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Paint for living room ideas


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.

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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

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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.

11 Best White Paint Colors 2022, According to Interior Designers

imaginimaGetty Images

Contrary to popular belief, there are as many shades of white as there are blue, red, and any other hue on the color wheel. Therefore, this can make finding the perfect white paint colors tricky. Overall, there are several factors to consider including undertones, brightness, and, of course, the room that’s about to undergo a makeover. Lucky for you, we’ve tapped several industry experts for foolproof advice.

Despite the overwhelming possibilities, white is hands down a solid paint color because it goes with everything and can easily set the mood of a space. Additionally, white-painted rooms tend to feel brighter and bigger (two much-welcomed benefits in design).

"I agree that white is the hardest color for most people to pick because there are so many options," Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and Clare paint founder, tells House Beautiful. However, this means versatility and she goes on to reveal all the best places to incorporate the shade. "In a north-facing room, you’ll want a warm white to balance out the cold light," Gibbons adds. "In a south-facing room, cooler whites counteract the yellowness of the bright sunshine."

Scroll on and you'll see all the points above in action alongside specific white paint colors that should be on your radar. A number of other interior designers and industry experts from Farrow & Ball to Benjamin Moore also weigh in on best-selling paints. Keep reading and consider this your ultimate guide to choosing the perfect paint for you.

Benjamin Moore

Chantilly Lace

David A. Land

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Super White

Benjamin Moore

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Paper White

PETER MURDOCK

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Frostine

JAMES MERRELL

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Pale Oak

NICOLE FRANZEN

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Cloud Cover

MAX KIM BEE

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Decorator's White

JOSHUA MCHUGH

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore

Simply White

REBECCA MCALPIN

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

Sherwin-Williams

Pure White

SHAYNA FONTANA

$45 AT SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

Farrow & Ball

All White

WINNIE AU

$130 AT FARROW & BALL

Benjamin Moore

Swiss Coffee

MATHEW MILLMAN

$99 AT BENJAMIN MOORE

What is the most popular white paint color?

What's considered on-trend changes all the time, but as of right now, the most popular white paint color is the Sherwin-Williams Pure White.

What are the different shades of white paint?

There are way too many white paint colors to count. To make things easier on yourself, just know that they can all be organized into five categories: warm, cool, bright, soft, and true. Keep this in mind when making your selection!

Why trust us?

You can count on all this information here because we went out and spoke to several industry experts. Furthermore, as design editors, we understand the versatility of white paint colors and laid out exactly what you should look for when narrowing down your specific shade.

Emma Bazilian Senior Features Editor Emma Bazilian is a writer and editor covering interior design, market trends and culture.

Jessica Cherner Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.

types, how to choose, ideas for interiors

The right choice of wall paint will make repairs more comfortable and faster. To date, there is a huge variety of paints in composition, color, as well as the effect that you want to get in the end. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is necessary to take into account the individual properties, pros and cons of each material. Our article will talk about the most relevant types of wall paint, their advantages, application in different rooms, as well as the criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing. nine0005

Colors

If you decide to find a worthy alternative to wallpaper or renovate already painted walls, then it's time to find out about the most popular types of paints offered by manufacturers:

Silicone Wall Paint

A unique type of wall covering that has the ability to self-clean. This has a positive effect on the absence of stains, dirt and dusty streaks. Silicone paint is used in different rooms of the house or office because it has a high environmental friendliness and proven durability. Such a coating often masks scratches up to 3 mm in size. The composition of this paintwork material may contain antibacterial elements, which is also a distinctive characteristic. nine0005

Acrylic wall paint

She became famous for her elasticity and high moisture resistance. The external variety of colors is very rich in interesting shades. Another significant advantage is the fact that if you wish, you can create your own original shade right in the store. A special machine mixes different pigments, and you become the creator of an interesting new tone for your home.

Latex Wall Paint

This is a very good option for painting old wallpapers. This is evidenced by low vapor permeability, ease of washing, as well as durability. Appearance may differ in brightness or neutral tones. Because of its durability, latex paint is popular in kindergartens, schools, and other educational or recreational settings. nine0005

Water based wall paint

One of the most budgetary types of wall covering. The composition includes a combination of different pigments that dissolve in water. The advantages of water-based paint include environmental friendliness, brightness, and ease of care (simple detergents are used for cleaning).

Alkyd enamels

The design of this type of wall paint may vary. There are matte, semi-gloss and glossy options. Among the distinctive properties are resistance to abrasion and aesthetic appearance. Alkyd enamels dry quite quickly (compared to other types of paints and varnishes), but have a slightly pungent odor that takes some time to fade. nine0005

Paint in the interior of different rooms

The choice of paint and varnish material for the wall surface should depend not only on the properties and appearance of the product, but also on the purpose for different rooms.

