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45 Best Bedroom Paint Colors 2023

1

Deep Red

Heidi Caillier

In this warm yet polished bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier, bewitching red walls set a romantic mood. The accent pillow features a more neon shade of red that brightens up the space while still keeping it calm, cozy, and just a touch mysterious.

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Cascabel Chile, $99

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

Petal Pink

Gaines

Here's another beautiful bedroom making a strong case for blush. Designed by Chip and Joanna Gaines, one of the primary goals of this home renovation was to honor its historical significance. One of the ways they did so was by preserving the existing fireplaces. In this bedroom, the original fireplace remains, but the room gets a fresh update with pretty petal pink paint. A classic oil painting and antique decor nod to the past while the flower sconce embraces the present.

BUY NOW Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines for KILZ Rosy Pink

7

Peach

Stephen Paul

"The bedroom gets great light throughout the day, so we wanted to go for a peachy color on the walls that would give it a nice glow with the sunlight," Ring explains. The bedroom "feels layered in a comfortable way but not too busy—[you] feel very serene when you’re in the room," Ring says. She also wove some of the client's existing pieces into the design. The pillow, for example, was custom-made out of one of her old vintage quilts and the plexiglass butterfly artwork brings a tough of whimsy.

BUY NOW Behr Premium Plus Serene Peach, $28

8

Salmon

Avery Cox

The missing piece for this room was the rug, designer Avery Cox says. It helps tie together the paint colors, a light blue for the walls, and a sort of star-fish orange tone for the moldings and door. Deeper and more saturated shades of blue and yellow as well as ruddier shades of pink help contrast, too.

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Salmone Run, $99

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

Cornsilk

Heidi Caillier

A pale yellow door sets the tone for the warm and neutral bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier. The other door is painted a light sage green tone, while the moldings are given a coat of chocolate brown. Because the colors are kept contained to smaller surface areas, they work together instead of clashing.

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Cornsilk, $99

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

Dark Teal

Landed Interiors

A calming and rich shade of paint inspires rest in this San Francisco bedroom designed by Landed Interiors. If you're looking for a warmer shade of blue or wondering how to warm up cooler blue, look no further.

BUY NOW Backdrop Surf Camp

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

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

30

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

31

Sky Blue

Eric Piasecki

Though this shade of blue in a bedroom by Ellie Cullman definitely makes a statement, it doesn't overpower the space nor overwhelm the eye—that's because it's consistent and surrounded by classic accents and refined furnishings. We love how it mimics the sky applied ina high gloss on the ceiling.

BUY NOW Behr Marquee Skylark, $58

32

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

33

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

34

Greige

David Mitchell

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. Take note of this beautiful neutral bedroom designed by Rupp Studios.

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone, $110

35

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

36

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

37

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

38

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

39

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

40

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.

41

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

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

43

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

44

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

45

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:

Disadvantages:

The photo shows a gray bedroom with a brick wall and smooth plastered walls, red decor is a bright accent of the interior. nine0005

Paints

Alkyd paints

Emulsion paints

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

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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.

Photo gallery

photo, apartment wall painting photo examples, modern apartment wall painting, options, design

Wall decoration is one of the main stages in interior design. Today we propose to figure out what options exist for painting walls in an apartment, how and how it can be done so that the house is stylish, cozy and functional. nine0005

Painting the walls allows you to show your imagination, to design the room in an original way with the help of various materials that are presented in stores today. However, before choosing one of them, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of the paint. It must be:


Types of paint

Decorative wall painting is carried out using the following types of paint:

All types of paints have certain advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at each of them.

Various types of paints are used for painting walls: acrylic, latex, etc.

Water-emulsion acrylic paint

Its advantages include: ease of application, wide possibilities for tinting, and also an acceptable price. Acrylic paint is resistant to moisture and wear. It is non-toxic and does not have a strong odor. In addition, this decorative coating can be chosen even by novice home craftsmen who first picked up a brush. nine0005

However, acrylic water-based emulsion paint is more expensive and requires several layers to achieve the best result. In addition, it is not very resistant to the effects of sunlight and does not have antifungal properties.

