Colors for drawing room
50 Best Living Room Color Ideas
Read McKendree
When it comes to living room design, a flattering color palette is one of the first aspects you need to nail down. It will likely drive the whole design scheme and set the mood for years to come. Plus, your living room is probably the most-used room in the house, so choosing colors that make you look forward to spending time in it is a must! Whether you want something bold and bright, neutral, or dark and moody, we've laid out tons of designer-approved living room paint color ideas to help you get inspired. All you have to do is put on your overalls and grab a roller—or, you know, hire someone else to do the dirty work. The hardest part will be deciding between all of these living room colors. But once you do, you can start shopping for the decor.
🏡You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Seth Smoot
1 of 50
Gray-Purple
In a Cape Cod-style home for a couple of empty nesters, designer Lauren Nelson painted the living room walls in Farrow & Ball's Dove Tale—a warm gray with purple undertones. It keeps the atmosphere neutral yet inviting.
2 of 50
Pearl
A soft white paint with a slight gray tone to it can easily make your living room a spot you want to spend all day in. Take it from designer Sharon Rembaum, who dressed this living room with textured pieces in a neutral color palette to boost its overall coziness.
TREVOR PARKER
3 of 50
Cerulean Blue
Designer Garrow Kedigan made use of Lakeside Cabin by Benjamin Moore on the walls of this cozy corner. The faded cerulean blue acts as a soft backdrop to the rich orange and gold decor and dark gray sofa.
Sean Litchfield
4 of 50
Cloudy Green
Reminiscent of the outdoors and luxurious spas, sage green can instantly make your living room feel welcoming. In this speakeasy-inspired room by Brooklinteriors, Art Deco, Eastern World, and bohemian elements are blended together on a background of Clare's Dirty Martini paint for an opulent but casual atmosphere.
Alyssa Rosenheck
5 of 50
Sunny Yellow
Sunny yellow walls can instantly brighten up your living room— no matter if you have big windows or small openings for natural light. In this room designed by Taylor Anne Interiors, Farrow & Ball's Citron adds energy to the tropical-yet-modern space.
Haris Kenjar
6 of 50
Ebony
Set a moody yet cozy scene by painting your walls and ceiling in a soft shade of ebony. For designer Sean Anderson's client, comfort and function in the living room were crucial for entertaining. He painted the room in Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams and layered items that told the homeowner's story to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
Mali Azima
7 of 50
Red Clay
Designed by Melanie Turner, this living room's walls are painted in Windswept Canyon by Sherwin-Williams. The assortment of furniture styles is united by a common colorway that pairs nicely with the paint.
LAUREY GLENN
8 of 50
Frost Blue
Frost blue walls—in Benjamin Moore's Philipsburg Blue, to be exact—offer the right amount of softness in this formal dining room designed by Jenny Wolf. Gold framed art and a textured rug add warmth near the fireplace.
2022 TREVOR PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY
9 of 50
Teal
"It’s a vibrant happy blue while not being too overwhelming, says designer Rudy Saunders of the color on the walls of his Upper East Side studio apartment. It's Fine Paints of Europe Jefferson Blue from the Dorothy Draper paint collection.
Bjorn Wallander
10 of 50
Sangria
Designer Krsnaa Mehta aimed for a salon feel in the heart of his India home. The sangria-and-blue palette of the living room achieves that inviting look that's best suited for entertaining.
Lisa Romerein
11 of 50
Cream
This sunny living room designed by Thomas Callaway exudes warmth, despite the grand size and ceiling height. Callaway broke the room into zones to enhance intimacy and then used soft buttery glaze on the walls to give the room a golden glow, and layered rich yet mellow fabrics.
Jared Kuzia Photography
12 of 50
Dark Blue-Green
Designer Cecilia Casagrande chose rich jewel tones for this Boston Colonial living room. It's classic yet fresh. The paint color—Farrow & Ball Hague Blue—in particular, straddles that duality of modern and traditional styles, perfect for a historic home. Casagrande also mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new.
Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside
13 of 50
Dusty Rose
Atelier ND and homeowner Carice Van Houten used a variety of plant species to liven up the room and create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes. It really freshens up the bold pastels and rich earthy tones for a unique composition. Pro tip: Don't forget to paint the ceiling for a more immersive impression.
Anna Spiro Design
14 of 50
Buttercream
Instead of painting the walls blue, designer Anna Spiro covered the hardwood floors in a cheerful blue color. She also made the windows extra sunny by painting the frames buttercream yellow.