Bedroom Wall Paint

An emulsion and silicone base is perfect for a cozy sleeping corner. The first one perfectly masks any irregularities, cracks and scratches on the walls, absorbs excess moisture, and the second, with its environmental friendliness, is suitable even for allergy sufferers. As for the structure, it is best to give preference to matte paints for the bedroom. nine0005

Living room wall paint

Here it would be optimal to use bright alkyd enamel, latex or acrylic paint. A latex product can well cover the remains of an old repair, acrylic paint will delight you with moisture resistance, and alkyd enamel will perfectly fit into a bright design that is filled with rich colors.

Children's room wall paint

For this room, it is very important to use acrylic paint, which is easily washed off. The composition must be characterized by zero emission. This indicates the absence of any harmful components. Another good option for decorating a child's room is to use glue paints, which are also beautiful and safe. nine0005

Kitchen wall paint

The kitchen space is often the hardest thing to keep perfectly clean, so you should look at acrylic paint (walls can be touched up and refreshed at any time necessary) or silicone product, which has become famous for its high durability.

Hallway wall paint

The best choice would be acrylic-latex (combined) or latex paint, which is resistant to chemical and mechanical damage, easy abrasion and has a huge variety of colors. nine0005

How to choose wall paint

Expert advice will help you choose your wall covering twice as fast and with confidence. The first thing to consider when choosing wall paint is that you first need to decide on the color scheme of the furniture, and only after that - on the tone of the finish. It also does not hurt to recreate the room of your dreams in the form of a computer or paper drawing using the colors you like. This will help you look at the big picture from the outside and understand whether you want to give this appearance to a particular room. It is worth remembering that the color of the floor and wall covering should not differ by more than half a tone. Then the interior design will look aesthetically pleasing and elegant, and not flashy. nine0005

For those who have not yet decided on the right option, it is worth buying several washable probes of different shades and painting different parts of the room in order to look at the result and make the right decision.

A matte base can easily hide all wall imperfections, while a glossy base can emphasize them. Therefore, the first coating is good to use on already painted walls, and the second will be relevant for primary repairs or for a completely flat and cleaned surface.

The palette should be harmonious not only in one selected room, but throughout the house. The rooms should complement each other, creating a common beautiful background. It must be remembered that the color solution should also depend on the chosen style solution. Each interior design has its own successful range of colors. nine0005

Wall paint - Photo

The photos we have chosen will help you get acquainted with the current types of wall paints, see how they look in the interiors of different rooms, and also choose the right wall covering. Enjoy watching!

features and selection rules (60 photos in the interior)

Selection features

By choosing the color scheme of the walls, you can visually increase or decrease the size of the living room.

Factors affecting the choice of color:

For compact living rooms, light colors are suitable, thanks to which the area of ​​​​the room will appear larger. Successfully complement the interior, in harmony with the overall color, a pattern on one of the walls. nine0005

In spacious rooms, the possibilities for realizing fantasies are much greater. The color palette can be with a soft transition or contrast.

Vertical stripes on the wall will stretch the space, while horizontal stripes will expand it.

Wall color and cardinal direction

When choosing the color of the walls for the living room, you should pay attention to the lighting of the room. The same shade in natural and artificial light will look completely different. nine0005

Turning the room to one of the cardinal directions also affects the overall "picture". Soft and warm shades are suitable for the north side, they compensate for the lack of sunlight. It can be yellow, green, beige or chocolate.

If the windows face south, then the living room can be cold shades, as there is enough daylight in the room. Sky blue, turquoise and white.

For the east side, it is better to use warm light colors, for example, soft pink, honey, peach. nine0005

For a west-facing living room, cool colors should be preferred. The walls can be painted in gray, blue, mint.

Feng Shui Wall Color

Feng Shui is an ancient and very interesting theory, the purpose of which is to have a beneficial effect on life with the help of objects and colors. It is believed that any colors affect the energy of the house and affect the spiritual state of a person.

According to the rules of Feng Shui, the color palette of the living room can be chosen according to the principle of masculine or feminine, or based on which side of the world the room faces. nine0005

Light and warm colors such as red, yellow, green and white are masculine.

Dark and deep colors are assigned to the female part, for example blue, purple, black.

For a living room located on the north side, blue is suitable. Shades of blue promote relaxation, reduce activity. As an interior design, you can choose paintings depicting reservoirs.


For the southern part, it is better to choose orange and red walls, they protect against negative energy and increase vitality. These colors should be treated with care. According to the theory of Feng Shui, red color can increase blood pressure and has a negative effect on the nervous system. For the living room, it is better to use more muted shades of these colors, soft coral and peach. Red

For northeastern and western rooms, it is better to use a cream, beige and honey palette. Colors enhance mood, vigor and inspire optimism. nine0005

Popular living room colors

Beige

Beige is versatile and looks great in almost any style. The living room will turn out warm and cozy, the character of the room can be changed with the help of decor. The finish may be brickwork or unusual paint application.

