Decorating ideas colour schemes
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.
- Contrasting colors – split contrast mixes of two closely related and one unrelated color, and for impact use the brightest tone as an accent in cushions or accessories. Ensure you choose colors of a similar depth for bold impact. Indigo blue always works well with sunny yellow, for example.
- A monochromatic palette using different shades of the same color can also be effective. Try transferring these applications to door and wall panels, cornicing and dado rails. Play with patterns too. Stripes, squares and spots are all eye-catching effects and adding coordinated wallpaper ideas builds in texture.
- A tonal scheme can be created by mixing different tones of the same color together for a multi-layered scheme with lots of depth. For example, use dark navy blue, pretty cornflower blue, and rich royal blue in equal amounts for a balanced result. Or combine moody blues with fresh greens for an elegant scheme that channels colors found in the natural world – think of plants and water. Try zesty lime green with rich indigo blue for an up-to-date look.
- A three-color scheme is a basic but effective approach; try combining no more than two or three colors in a scheme, focusing either on primary or secondary tones. To create eye-catching contrasts, study the color wheel and look at opposing shade combinations, such as canary yellow and grey, or electric blue and hot pink.
- Neutral color blocking, combining monochromes and soft tones, such as black, white and gray is also effective, but be prepared to edit a scheme strictly for maximum effect. Accessories are also an important color blocking tool – vibrant, block colored living room seating ideas against a contrasting block panel will set off a scheme.
‘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 Designer-Approved Interior Color Schemes To Try Now
Design: West of Main, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
In interior design, two colors are better than one, and three are better than two. But with thousands of colors and millions of shades to choose from, how could you possibly create a combination that works? The answer: With some professional guidance.
We tapped 20 interior designers for the tried and true color schemes they find themselves revisiting time after time. Whether you prefer rich colors with a glamorous feel or cool tones that look coastal chic, here are 20 pairings to incorporate in every room of your home.
01 of 20
Design: Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Almost everyone loves blue, and it's easy to see why.
"One of my favorite color schemes is a simple Parisian grayish-blue paired with natural beige tones and the addition of gold hardware," Valerie Darden, head designer of Brexton Cole Interiors says. "I mixed this combo together for this master bedroom, using Sherwin Williams' Silver Grey on the walls. I was inspired by Marie Antionette! It gives the room a calm and serene atmosphere."
02 of 20
Design: Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For a bold look, try green and red. We promise it won't look like Christmas.
"I love pairing hunter green and rich reds together, especially for boys' rooms," Darden says. "I like this color combo because it can give a vintage vibe to any room when paired with the right accessories. In this boy's bedroom, we went for the old-world collegiate look. The room looks adorable paired with plaids and a gallery wall mixed with vintage style frames and toys."
03 of 20
Design: Diana Weinstein, Photo: Jane Beiles, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Blue is extra calming, but a pop of bright colors can give it the oomph it needs.
"I love how fresh and young the bright pops of fluorescent hues make a soft blue wall color feel," designer Diana Weinstein says. "The boldness of these neons adds an edge to what is typically a more traditional design. The clients on this specific home didn't like to take risks with color, but we encouraged them to try out this rug and tweed armchairs with these fun pops of pinks and yellows and oranges in them. This is now their favorite room."
04 of 20
Design: Desiree Burns Interiors, Photo: Tamara Flanagan, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
If you're in the market for more earthy tones, green cannot be beat.
"I love incorporating pops of green as an accent color throughout a neutral home," Desiree Burns, the founder of Desiree Burns Interiors explains. "Bolder shades like forest green pack a big punch and make a beautiful impact, especially when combined with neutrals like light gray. It's a nice balance of a bold color counteracted by a neutral and works in almost any room! Whether you're going bohemian, rustic, farmhouse, contemporary, or glam, I think this color palette speaks to all different design styles."
05 of 20
Design: Latham Interiors, Photo: Mike Schirf, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
A classic color combination found everywhere from Cape Cod homes to beach California bungalows, a pairing of blue and white is never a bad idea.
"Shades of blue and white are a fan-favorite combination that people feel they can often rely on," Sarah Latham, the principal of Latham Interiors, says. "The classic pairing looks clean and fresh, and we often pair it with natural wood tones to add depth, color, and texture to any space. Our favorite blue is Newburyport Blue HC-155 by Benjamin Moore, and the best part is it can easily be translated into most décor styles from bohemian to rustic and traditional to farmhouse."
06 of 20
Design: Michelle Gage, Photo: Rebecca McAlpin, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For a more unexpected take on interiors, try a variation of pink and green.