Brie Williams
15 of 50
Pitch Black
Dark black walls and lots of warm gold and caramel tones make this living room designed by Ariene Bethea super cozy but also formal and regal—the ideal balance if your living room doubles as the family room. She used Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams.
Kendall McCaugherty
16 of 50
Peach
The open floor plan in this Chicago family apartment designed by Bruce Fox called for cohesion between the dining and living room areas. That soft peachy paint and deep pink sofa are reflected in the printed armchair at the head of the dining table, and also mimic the rosy glow of the pendant light. The color scheme was inspired by a photograph taken of the family in London during spring when the city was veiled in cherry blossoms.
Read McKendree
17 of 50
Clay
Dark gray walls can be a bit brooding, like storm clouds, but in the case of this sunny Manhattan apartment by Elizabeth Cooper, they look playful and contemporary. Cheerful pinks, a dash of cobalt blue, traditional granny-chic patterns, and whimsical artwork lighten the mood.
Nicole Franzen
18 of 50
Off-White
While bright colors can help liven up a room, it's not the only route. Take this neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine: Soft and texture-rich upholstery mix with off-white paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents to make a surprisingly modern impression with lots of character.
Robert McKinley
19 of 50
Olive
Robert McKinley wanted to keep the color scheme in this country retreat earthy and neutral but also wanted to inject it with a little warmth. He opted for a quietly sophisticated shade of olive green for the walls while the chose a cream color for the wood-paneled ceiling.
Chris Mottalini
20 of 50
Steel Gray
This New York City living room designed by Nanette Brown is a lesson in dark paint decorating that strikes the balance between formal and casual, sophisticated and easy-going, elevated and cozy. The exact color pictured is Amethyst Shadow from Benjamin Moore.
Paul Raeside
21 of 50
Light Lime Green
Take your cues from the bold pattern mixing and modern artwork on display in this living room designed by Les Ensembliers. A light green color on the ceiling is an unexpected surprise that ties the whole room together. Here, it pairs beautifully with the yellow curtains, geometric green ottoman, and plenty of gray tones throughout.
Paul Raeside
22 of 50
Lemon Yellow
Does the thought of painting your living room yellow scare you to your very core? How about now that you've seen this timeless and cheerful living room designed by Michael Maher? One glance at this space, and we're about ready to repaint our own: It radiates warmth and offsets the cool blue tones.
Heidi Caillier
23 of 50
Light Fawn
This muted fawn color in a living room designed by Heidi Caillier is hard to pin down, and that's exactly why we like it. Not quite brown, not quite beige, it's a nice offbeat eath-tone option that functions as a neutral.
Simon Watson
24 of 50
Glossy Black-Green
Deep, dark, and glossy, the lacquered black-blue-green color makes this living room by Kristin Hein and Philip Cozzi seductive and mysterious. Paired with bohemian furniture and accents, the more moody qualities become more approachable and cozy.
Maura McEvoy
25 of 50
Kelly Green Splash
"I love the juxtaposition between the traditional space and the modern staircase," says Eliza Crater of Sister Parish Design. The rich kelly green accent wall and decorative floral curtains help bring some fullness and warmth to otherwise all-white surfaces in her home.
Bjorn Wallander
26 of 50
Charcoal
The traditional, neutral furniture in this room designed by Balsamo Antiques and Interior Design make a minimal visual impact so the moody colors, artwork, light fixtures, and other decorative accents can stand out. A deep, almost purple-gray tone turns out to be a wonderfully complex and evocative backdrop, so don't be afraid to try something different.
Douglas Friedman
27 of 50
Navy
Ann Pyne worked with decorative painter Arthur Fowler to create a contrasting geometric pattern on the walls. "I think of the puzzle-like shapes as a metaphor—it's a game of fitting all these disparate 'treasures' into a graphically coherent whole," she says. Matte navy blue and a gritty mustard tone work together to set a pensive and seductive backdrop—perfect for a smaller living room.
Heather Hilliard
28 of 50
Crisp White
A crisp, matte white is totally timeless. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you're not interested in going for a trending paint color.
Francesco Lagnese
29 of 50
Mint Green
Channel a lush tropical oasis, as Thomas Jayne and William Cullum did, with this fresh color. In a living room where the paint stretches all the way up to the rafters, the hue changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint and soft sea foam green.
Paul Raeside
30 of 50
Khaki
Designer Garrow Kedigian defines a neutral as "anything that isn't jarring," which is a super helpful way to reframe things if cream, white, or gray simply isn't cutting it in your living room and you can't figure out why. Certain spaces just call for something outside the box, whether it's because of an architectural style, light exposures, or existing furniture. Here, the walls are painted Benjamin Moore's Rattan.
