Modern room paint designs

40 Best Bedroom Colors 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

80+ selected photos and contemporary examples of finishes

Pros and cons of painted walls

At first glance, this is the easiest type of wall decoration, the market offers a wide range of interior paints that are odorless and dry quickly. There are some things to consider when painting walls.

Advantages:

large selection, use of color;
no harmful fumes when drying interior paint;
you can paint the walls yourself;
A simple decor can be made using a template and texture roller.

Disadvantages:

wall preparation is more difficult;
emphasizes the unevenness of the wall;
when re-painting, the previous layer will need to be removed.

The photo shows a gray bedroom with a brick wall and smooth plastered walls, red decor is a bright accent of the interior.

Paints

Alkyd paints

Paint based on alkyd resin, used for painting wood and metal, plaster. After drying, they do not harm health, do not let in moisture and do not change color.
Oily dries for a long time due to the oil base on drying oil, it is used for outdoor work due to harmful fumes. Over time, yellowness appears in color.
Enamel has a distinct gloss due to the lacquer base, it is used for painting any surfaces outside and inside the room. Protects against corrosion, resistant to light and damp environments.

Emulsion paints

Economical in application, other types of paints can be used over them, they do not have an unpleasant odor.

Acrylic is applied to well-dried walls, suitable for painting walls in rooms with low humidity. Gives in to a good tinting, keeps the color and under the sun. It does not allow steam and moisture to pass through, it is better than others resistant to mechanical stress.
Latex resistant to washing and friction, dries quickly, hides small cracks, used for painting wallpaper, plaster, brick. May change color when exposed to sunlight.
Water-based emulsion loses its brightness over time due to washing off of color, is suitable for creating relief and texture, has high strength and hides small cracks, reinforcing them.
Silicone based on silicone resins has high ductility, forms a waterproof film, hides small cracks, is applied to any surface. It is compatible with other emulsion paints and does not allow the development of bacteria.

Textured paint

Looks unusual compared to ordinary painted walls, suitable for interior decoration and creating a unique interior. It happens on a mineral, silicone, acrylic basis.

Apply with a sponge, dipping, if the area to be painted is small, with a textured hard roller with teeth, an adhesive comb, a metal spatula. The relief is created by filler particles.

Combination with other materials

In the interior, 2-3 types of wall decoration are often used in order to diversify the design.

Wallpaper and painting

Combined in the case of finishing the ceiling with wallpaper and the walls with paint, creating an accent on the painted wall, combinations bottom - paint, top - wallpaper. There are also special wallpapers for painting, which can be repainted several times.

Wall mural and painting

Used in the kitchen, corridor and toilet. The walls are exposed to moisture, so photo wallpapers are used for decoration.

In the photo, the interior of the bedroom with photo wallpapers and neutral walls, the podium serves as a closet.

Plastering and painting

Plastering can be painted on top of the bark beetle to give relief to the walls, or combined with painted adjacent walls in the interior of the toilet, kitchen and hallway.

Wood and painting

A wooden wall made of beams or laminate is combined with a plain wall painting in the interior of an attic, living room, country house.

Stone and paint

Suitable for a fireplace wall in a living room, country style kitchen or chalet, where the backsplash is made of cut stone, and the rest of the walls are painted in a solid or transitional color. Brick and painting are suitable for decorating a Provence or loft style kitchen.

Brick and painting

Brick can be white or red, and the paint is the same as the brick, or different in color.

The photo shows an eco-kitchen with olive walls and a brick wall.

3d panels and painting

3d panels are suitable for simple but unusual interior design. Plain walls with volumetric panels are suitable for a discreet and stylish design, while two-tone painted walls with color panels look good in a nursery or in an abstract interior.

Design options

Plain walls are chosen for discreet interiors, such walls serve as a neutral canvas for expressing style in furniture and accessories.

Painting with two different colors

Painting walls with two different colors is a smart way to visually enlarge a room, change the perception of the geometry of asymmetrical walls, or just to emphasize one wall. One wall can be painted with two different colors.

Painting in different colors (more than two)

Painting with several colors in one range or a combination of contrasting colors will become an independent decor in the interior. It can be stripes, vertical or horizontal separation of walls, painting all 4 walls in different colors. Within the same room, it is better to make one color the main one, and leave the remaining 2-3 colors as auxiliary.

