Painted wall designs living room

30 top living room paint colors |

(Image credit: Future)

Adding color with paint is a quick and easy way to add style and personality to a living room. Whether your living room is an oasis of calm or home to a house full of children, nothing can transform a space like paint. Take a look at these brilliant living room paint ideas to inspire your own decorating scheme.

Color (even if you’re using neutrals) should be the first thing to consider when you are looking for living room ideas. Ensure your chosen hues work well in your room by applying testers of paint onto sheets of white paper, then tacking them onto each wall you’re thinking of using that color on.

Leave them up for a few days before making any final decisions, noticing how the light affects the color at different times of day, as well as checking they work well next to other elements, such as curtains or couches.

If you’re not confident in choosing a scheme, go with a pre-selected paint ideas palette already picked out by the paint brand you’re using, or follow our advice later on working with tonal, harmonizing and contrasting colors.

Living room paint ideas – 30 colors to inspire

If you are looking for living room color schemes, all inspired by paint colors, these are perfect, having been chosen for their suitability for living rooms, but also because they are on trend for the year ahead – yet ultimately timeless.

Choose living room paint ideas in tones that are right for the orientation of your room. East- and North-facing living rooms will need warmer shades than South- or West-facing living rooms.

Similarly, poorly lit rooms will benefit from lighter shades – unless, of course, you purposely choose to make your living room dark and cozy.

1. Create an ombré effect

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

One of the main entertaining spaces in the home, the living room is the perfect place to create a stunning feature paint effect to capture attention.

There is an array of living room feature wall ideas to choose from, but using paint can be a simple yet highly impactful way to create a unique design that reflects your style and personality.

In this living room, the collection of paint colors by Benjamin Moore , Pink Harmony, Salmon Peach and Dusk Pink work in harmony to create a unique, striped feature wall. This playful, adventurous design shows the versatility of working with paint in the living room, and how you don’t necessarily have to use decorative accessories or wallpaper to create a unique feature wall in a space.

2. Use a bright accent color

(Image credit: James Merrell)

In this living room, the use of the bright yellow accent color not only creates a unique focal point and design feature, but creates a stylish zone separation between two rooms.

The bright yellow accent creates a beautiful contrast with the cream paint on the walls and the soft, powder-blue painted shelving unit, adding a bold, contemporary twist to the space.

Whether you use paint to highlight architectural features in a living room, or paint a door or piece of furniture, accent colors can create impact and beautifully elevate a room.

3. Match with furniture

(Image credit: James Merrell)

If you want to paint your living room but are struggling to pick the right shade, matching the paint on your walls to the color of your furniture is a great option for a bold, monochrome look.

In this living room, the gorgeous azure blue paint and matching twin sofas create an impactful design that celebrates paint and color. With the metallic and wooden accents adding warmth and contrast, the overall look makes for a statement living room design.

4. Create contrast

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

Contrasting colors on the color wheel are always a match made in heaven in interior design, creating a vibrant scheme full of energy.

Creating contrast through your paint choice in the living room can add impact as well as forming a harmonious design full of character and style.

In this living room, renowned complementary colors pink and green work to great effect, with the added teal blue paint elevating the contrasting design scheme one step further.

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Not all design statements need to be big, bold and bright. By using select living room paint ideas you can create an elegant, subtle statement.

In this living room, the walls have been painted a deep shade of Knoxville Grey by Benjamin Moore, the room is then lifted by a delicate, linear outline of paint in the Peanut Shell shade.

A simple paint technique that works to beautiful effect, the finished result creates a decadent, almost art-deco feel. The look is then further enhanced by the metallic accessories and furniture in the room, coordinating with the Peanut Shell shade to create a balanced, unified design.

6. Work with white

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Nothing surprising about this, but brilliant white paint has a transformative effect on interiors – use it on walls and ceilings and it will make a star of every non-white piece of furniture, fabric and accessory in your living room.

White is also an ideal choice when planning small living room ideas. It is a wholly selfless paint shade, providing all the light and energy while reflecting the attention elsewhere – and white living rooms are incredibly easy to switch up.

Decorating with primary colors over white will bring the scheme to life, pastels will be pretty, or you can go for a monotone scheme by sticking to white and black – although the addition of gold or coppery metallics will add warmth.

7. Add a touch of warmth with cream

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

For a while, back in the 1980s, white was replaced by magnolia. And though now we tend to shy away from that pinky-cream, it is a forgiving shade that fits perfectly well into contemporary or mid-century modern living rooms (above) or more traditional schemes (below).

In fact, if you love the idea of a white room but have a North- or East-facing living space with little warm natural daylight, this should be one of the colors you test out. It will reflect light, but add an inviting warmth to the room that white can't.

8. Add the warmth of cream – but make it edgier with ochre or coral

(Image credit: Salvesen Graham)

Beige living room ideas that leans towards ochre (above) can be truly lovely spaces. North-facing rooms can feel chilly, so use shade like a burnt ochre to warm the space up.

Neutral rooms that use any color that mimics something we can find in nature – stone and mushroom for example – will always have a calming effect.

Follow it through into blinds and drapes too and add accents of grass green to add a fresh feel – you can’t go wrong if you follow nature’s palette.

Coral (below) has emerged to be one of the most popular shades over the last six months, so we asked Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore why she thinks it’s such a hit.

‘Corals and pink peach tones are perfect for making a design statement. They create a rich, warm welcoming feeling with undertones of red, orange and pink. It works beautifully as an accent to a gray scheme, or in its own right as a statement wall color.