40 Best Bedroom Colors 2022
1
Red Lacquer
FRITZ VON DERSCHULENBURG
High-energy yet calming, bold yet timeless, this jaw-dropping bedroom designed by Brian J. McCarthy is serious goals. For a similar effect, stick to a tight two-color story with the walls in a show-stopping super high gloss paint and your ceiling in a flat white paint. "This finish feels fresh for a guest room, and the surprising pop of color is both warm and chic," he says.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Blazer, $110
2
Bright Red Accents
ALISON GOOTEE
Or, reverse the look and opt for bright white walls and bold red bedding, artwork, and floors. The high-impact combo in this bedroom by Anthony Baratta is all the convincing we need.
BUY NOW Backdrop Negroni, $45
3
Bubble Gum Pink
Anna Spiro Design
Too outrageous? No such thing. Bright bubblegum pink is a fearless choice. In this bedroom by Anna Spiro, it asserts a youthful spirit to balance out the traditional pieces, like the dresser and tight floral patterns.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Deep Carnation, $47
4
Blush Pink
Francesco Lagnese
If this whimsical bedroom doesn't make you blush, we don't know what will. "Exuberantly feminine, yet resolutely chic" was designer Jonathan Berger's motto for decorating this Brooklyn townhouse. Berger found the suzani on eBay, while and the curvy Venetian-inspired headboard is covered in Nouvelle Orleans, a cut velvet from Clarence House that resembles ironwork but, of course, is much softer to the touch. The antique Napoleon III rope ottoman covered in an Aubusson tapestry adds a French country chic feel to seal the deal.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Pink Ground, $110
5
Coral
Amy Neunsinger
Nothing quite radiates like joy like coral (as far as paint colors are concerned, at least). In this bedroom by Nicky Kehoe, it picks up the bright tones featured in the gallery wall while the trimming, which is a darker gray color, reflects the cooler neutrals in the bedding and accents. Under direct light, it appears brighter, while it mimics the more muted shade of terra cotta in dimmer or less direct light.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Red Earth, $110
6
Peach
Anna Malmberg
In this Scandinavian studio, peachy blush walls contrast with with the high-impact black and white wall art. But that softness is reflected again in the jute rug and oat-hued linen bedding. Blush pink also pairs nicely with steel blue tones and even bright red for an unexpected contrast.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Serene Peach, $28
7
Cream
Matthew Millman
Who says beige and cream are boring? Dependable, versatile, warm, and subtle, these neutrals are some of the best paint colors for a bedroom. A super light taupe shade will contrast just enough with crisp bright interiors while also injecting some warmth into the space. It also brings to mind long walks on a sandy beach. Add pops of cheerful colors with decor and throw pillows or keep it classic, as designer Richard Beard did here.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Dimity, $110
8
Caramel
Danielle Colding Design
Take a cue from this bedroom designed by Danielle Colding and match your upholstered headboard to the walls. Here, the studded boarder adds a touch of intrigue but blends right into the beige color behind it for a timeless look.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Gingerbread Man, $43
9
Terracotta
Paul Raeside
A Canadian townhouse's guest bedroom exudes warmth with terracotta walls. A large, statement piece of art helps break up the dark color. Though brown isn't exactly the most obvious paint color when decorating a bedroom, this warm nook makes a strong case for it. The fact that it's unexpected makes it perfect for anyone who likes to experiment with color but doesn't love bright neons and playful pastels.
BUY NOW PPG Timeless Deep Russet, $39
10
Chocolate Brown
Amelia Stanwix
With slightly less of the red clay undertone than the brown paint in the previous room, this color is more calming than it is energizing. Designer Fiona Lynch felt it was perfect for a bedroom. She used Rich Biscuit by Dulux and then mixed in some offbeat accents for an eclectic elegance.
BUY NOW Dulux Rich Biscuit Sample, $6
11
Ochre and Teal
SIMON WATSON
Designer Peter Dunham created a custom curtain wall and installed bedside sconces to give this small bedroom a regal feel. The mustard accent wall mirrors the upholstered headboard and warms up the room.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball India Yellow, $110
12
Marigold
Joshua McHugh
This bedroom proves just how beautiful marigold can look with navy blue and olive green. This sunny shade also works nicely when you incorporate accent pieces with metallic finishes for a glamorous aesthetic. Think bronze pendant lights and stools with interesting frames. These finishes accentuate yellow's shining personality.
