewhere restful. To do this, says designer and decorator Birdie Fortescue , be sure to have a single highlight color – or a hero design if it’s a pattern – and layer it with others in smaller scale or quieter styles to ensure there is focus on the highlight tones. 'Florals and geometrics, combined with the correct balance of scale and color, work together to great effect. I’m particularly fond of a trellis design. It is so versatile; a classic motif like this helps to anchor a scheme.'

24. Be inspired by the 'new neutrals'

The team at Elicyon kept the palette for this home office space in London neutral which gives the space a light and bright fresh vibrancy, but used a subtle yet rich textured wallpaper, which gives the room some depth and interesting detail

(Image credit: Elicyon Photograph Patrick Williamson)

While some decorators instinctively lean towards pale yellows, and others where green meets gray, many agree that new neutrals are largely inspired by colors emanating from the natural world, which help us to feel grounded in our homes. 'They also comprise ivory base notes and a scattering of additional tones including rust, pink, beige, mustard and burnt orange,' says Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon .  

'Not to be confused with cold and bland palettes, new neutrals are warm by nature,' she adds. 'Typically matte in finish, they have the ability to flex, and so it’s possible for them to suit any home, be it traditional or contemporary – in fact, their elasticity is the reason we’re calling them "new".' 

For a warmer, cozier aesthetic, consider a red-based neutral such as Wimborne White or Dimity by Farrow & Ball, recommends Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch . 

25. Steer clear of white with neutral schemes

Here a favorite dirty pink adds a bolt of color in an otherwise neutral kitchen scheme by Gunter & Co

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth for Gunter & Co)

Even when working with neutrals, color choices need to be site specific, adds interior decorator Rachel Chudley. 'We think that pale biscuits or very light pinks are ideal for south-facing rooms which have plenty of light – not only do they filter the light beautifully, but they also add to a feeling of calm and relaxation, perfect for a bedroom environment.  

'When working with neutrals, my only rule is to steer clear of white walls,' continues Rachel. 'They work well in galleries for the very reason that they create a blank canvas which is perfect for focussing on one piece of art, uninterrupted by anything. However, in a living space, you need a touch of color to add a bit more depth and reflect the light around the room.' 

Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co, agrees: 'I often find, especially with a neutral background, that adding in pops of color can add so much personality of your own to a space by choosing colors you love and tying those in with the cardinal directions of each room to make sure they complement the natural light (or lack thereof) in each room.'

26. Use a natural palette to allow accessories to shine

Jamie Waterworth Thurstan favors neutral backgrounds so that tactile surfaces and striking furniture can then stand out, as demonstrated here in the dining room of a house in Holland Park, west London

(Image credit: Simon Brown)

Subtle nuances of color are why James Thurstan Waterworth, founder of Thurstan , favours neutral colors in his schemes because they create a soft springboard from which antiques, art and other embellishments are able to sing. 'You can then build out from here with tactile surfaces, patterned textiles, eclectic furnishings and more modern flourishes to create layers of interest, whilst still allowing all the individual elements of the interior to breathe. I gravitate toward natural palettes, and materials too, as for me they bring a certain timelessness and longevity to design.'

27. Examine room color pigments

Subtle background colors allow other elements in the room –such as artworks – to stand out says Tom Cox of HÁM interiors

(Image credit: Alexander James/HAM Interiors)

When it comes to selecting more neutral paint shades, it’s important to get the mineral balance right, believes Tom Cox, co-founder of HÁM interiors . 'We like to look at the pigment and depth of color in a paint, too often a shade will have too much gray or brown as undertones which can then be challenging when adding the layers of furniture and finishing touches. 

'We try to make the backdrop subtle so furniture and carpets sit harmoniously, we also like to paint the ceiling, walls and skirting in the same hue, it stops awkward visual breaks and enhances architectural details in an understated way. '

28. Add vibrancy with orange 

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library )

Give your interior an update that is filled with joy and optimism with vibrant orange. Choose a paint color that is rich in earthy pigments as they give an exceptional depth of color and life to any scheme.

‘Orange is the perfect color for an open-plan kitchen, providing a dramatic yet familiar backdrop to a hive of activity, says Andy Greenall, creative director, Paint & Paper Library . 'Rather than opt for the habitual white on kitchen cabinets, consider a warm pink hue such as Robens Honour, which will provide a playful touch when paired with orange.’ 

29. Use a color that takes on different attitudes

Beresford Red, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler for Fenwick & Tilbrook

(Image credit: Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler)

Look no further than a rich rusty red for an enticing and enveloping hue.  Like orange, red is a brilliant room color idea for small rooms and snug rooms. Deep earthy red tones are also great for hard-working spaces like pantries and breakfast bar areas.

‘Whether covered with prints and paintings or left unadorned, this deep Indian red makes a beautiful background for living rooms or hallways,' says Emma Burns, managing director, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. 'Chalky off-white woodwork accentuates the depth of the tone and keeps it fresh while painting moldings in the same color can disguise any awkward elements.’ 

30. Take a dark turn

(Image credit: Kalina Krawczyk)

Deep chocolate brown – this confident hue looks delicious as an all-over room color idea yet it's equally perfect for pairing with brights and pastels.