'More neutral, natural plaster tones or light terracotta shades can create a wonderful earthy feel in a room. They look particularly eye-catching in well lit spaces and when paired with natural materials or painted wood.’

9. Choose the right shade of gray

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Cohen)

Now the best-selling paint color after white, gray has secured its position as the modern neutral of choice. Finding the right gray living room ideas is exactly like buying a red lipstick: you choose one with the undertone that suits your skin tone.

Gray paint tones vary from the cool end of the spectrum, with blue undertones as shown here, to warm shades featuring red bases that give a brown, pink or purple tint.

Your journey starts with deciding on the ‘temperature’ of color your room needs – cool or warm.

10. Pick a warm gray-beige

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

This shade of gray has a touch of yellow in the paint, giving it a brownish tint. This color of gray is great for East- and West-facing rooms for diffused light at sunrise or sunset respectively, while adding warmth at other times of the day.

Gray, like other neutral living room ideas, acts canvas for other colors. Team it with bright artwork and accessories for a truly striking appearance.

11. Pick a deep, earthy tone

(Image credit: Morris & Co)

For cozy living room ideas, picking a deep, earthy tone will always be a great option.

This snug living room, painted in Morris & Co 's Wooded Dell green, a new paint shade for 2022, creates a relaxed, inviting ambience. The deep green complements the traditional country cottage interior, with the yellow accent shade, Sunflower Yellow, adding an uplifting, contemporary twist.

12. Pick a deep chocolate brown for enveloping warmth

(Image credit: Dulux)

Dark living room ideas can feel a bit scary to use, but actually darker colors can be a wonderful choice for a living room. Warm and nurturing, they work well in a room that feels too big, and of course balance is key to making the rest of the scheme work.

Called Cherry Truffle and described as a ‘bitter chocolate with a hint of red’ – hence the berry theme – the brown above looks great with lighter hues like ruby and claret as they’ll lift the overall look.

If you add in a warm metallic accents – perhaps in accessories – the room will glow and not feel too dark. Keep the floor pale and the ceiling white for contrast.

The sophisticated space below uses Charbone from Paint & Paper Library. Keeping your ceiling light will lighten a room and bring balance and contrast to the scheme.

Team brown living room ideas with warming shades like taupe, sandstone, blush and coral to create a cocooning feel that’s cozy and uber stylish – just make sure you have a few paler pieces, textures and patterns to add a decorative element.

13. Go back to black with your living room paint ideas

(Image credit: Dulux)

A deceptive but delicious black paint, the blue undertones of this black living room shade give a pleasurable richness and depth. When used with white, it will dramatically change the interplay of light and space in your room.

Striking enough to take center stage yet subtle and confident enough to allow other hues to shine, black is a dream to work with. Use it wall to wall in a room that gets lots of daylight, or highlight architectural features, such as window frames and shutters, in rooms that are more light-starved.

14. Go for deep blue to make a living room intimate

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Nothing pops like a blue living room; blue is a shade that has the power to transform.

Deep and bright, indigo is surely the most joyful blue hue. Sitting between pure blue and violet on the color spectrum, this intense color is the shade of choice for designers and artists.

15. Create a sky blue living room scheme

(Image credit: Future)

A shade that’s always been popular in the world of interiors, soft blue is a growing living room trend that is set to be next year’s color du jour.

Powder blue paint has the quality of being both soothing and invigorating, and offers plenty of design versatility. Used with crisp white and pebble grey, it creates a calming coastal feel, while as one block of color it can be an enveloping breath of fresh air.

16. Keep it cool with Tiffany blue

Artist's atelier designed by Timothy Corrigan

(Image credit: Timothy Corrigan/Amy Barnard)

If you love blue but are worried that the room you are decorating might feel a little cool afterwards, choose a color with a touch of yellow in it. This produces a much warmer blue that can cope with the coolest of atmospheres.

This cool color is inspired by the iconic packaging of the jewellery store. Tiffany blue is not a shade for the faint hearted, so if you’re nervous of adding bold color all over, use it in alcoves or as part of your accent wall ideas instead.

The trick is to balance out this dynamic hue by teaming it with black or white furniture and a distinctive color, such as red.

17. Give your living room green credentials

(Image credit: Future )

Bringing the outdoors in by having green walls in your home is always a good idea; the nod to nature will create a calm atmosphere however busy the space, so opting for a green living room works just as well as using this shade in a spa-style bathroom.

Green is also said to inspire creativity and spontaneity, making it the ideal choice for your living room walls.

18. Turn up the heat with yellow

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Sophisticated and inviting, yellow living rooms bring in warmth and a cocooning feel. Its rich, textured caramel tones elevate it from just another brown, making it surprisingly tranquil, particularly in small living rooms.

Using earthy shades sets off the vibrancy in colors such peony pink, apple green and amethyst purple, but also highlights classic stone and white.

19. Warm a cool room with an autumnal color palette

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Even if you're not on a lazy, far-flung holiday, you can still evoke the feeling of sun-drenched escapism with a burnt orange paint colour.

Walls painted in terracotta create a bold backdrop for building up layers of interest with a colorful sofa, patterned rug and two-tone accessories.

20. Pick pale pink for warmth and light

(Image credit: Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)

A strong trend and so versatile, pink is an easy color to pair with others and works particularly well when used with ochre, green, mulberry, coral or orange. At the stronger end of the palette, fuchsia or ruby are impactful, while the softer tones are ideal for a calming living room.