BUY NOW Portola Paints & Glazes Roma, $10
13
Lemon Yellow
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
It's always a good idea to consult the color wheel at every step of the decorating process. Knowing which colors complement one another will make everything easier, from ideating to shopping, and, of course, living within the final result. A good example of a job well done? This gray and yellow bedroom designed by Juan Carretero. There's no doubt that yellow represents cheer, so if you want to spread warmth and energy, this is the color for you. You'll love how the bright striped ceiling brings in a more playful element to the more traditional guest room.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Ultra Bicycle Yellow, $36
14
Butter Yellow
James Merrell
Designed by Kathryn M. Ireland, these white-painted wicker twin beds are topped with mosquito net canopies for an ethereal touch. The rose-printed canopy toppers offer a slight contrast in pattern but keep the color story consistent, and the yellow walls anchor the entire space.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Farrow's Cream, $110
15
Green and Gold
Roland Bello
Instead of paint, consider lush green upholstery and illustrious wallpaper. Miles Redd makes a strong case for the design combo in this breathtaking and colorful bedroom. De Gournay's hand-painted silk Sans Souci wallcovering lays the foundation for a bright green paradise to come alive.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Verdigris Green, $110
16
Sage Green
2LG Studio
Instead of painting your walls, add a statement ceiling in the bedroom, as the design duo at 2LG Studio did here. It draws the eye up and keeps things interesting. This shade of sage green is also a lovely color that's at once grounding, calming, and fun.
BUY NOW Behr Marquee Fern Leaf, $46
17
Light Gray-Green
Shade Degges
"I wanted to create a bedroom full of personality," designer Jae Joo says of the main bedroom in this Boston Rowhouse. Though classic and understated, the room brims with character thanks to a shrunken photo gallery, curved furniture, and colorful accents. The light gray walls look blue in some lighting and green in others; either way, they're a welcome departure from the go-to white canvas most bedrooms feature.
BUY NOW Backdrop Lawn Party, $45
18
Khaki Green
Heidi Caillier Design
In this cabin designed by Heidi Caillier, the guest bedroom is painted a soothing, nature-inspired shade of green. It's fitting for the environment, and speaks to all the other accent colors used throughout the space for a nice cohesive whole.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Calke Green, $110
19
Deep Earthy Green
Gieves Anderson
David Frazier took a moody and earthy approach in his New York City apartment bedroom. While the color (Studio Green from Farrow & Ball) is worth praising, it's also the texture-rich finish that elevates the walls. "We wanted to showcase the movement in the plaster, so we had the walls painted in a satin finish it gives a certain depth that we wouldn’t have been able to achieve with a flat paint.”
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Studio Green, $115
20
Matte Marine
Stephen Kent Johnson
A matte version of that moody marine hue is also a great option and creates a softer atmosphere. Studio Shamshiri enveloped the entire room in the color, including the ceiling.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue, $115
21
Deep Navy
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
Paint your walls a nice deep shade of navy and then punctuate the depth with crisp white accents and vibrant bedding for a balanced bedroom. In this space designed by Mally Skok, the playful patterns contrast nicely with the deep blue walls, giving the room a touch of levity.
BUY NOW Valspar Salty Dog, $44
22
Steel Blue
Read McKendree
In a room by Elizabeth Cooper, this steel blue gray paint color brings a posh sensibility to the more whimsical floral details for a nice balance. The color will flatter a variety of styles and designs as bedding and decor are swapped out over the years, too. she used Farrow & Ball's Hauge Blue.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Hague Blue, $115
23
Cobalt Blue
PHOTO: Bjorn Wallander; DESIGN: Alisa Bloom
High gloss paints are a surefire way to make a bold statement. In this bedroom designed by decorator Alisa Bloom, the rich, liquidy sheen of the finish bounces light around a dark room. She used Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft Blue 4003 in Hollandlac Brilliant to illuminate the entire bedroom.
BUY NOW Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant, $45
24
Crisp Light Blue
Eric Piasecki
Here's definitive proof that primary colors go together nicely. This bedroom designed by Robin Henry is a breath of fresh air, thanks to the invigorating blue paint—the varying shades of blue throughout the room make it look like it's glowing.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Crisp Morning Air, $50
25
Mint Green
Trevor Tondro
Paired with a slightly more pistachio-hued upholstered headboard and a retro-style crocheted coverlet, this bedroom designed by J. P. Horton belongs in the summer getaway home of our dreams. The traditional landscape painting and warm wood side chair ground the space and work beautifully with the mint green paint.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Ultra Soft Mint, $35
26
Sky Blue
Trevor Tondro
Though this shade of blue definitely makes a statement, it doesn't overpower the space nor overwhelm the eye—that's because it's consistent. Since this bedroom is basically a cocoon of light blue, there's a strong sense of cohesion and personality. So if you have a favorite color, and don't see it changing any time soon, why not let it be theme of your bedroom?