‘We created Jam (on the wall) because of the glorious alchemy of turning fruit into conserves,' says Cassandra Ellis, founder, Atelier Ellis. 'The colors come alive and offer a delicious, dark alternative to black or dark grey walls. Using red ochre, violet and green make a beautifully changeable color that, while dark, is rich and enveloping. ’ 

31. Curate a jewel-box room

(Image credit: Billal Taright)

Deep purple with all its dark, dramatic, and nuanced glory is guaranteed to bring both opulence and intimacy to rooms, especially those with little natural light.

‘Decorating with deep purple is about selecting the right tone,' says Joa Studholme, color curator, Farrow & Ball. 'Purples with an underlying red create a warm, intimate space, while blue-based ones are more dramatic. Purple works best in small spaces deprived of light, so is ideal for creating jewel-box rooms.’ 

In this guest bedroom designed by Rachel Chudley, the vivid purple chosen for the walls helps to pull together the strong patterns and tones of the red-striped wallpaper and vintage bedspread.

32. Go for a background blue

Joinery in Inchyra Blue, Farrow & Ball. Armchair in Kimono, Lewis & Wood; panel in Rooksmoor velvet, Mulberry

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond)

Mid-toned blues – ranging from the heritage Air Force blue to softer French blues, these classic colors have become the shades of choice for elegant interiors and exteriors.

‘Historically, people have often been afraid to design with blue,' says Lucy Marsh, founder, Lucy Marsh Interiors. 'Too cold, too bold. But, with experience, I’ve found success if the right tones are applied to specific situations. This is a versatile timeless color, as a classic wool check or a toile; a contemporary bold paint; or it can be eclectic when coupled with bright colors and strong geometric design.’ 

If not looking for total color saturation, think about painting a wall of joinery in this mid-tone blue hue and use it as a focal point to show off art and objets. 

What color makes a room feel bigger?

Light-reflecting colors tend to make a room feel bigger – though that needn't mean white. Pale pastels will make rooms that receive lots of warm daylight feel larger, while cozy neutrals, such as cream, will make cooler rooms feel bigger, but welcoming, too. You can decorate rooms in darker colors and yet still make them feel bigger – the trick is to keep floors and ceilings in pale shades, and to ensure windows aren't cluttered by drapes.

Which color to use for north-facing rooms?

North-facing rooms tend to feel cool and are generally much darker than south-, east- or west-facing rooms, which will get some sunlight throughout the day. Using any color – from yellow to blue – with a warm undertone will make the space feel warmer. If you want to make a north-facing room feel brighter, it's important to choose a light color; however, if you are happy to embrace 'cozy', you can choose dark colors – just ensure they have warm tones so that the room doesn't feel cold and unwelcoming. 

Arabella is a freelance journalist writing for national newspapers, magazines and websites including Homes & Gardens, Country Life, The Telegraph and The Times. For many years she has specialized in writing about property and interiors, but she began her career in the early 2000s working on the newly launched Country Life website, covering anything from competitions to find the nation’s prettiest vicarage to the plight of rural post offices.  

25 best living room color schemes |

(Image credit: Future)

Choosing the right living room color ideas is one of most important decisions you can make for your space. Getting the color choice spot on is vital, because this is the room where we spend most of our time. These inspiring living room color schemes and ideas are guaranteed to add vibrancy to your interiors.

Choosing which colors to decorate your living room ideas with can be daunting – partly because there are so many options available. But knowing which color combinations are guaranteed to look beautiful together and being able to select the best hues are not mysterious secret arts – they are simple skills that we can all learn in just a few steps.

Start off room color ideas by building a complementary palette of timeless tones and classic shades, then add accent hues to create bold effects on a mood board. Think of it like cooking, with colors representing ingredients and flavors. 

Collate images, swatches, fabric and photographs to paint a picture of your desired scheme. This allows you to marry finishes together to ensure all your living room paint ideas work as one.

Living room color ideas – the best color schemes for your lounge

Becoming your own color consultant is easier than you think, once you’ve mastered the basics of the color wheel – a tool professional interior designers use to put together stunning schemes that never fail to impress. 

It’s time to brush up your skills, get creative with color and transform your living room with the help of our collection of inspiring living room color ideas.

1. Go for a variety of soothing green tones

(Image credit: Future )

Is there any color more suited to 2022 than green? At at time where our happiness and health have seemed more important than ever, it's only right that we'd want to surround ourselves in shades that symbolize growth and renewal. What's more, it has been named one of the best colors to paint a living room by color experts.

Green living room ideas promise to renew your connection to nature, and the color green is said to evoke feelings of serenity, vibrancy and good fortune.  When decorating with green, you'll find the color available in a whole host of shades, it’s easy to find decor and living room color ideas that will suit your look and give your scheme a seasonal lift.

2. Instil calm with a neutral color scheme

(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)

'I love the calmness that you create when you have a neutral living room palette in a room,' says interior designer Tamsin Johnson . But this choice definitely doesn’t have to mean boring: you can create an interesting and exciting space by layering different tones, such as off-whites and beige, then introducing a range of caramels and even accents of black.'

'Natural textures, whether they are stone or wood or linen, can help to anchor a beige living room color scheme. It means that the overall look doesn’t feel too contrived or uptight or overly designed. They bring a laid-back quality that always works well.'

3. Build up a layered color palette

(Image credit: Tim Salisbury)

When you typically consider using paint to create impact in a room, the first thought tends to be drenching the walls in a bright hue. While this is a tried and tested way of creating a statement, there are more delicate ways to achieve just as much of an impact. 