A room painted pink will look warm and inviting all day long, regardless of how much natural light is present, and at night the same space will be wonderfully cozy.

Try using a pink paint in a North-facing space to warm up that cool light. This beautiful scheme uses a calming color palette of pink and white with bright pops through the choice of accessories.

21. Be enchanted by warm pink

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

It’s inviting, uplifting and effortless to decorate with, so it’s no surprise that pink is now seen as an interiors neutral, working in everything from bohemian living room ideas to vintage inspired schemes, like the one above. But with choices from pastel to bubblegum, the right shade can prove a tricky quest.

There is an unexpected earthiness to a warm pink, recalling the natural landscape, that makes the color a dream companion to other shades. This versatile hue adds freshness when used alongside classic furniture, and impact in a more contemporary setting. Quite simply, it’s a pink for grown-ups.

22. Paint a living room with a heritage red

(Image credit: Simon Griffiths, Hardie Grant)

When designing a living room, warm up the space with a heritage red. No other shade evokes a celebratory mood quite like a rich cranberry red.

Add a mix of eye-catching and natural elements, such as wooden furniture, bold pattern and accents of black, for a modern take on a traditional palette.

23. Paint a living room recess

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Paint is the perfect way to express your artistic and experimental side. ‘I see people being far more creative with paint these days, doing lovely things, such as painting the inside of a recess a darker shade to give it extra definition,’ says Joa Studholme, colour consultant, Farrow & Ball. ‘Ideas such as these can take as little as 20 minutes and will transform the room.’

The darker shade in the recess allows cherished objects to stand out, while the television successfully blends into the backdrop to create a subtly colorful yet minimalist living room.

24. Contrast living room paint ideas with wallpaper

(Image credit: Studio Peake/Alexander James)

Living room paint ideas are really useful for zoning an open- or broken-plan living room, particularly when used in tandem with wallpaper ideas.

The room above is a case in point – the cozier, darker area used for movie nights is in a color-blocked blue; this color is then picked up in the pretty – but much lighter – wallpaper in the part of the room used for socialising.

25. Use paint to highlight living room furniture

(Image credit: Future/Jon Day)

Living room paint ideas needn't be limited to the walls – you can use color to quickly transform furniture.

Even just painting the inside of a display cabinet can introduce a beautiful accent color into your living room scheme, highlighting the beautiful objets you have inside.

26. Make rooms feel larger by color drenching

(Image credit: Crown)

Some believe that decorating with dark living room colors can make spaces feel smaller, however, when used across walls, woodwork and the ceiling they can in fact make a living space feel bigger – this technique is known as color drenching.

‘Painting skirting boards and window frames to match the wall color is a simple but stylish touch for the living room. Not only does this create a contemporary, monochromatic look, but it is also an easy way of creating the illusion of bigger walls, making the whole room appear more spacious,’ explains Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown .

Elegant and sophisticated, color drenching a room in one dark shade can also help the space feel cosy and cocooning. A warm, velvety blue, this Indulgence paint from Crown pairs beautifully with the warmth and texture of a buttoned sofa in rich umber, establishing an elegant look for ceiling paint ideas.

27. Paint the ceiling in a contrasting color

(Image credit: Paper & Paint Library)

If you have a room with high ceilings, why not take the opportunity to make a dramatic statement by painting the ceiling in a contrasting color to the walls? A great look for living room ceiling ideas.

Painting a ceiling in a lighter color to the walls can help lead your eye upwards to give the illusion of height, but is also a brilliant way to highlight architectural features such a beautiful plasterwork as demonstrated in this Georgian room.

In this space Paper & Paint Library's Grenache on walls and Lady Char's Lilac on the ceiling makes for a striking and playful pairing and is a fun way to channel the lilac trend.

'If you want to incorporate lilac into a darker more dramatic interior, consider painting the skirting, wall and cornicing in the same color, with a lighter lilac color on the ceiling to create a feeling of height,' explains Andy Greenall head of design, Paint & Paper Library .

28. Add grandeur with metallic finishes

(Image credit: Project Phillip Thomas / photograph Michael Mundy)

When it comes to choosing living room paint ideas, it’s not just color that should be considered – the finish can make an impact, too.

‘I always love a high gloss lacquer finish in a living room, as it adds lightness and luxury to the space,’ explains New York-based interior designer Phillip Thomas . ‘I also enjoy experimenting with metallics, especially on ceiling ideas. A metallic finish on the ceiling can have a truly transformative effect, making your space feel much taller and grander.’

Phillip Thomas explains how color and finishes played am important role in the designs for his sister’s apartment (pictured). ‘There is nothing less than a satin finish on any surface. From having the walls skim-coated throughout, to using metallic finishes on the ceiling in the living room and library, it was about creating a kind of glow in the space,' he says.

The designer also took care to consider the colors used in adjacent rooms to ensure balance throughout, choosing Benjamin Moore's striking dahlia for this living room alongside its equally vibrant Aniline Red in the adjoining library.

28. Lift spirits with orange

(Image credit: Chelsea Townhouse with bespoke paint finish on walls by Kelling Designs)

Being one of the most used rooms in the home it's important that living rooms are happy spaces, and decorating with orange is guaranteed to bring a joyful, uplifting feel.

'A firm Kelling favourite, orange is the new black and looks color with every colour you pair it with, says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs . 'It brings in warmth, brightness and an uplifting energy whether you use it on a whole wall or bring in splashes of orange through your accessories.'