"My favorite color scheme is pink and teal," Michelle Gage, the principal and founder of Michelle Gage Interior Design says. "There's something so perfect about how the pairing pops against one another. I love the soft and bright balance the combination brings to a room."
07 of 20
Design: Julia Alexander, Photo: Anna Yanovski, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For a cooler toned room, blues and greens give off a calm and easygoing vibe.
"A color scheme of graduated blues and greens with neutral tones, natural woods, and black accents is my favorite combination," designer Julia Alexander of Julia Alexander Interiors says. "To recreate the look, take one color and repeat it in shades lighter and darker throughout your space. The pale blueish-green walls in this bedroom, paired with a rich green velvet headboard, feel classic, timeless, and serene."
08 of 20
Design: Katherine Carter, Photo: Amy Bartlam, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Who says neutrals have to be boring? With pops of nearly cobalt blue, this space is anything but average.
"I love how elegant and chic black, blue and beige look and feel in this Venice beach home—the colors work so well together and add depth to this space," designer Katherine Carter explains. "With such versatile shades, this color scheme really works in any room in the house. However, for this project, we chose to keep it in living room, finding room, family room, and kitchen. For a modern contemporary look, make navy and black the primary colors and sprinkle in beige tones."
09 of 20
Design: Kelly Hurliman Interior Design, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
As they're both cool colors, green and blue always play well together.
"My all-time favorite color scheme is blue and green—it always works and, depending on the shades, can be super versatile," Kelly Hurliman of Kelly Hurliman Interior Design says. "Brighter tones can feel preppy and fresh, while dark shades give off a sophisticated, moody vibe. We went with Benjamin Moore's Polo Blue on the walls and added grass green art and decor into the mix in this room."
10 of 20
Design: Mindy Gayer Design Co., Photo: Vanessa Lentine, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For a more neutral, earthy take, try gray-green and add black and white.
"My favorite color scheme at the moment is grayish-green hues combined with black and white neutrals," designer Mindy Gayer, of Mindy Gayer Design Co. "I gravitate towards green colors to bring the outside in, and sage tones are also very soothing. I love how this combination boasts plenty of contrast while still maintaining a timeless quality."
11 of 20
Design: Jonathan Rachman, Photo: Suzanna Scott, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For an high-impact space, black and red make a bold statement.
"Any touch of color against black—preferably high-glossed black—makes for a winning combination," Jonathan Rachman of Jonathan Rachman Design says. "I love pairing it with red, because it's bold yet soft, and definitely a statement! There are so many shades of black, but for me it's blackest of the black possible that I love the most, such as Benjamin Moore Black."
12 of 20
Design: Diana Rose Design, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Looking for more of a modern coastal vibe? Blue, tan, and gray are for you.
"One of my favorite color combinations is blue, sand, and gray, as it evokes a sense of peace and comfort and boasts a clean, modern feel," Diana Rose, the principal and creative director of Diana Rose Design says. "Although it is adaptable for many environments, I especially love it for homes situated with water views. Other nature-inspired accents such as tan driftwood, green plants, white marble work with the nature-inspired color palette to evoke a feeling of water and the beach. "
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Design: Michelle Berwick, Photo: Larry Arnal, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Pairing a strong shade, like black, with a lighter pastel, like blush pink, provides a great contrast.
"Ever since I was a little girl, my favorite color has always been blush pink—there's just something about it that makes me happy and calm," Michelle Berwick, the founder and principal designer of Michelle Berwick Design, says. "These days, I've found a way to use it in a way that feels fresh, modern, and not at all childlike.
Berwick suggests selecting a pink with "brown or putty undertones" like Queen Anne from Benjamin Moore.
"I love pairing this faint hue with black and mixing it with a host of other naturals, like white, tan, and putty shades," Berwick explains. "It complements many styles of interiors, including the trendy minimalist spaces we see today."
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Design: Kate Davidson, Photo: Lauren Miller, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For those drawn to mustard shades, try pairing it with a charcoal gray.
"My favorite color scheme at the moment is yellow and gray because it's both timeless and evokes modern sensibility," Kate Davidson of Kate + Co Design says. "Yellow brings a light-hearted feel and lifts the vibe of the muted gray tones but actually blends effortlessly into a home that does not have much color. The pair works in most spaces because it's gender-neutral and surprisingly brings quite a calming feel to any space."
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Design: West of Main, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
The two most popular neutrals of the moment, gray and brown, play well together too.