In this yellow living room from interior designer Anna Spiro , a high-gloss white paint on the walls bounces around light, making the surfaces nearly appear liquid with shine. Architectural details have been picked out in a beautiful deep yellow, adding not only color but an excellent grounding element. Furniture and accessories in similar but not quite matching tones create a warming spectrum of sunshine across the space.

3. Mix up colors

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond Photography)

For a living room that sings with joy try colorful living room ideas full of clashing combinations. This is a space for both socializing and retreat, so you want shades that both enliven and comfort you. 

‘Pink and green is one of my favorite color combinations – they play really well off each other and it’s a great way to cheer up a room,’ says Lucy Barlow, founder, Barlow & Barlow .  

Balance is key, especially as many people are still working from home. Integrating more neutral tones to offset your bold hues can help bring calm when you need to focus, but then you can turn around and be energized when it’s time to switch off for the day and allow the room to return to its primary function.

5. Amplify with intense hues

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Tone-on-tone is an easy, effective way to add impact to your pink living room. This scheme, based around the standout Capri Pink by Annie Sloan on the walls, demonstrates how layering with one color creates a bold, bright and unexpected decorative look.

6. Go for full color in a small space

(Image credit: David Butler)

Use sophisticated color schemes to add interest and intrigue to dark living rooms. ‘I like painting a small living room layout in a dark color to make them feel cozy,’ says interior designer Amelia McNeil , who designed this cozy corner. ‘I even painted the window and architrave in the same blue so that the Phillip Jeffries wallpaper could be the main focus.

7. Embrace the warmth of red

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Contemplating red living room ideas? While the color might sound like a dramatic choice, it’s actually a hue that’s easy to live with. Its warmth, the ability to make the room feel cocooning, and its appearance under artificial light makes it a wonderful choice for many living spaces. 

One of the leading reasons why you might prefer a red living room is because of the color’s heat, and in cold climate areas, it can create a sought-after atmosphere, perfect for cozy living room ideas.  

8. Enliven a neutral scheme with pops of primaries

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

For a sophisticated room full of fun and energy, create a living room color scheme that hinges on the decorating with primary colors – but bear in mind that even in small doses, such as in the neutral scheme above, they can have real impact. 

Feeling braver? Bold blue walls instantly add a cosseting effect to a space, making the room feel more inviting yet spacious.  

Look to design movements of other eras, such as Bauhaus, from which you could choose from primary colors such as blue and mustard yellow, or lavender purple and tomato orange.

The colors need to be bold but not bright, so choose hues that are pared back to give them a more authentic tone.

9. Warm up a cool spaces with hot shades

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

In a cool living room or one that you want to feel incredibly warm and welcoming, red is a great choice.

'Red is more and more popular lately and is a very stimulating shade. In this palette, it also represents the moment during exercising when you are at the top of your game,' according to trend forecasters, TrendBook . 

This living room color idea was inspired by the already evident success of orange and bright red. It is the extroverted color for the season, and when paired with gray – the color of sustainability – it represents the full cycle of a routine. 'This color is the quiet one and represents the end of the journey, the warming down after an exercise,' say TrendBook.

10. Pick punchy pastels for a family room

(Image credit: Geraldine Tan )

Pale shades of rose are becoming firmly established as the new neutral of choice in the most stylish of schemes. Yet it is in combination with bolder pastels – as in this family living room by Little Big Bell influencer, Geraldine Tan – that its delicate allure really comes to the fore. 

Geraldine predicts that more muted pastels such as the shade below will be popular moving forwards, and at H&G, we love to mix pastels with soft green, muted gray, black and accents of gold to give them a sophisticated edge.

'Neutral pink is best in living rooms; it’s surprising yet subdued,' says Annie Sloan. Pairing with deep burnt reds it will create a sophisticated tonal palette with a lot of warmth; alternatively, bright oranges and turquoises with neutral pinks give more of a tropical, jungle intensity. 

'There’s a reason we see this color combination all over our Instagram feeds. It’s highly emotive, it shows confidence in color, and a certain joie de vivre,' says Annie.

11. Match soft pastels with earthy tones

(Image credit: Future/Emma Lee)

Inject a playful summer vibe into your living room color ideas scheme. Use a palette of raspberry and citron to create a fresh, stylish look. Washed linens and the eye-catching open design of the rattan sofa brings a relaxing mood to this inviting space – inspired by bohemian living room ideas – which is enhanced by unlined curtains that gently filter the sunlight.

This confident mix of rose shades evokes a sense of luxury, femininity and sass. Pink has grown up, trading its sweet reputation for a more muted, sophisticated and earthy look. 

‘There is an exciting duality to grown-up pink – it’s soft and delicate, yet strong and composed,’ says Paula Taylor, color and trend specialist at Graham & Brown . 

It’s best to avoid clean whites with this pink, as they may wash out the space. Stick to warmer neutrals, such as tones of gray that will add depth, or dial up the drama with touches or charcoal, emerald green or black.

12. Pick on-trend powdery pastels

(Image credit: Crown Paints)

Chalky tones have always been an attractive choice for interiors, giving rise to delicate, light rooms that are easy to live in. Create relaxed, grown-up schemes by pairing these hues with bold accent colors, or opt for impact with one sugary shade, like in the minimalist living room above, decorated in Cocoon by Crown Paints . 

Decorating with pastel shades needn’t mean going entirely pale. Create an accent wall in a darker color, such as a deep blue, to balance lighter tones. To add depth, introduce subtle textures with wool upholstery, drapes and rugs in patterned weaves.