In the photo, one of the walls is painted with uneven geometric stripes in three colors using masking tape.

Stencils

You can design your own with stencils and templates by cutting them out of paper and attaching them to the wall. You can also draw borders for the design using masking tape glued to the dried base color.

Stripe design

Paint stripes elongate or expand walls, changing the perception of a room depending on the location, color and frequency of the stripes.

Patterns and ornaments

Suitable for a nursery, you can draw a house, a fence, trees, ethnic ornaments, monograms on the walls of the child's bedroom interior.

Streaks

May be organized or chaotic, created with a brush on wet wall paint.

Cracks or craquelure effect

Created using acrylic paint and craquelure varnish, the more varnish, the deeper the cracks. The roller during application must be held vertically so that the cracks are uniform.

In the photo, the accent wall of the bedroom is made in the technique of cracked paint with a backing to match the walls.

Brick effect

Imitation of brick can be done with plaster on a lined wall and traced seams on wet material. After the plaster has dried, 2 coats of paint are applied.

Square painting

Can be done with templates or masking tape. Squares can be plain or colored, of different sizes and positions on the wall.

Texture design

Created by painting the walls with textured paint, which contains acrylic particles and starch. It happens in a dry and liquid state, it can also be tinted. Applied with regular or textured roller. For interior design, a special textured paint for interior work is suitable.

Gradient and ombre

Suitable for visually increasing the ceiling, if the dark color near the floor fades into white. A gradient or a smooth transition of color can be horizontal and vertical, with a transition to an adjacent wall. It is created with 2 or more colors, where at the junction of colors, using a dry roller or brush, a dark color is stretched onto a light zone in one direction.

The photo shows an ombre-painted partition wall with a smooth smoky transition from gray to white closer to the ceiling.

Using a textured roller or sponge

Effects with a textured roller or sponge are made on a uniformly painted wall, creating the effect of watercolor, bark beetle, waves, cracks, velor or mosaic.

Painting

Artistic painting in ethnic technique, depicting a view of nature, animals and reproductions will become an individual feature of the interior with wall painting.

Design with moldings or panels

Creates the effect of niches or furniture fronts, adds volume. Molding can be colored or white, made of wood, duropolymer, gypsum.

Wall paint color

White

Often used on its own in Scandinavian and other modern interiors, it is also a companion to bright, warm and cool colors.

Beige

It does not draw attention to itself, it acts as a background for furniture, used in classic and modern design. It is combined with white, gold and black painting.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with a white matte set and beige walls, where a light laminate matches the paint tone.

Brown

Brown in the hue of coffee, chocolate, with wood texture is combined with other natural colors, stone in the interior.

Green

Green in shades of ocher and pistachio soothes, suitable for the bedroom and hall. Light green and herbal are bright colors, suitable for a nursery, kitchen. It is combined with raspberry, brown, yellow, white.

Gray

Used as a background for loft style and modern interiors, combined with red, black and white, carrot orange.

Blue

Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries in classic and nautical style. It is also a common wall color in the bathroom.

The photo shows a gray-blue interior with plain walls and classic shelves. The green accent makes the living room brighter.

Blue

Suitable for southern rooms with an abundance of summer sunshine, combined with green, white, blue and red.

Yellow

Yellow for sunny interiors or rooms with poor lighting, combined with orange, green, white.

Lilac

Creates a Provence atmosphere in the kitchen, suitable for any room and combined with natural pastel colors.

Violet

Like a magical amethyst, it draws attention to the interior, is used in spacious rooms or combined with white wall paint.

Red

As the most active and energetically independent color, it does not need to be supplemented, but if the apartment is small, it is better to combine red with gold, beige, white. Against its background, white furniture or a set looks good.

Pictured is a two-tone painting with a tomato red accent wall, which has shelves and a chest of drawers made of natural wood.

Orange

Like yellow, it adds color to the interior, it is combined with all shades of green, black, gray. Used for balcony, bathroom, hallway.

Pink

Pink in pale shades is used for the interior of the bedroom, nursery, they draw stripes and patterns using a stencil. Combines with pale blue, white, black, lemon.

