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DESIGN 101
Living Room Color Schemes
Welcome to your living room, a space that should feel like home, represent your style, and wow visitors. That all starts with the right color scheme.
Comparing the best living room color ideas is no small task. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm or a transitional style, the best color scheme is the one that truly fits your home. Below, we’ll cover some of the best living room colors for all kinds of interior styles, including classic, neutral, modern, and more.
Classic Living Room Color Schemes
Classic or traditional living rooms never go out of style. These designs tend to include vintage or mid century modern furniture, framed wall art, wood accents, and bold, solid colors. If you’re planning your classic living room layout, consider these color schemes.
Bold navy
A rich navy-blue living room with white and gold accents is perfect for a classic living room design. Navy is a calm, cooling color often associated with coastal homes. Although this is a darker palette, with enough white and gem-toned accents — plus plenty of natural lighting — it will help your living room feel spacious and welcoming.
Warm reds
Deep maroon, burnt orange, and earthy brown create a cozy palette that makes a statement in your living room. Consider a dark red accent wall or gallery wall with a lighter primary color. This color scheme pairs well with dark wood ceiling beams and natural-toned rugs or carpeting.
Cool gray and turquoise
Cool gray walls with bright turquoise, gold, and white accents is a classic color scheme that suits open, airy living rooms. The bright pop of turquoise adds some energy to your space without being too overwhelming. Pair this color scheme with a white marble mantle or coffee table for an extra touch of elegance.
Popular Living Room Colors
If you’ve spent any time scrolling Pinterest lately, you’re probably familiar with some of the most popular living room colors. Those color schemes look great in a snapshot — but are they actually achievable in your living room? That all depends on your taste and the space you’re working with.
Check out these popular living room color schemes that are worth a try.
Moody greens
Moody green living rooms and kitchens are all the rage right now. Although deep greens are beautiful, they may make your space feel too dark without the right accents. Try a combination of emerald, forest green, or khaki with plenty of natural light and white or gold highlights. This color scheme looks great with framed vintage artwork, wrought iron, or dark leather.
Chic gray
For a more modern look, try a combination of blue-ish grays, off-white, and black. This color scheme is perfect for a room with modern recliners and sleek minimalist furniture. Add to your modern look with black-and-white photography, statement lighting, and a splash of bold color on your rug or curtains.
Charcoal and gold
Charcoal black walls might sound overwhelming at first, but when paired with golds, greens, and dusty roses, this stunning palette lands somewhere between vintage and eclectic. You’ll love this look if you’re a fan of gallery walls and unique furniture pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors as you decorate your living room.
Neutral Living Room Color Schemes
If you’re looking for the best cozy living room ideas, a neutral color scheme is a great place to start. Neutral colors help brighten small or dim spaces. They also promote relaxation and offer plenty of room to play — you can add a bright color here and there without overwhelming your senses. Here are a few neutral color schemes to consider.
Creamy beige and wood
Soft off-white colors paired with light, natural wood create a cozy look perfect for smaller living rooms. Look for a beige or oatmeal couch paired with a darker-toned throw. Bookshelves and lamps made with blonde wood add an elegant, Scandinavian touch.
Off-white and pink
If you want a soft, welcoming space, consider creamy white as your primary color, with dusty rose or blush pink accents. These light pink tones absorb natural light to create a warm glow in your living room. Consider this color scheme if you love distressed or shabby-chic furniture.
Dusty browns
For a more boho, nature-inspired style, try a palette of soft taupe and beige with highlights of olive green. This color scheme goes well with woven rugs or tapestries and plenty of leafy plants. Dark wood tones can add a touch of moody color without overwhelming.
The Best Living Room Color Ideas for Style-Focused Rooms
Your living room is the center of your home and the best place to show off your interior design style. Here are a few style-focused living room color schemes to help your personal style shine.
Coastal blue
Misty blues and foggy grays will make your living room feel like a spa. Pair these colors with light wood tones, cream-colored furniture and linens, and a touch of seafoam green. Dried pampas grass in a ceramic vase completes the look.
Mid century retro
Mid-century retro color schemes are all about being bold and bright. Burnt orange, mustard yellow, and turquoise accents will look great against neutral-colored walls. Add a fun vintage couch or home bar cart to make this style pop.
Colorful eclectic
For a more modern, eclectic look, try a palette of bright blue, yellow, and red. A vibrant primary color sets the backdrop for unique décor and statement pieces. And don’t be afraid to throw in some animal prints!
Clean Scandinavian
Scandinavian interior designs feature natural wood tones and warm, neutral colors. This is a great color scheme if you prefer a tidy space. Look for creamy-colored furniture and light-toned leather. A dark black accent on your mantel or shelving adds a sharp touch.
Warm rustic
Love the farmhouse look? Warm rustic color schemes include plenty of rich wood tones, stone accents, and warm reds and browns. Look for barn wood coffee tables and comfy leather sofas.
Cozy cottagecore
Make your living room feel like a cozy cottage in the woods with a neutral primary color, soft greens, dark wood, and plenty of hanging plants. Cottage core is all about comfort — don’t hesitate to fill your space with plenty of cushions and knotted throws.
Quick Style Tips
Struggling to find the right color scheme for your living room? Here are a few quick tips.
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Balance with the 60-30-10 rule. When planning your color scheme, remember to use a primary color for 60% of the room, a secondary color for 30%, and a splashy accent for 10%.
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Choose colors that inspire you. As much as you want to impress guests, don’t forget that this is your space. Choose colors that resonate with you and help you feel comfortable.
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Carefully choose accent pieces. Try to pick your color scheme before you start shopping for accent pieces. One or two unique pieces will go a long way to style your space.
Find the Best Living Room Color Scheme for Your Home
There's no such thing as the “best” living room color scheme. What looks great to some people might not feel right for your space — so take your time, shop around, and choose a color scheme that truly fits your home. You can always start by finding your inspiration online.