13. Create a traditional feel with berry shades

(Image credit: Future/Dan Duchars)

Aubergine, heather and indigo have a lasting appeal that makes them decorating favorites, but used on their own, they can feel a little cold. Warm them up instantly with earthy tones or a hit of flame orange – it works really well with colors that have a blue base, like purple or teal. 

Purple is all about power and passion. Its strong and versatile hues are associated with creativity, individualism and inventiveness. When choosing purple, always select a color several shades lighter than the one you are aiming for, as they are more powerful when applied. 

Lavender reflects light really well, even in the depths of winter, making it a clever choice when planning small living room ideas. Living rooms always look smart bathed in or accented by purple and pink, which creates serene and interesting living spaces, appearing quiet or bold depending on the setting. 

14. Warm up neutral schemes with earthy shades

(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)

Sandy shades are very usable living room color ideas and work well as part of an earthy palette, coupled with terracottas or warm cinnamon, or even splashes of bright teal and zesty orange.  

They can stand alone, providing a calm, neutral backdrop onto which you can layer accent colors like sunflower. Or use harmonious tones of sandstone, beige or taupe for multi-layered beige living room ideas that bring in other off-white or neutral tones.

15. Pick a neutral color scheme for a laid back look

(Image credit: Rikki Snyder)

Reinvigorate your living room with a fresh and soothing color palette of limestone, lichen and sage. Choose a subtle shade of limestone for walls, then layer different but tonal shades of creams or greens on furnishings to create a restful scheme. 

A patterned couch will add a punchy highlight to neutral living room ideas; layer it with cushions depicting foliage and forest scenery. 

Finally, bring the garden indoors: mix plants and cacti with fresh spring blooms and accessorize with striking botanical prints, faux coral and crystal geodes for a scheme that is at one with nature.

16. Pick an earthy yellow for a bright but elegant finish

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Yellow’s reputation as a fresh and lively sunny color means it is often overlooked for living room color ideas, but paler shades can work nicely and become especially inviting when used in harmonizing or contrasting tones.  

Yellow’s complementary shade on the color wheel is blue, and if both are used in a muted combination, like cornflower yellow and pale blue-gray, it will look stunning.

Use tones of muted yellow in your living room to provide a clever mix of brightness and warmth. Mix warm ochre with egg-yolk shades for a yellow living room that will lift your mood. 

Yellow inspires optimism, creating a summery feel; team it with charcoal and black for modern look that follows the latest living room trends. This color is also fantastic when mixed with crisp white or warm wood furniture, and the spectrum of sunny shades look great with an additional contrast color such as gray or duck egg blue.

17. Use a cool combination of black and white

(Image credit: Future/Michael Sinclair)

Striking, cool, and confident, black and white is always a winning combination and will make a dramatic statement in a living room. Create a perfect balance of the two neutrals, by using equal amounts of each. It will give a bright and fresh look for the day, together with a dramatic and tailored look for night – especially when paired with living room lighting ideas that feature both directional and ambient lighting.

Introduce pattern and character with a statement rug or cushions and some sophisticated framed artwork, and keep the rest of your furniture and accessories plain and more color blocked.

Recreate the refined elegance of grand Parisian apartments by decorating with soft muted grays, whites and black living room shades. 

Paneled walls painted soft gray provide a sophisticated backdrop for this scheme, which artfully balances black and white upholstered furniture. Blocks of pattern, in the form of tailored cushions and artwork, add interest and personality to the modern look.

18. Go for a timeless gray living room color scheme

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Gray living room ideas are enduringly popular, and it's easy to see why – this neutral shade suits most spaces, although it is important to choose the right tone.

'Gray isn't a tricky living room color to get right,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'However, it is important to pick a gray that suits your room's natural daylight. 

'A cool, North- or East-facing room will really benefit from a gray – however light or dark – with a hint of yellow pigment; a South- or West-facing space can take a cooler shade that has a hint of blue – although I would always advise a warmer shade for a living room, which is intended to feel inviting.'

19. Create a coastal appeal with red, white and blue

(Image credit: Future/Emma Lee)

Create a blue scheme with tones taken straight from a sea view. The easiest way to create a space with a coastal feel is by adding cool shades of ocean blues. 

Whether it’s with paint, fabrics or your choice of living room furniture ideas, choose a living room color that both reflects the tones of the sea and the sky so that it isn’t too bright or too pale. The room won’t feel cold if you team it up with sandy beiges and cream colors.

20. Pick a classic blue and white living room color scheme

(Image credit: Future/Jake Curtis)

Decorate with a palette of blue and white. This combination is often described as the new monochrome, and it is easy to see why. From indigo to navy and cobalt, blue hues sit particularly well together, so offer great scope for pattern mixing. 

In this white living room, cushions with small-scale motifs are successfully combined with robust striped blinds and bold indigo geometric on the screen. 

Beloved by ancient Chinese dynasties, the Moors and the Greeks, this enduring color combination takes a fresh, modern feel with the latest indigo textiles, shibori patterns and denim tones.

Are your living room color ideas dependent on warmth? You can still use blue and white if you're after cozy living room ideas – keeping blues warm is a matter of applying a shade with warm tones in it and teaming it with rich sandy shades that echo the seashore, or else crisp whites, cool grays and palest yellows.  

White is the perfect foil for this color as it copies the skyline. Pale clear blue often looks fabulous combined with oak or chestnut furniture, which serves to keep the atmosphere warm. These colors and combinations work best in spaces that benefit from generous natural light.

21. Bring the outdoors in with fresh green and naturals

(Image credit: Rapture & Wright)

Use arboretum-inspired motifs, hothouse plant life and foliage for a fresh green living room look this season. Working geometric motifs into the scheme gives the finished look a modern edge. It’s time to welcome all things green and pleasant into the home.

'Sage green works wonderfully in a living room, or somewhere south-facing where the nuances of the color will be visible in the bright light,' advises color and paint expert Annie Sloan . 

'Pairing sage green with a vivid orange will give more energy to a space; contrasting complementary colors emphasizes the qualities of each and creates a bold statement look.  

'I’d use a strong black, too, to give a solidly masculine mid-century modern living room scheme. It’s calming because it’s strong and looks very put together.'

22. Go for a dramatic inky shade

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Combine saturated shades of cobalt, malachite and verdigris with botanical motifs to bring natural depth and earthiness to dark living spaces. 

Pale cane furniture provides a lighter note in a scheme featuring luxurious textures, such as velvet and silk, in rich moody shades – or choose deep woody tones, as in the room above, with antique pieces that only enhance the drama.

23. Opt for a Cape Cod-worthy color scheme

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

This classic pairing has enduring appeal and is a sure-fire way to create a fresh and elegant scheme. The use of two blue tones, one on the walls and a paler hue on the ceiling, combined with white woodwork, draws your eye upwards, creating the feeling of being surrounded by clear skies, great for living room ceiling ideas.

24. Introduce an earthy tobacco shade

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

‘Tobacco yellow is often used with greys and neutrals; I love the idea of going the other way and allowing it to be a backdrop for much brighter saturated tones,' says Genevieve Bennett, head of design interiors, Liberty . 

'We have used this shade as a fantastic backdrop color for the vibrant fresh jewel-like greens. This muted yet rich color allows the jade greens to sing, which a brighter yellow would clash with. It has a surprising, fresh and contemporary feel which is suited to modern living rooms.’ 

25. Use a timeless blue-green to best effect

(Image credit: Ben Stevens)

‘If nervous about using a bold hue, painting woodwork adds a color shot without overwhelming,’ advises designer Kate Guinness , who used turquoise accents in this chic boot room.

‘This is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing color with lots of positive associations,' says Annie Sloan , color and paint expert. 'It embodies both the recessive quality of blue and the calming quality of green, making it very easy to work with. I’d be inclined to dress it with heavily textured accents to give a cozier finish, but a 1960s palette of turquoise and orange also works fabulously with mid-century modern silhouettes, glass decor and metallic fittings.’  

What is the best color scheme for a living room?

'The best color scheme for a living room will always be a color that you simply love and want to look at all day, every day,' says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands . 

'It is one of the rooms in your house that you’re likely to spend the most time in, so deciding the final scheme shouldn’t be rushed. 

'Research living room pictures for inspiration, then paint large sample areas that will catch different light throughout the day and live with it for a few days or weeks before going ahead and painting the whole room. 

'That way you can be sure that no matter what you go for, be it dark and moody, bright and light, or calm and sophisticated, you’ll be making the right decision for your space.  

'As a general guide, rooms with a cool North-facing light benefit from warmer colors, but rooms with warm South-facing light can take most colors.'

What are good living room color combinations?

Good living room color combinations can be achieved in various ways.

‘Combining color is a perfect and affordable way to create an impressive design statement, achieved by applying a modest amount of color for maximum impact. It’s an easy trend to assimilate but does require bravery. 

'We all experience color differently from one another and each will have an energy that appeals. Work with your instincts. Assert your whims, and look at the clothes in your wardrobe for color inspiration,' advises interior designer Andrea Maflin .

How do you combine colors in a living room?

For anyone designing a living room, it's tempting to play it safe when it comes to injecting color. However, interiors that experiment with bold tones are often the most striking. The key is to do your research, testing contrasting palettes out before decorating, and using color and fabric with confidence.

Color can have a profound effect on mood, and a bright scheme can uplift the senses as well as adding depth to your interiors. Unexpected color combinations, such as blues and reds or oranges and pinks, can work well, but try to provide relief with some neutral touches, like white woodwork, or introducing pattern to break up the look and add texture.

Before decorating walls, try painting the inside of a shoebox with your preferred hue. That way, you’ll see how the light falls into the corners too, which will give a truer representation of how the color will look in a room. 

If you prefer to keep walls more neutral, a large living room rug is a great way to inject vibrancy, complemented by colorful accessories such as cushions and fabrics, whether a single throw or a brightly upholstered ottoman.

Consult a color wheel to find daring hues that will work well together. Remember that color changes with its surroundings. The tone is never quite the same depending on the surface material you choose. 

The right paint finish will also transform the final look. Matt and eggshell produce a soft sheen, and gloss and oil are both shiny finishes that reflect light. Test paints first using sample pots to see how they will look before you decorate. Inspiration can be found in the latest trends.

What colors make a living room feel bigger?

When decorating small spaces, the colors that make areas feel larger are pale shades that reflect light. However, making a small living room feel bigger is slightly more nuanced than color scheming alone. 

Lean towards off-white shades when working with neutrals, over stark whites: off-whites will deliver more character than a pure white, distracting the eye from the size and more towards to the color.

'Another trick is to carry the wall color onto all of your woodwork, avoiding all the horizontal framing and creating the illusion of more space,' advises brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball , Patrick O’ Donnell.