If you're considering an all-orange scheme be sure to introduce plenty of texture and variations in tone to prevent the space feeling overpowering. For walls, use paint ideas that combine two tones of oranges and choose a rug with a gentle pattern as done in this scheme by Kelling Designs.

For upholstery, opt for sculptural shapes in deeper shades of orange to anchor the scheme and choose sumptuous fabrics such as soft velvet or chenille for added texture.

30. Don't be afraid to be bold

(Image credit: Project Phillip Thomas / Photograph Michael Mundy)

When it comes to choosing living room color ideas don't be timid say the experts. 'Stop playing it safe, and choose colors you love and bring you joy,' advises the New York based interior designer Phillip Thomas. 'In one of my favorite living rooms, we used Benjamin Moore's Ladybug Red to create a super vibrant space with a strong personality.'

Warm and bold, the vibrant red shade helps balance the strong architectural lines of this space, but also makes a wonderful backdrop for patterned fabrics and bold artwork.

'I also love layer artwork, whether that means creating a gallery wall of prints and photographs, putting a framed painting next to shelves of small sculptures, or creating a dialogue with architectural elements, such as hanging art over a bookshelf or propping it up against a column,' adds Phillip Thomas.

Which color paint is best for a living room?

The best paint color needn't rely on the latest trends. Nor do we have to believe that white walls are the only way to go. A plain and neutral base can indeed be a good starting point from which to build a decorating scheme, but if you ignore the spectrum of colors and patterns available in paint, you could be missing out.

Be brave and find colors and looks that work for you. Do your research and start collecting together living room pictures you are drawn to in order to find your perfect shades.

There's no denying that gray living rooms are still the most popular mainstream color choice. It has become the neutral of choice, replacing cream and beige for the modern home.

What paint can you use in the living room?

Today’s paints are, in fact, all about practicality. Chalky finishes are less fragile than before, and mattes more wipeable. Pretty much all paints are less smelly than they used to be, and the eco-friendly alternatives now offer a robust covering as well as being socially responsible.

Quite simply, there is something for every surface, every room and every shopper. Some colors do come and go, and sometimes brands appear or disappear from the offering in the big DIY stores, but it’s fair to say that the color choice is still immense.

And, if you can’t see it on the shelves, have your ideal living room paint ideas mixed for you in whatever finish takes your fancy.

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.

Living room paint ideas to transform your space with colour

When it comes to easy updates, nothing quite beats the power of a smart living room paint idea. Whether it’s a quick cover-up, complete room redo or a clever visual trick that’s required, paint has it covered.

There are plenty of ways that you can give your living room ideas a style update with paint, whether bold and bright or calm and neutral.

‘Paint is an easy way to transform your living room without breaking the bank,’ says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown . ‘Rather than paint an entire wall, why not stencil metallic or textured paint in stripes, squares or circles onto a simple base colour to add areas of drama and interest? Or painting the wall behind your room’s focal point, be it a sofa or a desk, is another great and easy way of creating separate zones within a space.'

'Alternatively, consider painting skirting boards and window frames to match the wall colour, as another simple but stylish touch for the living room.’

Living room paint ideas

Not sure where to begin? Our easy living room paint ideas offer something for all skill levels, from easy paint ideas that can be done in a couple of hours to room updates that can be tackled over a weekend…so why not grab some paint and a roller and get stuck in. ..

1. Add bold blocks of colour

(Image credit: Future PLC / Jo Henderson)

For rooms that lack a focal point, living room paint ideas are a clever way of creating one without involving the cost or bother of undertaking structural work. Paint can be used to trick the eye, draw attention to key areas or create faux architectural details that give a plain room extra oomph.

Paint a bold block of colour on one wall to create a living room feature wall idea in a plain living room. A simple panel painted in a contrast shade creates a colourful backdrop for a display area, with open shelving styled up with artwork, greenery and decorative pieces. Opt for an off-centre arrangement to create extra visual interest, then fill in empty wall space with wall-hung plants and artwork.

2. Try a half-painted wall

(Image credit: Future PLC / Jo Henderson)

Give white living room ideas a colour lift by painting walls in a half-and-half paint treatment. Less hassle than painting an entire room, painting just the lower portion of walls gives the added benefit of introducing a warmer, brighter or more dramatic colour into your scheme without overwhelming the space completely.

Painting the lower section of wall in your darker ‘hero’ colour can help to ground the scheme and provides a contrast backdrop for furniture, such as a sofa or sideboard. While having a lighter colour at the top will help to create a sense of height, which is useful for small living room ideas.

Hang artwork that crosses the paint line, so that the paint effect looks intentional and part of a well-thought-out scheme. Opt for mix-and-match frames to provide visual variety and choose colours that complement furniture and soft furnishings.

3. Get creative with a chalkboard backdrop

(Image credit: Future PLC / Polly Eltes)

In a family den or play room, have some fun and paint a panel or feature wall with black chalkboard paint. It’ll provide an area where little ones can get creative with drawings and doodles or could be used as an oversized family memo board in a study area or WFH space with notes and reminders easily chalked on.

4. Try tonal stripes for a chic look

(Image credit: Future PLC / Mel Yates)

Make a feature of living room alcove ideas by painting them in a bright standout colour. A contrast colour makes a brilliant backdrop for display pieces, with art and ornaments ‘popping’ against a dark or brighter background.

For a fun look, try painting the alcove inserts in a mix of tonal colours, going from dark to light for an ombré effect. Alternatively, try mixing it up with assorted squares in a mix of toning shades to create more of a random patchwork effect.

5. Add wow with a diagonal design

(Image credit: B&Q)

Create a modern, mid-century vibe by painting feature walls in bold diagonal blocks of colour. The perfect backdrop for a retro scheme, choose colours that echo furniture and soft furnishings to create a more considered effect.

Keep it simple by opting for just one or two contrast colours and with the colour restricted to just one corner, rather than allover. Create your diagonal lines using painters tape to give a crisp edge. Position your longest line first and then create your second area of colour going off from this. You could even take the colour onto a section of ceiling for added effect.

6. Opt for ombré-stripe walls

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Perk up a plain living room by going for chic ombré effect stripes in warm peachy tones. Opting for a graduated wash of colour rather than sharp lines and hard edges creates a softer effect that feels more relaxed and easy on the eye.

Choose a tonal palette of colours with varying depths to achieve this easy ombré effect. For a natural gradation of colour, paint the lower section of walls in the darkest shade, the mid section in a mid tone, then use a paler hue towards the top of the walls for an airy feel. Leave the edges soft and ragged rather than clean and crisp for a subtler look.

7. Combine blocks and stripes to add edge

(Image credit: Fenwick & Tilbrook)

Highlight a WFH space or brighten up a dreary living room corner with a bold colour block treatment. Opt for a mid-toned colour as your starting point, painting a wide panel to act as a backdrop for a desk of large item of furniture. Then add a second narrower stripe of contrast colour in the adjoining corner to add definition. For extra effect, try leaving a border of crisp white around each block of colour.

A bold navy is a perfect partner for neutral living room ideas as shown above.

8. Colour drench the room

(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Whitmore)

For a bold, immersive scheme that is super-easy to create with paint, opt for a single dark shade allover to give a dramatic colour-drenched effect. This works well with green living room ideas and is ideal for a drab living room that needs livening up. Colour drenching is an instant mood changer that will add warmth, colour and atmosphere.

The key with colour drenching is to create continuous colour on all surfaces, so when painting the room, take colour from walls to skirting boards, doors, trims and even ceiling if you feel brave enough. Don’t worry about dark colours making a room feel small - continuous colour can help to stretch a room’s size, blurring the edges with leaving no harsh breaks in colour.

9. Showcase a gallery wall

(Image credit: Carpetright)

Open-plan living rooms can sometimes feel quite vast, so clever tricks that help to break up the space into smaller zones are a great way of making living areas feel more snug.

Try a dramatic colour-block effect to create a backdrop for decorating the wall behind a sofa. Opt for a muted, neutral shade as the anchor point, edged by a band of darker colour all-round to add definition. Hang a gallery of artwork to break up the lines and bring a pop of pattern and extra colour.

10. Fake a ‘built-in’ look with paint

(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Whitmore)

Use paint to upgrade basic flatpack furniture and create a sleek, built-in look. Match furniture paint with wall colour and paint both to create an uninterrupted swathe of colour that gives the impression of bespoke built-in furniture rather than freestanding pieces. Add clip-on lights and conceal the cables to further the 'bespoke' effect.

11. Use colour blocking to break up walls

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Create a colour-block wall of uplifting colour by using a tonal palette separated by a white border. Think vertically to add height to the room, using blocks of pastel blue and green and dividing the area with an off-centre stripe of white.

The use of white for the dividing line mirrors the skirting boards and ceilings to create a frame of colour to make the coloured blocks feel all the more impactful.

Coordinate the look with matching soft furnishings and accessories. Choose a living room colour scheme to suit your own personal tastes to make the look totally unique for your home.

12. Paint bespoke storage to uniform a feature wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes)

A savvy living room storage ideas and great way to save space is by having bespoke cabinetry built to fit, meaning you can use the whole wall for storage – from floor to ceiling.

A creative way to make this a feature wall which, despite serving all your needs, look like one uniformed wall is painting it all one statement shade, as shown in this grey living room. Including skirting boards and fireplace surrounds, paint the whole wall in the same shade to make the look feel seamless.

13. Transform an empty fireplace

(Image credit: Future PLC)

If your living room features a fireplace that is purely ornamental, i.e it's not a working fire, why not really show it off with a splash of vibrant colour.

The injection of colour creates the ideal backdrop to display an array of home accessories, from candles to photo frames. In this smart living room the yellow accent colour is used on the walls either side of the chimney breast to coordinate with the painted fireplace.

14. Stack tonal shades

(Image credit: Dulux)

Add interest by using two different colours to create a divide without having to put up a picture rail. In this pink living room the already decorative living room wall panelling ideas is giving a sense of division thanks to the banding colours painted one on top of the other. Use shades that work well together but allow enough of a difference to make a statement.

15. Make it matching

(Image credit: Future PLC)

There are no rules that say just because bold or bright colours are trending, that you have to use them to create a fashionable feel for your living room.

As this stunning cosy living room idea demonstrates sometimes simple can be more powerful. A subtle mink shade of paint on the walls coordinates perfectly with the textiles and furniture pieces within this room to create a cohesive colour scheme that feels sophisticated and serene.

16. Define the fire surround in an accent colour

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Paint your fire surround in a bright, happy shade and top it with colourful accessories to make it the focal point of your living room. To take the colour inject up a level try painting logs in an assortment of complimentary shades, as shown in this bespoke living room fireplace ideas.