Gray

A modern and trendy color that is often used to create loft, classic, modern styles. The walls of the room can be complicated by a variety of textures and geometric shapes. nine0005

Light blue

Various shades of blue have a relaxing effect. For people with a high load, it will be the best solution for decorating a living room. Corresponds to oriental, nautical, mediterranean and shabby chic style.

White

White is considered a neutral color, but by playing with colors you can create absolutely any interior. It has a lot of shades, and thanks to the complex application to the walls, the living room will turn out to be original and completely unusual. White walls will be the base for creating the character of the living room. For a dark living room, white will be a salvation, there will be more light in the room. nine0005

Decor elements will make the interior simple and refreshing, or vice versa, will give comfort and warmth.

Green

A trendy color in recent years, which is associated with greenery and nature. The walls can be painted in different shades, zoning the space of the room. Wallpaper with a bright print will emphasize the eco-style of the living room.

In addition, green has a beneficial effect on vision and has relaxing properties.

Yellow

A bright, summery and sunny color, it is subconsciously associated with something warm and pleasant. Suitable for covering the walls of a spacious living room.

Too bright and poisonous shade of yellow in a living room of a small area will put pressure, while pastel and light colors will contribute to communication, increase attention and mood.

Olive

Olive is a shade of green, it envelops with its noble shade and gives a feeling of comfort.

Wall decoration in olive color will look harmoniously in classic, Scandinavian and country style.

Peach

Peach-colored walls will fill the interior with rich colors of summer and early autumn. Suitable for classic, modern and fusion styles.

Peach is combined with gray, turquoise and burgundy.

Turquoise

Painting the walls in turquoise will give a feeling of freshness and spaciousness to the living room. It has a different color depth from weightless pastel to rich and deep. It is combined with almost any paint without overloading the overall interior of the room. nine0005

Color combination

Monochromatic use of shades of the same color allows you to visually preserve and increase the area of ​​the room. Each color has many shades, their combination options will create an original and unique interior of the living room.

Without overloading the interior, by painting the walls in different shades, you can zone the space or focus on a certain area.

The neutral color of the walls gives more room for fantasy. Muted and delicate shades are suitable for the classic style of living room design. nine0005

Furniture or decorative elements that become boring over time will change the character and style of the living room. Walls in a neutral color can be set off with bright accents in the decor of the living room. For example, light gray in combination with beige will give home comfort. The calm colors of the walls will relax you after a hard day and will play in the evening sunset.

A contrasting combination for a more modern style.

This option is suitable for brave owners. With proper execution, combinations can be the most unexpected. nine0005

A harmonious combination of two colors of one half of the spectrum will give the living room an interior of the Garden of Eden. The walls of the room can be made using a gradient or a smooth transition of colors from one part of the living room to another.

The use of this method is preferable for spacious rooms, although, using light shades, a small living room will also be harmonious.

How to match the color of the walls with the color of the furniture

When creating the interior of a living room, it is worth deciding what the attention will be focused on. If the walls of the living room are rich and bright colors, then it is better to choose furniture elements of restrained and solid colors.

White furniture can be decorated with pillows that match the color of the walls

If you choose more restrained shades for painting the walls, bright furniture can become the main accent in the interior. The sofa, as an independent element of the living room or in tandem with armchairs of bright colors, will become the main object of attention in the room. nine0005

Also, the whole concept of the living room can be made in one color scheme. The interior will be discreet, but tasteful.

Interior color and style

Classic

Restrained and muted colors, such as green, blue, pear, match the classic style. As a rule, the walls are painted in one color or covered with wallpaper with a discreet pattern.

Contemporary

A living room designed in a modern style will allow you to use more colors. Walls can be bright colors such as turquoise, grey, blue or emerald green. nine0005

Most often, only one wall of the living room is painted in a bright color, in this case the space is not overloaded and does not create an oppressive feeling. In contrast with the bright color of the wall, light furniture will look interesting.

Country

Country style is directly associated with nature and rustic themes. Accordingly, the use of any natural shades is suitable.

Ceiling beams are considered a distinctive feature of the stylistic direction. nine0005

Wall colors can be painted in any natural shades, green, brown, grey.

Loft

The fashion trend used to create a modern living room. In the literal sense, the loft is translated as an attic or basement. Accordingly, the interior is performed mainly in cold colors.

The photo shows a loft-style living room, the accent wall is decorated with brickwork.

Scandinavian

The walls of the living room are made in light colors, white, beige, blue. A distinctive feature of the style is the maximum functionality and simplicity of the interior. nine0005

Provence

Provence style has a restrained palette. The walls are decorated in olive, lavender and other pastel colors.

Features of choosing colors for the kitchen-living room

To create the perfect interior, you should follow a number of rules: