Living rooms are where life happens. Families gather, guests visit, and personal style shines. The right paint colors can turn this space into a sanctuary that reflects your personality.
From calming Cloudy Blue by Pittsburgh Paints in narrow rooms to Delicate Pink by Farrow & Ball inspired by spring blossoms, these 20 ideas show how colors like Avocado Green by Benjamin Moore or Misty Blue can balance style and function. Whether you want cozy, vibrant, or timeless, these ideas offer inspiration for every taste.
1. Understanding Color Psychology in Your Living Room
Choosing the right living room colors starts with knowing how hues influence emotions. How to choose living room paint colors depends on the mood you want—whether it’s vibrant energy or a calming retreat. The best living room color schemes balance your personality with practical needs, turning walls into mood-setters.
How Colors Affect Mood
Every shade tells a story:
- Red energizes but should be used as an accent to avoid intensity overload.
- Blue calms and adds trust, making it ideal for cozy seating areas.
- Yellow cheers up spaces, perfect for morning rooms or social hubs.
- Green relaxes and boosts creativity, mimicking nature’s tranquility.
Choosing Your Theme
Start by asking: Is this room for hosting or unwinding? Pair bold colors like navy or mustard with neutral bases to keep balance. Best living room color schemes often mix one vibrant shade with whites or grays. Always test samples under your room’s natural light before committing. Your choice should feel like an extension of your lifestyle, not just a trend.
2. Popular Trends for 2023
Check out the trendy living room paint colors and modern living room paint ideas for 2023. This year, we see a focus on nature-inspired colors and bold accents. These trends mix comfort with a touch of daring.
Earthy Tones
Bring the outdoors into your home with warm, organic shades. Behr’s Soft Sage and Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue remind us of nature. Behr’s Timeless Terracotta adds a cozy touch.
Interior designer Minnette Jackson used Pittsburgh Paints’ cloudy blue. She showed how earthy tones can make a room feel calm and inviting.
- Try Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray for a neutral yet deep look.
- Pair Behr’s Mellow Mauve with rattan furniture for a layered effect.
- Glidden’s Vining Ivy connects jewel tones with soothing sea colors.
Bold Accent Walls
Step away from neutrals with Bold Accent Walls in rich colors. Sherwin-Williams’ Redend Point and Benjamin Moore’s Ultramarine Blue make a big impact without overwhelming small spaces. For a softer touch, Behr’s Citrus brings energy to cozy spots.
Try color drenching: paint walls, trim, and ceilings the same color for a full experience. Brands like Fine Paints of Europe offer glossy blacks like HollandLac for striking contrast.
3. Classic White: The Timeless Choice
Classic white is a favorite among popular living room paint colors for its timeless charm. It lets natural light shine and fits any decor. Whether you add bold touches or keep things simple, white keeps rooms feeling open and bright.
Interior designers pick whites based on undertones and how well they reflect light. High-LRV whites like Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005) and Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) make small rooms look bigger.
“A touch of yellow undertone in traditional homes creates warmth, as seen in Amy Studebaker’s design. Caroline Brackett used a soft white in an entryway to enhance brightness,” says interior stylist Sarah Lin.
Warm Whites
Warm whites bring a cozy feel with yellow, red, or beige undertones. Here are some best living room color schemes:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): yellow undertones for cozy seating areas.
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008): red undertones pair well with brick or wood tones.
- Farrow & Ball Pointing (No. 2003): warm red undertones create a sophisticated beige tone.
Cool Whites
Cool whites add a crisp feel with blue, gray, or green undertones:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65): minimal undertones for clean lines.
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006): neutral for contemporary spaces.
- Farrow & Ball All White (No. 2005): no undertones for seamless trim and ceiling continuity.
Test samples under your home’s lighting—warmer rooms suit cool whites, while darker spaces benefit from high-LRV options. White’s adaptability makes it a best living room color scheme for any style.
4. Invigorating Blues for a Refreshing Space
Blue hues make living rooms calm or stylish. From deep navy to soft sky, these living room paint color ideas change spaces. In Harlem, designer Rayman Boozer used Benjamin Moore’s Harbor Haze. It mixed coastal calm with elegance, showing blue’s wide range.
Rich navy colors like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy or Sherwin-Williams’ Naval add luxury. They look great with gold, making a classic look. For small rooms, navy on an accent wall adds depth without feeling too much.
Shades of Navy
- Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy: Sophisticated for traditional or modern settings
- Sherwin-Williams Naval: Deep hue for accent walls or full rooms
- Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue: Warms up navy with subtle terracotta undertones
Soothing Sky Blue
Lighter blues like Edward Bulmer’s Aerial Tint bring a sense of sky. They work well with whites and natural textures for a beachy feel. Soft options like Graphenstone’s Whisper bring calm, while Little Greene’s Deep Space Blue adds flair in bright rooms.
Match sky blue with patterned fabrics, like striped curtains or nautical decor. For a bold look, mix mustard and navy, or add bronze with deep blues. These living room paint color ideas show how blue can be both calm and bold.
5. Grays: The Versatile Neutral
Grays are the top choice for modern homes, fitting any style. They range from light and airy to deep and moody. Colors like Benjamin Moore’s Repose Gray or Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray mix elegance with ease, perfect for any room.
Light grays, such as PPG’s Dover Gray or Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist, make small spaces look bigger. Darker shades, like Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room Gray, add a touch of drama. They look great with gold or brass.
Greige colors, with their beige undertones, like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, offer a neutral base. They’re great for adding bold touches to your decor.
Light Gray vs. Dark Gray
- Light Grays: Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist or PPG’s Dover Gray expand small rooms with their brightness.
- Dark Grays: Sherwin-Williams’ Metropolitan or Benjamin Moore’s Granite AF-660 create rich, sophisticated backdrops.
Complimenting Other Colors
Warm grays, like BEHR’s Useful Gray, go well with wood tones and earthy fabrics. Cool grays pair best with navy or teal. For a classic look, try Farrow & Ball’s Railings No. 31 with gold accents.
Greiges, such as Agreeable Gray, match with any accent, from soft pastels to shiny metallics.
Pro tip: Always test paint samples in natural light to see undertones. Brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams have shades for every taste. Grays are great for creating a base that lets you play with decor.
6. Warm Neutrals for a Cozy Atmosphere
Warm neutrals like beige and taupe make spaces feel cozy and personal. These best living room color schemes use tones like Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan or Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige. They blend comfort with style, unlike stark whites or cool grays.
Start by picking a base color. Farrow & Ball offers Baby Fawn, a creamy off-white. PPG’s Weathered Wood adds natural warmth. Mix these with textures like wooden furniture and wool throws.
- Beige & Taupe Picks: Sherwin-Williams’ White Mocha (orange undertones) or Benjamin Moore’s Synchronicity (brown-tinged gray).
- Layer with Patterns: Combine with patterned rugs or upholstery to prevent monotony.
- Personalize: Layer in souvenirs or art to make the space feel lived-in.
How to choose living room paint colors starts with lighting. Test samples under your room’s natural and artificial light. Warm neutrals like Clove (Sherwin-Williams) add drama in small rooms, while White Sand (Sherwin-Williams) keeps modern spaces airy.
These colors fit any style, from rustic to mid-century. For a cohesive look, use the same neutral family across adjacent rooms. Hygge-inspired spaces thrive with warm neutrals, turning your living room into a cozy sanctuary.
7. Vibrant Greens for a Natural Touch
Make your living room a peaceful oasis with vibrant green colors. Shades like soft sages and deep emeralds add life and balance. Modern paint ideas like sage green or emerald are great for both modern and traditional looks.
“Green is the universal tranquility color—it’s the easiest color to live with because it’s the most restful to the eye.” – Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Expert
Sage Green is a calming yet lively choice. Try Benjamin Moore North Shore Green (LRV 71) or Sherwin Williams Liveable Green (LRV 61) for a mix of warmth and coolness. Add natural wood and linen to bring out the organic feel.
Emerald Green makes a bold statement without being too much. Farrow & Ball Mizzle (LRV 51) adds earthy depth, while Clare Paint Avocado Toast (LRV 39) brings a retro-modern vibe. These colors look great with brass or gold accents, adding elegance.
Here are some top picks:
- Rye Grass (Sherwin Williams) for a sunny feel
- Sussex Green for a moody look
- Greenwich Village Green for a soft sage tone
Use warm lighting and natural materials to enhance green’s calming effect. Whether you choose a subtle or bold shade, green connects your walls to nature.
8. Energetic Yellows to Brighten Your Room
Yellow paint makes any room feel happy and lively. It’s perfect for interior paint colors for living room and trendy living room paint colors. The right yellow can make any space feel more energetic.
Soft Butter Yellow
Soft yellows like Behr’s Buzz-In P300-6 or Valspar’s Lemon Twist add warmth without being too bright. They’re great for small rooms or as a calm background. Try Glidden’s Lemonade Slush or Valspar’s Homey Cream for a cozy feel.
Bold Golden Yellow
Bright yellows like Sherwin-Williams’ Sunflower or Ace Hardware’s Yuma make a big impact. They look best with navy or white for contrast. For example, Sherwin-Williams’ Bee SW-6683 looks great with blue accents.
| Shade | Brand | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Lemonade Slush | Glidden | Soft, welcoming |
| Sunflower | Sherwin-Williams | Dynamic focal point |
| Buzz-In P300-6 | Behr | Upbeat and adaptable |
- Pair rich yellows with charcoal or navy for balance.
- Choose ocher undertones to avoid chalky finishes.
- Test Citrona or Babouche for bold energy.
Yellow is great with natural wood or crisp whites. For a small change, paint a window alcove in Goldenrod by Glidden. Let these trendy living room paint colors spark your next update.
9. Punchy Reds for an Eye-Catching Statement
Adding a bold red to your living room can be exciting. Modern ideas like deep burgundies or vibrant crimsons make walls stand out. Look at New York’s Harlem for inspiration, where a prewar duplex’s lounge is painted Farrow & Ball’s Rectory Red.
Begin with deep burgundy shades for elegance. Benjamin Moore’s Dinner Party or Sherwin-Williams’ Burgundy make rooms feel cozy. Add leather, brass, or dark wood furniture to enhance their beauty.
For a bolder look, try Benjamin Moore’s Moroccan Red or Sherwin-Williams’ Red Bay. These bright crimsons energize walls, great for fireplaces or built-ins.
- Layer reds: Use lighter red tones on walls with deeper shades on trim or furniture for dimension.
- Balance with neutrals: Mix red walls with cream or gray textiles to soften intensity.
- Try “color drenching”: Coat walls, trim, and even ceilings in one red shade for a dramatic, cohesive look.
Don’t forget about other elements. Swedish Falun red adds warmth to accent pieces. Red furniture or plaid fabrics bring boldness without painting the whole wall. Red paired with blues or aquas creates stunning contrasts, like sunbaked russet with navy.
Red’s energy turns spaces into memorable places. Stylish living room paint palettes with red are all about confidence and style.
10. Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Color
Choosing the right paint color for your living room starts with testing samples in your space. Small swatches can look different on walls. So, apply samples directly to your walls and watch them at different times of day.
Popular colors like soft whites, warm grays, and earthy greens work well with any style. But, always test them in your room’s specific light. South-facing rooms do well with bold hues, while north-facing spaces shine with warm tones like terracotta or gold.
Match your paint color with your decor’s vibe. Think about Benjamin Moore’s serene blues or Sherwin-Williams’ modern neutrals. Use the 60-30-10 rule to balance bold accents with neutrals. For example, pair a navy accent wall with cream walls.
Cool whites can make small rooms feel bigger, while warm reds add coziness. Think about your room’s purpose. Vibrant yellows energize daytime spaces, and soft lavenders relax evening areas.
Remember, the best choices mix personal taste with practicality. Visit stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s to test samples. Trust your instincts—the perfect color makes your living room feel like home.