"When we work with cooler tones, such as grays, we bring in balance through warmer tones and textures," designer Sascha LaFleur of West of Main says. "For instance, we love using this deep charcoal grasscloth wallcovering that boasts hints of bronze when the light hits it just right, and pairing it with organic brown textures. Through decorative elements, we can bring in that beautiful warmth to even the coolest-toned rooms. "
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Design: West of Main, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
For a high-drama space without using a ton of color, pick neutral shades and include luxe fabrics.
"We love incorporating color through texture. Injecting color through texture creates drama, even if you still want to keep a neutral palette," La Fleur explains. "We paired this almond-colored linen headboard and dark wood nightstand with a textural moss-green grasscloth wallpaper and I believe these rich, moodier tones are certainly here to stay. Pair them with crisp, creamy whites to keep a fresh and inviting feel while developing some contrast with those deeper hues."
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Design: Courtney Sempliner, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
An ever popular choice, white paired with some bright colors always delights.
"To me, the most classic color scheme of all is a clean white palette with pops of colored accents throughout with the help of artwork and accessories, designer Courtney Sempliner says. "My go-to white paint for a blank canvas is Benjamin Moore's White Dove, which has just enough warmth to keep a space from being too stark, but still feels fresh and works with any other tones you bring into a room."
Interior Designers Have Spoken and These Are the Best White Paints
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Design: Courtney Sempliner, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Blue works in almost any space, especially when paired with easy neutrals.
"I love using a neutral blue color scheme in almost any space," Sempliner says. "A soft blue, combined with any whites, taupes, and grays, works well to provide a calming and warm environment while still feeling dynamic and fresh. For paint colors, two of my favorite blue tones are Borrowed Light by Farrow and Ball and Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore."
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Design: Mary Patton, Photo: Molly Culver, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
Greens are having a moment. To get in on the trend, try an emerald shade with a neutral.
"A medium green like this bold emerald shade paired with warm neutrals, like tan, is my current favorite color scheme," Mary Patton, the owner of Mary Patton Design says. "Calke Green by Farrow & Ball is the perfect shade to try a floor-to-ceiling paint job."
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Design: Marlaina Teich, Photo: Patrick Cline, Graphics: Sabrina Jiang for MyDomaine
A true classic, black and white will never go out of style.
"Classic black and white is a chic way of dressing up a more casual interior style, like the trendy modern farmhouse," Marlaina Teich of Marlaina Teich Designs says. "The key with making this simple color palette work is layering in texture, which you can do by varying up the paint finishes."
The 12 Interior Paint Colors Designers Can't Get Enough Of
Beautiful color schemes for your design
One way to spice up your design is to choose the right color combination.
It takes a trained eye to convey the feelings associated with a breathtaking scenery, a romantic sunset or a highlight; It takes experience to find the perfect shade combination and get your message across.
To save you time and effort looking for the perfect color combination, we've created a list of beautiful color schemes to use on any of your projects. nine0003
These color schemes are already available to you in Visme, so you can easily apply them to any of your designs; Just click on the color combination as shown below.
Apply any of these beautiful color schemes to your designs. Try it for free
Now that you've seen how to apply color schemes in Visme, here are 50 unique and vibrant color combinations. Our design team has designed them especially for you.
1 Sunset Blue Color Scheme
The combination of vibrant yellows and oranges with navy blues and terracotta makes this combination an eye-catcher for almost any design. Hidden here is a message of energy and vitality.
2 Retro Classic Color Combination
This is a combination of mostly dark colors ranging from dark greyish blue and dusty red to dusty orange; The combination is perfect for creating a subdued look. For simpler designs, you can only use the three primary colors. nine0003
3 Shimmer Blue & Green Combination
This is a mixture of rich and vibrant blue with soft yellow and dull beige; perfect if you want something more exciting and dynamic than the usual color combinations.
4 Sunset Over Pond Color Combination
This desaturated navy blue with soft yellows, bright oranges and reds makes this colorful combination suitable for a carefree youth theme. nine0003
5 Mediterranean Blues color scheme
This luxurious combination of grayish blue with navy blue and a range of browns evoke deep feelings; shades take us to the magical and mysterious Mediterranean atmosphere. The scheme is ideal for expensive travel designs.
6 Exotic Orchids color combination
A range of blues complemented by deep blues and bright oranges; the scheme is ideal for colorful, bright design. You can also choose the colors that best suit your design, such as the top navy blue as the main color and orange as the accent. nine0003
7 Sophisticated and Calm Color Combination
This color combination is versatile enough to be used in a variety of design projects, from those that have a sophisticated and upscale look to those that create a sense of calm and comfort.
