Living room paint colour ideas

Living rooms are one of the most important rooms in your home. It's where you retreat to in the evenings to relax and it's where you entertain friends and family. It's safe to say that it's no easy task and there's a reason why it's one of our most popular rooms to redesign! Do you go dark and moody or light and bright? Energetic or serene?! The colour you choose will have a big impact on your mood when you're in the space.

To help you choose the perfect colour for your living room we've pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients so you can simply choose the one that best answers your colour scheme conundrum:

1. Two colour combinations for living rooms ideas

2. What colour schemes are best for north facing living rooms?

3. What colour schemes are best for open plan living rooms?

4. What colour should I paint a small living room?

5. What are the best colour schemes for a Victorian living room?

 6. What are the best colour schemes for a cosy cottage living room?

7. What colour would you paint living room with a grey sofa?

8. What colour would you paint living room with a dark brown sofa?

Need help with your living room transformation?  Get started today and get matched with one of our amazing designers!

Best colour schemes for a living room

No matter what colour scheme you choose for your living room, it's important to consider your personal style and preferences. Experimenting with different colours and combinations can help you create a space that feels truly unique and reflects your personality.

Another factor to consider is the light quality in your living room. The amount of natural sunlight it gets and the time of day will really impact how a colour looks in real life. For example, in a west facing living room, the warmer evening light will bring out the yellow tones in a paint colour. Remember to always test paint samples on your walls before committing to a colour and check it throughout the day.

Stuck on your living room layout? We have a guide for that! Have a read here.

1. Blue living room colour schemes

Blue is a really popular choice for a living room as it has a really calming and serene effect. Shades of blue, such as navy or sky blue, can create a peaceful and relaxing ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Pairing blue with neutral tones like white or beige can help balance the overall look and prevent it from feeling too overpowering.

If you're looking for a two colour combination living room, blue also plays really nicely with pink, like in the image above, and also yellow which adds a zest of energy to the space!

2. Grey colour schemes for living rooms

Grey was for a long time the go-to colour of choice for living rooms, but nowadays it's been replaced by warmer alternatives like beige, taupe and soft pinks. Grey can still be a great choice though as it's incredibly versatile and can be paired with lots of other shades. We have some rules to follow however to stop your grey living room from looking dull and dated.

Grey can be a bit cold which can feel uninviting (the opposite of what you want in a living room!) and so we always suggest pairing it with warm, natural materials like in the room above. The wooden floor and accents create a lovely contrast and immediately make the room feel more inviting. This also stops the room feeling too industrial. 

Being so versatile you can also easily layer in other colours in your soft furnishings and artwork like green, blue or a dusky pink which is lovely against grey. If you're a bit colour shy and prefer a neutral scheme, use plants instead to add a pop of natural colour.

Need help with your living room transformation?  Get started today and get matched with one of our amazing designers!

3. Green living room colour schemes

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Green is definitely having its moment in the spotlight, and it's no surprise that it's a popular choice for living rooms. The colour green has a refreshing and calming effect, making it the perfect choice for creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere in your living room. Whether you opt for a vibrant shade of emerald green or a softer hue like sage or mint, incorporating green into your living room brings a touch of nature indoors and creates a sense of harmony and balance.

To enhance the green colour scheme in your living room, you can pair it with neutral tones like white or beige for a clean and sophisticated look. Alternatively, you can experiment with complementary colours like blush pink or mustard yellow to add a pop of energy and create a more dynamic space.

We absolutely love pairing green with gold and brass tones as they look beautiful together. Use these on your light fittings and handles as well as dotted around the room in little gold trinkets and ornaments.

4. Neutral living room colour schemes

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

If you prefer a more understated and subtle look for your living room, a neutral colour scheme is a great choice. Neutral tones like white, beige, and cream can create a timeless and elegant atmosphere in any space. They also work particularly well in living rooms that receive plenty of natural sunlight, as the light enhances the beauty of these soft and muted shades.

Neutral colour schemes provide a versatile backdrop for your furniture and décor, allowing you to easily change up the look of your living room over time. You can add pops of colour with accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork, or incorporate different textures and patterns to create visual interest.

To prevent your neutral living room from feeling too plain or boring, consider adding elements of contrast and depth. You can do this by incorporating different shades of neutrals, such as pairing a crisp white with a warm beige or a soft cream with a cool grey; this will create a subtle variation in colour that adds dimension to the space.

Another way to add interest to a neutral living room is by incorporating different materials and finishes. For example, you can introduce natural elements like wood and stone to bring warmth and texture to the space. Mixing different textures, such as smooth fabrics with rough textures, can also create visual interest and make the room feel more inviting.

Need help with your living room transformation?  Get started today and get matched with one of our amazing designers!

5. Bright living room colour ideas

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So you fancy having a bit of fun with your colour scheme?! Good on you. Bright living room colour schemes will fill your space with personality and make it truly unique. Adding vibrant pops of colour to your living room can create a lively and energetic atmosphere that reflects your vibrant personality.

One option for a bright living room colour scheme is to incorporate bold and saturated hues. Consider using shades like electric blue, fuchsia pink, or sunny yellow to add a burst of energy to your space. These vibrant colours can be incorporated through accent walls, statement furniture pieces, or bold accessories like throw pillows or artwork.

If you prefer a more subtle approach to brightening up your living room, you can opt for a pastel colour palette. Soft and delicate shades like mint green, lavender, or blush pink can create a soothing and calming atmosphere while still adding a touch of colour. These pastel hues can be incorporated through wall paint, upholstery, or even through decorative elements like curtains or rugs.

Remember, the key to a successful, bright living room colour scheme is to have fun and experiment with different combinations!

Two colour combinations for living rooms

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Wondering which are the best two-colour combinations to pair together in your living room? We're firm believers in being bold and playing around with different colour combinations. Generally if you keep the same colour intensity, you should be ok. For example a bold blue and equally bold yellow work well, so would a pastel green and pink. Also think about the undertones in a colour, for example colours with warmer undertones will play nicely together. 

Here are some tried and tested colour combos you can always rely on:

• Pink and green
• Blue and pink
• Blue and yellow
• Green and orange
• Black and white
• Blue and grey
• Orange and navy
• Green and beige
• Pink and grey
• Green and brown
• Red and blue

Need living room inspiration? Take a look at our living room designs in our portfolio. You can even shop the look!

Colour schemes for north facing living rooms

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

In north-facing rooms, the lack of direct sunlight can create a cool and shadowy atmosphere. While white may seem like the obvious choice to brighten up the space, it can actually make the room feel even colder and more sterile. Instead, consider embracing the cosy ambiance that a north-facing room can offer by opting for darker and bolder colours.

Deep blues, rich greens, and warm earth tones can transform a north-facing room into a cosy sanctuary. These colours have a natural ability to absorb light and create a sense of warmth and depth. For example, a deep navy blue can add a touch of sophistication and drama, while a deep forest green evokes a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature.

Consider the time of day you'll be spending the most time in the room. If it's primarily in the evening, when the natural light is even dimmer, you might want to choose colours that are even richer and more saturated. This will create a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels intimate and welcoming.

Colour schemes for open plan living rooms

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One approach with open plan living room colour schemes is to have a consistent colour throughout the entire area, which creates a sense of unity and flow. This can be achieved by selecting a neutral colour palette, such as shades of beige or taupe, which act as a versatile backdrop for the overall design.

Another approach to colour in open plan living rooms is to divide the space into different zones, each with its own complementary colour scheme. This can be done by using feature walls, rugs, or furniture to delineate the areas and create a sense of purpose and definition. For example, you could have a seating area with a warm and inviting colour scheme, such as earthy tones like terracotta or deep mustard, while the kitchen space is lighter and brighter to keep you energised while you cook!

Need help with your living room transformation?  Get started today and get matched with one of our amazing designers!

Colour scheme ideas for small living rooms

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When it comes to small living rooms, it's important to embrace the size of the space rather than trying to fight against it. Instead of feeling limited by the size, think about how you want to feel in the room and of course, don't forget to factor in the the quality of light it gets throughout the day.

One approach for small living rooms is to opt for light and bright walls. However, it's important to avoid using a stark "white white" colour as it can feel cold and sterile. Instead, choose a shade of beige or white with warmer undertones. This will create a welcoming and cosy atmosphere while still maintaining a sense of openness.

You absolutely do not need to feel limited to a neutral colour palette in a small living room though. We absolutely love using bold colour schemes in small spaces because they create a real 'wow-factor'. 

There are a number of other design tricks to consider to make your small living room feel larger. Check out our blog of 16 small living room ideas here.

Colour schemes for Victorian living rooms

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If you happen to have a Victorian-style living room, you're in luck! You can fully embrace the elegance and charm of this era by choosing a bold colour scheme. Think rich and deep colours like burgundy, emerald green, or royal blue. These hues beautifully complement the intricate architectural details and period furniture commonly found in Victorian homes, creating an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication.

To truly capture that luxurious and opulent feel, it's essential to pair these rich colours with gold or brass accents. The warm tones of gold and brass add a touch of glamour, elevating the overall design. You can incorporate these accents through decorative elements such as picture frames, candle holders, or ornate mirrors. To further enhance the Victorian aesthetic, consider using gold or brass hardware on furniture pieces or light fixtures. It's all about creating that lavish and timeless vibe in your Victorian living room.

Need living room inspiration? Take a look at our living room designs in our portfolio. You can even shop the look!

Cottage living room colour schemes

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For a cosy cottage living room, earthy and natural colour schemes are perfect. Think warm shades of brown, beige, and cream, combined with rustic elements like exposed brick or wooden beams. Adding pops of colour with floral patterns or pastel hues can create a cheerful and inviting space that reflects the charm of a countryside cottage.

In addition to floral patterns, consider adding other accent colours that compliment the earthy tones. For example, a subtle shade of sage green or dusty blue can add a sense of calm and tranquillity to the room. These colours work particularly well when paired with natural materials like rattan or wicker, which further enhance the cottage vibe.

What colour to paint living room with grey sofa

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We get asked this question a lot! Grey is very much a safe option for a sofa and as they're one of the most important and expensive items you purchase for your home, it makes sense to choose something classic that can work with many different colour schemes.

With such a neutral sofa, you can afford to go bold with the colour scheme on your walls! After all, paint is relatively cheap and you can change it yourself over a weekend if you fancy a change. We particularly love a deep blue with a grey sofa, like in the image above, because the two cool tones work beautifully together. 

You can also go neutral on the walls with a grey sofa but we'd strongly recommend avoiding grey on the wall as grey on grey is very uninspiring and let's face it....a bit dated! Instead, layer it with neutral warmer tones on the walls like beige or taupe. Neutral paint schemes need lots of different dimensions to prevent them looking dull and flat. 

Pinks is also a lovely choice if you have a grey sofa. Especially the modern dusky pinks that have grey undertones making them the perfect match.

Need help choosing the perfect sofa? We have a guide for that too!

Colour schemes for living rooms with a dark brown sofa

If you're into the rustic vibe, then you might have a brown sofa and are now wondering what colours work with it? Similarly to grey, think of brown as a neutral and so your options are pretty open. Neutral colours like beige or cream can create a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Generally earthy shades are your best bet with a brown sofa because brown is a warm neutral. Think olive greens, rust, terracotta and taupe. 

Need help with your living room transformation?  Get started today and get matched with one of our amazing designers!