Acrylic paint resistant to moisture and wear.

Silicone paint

This decorative paint, which belongs to a new generation of finishing materials, contains silicone resins. They have the advantages of silicate and water-dispersed materials. Often silicone paint is used in facade work. nine0005

Its advantages include vapor permeability, resistance to moisture, sunlight, temperature fluctuations, as well as alkalis and pollution. The variety of colors, high performance characteristics and durability make silicone paint an ideal material in many areas. Its only drawback is its high cost. However, given the long service life, the costs are fully paid off.

The advantages of silicone paint include vapor permeability, resistance to moisture

Latex paint

Water-based material contains latex in its composition, so it is durable, resistant to wear and moisture. It is non-toxic, economical in consumption and has thermal insulation qualities. Painted walls in the interior, covered with latex material, tolerate wet cleaning well. It is applied to concrete and wooden surfaces. You can also paint the wallpaper with latex paint.

If we talk about shortcomings, paint based on latex is “afraid” of sudden temperature changes and cold. Therefore, when applying, it is necessary to ensure that the room has a stable temperature. In addition, the working surface on which the material will be applied must be perfectly even. nine0005

Structural paint

The material has a high viscosity, so it holds the desired relief well. The paint is non-toxic, has no smell and allows you to create a design for painting walls in an apartment according to your own taste, creating a unique pattern on the surface. It is also very durable, able to mask surface defects and is waterproof, so the walls are easy to clean. The only drawback of the material is the high cost.

Below you can see how the painted walls look in the interior: photo:



Wall preparation

Surface preparation before painting. This is one of the most important stages on which the final result depends. First, it is necessary to remove all previous coatings, after which it is necessary to carefully rub out defects - roughness, cracks, irregularities. The working surface must be perfectly flat. After carrying out the work, the walls should be cleaned of dust with a soft cloth, vacuum cleaner or brush.

The next step is to prime the walls. It is carried out in order to fill minor voids and cracks, as well as to improve the adhesion of the surface to the paintwork material. For this purpose, they usually use an acrylic primer, which is considered universal. You can apply it with a roller, a wide brush or a sprayer. After processing the surface, the primer is left for 5-6 hours until completely dry. nine0005

Important: Acrylic primer has antibacterial properties that prevent the appearance of mold and fungus spores.


The next step is to putty the walls. For the first layer, starter putty is used, which is sold as a ready-made or dry mixture. The first layer is applied to a masking net made of fiberglass, and after complete drying it is rubbed off. The second layer is performed with a finishing putty, which is also rubbed after drying.

The result of painting depends on the quality of the preparatory work

Coffee color - universal

Tip: Designers recommend not using more than five colors when decorating the interior of a room.


Gray background serves as a backdrop for sophisticated designer accessories and furniture

Often it is used in the design of small, dark rooms, since the shade makes the room visually wider and lighter;

  • black is a color that, on the contrary, visually makes the space smaller. Therefore, in order to avoid such an effect, glossy and mirror surfaces are added to the interior; nine0012
  • gray shade often serves as a backdrop for sophisticated designer accessories and furniture. It is not advised to choose it as the main shade, since the color itself is rather boring. However, if it is diluted with various color spots, then the interior will become more comfortable and stylish;
  • red color - it is believed that it can increase blood pressure and stimulate appetite, so it is used with caution in living rooms, including children's rooms. If you chose it as the main background, red can be oppressive, but as an additional accent in rooms decorated in cold colors, it is good; nine0012
  • yellow is used in the design of children's rooms, as it has a positive effect on intellectual development. It is also used in the design of the interiors of rooms with a northern exposure;
  • orange allows you to create a harmonious atmosphere. He approaches the living room or dining room, as he is conducive to pleasant communication. However, it is not worth making it the main accent, since the orange color can quickly get bored;
  • brown is a classic noble interior color that creates a cozy atmosphere. It harmonizes with peach, coffee and beige shades; nine0012
  • blue color suitable for decorating bedrooms, bathrooms. It gives a feeling of peace, relaxation. In addition, the light tone of blue helps to visually make the room larger;
  • violet color, in particular its dark shades, cause depression and fatigue, therefore they are used with caution;
  • green - a shade that is favorable for perception and emotional balance. He is warm and cold. It is believed that green allows you to gather your thoughts, so it is used to decorate cabinets. Successful for the residential area are pistachio and olive shades. However, it is not so easy to choose furniture for the green color, so the interior should be thought out in advance. nine0012

