Good Color Choices for Living Rooms

Selecting the perfect paint color for a living room can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it's important to consider factors like the room's natural light, existing decor, and the mood you want to create. The right living room color can make the space feel tranquil or lively, expansive or cozy. It's a personal decision that requires balancing practical needs with aesthetic vision.

As a starting point, neutral off-whites, beiges and warm grays tend to be popular living room color choices because they act as a subtle, versatile backdrop that allows furnishings and accessories to shine. For a living room with abundant natural light, don't be afraid to experiment with colors in the green, blue and purple families. Deeper hues like hunter green, navy blue and eggplant purple will appear lighter and brighter than they do on a paint chip, but still add personality to liven up a space. For darker or north-facing living rooms, lighter tints of these colors can achieve the same effect.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Living Room Paint Colors

Choosing a living room color isn't just about personal preference. The size, layout and sunlight exposure of the room should all weigh heavily in the decision-making process. Here are the main factors to keep in mind.

Natural Lighting

The amount of natural light a living room receives impacts how paint colors will appear once they're on the walls. North-facing rooms tend to have cool, subdued light while south-facing rooms receive warmer, more vivid sunlight during the day. Rooms with abundant light can handle deeper, more saturated colors like royal blue or hunter green. In low-light living rooms, lighter tints of these colors can achieve the same personality without appearing too dark and overpowering.

Room Size & Layout

A room's physical size and layout also determines what colors it can support. Large living rooms with high ceilings can pull off bold, striking colors like crimson red or forest green without feeling overwhelming. For smaller spaces, darker colors may overpower while light neutrals or pastels will make the room feel more open.

In open-concept homes where the living room blends with a dining area and kitchen, paint colors should be cohesive across spaces. Sticking to one main color scheme makes the open space appear purposefully designed.

Furnishings & Decor

Existing furnishings and decor elements should factor heavily into the color equation. Look around at major furniture pieces, area rugs, curtains and artwork within the space. Are there any accent colors that stand out? If so, these can serve as jumping off points when selecting paint colors.

For example, a burnt orange pillow and navy patterned rug could inspire a tangerine accent wall paired with a deep blue sofa and neutral off-white cabinetry. If uprooting furniture isn't an option, keep paint colors subdued enough to complement existing elements rather than compete with them.

Personal Preferences

At the end of the day, the "perfect" living room color is subjective based on homeowners' styles, tastes and what makes them feel relaxed, happy or inspired. When narrowing down the possibilities, ask yourself:

• What are my favorite colors to wear or see in nature?
• Do I tend to prefer warm tones like peach and gold or cool tones like gray and blue?
• Do I envision this room being a high-energy hangout or peaceful sanctuary?

Answering these questions starts to reveal preferences that you can use to guide decision making. It also sets priorities - does personal color taste trump practical factors or vice versa? There's no universally correct answer; go with the option that brings you joy whenever possible.

Most Popular Living Room Color Ideas

Now that the technical considerations have been covered, here is a look at some of today's most popular living room color ideas perfect for spaces that need an ambiance update.

Soothing Neutrals

Neutrals like warm white, gray and beige are always reliable living room color options because they act as blank canvases that allow accent pieces to shine. Benjamin Moore's popular creates a cozy, relaxing backdrop in a variety of lighting conditions. Pair with wood furniture and pops of green or yellow for an elegant earthy look. For a Scandinavian vibe try cream paired with light woods, woven textures and hints of black.

Muted Blues

From sky blue to navy, muted blues can instantly make a living room feel tranquil without appearing too cold. Try a dusty shade like Sherwin Williams' Rainwashed or Farrow & Ball's darker Hague Blue on the walls. Add weathered wood elements, cozy throws and greenery for contrast and visual interest.

Jewel-Tone Accents

Painting one wall in a vivid shade adds energy without overpowering a neutral palette. Deep red makes a dramatic media wall. Eggplant purple inspires cozy relaxation, especially when paired with warm metallic accents. For a contemporary look try emerald green with metallic geometric art, or citron yellow with modern Scandinavian furnishings.

Inviting Earth Tones

Organic living room color schemes featuring warm beige, brown and green hues bring the outdoors inside for a grounding feel. Pair brown leather seating with olive or sage green walls and plenty of natural light for an inviting look. Add in live plants, woven textures and wood elements to enhance the earthy ambiance.

Tips for Choosing Paint Sheens

Beyond just color, sheen is an important paint characteristic when it comes to living rooms. The glossier the sheen, the more durable, reflective and wipeable a finish will be. Here's a quick glossary of sheens best suited for living room walls and trim:

Matte

As a low-sheen option, matte paint absorbs light rather than reflecting it for a velvety appearance. It works beautifully on walls but requires more careful upkeep since wiping can leave behind marks. Matte is ideal for ceilings to prevent light glare.

Eggshell

With a soft, subtle sheen, eggshell finishes resist marks better than matte. It's an excellent choice for heavily used living room walls that need to withstand occasional scuffs or dirt transfer. The velvety appearance keeps the look casual.

Satin

A smooth, silky finish with more luster than eggshell or matte, satin works well for living room walls in high traffic areas. It reflects moderate light for added dimension while minimizing imperfections.

Semi-gloss offers brilliant shine and excellent durability. In living rooms it's best for trim, doors and built-in cabinetry rather than walls to avoid appearing too slick. Vibrant semi-gloss whites keep millwork looking fresh between touch ups.

Choosing colors and finishes suited for a living room's size, lighting and existing decor makes the difference between a purposefully designed space and one that feels haphazard. Before investing time and money into painting, seriously consider what factors matter most. Samples allow you to see how proposed colors interact with reality before fully committing. With some thoughtful analysis, you'll create a personalized living room retreat filled with inspired, functional color.