17. Add a dramatic painted stripe to a living room

(Image credit: Little Greene)

A new twist on the living room feature wall ideas right here: a band of colour running around the centre of the room like a belt between jeans and a tee! Take the stripe through anything that it touches too, as interrupting the bold strip of contrasting colour would lessen its impact.

Little Greene's impressive example contrasts a striking blue with a bold white band.

18. Frame a knock-through with a painted stripe

(Image credit: Joanna Henderson Styling credit: Charlotte Boyd)

With open-plan living rooms growing in popularity there are often two spaces merged into one that you might like to give a slightly different purpose to.

While it makes sense to paint the two spaces in the same colour, to provide a sense of continuity you could clearly define the two rooms by adding accents on architectural points of interest, such as archways. This simple act subtly zones distinct living ares within the same open-plan space.

Given it's not a huge area of paint coverage you can change the colour seasonally, or when you switch up accent accessories within the room without huge expense.

Using a spot colour to define two connected-but-separate spaces is a fun way to inject some colour too. Signal the divide with an accent colour and tie the colour in through accessories like cushions and ceramics. A graphic piece of art is often a great place to look for a fail-safe palette, picking out shades that will add an extra dimension to your room.

19. Use accent colours to highlight features

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Jo Henderson)

Celebrate features rather than try to hide them under a uniformed wall colour. An accent colour border will draw attention to lovely period door frames, skirting boards and picture rails. Picking out key architectural details can help to add depth to your living room and create interest.

Even if the space is devoid of features, you could fake a feature with clever paint ideas. No skirting board? Simply paint a two-tone feature on the wall to create the illusion of its presence.

20. Opt for a nature-inspired palette

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)

Not all hero colours are bold attention-seekers. This soft tone that hovers between brown and grey is a quiet game-changer that'll make a room look warmer and more sophisticated at a brushstroke. Plus, it plays well with other colours, so you can indulge pretty much any whim when it comes to accents.

Sandstone blends with other browns, as well as greys for a smooth mix. Brown neutrals can be sludgy and dull unless you cut through them with the right accents. We recommend blue and mimosa yellow.

21. Work a whitewash

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Brilliant white paint has a transformative effect on interiors. Use it on walls and ceilings and it will make a star of every non-white piece of furniture and accessory in your living room.

White is a wholly selfless paint shade, providing all the light and energy while reflecting the attention elsewhere. In this coastal living room, as the white sofa recedes, pictorial and striped upholstery and fabrics are brought into sharp relief along with myriad accessories on shelving and walls.

Painted tongue-and-groove walls and cupboards give this scheme additional coastal kudos. Opt for the best white paint to choose the right shade for your walls.

22. Use white to brighten

(Image credit: FuturePLC/Robert Sanderson)

Period properties are favoured for their characterful details, such as original wooden beams and low ceilings. While these elements can ooze charm they can sometimes make the room feel quite dark, and therefore feel smaller.

A great way to combat traditional design features from encroaching on the space is to brighten with a splash of white paint. Painting with precision allows the beams to remain untouched, retaining their original aesthetic. A bright white paint on the ceiling helps to keep the space feeling as airy as possible.

23. Anchor an alcove with grey

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith)

Grey is the new neutral. Use it in a living room where its rather understated nature allows it to introduce warmth without shouting at your visitors.

Start with your chimney breast and take the paint into alcoves too where it will make a feature of stripped wood shelves and your book collection.

This scheme has bravely taken grey down to the skirting and up to the ceiling too, leaving just the floor – in stripped pine – to provide a contrast. Bring in wood furniture and leather and cow-hide style upholstery to complement the shelving.

24. Create a barely there backdrop

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)

Consider transforming a section of a white living room with country cream. Floor-to-ceiling shelving and storage is the perfect vehicle for this classic shade – smart fitted bookshelves painted in the same shade occupy two walls.

Paint the architrave and panelling too, as well as the back of shelves for a truly cohesive feel. Tones of teal and burnt orange are the perfect accompaniment to cream, so bring them in aplenty on cushions, lighting and upholstery.

25. Paint a feature wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Nick Keane)

If you're not too keen on the bold-is-beautiful school of decorating, pick out a single feature in your living room and treat it to your favourite shade.

This warm pink doesn't overwhelm because it's restricted to one area only – the chimney breast. Pick a shade that will work with your fireplace and integrate it into your room by using the same shade on a single piece of furniture and for a small selection of accessories.

26. Be bold with abstract black and white

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Bevan)

Plan carefully and an all-over white decorating scheme doesn't have to be plain. A white backdrop provides the opportunity to be more adventurous with bold patterns and signature furniture, allowing you to create a living room that is chic, modern and adventurous.

The whitewashed walls and white furniture featured in this living room work together because of the touches of black. Look for fabrics with a subtle modern black-and-white design that will break up a run of pure white.

27. Balance dark colours

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)

Dark paint can be scary; but it can bring a real sense of character and sophistication to your living area. In this blue and grey living room idea, the heady mix of textures and tones makes for a luxuriously atmospheric space.

28. Unite shades from the same colour palette

(Image credit: Future PLC/ K atya de Grunwald)

Give your space a thoroughly modern update using a palette of gentle pastels in unexpected places. Paint a door frame and door in a sundae shade and keep the rest of the wall space white to stop the scheme from looking too sickly sweet. If you have two interlinking rooms, create harmony by repeating key colours across both, but on different surfaces.