BUY NOW Behr Marquee Skylark, $58
27
Baby Gray Blue
Mikael Axelsson for Fantastic Frank
A soothing soft blue is a key ingredient for a peaceful bedroom. It adds an ethereal, dreamy quality to every space but also offers a ton of versatility, making it particularly well-suited for the bedroom. The linen bedding and makeshift side table accent chair contribute to that easy, undone elegance.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Lulworth Blue, $110
28
Crisp White
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
This bedroom is a showstopper, but it's also simple and timeless. And though some may say white is the absence of all colors, we'd argue this one is making quite a statement. In fact, sometimes neutral hues give the space a more timeless and open feel while also allowing other design highlights to stand out more. This bedroom by Tamsin Johnson marries classic architecture with contemporary style and the walls are painted in a pure, cool shade of white that really energizes the entire space.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball All White, $110
29
Greige
Fantastic Frank
If you think crisp all-white interiors look too stark but still like the look and feel of light neutrals, opt for warm oat-y creams or layers of soft, smoky grays. The results are edgy and industrial yet gentle and understated.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone, $110
30
Light Lilac
Annie Schlechter
This lavender oasis designed by Cathy Chapman is proof that you can decorate with color while still being understated. Though it's bursting with shades of lavender, this little nook also exudes a calm, serene energy. The key is to stick to a color story of muted pastels. In this case, the designer worked within a purple spectrum while keeping things interesting with contrasting textures, shapes, and finishes.
BUY NOW Farrow & Wall Great White, $110
31
Deep Beige
WERNER STRAUBE
To warm up a bright bedroom without painting all the surfaces something other than classic white, cover one wall in a printed covering and another in a warm, neutral color. In this versatile bedroom designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, the far wall is painted in a light sandy beige hue, marrying the cooler blues, whites, and grays with the warmer wood and cream tones as well as the brass accents.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back, $110
32
Dusty Purple
Kingston Lafferty Design
Though purple and black don't seem like the most obvious pair for a grownup, calming bedroom, they actually work together brilliantly here. Kingston Lafferty Design accentuated the purple details in the shelf and bedding with a dusty, gray purple tone and then played up the cooler undertones with sharper black metal accents.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Raspberry Ice, $47
33
Royal Purple
Bjorn Wallander
Window treatments will make a bedroom more comfortable for lazy morning sleep-ins, but if your room is super bright, a deep shade of royal purple on an accent wall like Krsnaa Mehta did here will help absorb light while still adding vibrant personality.
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Mystical Grape, $43
34
Violet
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
If you want to keep color from overpowering your space or you simply want to give your room a little more shape, color blocking is your solution. There are plenty of ways to play with this design trend, from more subtle and simple toning treatments to full on murals. This bedroom designed by GRT Architects is somewhere in between. If you like what you see, try painting your paneling and leaving the walls light. Then opt for a low-to-the-ground bed to show it off even more.
BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Purple Potion, $33
35
Light Pink and Lavender
Ngoc Minh Ngo
A sweet lavender hallway frames the pink floral bedroom beyond for a sweet foundation while the black and white floors, dark mahogany table, and red bedding polish and ground the space by decorator David Kaihoi.
36
Deep, Dark Purple
Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside
For a thoroughly special bedroom paint color, look no further than this bedroom designed by Atelier ND, where the walls are painted in Pontefract by Paint & Paper Library. The unique hue defies definition (but if we had to try, we'd say it's a purplish-reddish black)—which is one of the many reasons the design team chose it. The pendants were sourced from an old church and a Vispring bed is upholstered in pink Pierre Frey mohair.
BUY NOW Paint & Paper Library Pontefract $42
37
Gray
Mali Azima
The blue ombre curtains embolden the romantic ceiling paint and emphasize the purple undertones of the gray base color in this bedroom designed by Janie Molster.
BUY NOW Bejanmin Moore Adagio, $50
38
Light Gray
Stephen Karlisch
An ultra pale shade of gray flatters the green and indigo tones in this bedroom designed by Jean Liu. Opt for a similar shade if you're looking for a subtle neutral that'll be a little less jarring on the eyes than a bright white.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Dimpse, $110
39
Grayscale
Tim Street-Porter
And for our final stop on this tour of bedroom colors, we're presenting you with a whole new world of options: Wallpaper. This bedroom isn't just a living space, it's a work of art. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the hypnotizing black painted stripes that trace the architectural DNA of the house itself, beautifully modernizing the bones of the Victorian home decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The moody, lush throw pillow and end blanket add just a splash of color, which is really all you need in a space like this.