8 Magenta and Yellow Color Combination
Pink combined with bright yellow and olive tones makes this palette refreshing and unconventional.
9 Color combination "Mountain peaks and clouds"
This combination of blue with dark green and dusty pink makes this color scheme versatile; ideal for professional and conservative design.
10 Sunset Orange Color Scheme
Dark pink and dark but transparent purple are combined here with soft red and orange to create a bright and colorful palette; it can be used in a variety of designs to convey energy and warmth.
11 1950s Vintage Color Scheme
For a classic retro look that evokes nostalgia: a unique color combination of desaturated blue and translucent orange, with the addition of blue and soft yellow. nine0003
12 Vibrant Retro color combination
This original combination of red, pink and bright orange makes this palette extremely attractive. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as combining the top three colors or just the bottom three colors in a design.
13 Ornamental Red-Yellow Color Combination
This palette consists of very dark reds and a range of yellow-orange hues. Choose from any of these colors to give your design a bold look. nine0003
14 Turquoise and Red Color Combination
This colorful image of ripe fruit gives birth to a unique combination of blue, cyan and pomegranate. If you choose to mix and match two or three colors at a time, you can create a range of palettes for your designs, from professional cool colors to more upbeat and energetic ones.
15 Sundew Blue Color Scheme
This image of a carnivorous plant in deep reds and browns contrasts with deep blues. nine0003
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16 70's Classic color combo
If you're looking for something reminiscent of the 70s, you can find plenty of color schemes in the image of a Volkswagen van cruising the beach.
17 Gothic color scheme
Normandy Cathedral inspired this scheme; it is suitable for cool, sophisticated and professional design.
18 Fiery Red Landscape Color Combination
Surrounded by clouds, this mesmerizing Swiss mountain holds a color scheme that includes black and a bunch of reds. nine0003
19 City Skyline Color Scheme
If you're looking for a modern and dynamic color scheme, you've come to the right place: the cityscape-inspired palette provides a unique group of colors to choose from.
20 Natural elegance
A beautiful portrait of the bride inspires this harmonious palette. It can be used in a wide range of designs to convey professionalism and conservatism or sophistication and natural elegance. nine0003
21 Summer Blueberry Color Match
This palette combines violets, deep pinks and yellows, reminiscent of a warm and sunny season.
22 At the Marina of the Bay color combination
These nautical colors are ideal for creating pleasant associations: the coolness and tranquility of an afternoon relaxing on the harbor in the bay, “watching the tide go down”.
23 Woodland Color Scheme
These olive and brown tones are great for ecology, nature and environment themes. nine0003
24 Old car and blue jeans
Here's another unique combination: dark blue and dark green, with a soft yellow and a hint of rust.
25 Berry Abundance Color Scheme
These juicy berry colors can be used two or three at a time, depending on your project. For example: you can achieve a monochromatic effect by using only the first three.
26 Refreshing & Invigorating Color Set
This breathtaking image of a stone arch in a national park was inspired by a fun and playful color scheme that will add a healthy dose of vitality to your design. nine0003
27 Serenity Color Set
This soothing color palette is reminiscent of a relaxing walk on the beach with the wind tossing your hair and seagulls roaring over the waves. The color scheme of green with gray undertones makes this scheme perfect for a variety of projects.
28 Aquamarine color scheme
This range of blues and greens is reminiscent of everything related to submarines, deep sea diving and ships.
29 Summer holiday color set
This mix of blue combined with beige and brown tones evokes the emotions associated with a cheerful summer day in the sun.
30 Dusk Moon Color Match
Looking for a Halloween theme? This orange and black set is perfect for any fall or Halloween related design.
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31 Swiss Meadows color scheme
Navy blue combined with gold and bronze in this combination is often found in the official colors of high school sports teams. However, pink adds a unique and colorful touch that will make your design stand out. nine0003
32 Tropical Wildlife
If you want to add energy to your design, you can do the following: apply all the colors in this scheme, or use two or three colors at a time (for example, three top or bottom colors).
33 Kid's Play Color Scheme
This playful yet stylish set combines navy blue, medium red, bright orange and greyish orange.
34 Hamburg Sunset Color Combination
The mesmerizing sunset in Hamburg is reminiscent of warm colors ranging from deep red and medium orange to greyish blue and greyish orange. nine0003
35 Lemon in Water color scheme
A mixture of soft yellow and olive with black and greyish purple creates a bold and eye-catching design.
36 Inspirational & Romantic color combination
A breathtaking sunset inspired a palette of deep pinks, violets and reds.
37 Riverside London Color Scheme
While this color palette is technically brown, orange and greyish red, it can be used as a monochrome scheme in any of your designs. nine0003
38 Black & Vivid Orange Color Combination
This high contrast scheme combines orange, black and dark grayish green.
39 Indian Fields Color Scheme
This exotic look is the inspiration for a colorful scheme that features a variety of greens and vibrant reds.
40 Jazz Night Color Combination
Choose two or three of these colors to add character to your design; you can use either the top two combined with a light greyish yellow, or the bottom three together. nine0003
41 "Bright and Energetic" Color Scheme
If you want to convey energy and warmth, then this color scheme will help. In it, cool colors are perfectly complemented by soft reds.
42 Natural Color Scheme
This combination of greens and browns is perfect for any environment or wildlife related design.
43 Czech Architecture color combination
This unique palette is reminiscent of the colorful facades of houses throughout Europe. You can use all colors at the same time, or stick to two or three colors for each individual project. nine0003
44 Accent Blue Color Scheme
If you're looking for a design that's sure to catch the eye, our advice is to choose a range of shades of gray complemented by the perfect soft blue accent.
45 Illusion Kaleidoscope Color Combination
Lime green combined with brown and peach results in a palette that can be divided into several other color combinations.
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- Simply copy and paste hex codes
- Use these colors in your presentations, prints, social graphics or any other visual content.
- Apply professional color schemes with one click
Sign up. It's free.
46 Winter Barn Color Scheme
Make your design stand out with this unique color scheme: a range of cool blues and distinctive dark reds. nine0003
47 Juicy and Fruity color combination
This cheerful combination of cold and warm colors creates associations related to food, healthy lifestyle, diet and nutrition.
48 Garlic Pink Color Scheme
Rich reds are complemented by light greyish magenta and deep red in this unusual scheme.
49 Colors of Nature Combination
A range of blues and browns makes this color scheme perfect for conveying consistency, lightness and dependability. nine0003
50 Oriental Luxury color combo
Delicate light purple, blue and dusty orange are paired here with navy blue and bright orange to add life and vibrancy to the scheme.
Use these color schemes in your next design
Ready to use one of these color combinations in your next design? Register your Visme account and enter hex codes right in the color picker!
Christmas Decoration Color Schemes 💡 Holidays | EN.HomeInteriorz.com
- How to choose a color scheme
- How to ensure consistency and harmony with your decor
- Tie it with ribbon
- Almost any shade can work
about the color scheme of your Christmas decorations. You will collect everything with sentimental value in any color and find a suitable place for it and your house and tree will be beautiful .
But if you're just starting out or want your decorations to complement your home decor, you'll find that all your Christmas decorations will be easier if you start with a specific color scheme.
How to Choose a
Color Scheme There are several ways to determine or choose the color scheme you want to follow your Christmas decorations. They include:
- Color scheme for your home
Focus on the colors you have in your home year and choose complementary colors that evoke a seasonal feel. Here are some more ways to find colors for the Christmas color scheme. -
Colors from your children's Christmas gifts
If you have especially happy memories of Christmas, try choosing a color theme for improve memory . If you love all things candy, choose a red and white color scheme. Did your tree have shiny silver tinsel laid over the boughs? You might like the silver glitter color scheme. How about bubbles from the 50s and 60s? Choose a color scheme that takes all of these colors into account. nine0003 -
Colors From Decorating Motif
Do you like juicy and light bubbly fruits? Then you can bring precious tones into all your Christmas decorations. Do you love rustic, earthy decorations? Then you might want to stick with greens, browns, and golds.
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Piece of fabric
If you have seen a beautiful fabric that would be spectacular in the center of your dinner table, paint your Christmas colors with fabric design Bring shades to all rooms for a unified look. -
Sentimental Collectible Christmas Decoration
Did you receive a special Christmas decoration from your childhood home? If so, make it the focal point and use the colors for it for your color scheme. They gave me a porcelain illuminated Christmas tree, which we had found on the table in our hall for many years. Of course, it is easy to decorate, but it is always important. nine0003
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Shades from your home
If your home has warm colors, it would be better to choose gold and reds for decoration rather than icy whites and silvers. Keep the feel of your home with harmonious decor . -
Photographs from magazines and books
Although the photographs may look casual and live, most of the photo layouts from magazines and books are "posed" by professional designers. Use your ideas to bring the color scheme and design into your home. nine0003 -
Holiday Gift Wrapping
You can see many color schemes used in Christmas gift wrapping. See which ones you like and think about the style, motifs and colors featured. Choose paper that will look good in your home and find more decorations to place throughout your home. -
Ribbons
Almost any Christmas decoration is enhanced by the addition of ribbons and bows, there are many. If you find a ribbon that you particularly like, use the colors for a decorating scheme in your home. nine0003
How to ensure consistency and harmony with your decor
Once you've chosen a color scheme, it's a good idea to carry color through all adjoining rooms to make look coherent and harmonious.
There are some general rules when bringing a Christmas (or any seasonal temporary) color scheme into your home.
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Match your interior
If your home has a modern interior in black and white and chrome, don't try to create a rustic space with wicker bars and bird nests. Focus on space like silver, white, glitter and crystals while maintaining a minimalist look. nine0003On the other hand, if your home is decorated in warm, colorful colors, don't try to make it fancy and sophisticated with silver and white Christmas decorations. Choose colors from the decoration plan and display them for your Christmas decor.
To sum it up, if the space is warm and cozy, choose Christmas decorations in shapes and colors that retain that feeling. If the space is cool and sleek, choose decorations that are also graceful and sophisticated. nine0003
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Moving from room to room
For continuity through your home, coordinate your Christmas decorations from room to room. Don't use silver and white icicles in one room and rustic twigs and chintz decorations in the next room.Try to repeat the main decorations in each room. Decorations don't have to be the same, but bring colors from one room to another. Try to find jewelry that has multiple colors. Then use one of the primary colors in one room, another in the next room, and a third color in the third room. Tie the spaces together with a shared garland or decorative ribbons. nine0003
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Why color is so important
Color evokes strong emotions in people, and the colors chosen for a Christmas color scheme can be more important than the items chosen for decorations.Consider going into a room that is black. Black walls, black floors, black furniture, black lights. Then see a bowl of round silver sparkling jewelry in a black bowl. The silver jewelry is the only thing you really see. Jewelry can be green, red, gold or purple, but it will still grab your attention. nine0003
Now think of a white room. White walls and everything else is white. What will attract your eye the most? Something, nothing, it's not white.
Choose the colors you like best for your Christmas decoration. Choose something that will catch your eye and make you feel joyful and festive.
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Monochromatic Color Scheme
If you like harmonious looks, all in the color family, you can choose Monochromatic Color Scheme , But that doesn't mean everything will be the same color. In fact, your monochromatic color scheme will be much more dramatic if you choose elements in many shades of your chosen color.If red is your color, think of all the shades of red. Start at the pink end and work your way up to fuchsia, rose, cherry, firework, ruby, cranberry, burgundy, and burgundy. You got this idea. Find balloons, bows, garlands and other decorations in every shade of red. This is a monochromatic color scheme. nine0003
Do the same with greens, blues, purples, whites, silvers, golds - whatever color you choose.
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Use color to add texture
Even with a monochromatic scheme, it's important to have some texture for interest. A tree decorated with only balls can look boring. Use garlands, different finishes on balloons, ribbons, noses to add different textures and balance. -
Warm colors and cool colors
Certain colors are known to evoke special feelings. Reds, yellows and golds are warm colors. Blue, white and silver are cool colors. If you choose a snow scheme, you will probably aim for cool colors. If you were focusing on the cozy feel of a winter fireplace, you would go for warm colors. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to warm up in warm colors. If you live in a tropical area, you can bring the coolness of icicles into your home this time of year. nine0003
Tie it with ribbon
Christmas decorations are temporary and can be over the top and fancy. Bows and ribbon can be a unifying element in holiday decor. Use the same ribbon in every room, or buy matching ribbons in contrasting colors (like gold ribbon with red stripes and red ribbon with gold stripes) to use in different rooms. Get different widths of the same designer ribbon so you can use narrower candle holders and wider on wreaths and garlands. nine0003
Use ribbons and bows to add color and festive cheer to garlands, wreaths, mantles, pigs and candle holders. Learn an easy way to make flower bows to use anywhere in your home.
Wire Edge French Ribbons cost more than regular soft ribbons but are a great investment as they can be used year after year. With wired edges, you can make the perfect bow by arranging the loops and tails any way you like for the best effect. nine0003
Be sure to purchase more ribbon than you need. You may not be able to find more later.
Almost any shade can work
While red, green, gold and silver are favorite choices for Christmas colors, just about any shade can make a beautifully decorated home for the holidays.