    Painting the walls in the apartment: a photo of examples will help you decide which color suits you best.



    Color matching and basic paint applications For example, bright colors in the room should be diluted with colors from a neutral and calm range. Also, a combination of related tones always looks advantageous.

    Bright colors in the room should be diluted with colors from a neutral and calm range

    Below we propose to get acquainted with the main methods of applying paintwork materials when combining shades:

    • color inserts;
    • horizontal division;
    • horizontal and vertical stripes;
    • accents;
    • ombre and gradient;
    • ornaments;
    • staining;
    • geometry;
    • old castle;
    • photography;
    • sponge.

    What does the painting of the walls in the house look like: a photo of the different application options below:



    Color inserts

    If you want to paint the walls in the interior using color inserts, this variant is perfect for finishing. 3a, you can take a neutral color as a base - beige or white, against which geometric figures or other images are painted with bright colors.

    Horizontal division

    How to apply two shades by dividing the wall into two horizontal stripes. Thus, the surface becomes two-color - the upper part is dark, and the lower part is a few tones lighter. The ratio of colors between them is 1:1 or 1:2. nine0005

    Tip: To make the separation of the strips as clear as possible, use a molding.


    Horizontal and vertical stripes

    Room design can be achieved by applying paint with horizontal and vertical stripes. They allow not only to give the room comfort, but also to visually correct its shortcomings. For example, if the apartment has low ceilings, it is easy to make them visually higher with the help of vertical narrow strips. Horizontal wide stripes allow you to visually expand the room. nine0005

    Accents

    Different interior styles can be accented not only by shades, but by interior items, lighting, furniture. If you need to immediately draw attention to the walls, it is better to choose a rich shade for painting. Moreover, it should be applied on 1-2 walls, and the rest should be done in a neutral color, so as not to repeat with accents.



    Ombre and gradient

    One of the most popular ideas in interior design is a gradient on the walls. A similar effect is achieved by applying different shades of the same color scheme to different walls or their parts. nine0005

    Ombre staining consists in applying several shades of the same scale on one wall, and their change is carried out in vertical or horizontal

    To perform ombre staining, first divide the walls into quarters. After that, the lightest tone is applied to the upper part, and the darkest one to the lower part. At the next stage, a dark color is mixed with a small amount of light and the surface is painted over the dark part, slightly overhanging it for the uniformity of the color. In the very center, as a rule, they use the brightest shade, which smoothly passes to the lightest one, located under the ceiling. nine0005 Ombre and gradient - effective ways to decorate walls

    Ornament

    The method involves applying images to the surface. For ease of work, a stencil is used. It is bought in specialized stores or made independently. You can choose ornaments in various themes - vegetable, children's, geometric, etc. The option depends on the functional features, the size of the room and your preferences.



    Textured

    Textured painting - a method of applying materials to obtain a structured surface. For this, special textured coatings and accessories are used. In particular, brushes, textured rollers. Having shown a little imagination and skill, you can achieve on the walls the effect of a wet surface, Venetian plaster, etc. With the help of texture painting, you can hide small irregularities and wall defects.



    Geometry

    Another way to decorate walls is to apply paint on the surface of geometric shapes. Peas, circles, squares and diamonds are just a few decorating ideas.

    Learn more