BUY NOW Graham & Brown Indian Ink Striped Wallpaper, $98
40
Soft Black
Farrow & Ball
While we often think of bright whites and crisp, light hues when trying to open up a smaller space, there's also a strong case for going darker. In fact, inkier tones are known to amplify smaller spaces. Not to mention, it sets the right mood in the bedroom. The soft black paint color in this bedroom makes it feel special and intimate in ways you'd never be able to achieve with a lighter hue.
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Railings, $110
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
Wall color in the living room - how to choose, 100 photo-ideas of living room interior
The living room is rightfully considered the center of the apartment and the house, since it is in it that relatives and friends gather for rest and relaxation after a working day. For a good mood, relieving nervous tension and a complete distraction from everyday life, the color of the walls in the living room is selected taking into account a number of rules used by professional designers around the world.
Selections
The right color scheme allows you to visually make the room bigger and more spacious, fill it with light, support the overall concept and even eliminate some of the room’s shortcomings.
Color selection criteria
- Lighting features. Dim lighting can be corrected by using bright, light palettes that evenly distribute light and remove dark corners. If natural light enters the room in sufficient quantity or even in excess, preference should be given to cool, calm tones.
- Design and personal preference. First of all, the color of the living room should please its owners. In addition, if a certain style concept has already been chosen in the design project, it must be adhered to.
- Functionality requirements. The color of the finish can often act as a tool for zoning space instead of massive partitions or furniture groups.
- Living room area. A spacious room opens up more opportunities for the implementation of bright ideas. Here you can create a contrasting finish, or use smooth transitions. Small living rooms require the use of light colors and neat accents that will be in harmony with other interior details.
Not all walls have to be painted the same tone, but there must be a balance in everything. The floor and ceiling finishes are pre-thought out so that all surfaces blend well with each other.
Influence on the choice of cardinal directions
Any palette can manifest itself differently depending on the degree of natural light. This factor depends not only on the size of the window openings and their openness, but on the side of the world from which the room is located.
- South. Often, sunlight is not only enough, but also in excess. In order to reduce the “temperature”, it is recommended to use moderately cool shades (white, blue, turquoise, gray).
- West. During the daytime peaks, the room can be too hot and light, so there should be cool shades, such as mint (closer to blue), deep blue, gray, brown.
- East. It is recommended to give preference to pink, brown tones, which will favorably beat the sunrise and compensate for its lack in the afternoon.
- North. Due to the coldness and short duration of the sundial, you need to choose warm, soft shades (beige, coffee, green, yellow). They will not only add light to the room, but also visually fill it with the sun.
Before choosing the color of the walls for the living room, you need to consider the location and intensity of the lighting fixtures. If they are located around the entire perimeter of the room (in the form of LEDs or built-in lamps), the tint palette can be changed depending on the desired effect.
Feng Shui in the colors of the living room
The use of Eastern teachings in the selection of interior colors allows you to determine the direction of vibration and energy, which will positively affect the mental and physical health of a person. The doctrine is based on the main elements: Wood, Fire, Metal, Water and Earth. At the same time, the finish should lie on smooth, even walls so that nothing interferes with the movement of positive energy.
Feng Shui color characteristics
- White. Symbolizes the ideal, purity, light. For comfort and warmth, use in combination with another palette. A great solution is to add yellow tones.
- Red. The color of passion, activity, movement. It stimulates the appetite, but can sometimes cause bouts of aggression. In combination with gold, it attracts good luck. Red doesn't go well with black. The palette is not recommended for people with diseases of the nervous system.
- Orange. Combines the positive energy of yellow tones and the power of red. Disposes to a pleasant conversation in the guest room, attracts well-being and kindness.
- Gold. Denotes respect, honor, status. Previously, only rulers could use this color in the interior. The golden palette has a positive effect, attracts monetary energy.
- Black. In fact, it is not considered a mourning, but a magical color according to Chinese teachings. But, many still equate it with a negative, so the use of black is best minimized or used for accents.
- Blue. The main association is water. The palette has a calming effect, restores harmony, relaxes and is suitable for meditation. Blue stimulates spiritual energy, intuition.
- Green. The color of calmness, peace, nature. It stimulates wealth and well-being, means life, growth, harmony with others. Pairs well with yellow and gold to create an energy of success.