'Finally, be aware of your ceiling color – most people default to a generic white, but if you choose an off-white that shares similar tones to your wall color, you will become less aware of where your wall height stops and the ceiling starts,' he says. This is also a great tip for apartment living room ideas that sometimes have lower ceilings.

'Traditionally, wisdom has been that rooms in bright tones of white or off-whites will give the best feeling space,' says Dominic Myland.  

'However we’re increasingly seeing customers take much bolder steps with bright colors, such as yellow, which, when paired with contrasting trims, mouldings and ceilings in lighter colors, will trick the eye into thinking the walls are spaced further apart to make the room feel bigger.' You can even use paint to play with proportions when planning long living room ideas.

'White and neutral shades are always the go-to color as they make a room look bigger, airier, and more open,' explains David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin . 

'However, for small space living, you can be more daring. Don’t be afraid of dark and rich colors, like coffee or dark gray, or try teal or even orange for a braver burst of color. These hues bring richness, intimacy and extra depth whilst allowing you to show personality and flair. 

'Layering deep rich colors with artwork also adds fantastic texture and interest.' Be sure to incorporate small living room lighting ideas into your scheme too, to make the most of your chosen color schemes.

What are the new colors for living rooms?

Yellow is set to make a comeback for 2022. It’s the shade of confidence and joy, so after the global turbulence of the past year it comes as little surprise that yellow is decorating’s color du jour. Yellow room ideas inspire optimism, creating a summery feel; team it with charcoal and black from a modern look in the living. ‘Current trends show a real shift towards brighter colors with a clean-cut finish – and are a great way to feel happier at home,’ says Sue Kim, senior color designer at Valspar. 

Gentle pastel tones have also been making a big appearance in the fashion world, so it makes sense that they are a burgeoning interior design trend. What you see on the catwalk ends up on the cushions, as the old saying goes.

However, all the trends and color experts we have spoken to predict that this desire for comfort will evolve into a more optimistic excitement, which will translate into brighter, bolder color choices being introduced into our homes, with living room color schemes no exception.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

20 ideal color combinations in the interior of the bedroom

The design of a room or apartment usually begins with the choice of color combinations. After all, the correct use of colors is the key to a harmonious, stylish and holistic interior.

We share a cheat sheet that will help you choose the perfect color scheme for decorating your bedroom. We are sure that falling asleep and waking up in such a room will be much more pleasant. After all, everyone wants to create a cozy, pleasant environment in their apartment (house), preferably with their own hands. But how to choose the right combination of colors in the interior of the bedroom? nine0030

  • The warm palette includes yellow, ocher, raspberry, and the cold palette includes blue, green and purple. Opposite tones have different effects. To create a bright interior, you need to choose warm shades.
  • Green is a special color, its perception depends on the color with which it will be next.
  • Red is the brightest in the entire spectrum. In combination with green, it will become even brighter.
  • Contrasting colors are brighter in the design, but there are pairs that look very impressive and organic together. It is blue with green, yellow with lime or pink with purple hues. nine0030
  • Combining 2 opposite colors is better in the living room than in the bedroom.
  • Monochromatic pairs of flowers are spectacular, it will give a calming effect and beauty.
  • Mixed pairs (yellow-blue) are best used in accessories.

    • Tip! To soften contrasting shades, it is better to take not opposite colors, but neighboring ones. Such couples are considered "most distant". For example, yellow-blue, as well as orange-turquoise or salad red. It is important in the interior to observe color proportions and shades in order to create beauty and elegance. nine0003

    Purple Purple

    © designrulz

    White, black and blue White, black and blue

    welke

    Coral and beige

    © wheretoget

    Gray and gold

    © giesendesign

    Turquoise and brown Turquoise and brown

    © designimbibe

    Bedroom color recommendations

    Designers have developed bedroom background color combinations

    3 3 With rich colors of decoration, the furniture should be neutral shades.

  • In the bedroom, bright colors are not suitable, colorful pictures or details are enough.
  • Neutral tones furniture looks good with a soft floor, can be diluted with chocolate details. nine0030
  • Dark furniture (wenge) looks great on a red background. The zebra bedspread will effectively stand out.
  • In a pastel-colored bedroom, a scarlet home theater (TV) will look great on the wall.
  • An ideal pair in a dark bedroom - gray-orange.
  • White, beige, pink and lavender shades are suitable for a relaxing mood.

    • Do not forget that color affects our mood and health.

    Peach Persian

    © Decoritem

    Green and Coral Green and Coral

    © MyDecorative

    Dark Bruz and Gold Dark Biryuzovaya and Golden

    © Giesendesign White, Orange and Black Black and Black and black

    © ideasdesign

    Bedroom Wallpaper Color

    Consider how to choose a color for your bedroom.

    • For a fashionable bedroom, you need to think over the style, then decide on the colors of the wallpaper, floor, textiles. For walls, you need to choose wallpapers of the same color, you can use different ones, but in the same tone. nine0003

    • You can zoning the room horizontally with different wallpapers.

    • In the finished room, an unusual option would be inserts from other wallpapers of the original form. Separate the wallpaper with moldings or borders, which is very effective.

    • To highlight one wall (at the headboard), you need to stick bright wallpaper around the bed, but choose a combination with others.