29. Paint the whole wall

(Image credit: Future PLC /Lisa Cohen)

Choose versatile teal for a living space that’s both sophisticated and on-trend. Paint the walls, skirting boards and fireplace in one shade to give your space a truly cohesive feel. Team this classic shade with mid-century modern pieces and interesting artwork to offset the green-blue colour.

Teal living rooms pop with bright white and its colour wheel match is coral. It's a classic that works with nearly any style, from contemporary to traditional.

30. Create an artistic watercolour finish

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Brittain)

Embrace your inner artist, or better still pay a skilled decorator to take the pressure off. Use brushstroke patterns to add an artistic flourish to any scheme.

Don't be afraid to experiment with innovative paint techniques. Choose your favourite colour and work with shades from the same palette to create a graduated effect along one feature wall. Think about including inky dyed textiles with soft blurry edges and ombre, watercolour washes for a painterly effect.

What colours are on trend for living rooms?

There's no denying that grey living room ideas are still the most popular mainstream colour choice. It has become the neutral of choice, replacing cream and beige for the modern home.

However, the most popular colours are darker, brooding hues of blue. Thanks to the presence of Instagram we can see inside others' homes to gain a better feel for what is trending – giving homeowners a sense of braveness with bolder colour choices. As a result the most fashionably on-trend colour for 2021 decorating living rooms is most visibly a rich navy blue.

Which colour will you be using in your next decorating scheme?

Living room wall painting (75 photos)

Living room wall painting ideas

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Wall painting in the interior: painted walls, decorative wall painting in the interior, wall painting

Wall painting is one of the methods of interior design, which has been used since ancient times. He has not lost his popularity until now. About what techniques exist and how to paint in the interior of the apartment with our own hands, we will tell in this article.

Historical reference

Wall painting first began to be used even in primitive times, when people began to look for the beauty of caves But in that period, the images had an exceptionally ritual significance. This is confirmed by the painting in the Altamira cave, the approximate age of which is 18 thousand years. years nine0003

The ancient Egyptians also used hand painting during the construction of pyramids and other cult constructions. The drawings reflected the achievements of the pharaohs, and also told about their afterlife. The architects and artists of Ancient Greece and Rome made their contribution to the development of murals. Then, for the first time, technology began to be used to decorate the interiors of the houses of the nobility. During that period, the so-called fake paintings appeared for the first time, visually expanding the space.

Ancient Rome left behind the Pompeian style of interior decoration, which still inspires architects and artists. For example, in the 18th century it was used by Robert Adam in the design of many buildings. nine0003

In the Middle Ages, the tradition of decorating houses with wall paintings lost its meaning, but was widely used in decorating monasteries and temples. Along with this, they invented the technology of applying a wall image to raw plaster, which received the name fresco.

The artistic painting of the walls in the interior received particular popularity in the epoxy of the Renaissance. At this time, such well-known masters as da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rafael worked. They not only left behind magnificent works, but also the technology of painting walls on dry plaster, which served as the beginning of the development of alpine painting. It was widely used to decorate palaces, temples and monasteries in the epoxy Baroque. During the same period, voluminous painting gained particular popularity. nine0003

classic;
amp;
baroque;
modern;
Arabic;
anime.

Classic

Classic style is not influenced by fashion and time. It does not lose its relevance and is distinguished by simplicity, straightforwardness of forms, restraint, harmony. Characteristics for it:

smooth surface;
restraint of shades that emphasize the structure of walls;
volume clarity. nine0303

The classic style is often complemented by a realistic landscape that embodies the dream of a golden age. Such an interior painting will never look banal or boring, since this design style is distinguished by a variety of techniques and forms. Sometimes it looks much more active, more interesting than a modern loft or high-tech. The classic makes it easy to reflect the national color, if you supplement it with traditional materials, elements. At the same time, you should not be afraid that she will lose the main stylistic line. nine0003

Baroque style

This type of wall painting is the next stage in the development of classicism. He represents a combination of style and lifestyle. The painting of the walls in the living room, made in the Baroque style, is distinguished by pomp, scope, grandeur. Here there are refined patterns, ornate ornaments, frescoes are widely used to decorate ceilings and walls. Often the Baroque style involves painting the walls with flowers in the interior. Also in the composition there are large leaves, plant ornaments, naked bodies. nine0003

Empire

Style is the final point in the development of classicism. It is considered the personification of imperial luxury, which is adjacent to the restrained decor. This style is characterized by the presence of eclectic notes, demonstrating the harmony between the conventional and natural elements of the composition. The artistic painting in the Empire style is triumphal arches, winged lions, flower garlands, sphinxes and griffins. However, when choosing an empire, it is important to remember the balance. Otherwise, the image will turn into a parody with many unnecessary elements. nine0003

Modern

This style of artistic decoration is also called ap nuvo. It is easy to recognize by the presence of lively, lush details and the use of natural shades in the design. A distinctive feature of the direction is the combination of a complex floral pattern with large plant elements, curved lines and images of fantastic creatures. In wall painting, mermaids, elves, fabulous plants can be found. Modern is considered the most elegant style, thanks to the harmonious combination of functionality and naturalness. nine0003

Arabic style

It represents not only a way to create a unique interior, but also a whole worldview. Formed under the influence of Muslim culture, it bears its imprint in itself. Distinctive features of the style are originality, oriental atmosphere and originality of artistic techniques. The artistic painting in the interior, made in this technique, is an abundance of plant ornaments and geometric elements, Arabic script. The alternation of these elements allows you to create intricate patterns that are repeated in a certain sequence. nine0003

Anime

The style, which originated in Japan, very quickly conquered the whole world, and even more so a fan of cartoon characters. The abundance of souvenirs, toys and posters was not enough for them, therefore, connoisseurs of Japanese anime decided to transfer the characters to the surface of the walls with the help of drawing pictures. The painted walls of anime are an excess of paraphernalia and relevant details that allow you to immediately recognize this style. Most often it is used to decorate rooms with oriental flavor.