Black

In the interior, it often acts as a delineation or as a pattern, a companion color, it is used independently in large rooms and acts as a backdrop for light furniture.

Features of painting walls of different materials

Wooden walls

Painted wooden walls not only look aesthetically pleasing, but also prolong the life of the wood. From interior doors or walls made of wood, before painting, you need to remove the old coating and treat it with stain. After drying, 1-2 layers of alkyd or acrylic paint are applied.

Pictured is a pale yellow painted wood paneling in a classic bedroom interior with gray baseboards and light flooring.

Brick walls

Before painting, clean and wash with water, a week after that all moisture will come out and it will be possible to prime the surface and paint the brick with interior acrylic or alkyd paint. You can age the brick or create smudges. You can use a contrasting color for the seam.

Concrete walls

Before painting, clean, make the surface even and free from cracks, prime, allow to dry and apply epoxy or latex. A second layer must be applied immediately to the entire surface of the wall so that there are no differences in shade.

Wallpaper

Paintable wallpaper is convenient in that it can be repainted without driving the pigment into the walls. Such wallpaper can also be removed without grinding and cleaning the surface. Wallpaper paint is water-based without solvents. Textured wallpapers make it easier to work and hide the unevenness of the walls.

Gypsum board

Gypsum board on a wall or ceiling is painted after the joints and all drywall have been puttied, sanded and primed. Use acrylic or silicone paint, which is plastic and creates a protective film.

Plaster

Plaster must be painted on a clean, dry surface. If chips were noticed during the preparation of the wall, they need to be cleaned and compacted. It is painted with a roller in 2 layers with maximum filling of the pores.

Photos in the interior of the rooms

Kitchen

The kitchen, as a room where the walls need to be cleaned, needs water-based painting with acrylic or latex paints. Neutral colors, contrasting or matching the headset are suitable for the kitchen interior.

Children's room

Children's room can be painted with special marking paints, they are water-based and dry quickly. There are also paints with silver ions that do not absorb moisture and allow you to paint on top of ordinary watercolors. Color stencil designs, stripes, patterns, letters and numbers will do. The interior can be easily replaced by painting the walls in a new color.

Living room

Living room as a space for creativity, can combine stone finishes and painted walls, several colors and different designs. Suitable water-soluble, textured painting or a combination of colors in the interior.

The photo shows a living room interior with a wooden ceiling and plain light walls in a country style with an emphasis on furniture from different categories and color palettes.

Bedroom

The bedroom has a calm atmosphere and cozy interior, so you need to choose neutral, natural colors. In the interior, it is better to avoid bright colors or use them as an accent on the wall at the head of the bed. Suitable stencil drawing, textured painting, stripes and ornaments.

Bathroom and toilet

Bathroom and toilet as wet rooms should be painted with acrylic, latex, silicone paint. Oil painting is not recommended due to the high drying time and harmful odour. You need to paint those areas that do not get water, the area near the sink and bathroom needs to be tiled.

Traditionally, the interior uses a combination of blue and white, white and orange or yellow. For the toilet, painting can be combined with vinyl or photo wallpaper.

Balcony or loggia

Balcony or loggia must be protected with paint from corrosion and fungus. For the interior of an open balcony or loggia, which is separated from the apartment, only paint for outdoor use is suitable. For wooden lining, water-based paints are suitable, for brick or plastic - varnish.

It is often stuffy on the balcony, so a cold palette of colors is suitable, white and orange are also used. When painting, it is important to choose a sunny day without a rain forecast.

Entrance hall

Entrance hall or hallway can be painted in ombre technique with the transition of orange to white ceiling. Water-based paints of light shades are used, a combination with decorative stone or textured plaster. A narrow corridor can be expanded with 2-3 horizontal stripes.

Decor styles

Modern

The style uses a single or two-tone wall painting, combining white with another color. In the interior of the nursery, bright details are used in stripes, drawings on the wall. The emphasis is on practicality, so an unobtrusive palette and combinations are used.

Minimalism

Minimalism can be seen in solid colors, combinations of gray or pale blue with white, decor with wide stripes. Sometimes the interior uses contrasting molding or textured paint.

Loft

The interior is not limited to a specific color palette, the design is used more often only on an accent wall. Also, brickwork can be painted in ombre technology.

Classic

In the interior it is expressed in a neutral light background with golden, white monograms, in blue or black ornament, which is emphasized by tassels and fringes on velvet curtains of emerald or ruby color.

Provence

Provence or French summer gloss of the interior is recognizable in pink, mint or blue walls, olive shade of curtains and textiles. Walls in the interior can be plain or striped. To create individuality, you can make an artistic painting on the wall in the form of an open window on the summer fields of Provence.

Pictured is a turquoise Provence-style bedroom with plain walls, classic furniture and floral textiles.

Country

The interior uses a combination of natural timber or stone with brown, mustard, whitewash textured paint.

Scandinavian

The interior is as practical and bright as possible, so the walls are creamy, white, less often - sand, blue. Stripes, molding, 3D panels, a white brick wall are suitable for decoration.

Wall painting as one of the types of finishing is used not only for external, but also for internal work due to paints that are odorless, dry quickly and do not harm health.

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Content of the article:

For most living spaces, the choice of wall finishes is not very large: wallpapering, plastering and painting. If the solution with wallpaper does not suit you, then the best option is to paint the walls in the apartment: it does not require experience and certain skills.

Residential paints

The main requirement for residential paints is that they are harmless. Paints must be environmentally friendly, do not emit harmful fumes and do not have any odor after drying.

Decorative finish, vapor permeability and sun resistance are considered to be the defining characteristics for such paints.

For painting a child's room, durability and resistance to water are also important characteristics of the paint.

Water-based paints

Water-based paints are best suited for living room wall coverings. They are made on a different basis and have different qualities, but they have common features: harmlessness and almost complete absence of smell both at the stage of painting and after drying, environmental friendliness and fast drying speed.

Water-based paints

Another name for this group of paints is water-soluble or water-dispersion. Water acts as a solvent, so the walls covered with such paint dry quickly and do not have a pronounced odor.

One of the characteristics of ease of use when painting is the hiding power of paint, that is, its consumption per 1 square meter of surface. Water-based paints have good indicators of this characteristic. Consumption when painting walls with water-based paint is quite economical, and to obtain an even color, it is enough to apply two layers of paint. Polyvinyl acetate acts as a binder for standard water-based paints.

Waterborne paints have good vapor permeability, which makes them breathable. This type of paint is suitable for application on almost any wall surface material: concrete, plaster, wood, drywall, paintable wallpaper, gypsum, brick, chipboard.

Water-based paints are excellently tinted. Of course, you can purchase ready-made paint from the manufacturer - however, the choice of palette will still be limited.

Tinting, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to choose from hundreds and thousands of shades for the most refined taste, in addition, you can always choose the right shade to eliminate imperfections on a previously painted surface.

The most common type of water-based paints is their main advantage - low price. However, water-based paints have a number of disadvantages. The first drawback follows from their origin - they are afraid of water.

The maximum that can be allowed is to wipe them several times with a damp cloth, and even then not all shades will survive such treatment. The second disadvantage is insufficient wear resistance. Mechanical and abrasive effects leave noticeable damage on it.

The third disadvantage is the high demands on the smoothness of the wall surface. Water-based paints practically do not have the ability to brighten up the bumps and cracks in the wall.

Silicone paints in water

These paints are based on emulsified silicone resins. A distinctive feature of silicone paints is an almost perfect surface after drying, which is not wetted by water.

It does not retain dirt and dust particles, it is extremely resistant to UV light, which makes silicone paint an excellent choice not only for indoor but also for outdoor use.

Silicone paint excellently levels the surface - it is able to close cracks up to 2 mm deep. The disadvantage of these paints is practically one - the high cost.

Acrylic water-dispersion paints

Price/quality ratio is the best choice. Based on acrylic resins, when dried, they form a hard film that is resistant to damage.

Being in the price range below silicone paints, they have a wide range of positive characteristics: they paint over cracks up to 1 mm deep, do not fade, are well tinted, washable, and have good vapor permeability.

Decorative Textured Paints

As you can see in the photo, painting walls with textured paints using various painting tools allows you to achieve a surface with a certain relief, pattern and effect.

For this, a variety of rollers, spatulas, brushes of various sizes, stencils for painting walls, and in some cases an airbrush are used.