- Yellow. Symbolizes positive energy, success, happiness. It attracts warmth and makes the living room cozy, causes an optimistic mood, attracts good luck.
- Violet. It has mystical, magical properties. Suitable for creative people, symbolizes material well-being.
When choosing not one, but several wall colors in the interior of the living room, it is important that they indicate one direction to enhance energy. You should be guided not only by the above characteristics, but also by your own preferences in order to create a cozy interior.
Optimal solutions
Gray background
A modern, popular palette that is suitable for both classic and loft styles, minimalism, modern. For greater effect, it is complemented by geometric textures. Due to the variety of shades, it is suitable for rooms of different sizes.
Yellow range
When choosing, you should pay attention only to pastel and calm, and not bright and flashy shades, which will negatively affect the rest and cause nervous tension. Sunny, warm yellow is associated with summer, comfort. In spacious rooms it can be used for all walls, in small living rooms - for interesting accents in decor, photos, etc.
Browns
Mainly used for classical solutions. For accents, more saturated and deep shades are chosen, for the background - coffee, chocolate, etc.
Olive shade
Well suited for Provence, Scandinavian style, country. A soft, natural, pastel shade of green is suitable for rooms of different sizes and locations. The noble tone gives coziness and comfort, goes well with other soft tones.
Light orange
Associated with rich summer colors. It is used for various interior solutions, it will become a highlight of mixed style in classic and modern. Pairs well with turquoise and grey. Favorably looks in dark living rooms, the windows of which face the north side. It also compensates for the lack of lighting.
Shades of beige
A popular, versatile, practical color that can be used to decorate any living room. The room will turn out warm, harmonious. Bright, rich colors, imitation of brickwork, textured plaster are used for decoration.
Shades of turquoise
The turquoise palette will give a feeling of freshness, freedom, spaciousness. Shades are presented as rich and deep, as well as pastel, fresh. It goes well with different color options, while not overloading the interior. Makes a cold palette softer and more appropriate. More suitable for spacious rooms, plays well in accents.
Natural shades of green
A natural, comfortable palette that symbolizes life. Various shades are used in the interior of the living room. Often gamma is used for zoning space. It goes well with shades of gold, brown, floral prints.
White background
Strict and restrained, but at the same time, a neutral color that can be used as a base for any style. Its tint palette is wide and varied, and textured application will open up new facets of white. The palette visually expands the room, fills it with light and warmth, eliminates dark corners.
Characteristic stylistic palettes
- Contemporary. The modern style allows for more vibrant colors such as blue, teal, emerald, lilac, etc. A combination of several contrasting scales in one room is characteristic.
- Scandinavian. The style is characterized by the use of beige, gray and white tones, as well as shades of blue. The color should be harmonious, maintain spaciousness.
- Classic solutions. These areas are characterized by muted, calm ranges of brown, green, blue. The interior uses only one shade, wallpaper with a pattern is used for accents.
- Loft. A modern solution for decorating a living room. Mostly cold, calm tones are used for the interior. Gray and white goes well with brick. For such an "industrial" idea, you can use black.
- Country. A rustic theme is impossible without natural shades, such as brown, green, pale yellow, blue, peach, olive, etc.
- Provence. The base is pastel colors such as olive, beige, lavender, etc. It has a natural, restrained palette.
The palette of each style may vary depending on the functional purpose of the color, the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, and personal preferences. If, according to the design project, the implementation of non-standard tones is appropriate, there are no restrictions on bringing such an idea to life.
Color combinations
- Contrast. This combination of colors is used to implement modern interiors. You can choose the most unexpected scales, if you place them correctly in the room. Use cases - accent wall, geometric patterns, stained glass or panel effect, etc.
- Neutral combination. It opens up ample opportunities for the implementation of original ideas. Delicate shades are suitable for classics, for modern solutions - colder palettes.
- Monochrome. The use of one color scheme allows not only to visually preserve the area, but also to expand it. There are many combinations, since each color can have dozens of shades. Without overloading the interior, you can zone the space.
- Two colors. The use of two different colors is acceptable for spacious rooms, but other solutions can be considered if both shades are light. It is important that the selected colors are from one half of the spectrum. The transition is smooth, the gradient method is popular.
The use of several combinations is possible only if the living room area is 25 square meters or more. Then one of the zones can be decorated for relaxation in soothing colors, the other can be finished for receiving guests, etc.
Color choice for a small living room
To decorate a small living room, light, soothing colors are used that will be in harmony with other elements of the interior. It is better to refuse patterns and prints, because because of them the room may seem smaller in size. For bright accents, decor items and furniture are used.