Anime mural

Wall painting in the interior: the functional use of technology

In addition to the decorative function, wall images have a practical meaning. 3 positive effects that are used when creating a sketch are able to transform the space of the room, make it larger, higher, more voluminous. For example, using an interior painting, you can expand a narrow corridor or raise a low ceiling.

This not only allows the baby to feel comfortable and safe, but also contributes to the development of his artistic taste. nine0003

Painting the walls in the living room allows you to give the room a nobility and draw attention to the center of the house. In order to create a calm atmosphere in the room, it is better to choose an unobtrusive pattern for interior design. Also, a win-win option for the hall is considered a floral ornament or a romantic plot, sustained in light colors. No less effective for decorating a room is a painting in the sepia style, which imitates a black and white photograph. It can be made in gray or brown colors. nine0003

with the use of the same way to do not have the same way, but to component in the state, and to do it,

Also, the decorative design of the walls is used to equip the bathroom. However, in this case, it is necessary not only to carefully select the plot of the image, but also the materials, since this room is characterized by an increased level of humidity and temperature. Therefore, for finishing work, moisture and heat-resistant materials are necessary. The most popular compositions in the bathroom are waterfalls, dolphins and other marine attributes, as well as abstract images, for example, bubbles on a blue background. nine0003

To decorate the walls in the bedroom, calm, peaceful paintings are used, since this room serves for relaxation and recuperation. The most suitable subjects are calm landscapes, three-dimensional panoramas, flora and fauna.

Tip: For interior design in the bedroom, give preference to a neutral color scheme and smooth lines.

If you like bright frescoes, place them behind the head of the bed and make sure that they are not reflected in the mirror surfaces when placed. So you will see the sketch after waking up, and not before going to sleep. nine0003

As for the design of the kitchen, it is important to remember that the painting is not used on the surfaces of the sink and stove. Since, regardless of the choice of material, over time from moisture, fat, high temperatures, the artistic masterpiece on the wall will deteriorate. Most often, for decorative painting, they choose a space near the dining table or decorate with it an apron away from the wet zone.

The choice of plot for the kitchen depends on personal tastes. It can be vegetable prints, abstraction, landscapes, still lifes, three-dimensional images of cities, streets, cafes or restaurant dishes. nine0003

For decorative design, fluorescent, oil or acrylic paints can be used, and the most popular tool is an airbrush. It allows you to apply a pattern of the required saturation and brightness, with a perfectly flat surface.

Today there are many techniques for applying wall images, but we will focus on the most popular ones.

Airbrushing

Literally, the name of the technology is translated from English as “writing with the air”. Although paint is used to draw a sketch, air is also directly related to this method. It allows you to spray the paint with the thinnest layer and create various decorative effects. Among them is photographic reality, smoothness of color transitions, imitation of rough texture, volume of paintings, etc. nine0003

Fleopeceznettnaya Pockety of

Texed OCHENA ICTIVE OCHOOKS. A rich color scheme allows the artist to realize projects of various complexity and make the interior truly unique. In order for the image to become minogo-textured, the paint is applied to three-dimensional interior elements and reliefs. Thanks to the fluorescent painting, it is possible to realistically recreate the reflections of the city at night, moonlight and the fabulous atmosphere of a snowy forest. nine0003 Fluorescent wall painting

Fresco

Fresco painting is one of the most ancient and at the same time popular. It means applying an image to a raw plaster. A distinctive feature of the frescoes is their high resistance to wear and the picturesque texture of the surface. Works created using this technology can imitate both old paintings and modern sketches. The aging of the image is achieved thanks to the technique of patination and a variety of shades. nine0003 3D image is the illusion of a continuation of the room

Stencil painting

The simplest wall decor technique. It does not require any artistic skills, since the patterns and images are applied to the walls using ready-made stencils, which can be purchased in the store.

That is, everything that is needed for the implementation of the project is a stencil, paints, a roller or a brush. This method is distinguished not only by its simplicity, but also by the affordable cost of implementing the idea.

Tip: To paint the walls with a stencil, place the template on the prepared surface, go over it with a roller or brush and paint, then transfer the stencil

Painting the walls with a stencil

Painting with acrylic paint

Another popular method of decorating the walls with your own hands. Its demand is explained by the characteristics of acrylic paint - the absence of smell, ease of operation, drying speed, environmental friendliness and resistance to solar radiation. In addition, the painted surface is easy to clean and durable. nine0003

Wall painting: photo examples:

Do you want to buy a house and decorate it according to your taste?

The Etazhi consultant will help you with this. He will select the option that suits you, provide informational support, and soon you will be able to start repairs in your own home.

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Painting the walls with your own hands with acrylic paints

paint set; nine0303

large area roller;

water container;

stencils;

ruler;

simple pencil.

Work in stages. First, choose a suitable pattern that matches the style of the room. It is better for novice artists to pay attention to plant patterns and arctic compositions.