    • You can increase the height not only with a light ceiling, but also with vertical wallpaper with light stripes. You should always be ready to experiment. nine0003

    Orange and blue Orange and blue

    © Thosemartswarm

    Blue and Red Blue and Red

    © InteriORMAGAZINES 9000 9000

    © Lemon

    A person is constantly surrounded by smells, sounds, sensations that form an idea of ​​the surrounding world. The most informative sense organ is sight. We see the faces of loved ones, admire works of art, admire amazing pictures of nature, rejoice at our native walls when we return home. nine0003

    The perception of life would be inexpressive and faceless if all these visual images did not have colors. Without a palette of tones around us, it is difficult to adapt to the environment, it paints life with emotions, makes us think creatively, choose and act.

    What color to choose for the bedroom - the main factors

    Color is a whole science. Its natural factor, the totality of physical characteristics, the presence of the phenomenon of color in culture is studied by color science. There is another science - coloristics, which explores color in the aspect of philosophy and psychology. Color models, shades have a huge impact on the human subconscious. With confidence backed up by scientific research, one can characterize color as a great psychologist. nine0003

    Every evening we go to the bedroom to rest, sleep, and gain strength for the next day. Since color can influence the human psyche, we have the opportunity to receive the service of a professional "psychologist" from the color design of the room: positive emotions, comfort, complete relaxation, and, as a result, sound, healthy sleep. This is the case if its color scheme is chosen correctly!

    The choice of palette and bedroom design is individual. Someone likes natural greenery that is pleasing to the eye, someone will prefer the warm shades of autumn, the originals will choose a combination of contrasting bright tropical strokes. But there are at least three main factors that should be followed when choosing paints:

    • The style of the room.

    The existing canons of style always define the main color compositions. For example, a universal white color scheme is suitable for classics, minimalism, Provence, high-tech styles.

    The lilac color is more selective, it is used in the design of oriental style, art deco, eclecticism.

    • Room lighting.

    In dim, subdued light, dark tones are unacceptable. nine0003

    • Bedroom area.

    For small sizes, light colors are more suitable, which can be enlivened with bright accents in the form of pillows, paintings, lamps.

    For a large room, the choice of color palette is wider. Hue plays an important role, any color has many options for tone and degrees of saturation.

    What psychologists say

    It is worth listening to the opinion of professionals, especially when it comes to the design of a place of rest. Psychologists have specific recommendations on the color design of the bedroom. Most of them agree that calm, pastel colors are the best choice. They contribute to good sleep, relaxation, restoration of energy spent during the day. There is also a specific color leading in all polls and ratings - beige and its shades. It looks great in the interior, conducive to a creative approach in working on a bedroom design project. nine0003

    Psychologists consider the popular white color to be excessively cold. But it is not at all necessary to refuse a pure, light tone and its varieties (pearl, ivory, milk and others). It must be applied skillfully and thoughtfully so that the bedroom does not resemble a branch of a medical institution and is not faceless and empty. White color scheme is the perfect backdrop for all decorative elements. It will emphasize the beauty of textiles and lamps, highlight a spectacular dresser or console, visually enlarge the space and fill it with freshness. nine0003

    For adults who want to relax before going to bed, green and yellow tones are more suitable than others.

    Young people and teenagers who spend their days actively require a quick transition from vigorous activity to rest. This will contribute to the blue and blue colors.

    Psychologists do not refuse bright orange, which will perfectly enliven a children's bedroom. Scarlet, coral, burgundy colors are applicable in the design of matrimonial chambers. nine0003

    It is recommended to place fragments with non-standard colors on the wall at the head of the bed.

    Feng Shui rules

    Fashionable oriental philosophy also contributed to the creation of the bedroom interior. Following its postulates, it is necessary to take into account:

    • The direction of the sides of the horizon.
    1. A bedroom facing north or northwest should be decorated in blue tones diluted with other colors. nine0030
    2. The south side requires red, but in a restrained composition.
    3. Eastern and southeastern directions prefer the color of natural greenery.
    4. Gray, silver, purple, lemon colors are preferred to the West.
    5. Northeast, southwest orientation should repeat the colors of the Earth, close to natural brown, terracotta, coffee and beige colors are needed.
    • The Chinese vision of the bedroom interior excludes the combination of black and white. nine0030
    • The presence in the bedroom of the spouses of the red color of passion.
    • All shades should be muted, no bright strokes.

    The Chinese consider the bedroom to be the most important room in the house and put maximum effort into decorating it. In addition to the "wrong" colors, the Feng Shui treatise prohibits the installation of a suspended ceiling, TV and mirrors in the bedroom. The door to the sleeping room must be kept closed at all times.

    Dependence on cardinal directions

    All colors are divided into warm and cold. There are special tables that clearly demonstrate this distinction. The most popular "cold" colors that are used to decorate the bedroom are white, gray, green, blue, blue, turquoise, lilac, purple and their shades. "Warm" are: yellow, beige, orange, pink, red, burgundy, brown and their tones. nine0003

    Now let's turn to the question: which side of the world is your bedroom facing?

    South

    There is enough light in the room, but the excess of the sun is tiring and its partial neutralization is desirable. In this regard, it is recommended to use the colors of the cold palette. It is able to weaken the saturation of light, bring coolness, and at the same time visually enlarge the room, add space, positive. In such an interior, dark and bright colors are quite appropriate as a finish.

    North

    In a north-facing bedroom, the sun will be a rare visitor. In clear weather, the light penetrating into it will bring a bluish tint to walls and objects, in a gloomy and cloudy sky, the tone of daylight will be gray. To correct the lack of light and neutralize the gloomy component, it is advisable to use warm colors for decoration. Deep, saturated shades are suitable, there is a reason to refuse white. nine0003

    East

    The sun shines in the bedroom window facing the sunrise in the morning. With its golden rays, the green color and its shades are in perfect harmony. Cool turquoise, lilac, gray colors will be a good solution.

    West

    from the bedroom window can be observed. I want to extend this ritual, to delay the rays of the departing luminary longer. Beige, sand, chocolate colors, soft shades of brown will help. The presence of decorative elements, textiles of bronze and golden hues will duplicate the evening reflections, bring additional comfort to the interior. nine0003

    What color to paint the bedroom - the optimal range of colors and top 20 successful color combinations

    Let's give examples of popular colors for the bedroom and options for their combinations with other colors. Top 20 Solutions!

    1. Pure white combined with black is a stylish and timeless solution. Geometric classics: polka dots, checkerboard cells, contrasting zebra stripes, ornaments and patterns of various themes look win-win. nine0003

    2. White plus brown allows you to form complex decor designs, experiment with patterns and textures, include third colors, such as gold, turquoise, beige. In bedrooms with good lighting, brown color should prevail, in the northern chambers - white.

    3. White and turquoise bring a sense of joy and serenity. Let white prevail, refreshing turquoise give accents and design details. nine0003

    4. Unobtrusive beige and brown color noble, elegant combination. This bedroom is warm, cozy and comfortable. The beige color creates a good background, visually increases the volume, allows you to use other colors in the decoration: green, burgundy, yellow, white.

    5. Beige together with blue will create a romantic space, fill the bedroom with a fresh breeze. Cold blue can be turquoise, cornflower blue, emerald green. The warmth of the beige tone, additional yellow or brown colors in the interior neutralize the apparent coldness, add comfort and warmth. nine0003

    6. Green and white make a great combination. It is so harmonious that psychologists call it "light sleeping pills." Natural colors of light green, pistachio, olive, lettuce, dusty green, jade are refreshing and emphasized by the white gamma. Additional shades are not required.

    Complement it with orange, brown or white finishes. The background will serve as a warm peach tone. nine0003

    8; Green and neutral beige are a wide field for design ideas. Everyone will serve as the main color with equal success. Excessive frills are not needed, an expressive interior will be created by multi-level compositions, floral ornaments, geometric patterns.

    9. Deep blue and elegant gray will form successful combinations for a trendy loft style. In order not to create a gloomy atmosphere, one should not overdo it with the blue color; two walls painted in it or large patterns on textiles are enough. nine0003

    10. Blue plus white. This range will certainly appeal to fans of the marine theme. Don't forget the seascapes on the wall! Ornate patterns will be out of place, white and blue geometry and abstraction are perfect. Light brown or turquoise tones are allowed in the decoration.

    Pink powdery and coffee colors create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, conducive to relaxation. Gorgeous ash-pink background with chocolate tone details. nine0003

    12. Light brown plus blue balance each other. The warmth of the color of natural wood is complemented by the freshness and airiness of blue. Its shades can be any: turquoise, gray-blue, sky blue. Beige, white or gray colors will complement the composition.

    13. Relaxing gray and classic white game will remind black and white films or old photos. Geometric patterns, abstraction are perfect for this combination. Do not break the atmosphere of charm with bright details. nine0003

    On a light gray background, a fuchsia finish will look wonderful. Graphite - will emphasize the elegance of an ash rose, for pearl gray it is permissible to add more pink powder.

    15. Gray plus rich yellow are monolithic severity and fun of the sunny "bunny". The background should be a gray tint, it will enliven, add mood and warmth, a bright accent of honey, bright yellow, golden color. A lot of glare is not needed, curtains, pillows, small rugs or a bedspread will cope with this task.

    16. Sensual lilac and pure white bring peace, romance and positive energy to the bedroom. Against the dominant white background, the lilac zone at the head of the bed, abstract ornaments on the walls look great. Glossy surfaces and mirrors are desirable in the room.

    17. Lilac and deep black. And such a combination is possible! The main thing is to correctly place the accents. Lilac fog and the fantastic presence of a black surface can create an atmosphere of cosmic happiness. Details of black textiles will bring theatrical drama, which will be facilitated by abstract or damask patterns on pillows and bedspreads. nine0003

    18. Lilac and yellow create a royally opulent setting. A snow-white tone will effectively fit into this luxurious pair in the form of stucco patterns or even moldings on the ceiling. A golden yellow color will be a good background.

    This combination of colors certainly requires the presence of a third: beige, light brown or white. Floral ornaments, uncomplicated patterns are appropriate in such a range. nine0003

    20. Turquoise color plus elegant chocolate combination is bold and stylish. So that the brown color does not introduce gloomy notes into the interior, introduce it in doses, refreshing with a white or milky tone. A cheerful note of turquoise will be very helpful.

    Tips for choosing

    As wise people say: listen to all opinions, and do as you see fit. There are many, many opinions, advice, instructions, suggestions, but you have one bedroom. The final decision is up to the owners of the premises, only they are here to relax, dream, love, dream and make plans for the future. The interior should give spiritual comfort and provide psychological support. Keeping the first sentence of this paragraph in mind, read the good advice. nine0003

    1. If you have doubts and the desired composition of the color scheme of the interior does not line up, contact a specialist. A professional designer is better than a neighbor or girlfriend to solve the problem.

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