To visually enlarge the room, you need to think over a lighting scheme that will emphasize the color of the walls favorably, as well as hang mirrors. If you use wallpaper or decorative plaster, they should be discreet, monochrome, without unnecessary details that could adversely affect the visualization of the space. An interesting solution could be to paint the accent wall in a different shade, if you choose the right color.
Living room color - 140 photos of the right color combination in the living room
With the help of these recommendations, the selection of colors for the interior of the living room will be greatly simplified and will not take much time.
Whatever style is preferred when designing a living room, the color scheme is of great importance when decorating its interior and design. Of course, now the range of colors is very wide and it is extremely difficult for a simple layman not to get confused and make the right choice. But if an independent search is somewhat difficult and has not yielded results, it is recommended to contact specialists in these matters, who will select an option as soon as possible, taking into account all your wishes.
List of issues to be discussed in detail below:
- Clever color combination
- Colors in high demand in living rooms
- Zoning by playing with color and other devices
- Recommendations to help you perfectly combine different colors while maintaining a sense of taste and style.
Choosing the right color scheme for the interior of a room is not an easy task, but with the help of the recommendations below, it can be solved in the shortest possible time.
Table of contents of the article:
- Skillful combination of colors
- Popular colors for decorating the living room
- Zoning by playing with color and other devices
- Recommendations that help to perfectly combine different colors while maintaining a perfect sense of taste and style in the interior of the living room
Skillful combination of colors
All colors are conventionally divided into two types: — cold and warm.
It is very important to take into account the following point: - If you are doing the design of the living room on your own, then you should not mix both types, it is better to choose one color line, because these shades are too contrasting.
To combine a warm tone and a cold one, it is necessary in such a way as to prevent a sharp transition in the color scheme, and also so that the combination of colors in the living room looks proportional - only a professional can do this. It is important to remember that a small percentage of a warm shade when decorating a living room in cold colors will not spoil the overall picture with its presence, but, on the contrary, will add elegance and sophistication to the interior. You do the same if you use a line of warm shades in the color of the walls of the living room, you just need to dilute it with a moderate amount of cold shades. Thus, the harmonious combination of colors in the living room will eloquently make it clear that the owner of this room has great taste and an amazing sense of style.
Pay attention to which direction your living room windows point? Do your windows point south and do you often have too much sunlight in the room? In this case, we choose a line of cold tones, otherwise the feeling of unbearable stuffiness and heat will never leave you, and the existing air conditioner will not save the situation.
Popular colors for decorating the living room
Living room in white - this color must be introduced very carefully and in moderation to prevent its overabundance, otherwise you will feel like you are in a hospital room.
The beige color in the living room as shown in the photo is a very picky color, it is good because it will not be difficult to choose furniture made of wooden materials for it. Decorating the walls in the living room in beige is an almost perfect solution.
Brown color in the living room will complement the interior with a touch of practicality, but its overabundance is fraught with the merging of furniture and walls together. It also needs to be used in moderation.
- Gray color - many mistakenly consider this color to be too dull and boring, but this is not true, it will perfectly fit into the color combination in the living room.
- Green is the ideal color for the walls in the living room, if its windows are directed to the north side.
- Red color - possible if the living room is finished in different colors, as shown in the photo. Such a colorful and pronounced color should be diluted with furniture of a different shade.
- Yellow is the main principle here, as with red, it is important to know when to stop.
- Orange color is an ideal variant of fragmented decoration of living room walls for people who prefer classic style.
- Lilac color - ideal for south-facing windows. Do your windows face north? Use this color in minimal amounts so as not to give the living room a gloomy look.
- Blue color - the same recommendations apply to it as to lilac.
Zoning by playing with color and other devices
If the color of the living room is kept in one tone, as you can see in the photo, we highlight the resting place with a different shade, without sharp transitions. To highlight a particular area, it is not necessary to resort to changing the color of the walls of the room, just use the pictures.
Also, artificial light sources are ideal for zoning, it can be either lamps or floor lamps or the same sconces, and it doesn’t matter what color you chose for the living room.
Another ideal option to focus on the seating area is easy to implement with large outdoor houseplants, regardless of the color schemes appearing in the living room.
Recommendations that help to perfectly combine different colors while maintaining a sense of taste and style
- The combination of brown and beige tones must be diluted with black, but again, you need to know the measure, it should be very small.
- The combination of red and green is hardly possible, since they are both very bright, muted shades are suitable as an option.
- The combination of blue and white - well, here is only a flight of your imagination, since these shades are in perfect harmony with each other.
- The combination of black and lilac is highly recommended not to be used together.
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