People choose paint colors for their living rooms for a variety of reasons. The color can set a mood, reflect personal tastes, coordinate with furniture and decor, and make the space feel brighter or cozier. When selecting a living room color, homeowners often look to current trends for inspiration. However, classic neutral colors like white, beige, gray, and blue remain popular timeless choices. The living room is one of the most-used spaces in a home, so homeowners want colors that are versatile enough to match different furniture arrangements and styles over time.
Current Popular Living Room Paint Colors
Here are some of the most popular living room paint colors right now:
Greige
Greige (a mix of gray and beige) is a top living room color trend. It’s a soft, versatile neutral that provides a soothing, elegant backdrop. Greige colors work with many furniture styles and decor aesthetics. They are especially popular in open concept living spaces. Some popular greige paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
– Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
– Behr Gray Cashmere
– Valspar Rock Candy
Blue
Different shades of blue continue to rank among the most popular paint colors for living rooms. From pale sky blue to bold navy, blue hues instill a sense of calm and relaxation. They also pair nicely with many furniture finishes and styles. Some trending blue living room paint colors:
– Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
– Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed
– Behr Blue Print
– Valspar Seaglass
Green
Earthy green tones are also having a major moment in living room design right now. Greens like sage and moss can feel fresh yet grounded. Bolder jade and emerald greens make for dramatic accent walls. Some greens that are trending for living rooms include:
– Benjamin Moore October Mist
– Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt
– Behr Retreat
– Valspar Mirrored Forest
Classic and Timeless Living Room Paint Colors
While trends come and go, some standby living room paint colors endure decade after decade for their flexibility and timeless appeal. These include:
White
White living rooms feel airy and spacious. The simplicity provides a perfect background for bold pops of color in furniture and decor. Designers often recommend white for rooms with little natural light. Super white or extra white work best on trim, while softer whites like Swiss coffee can warm up walls.
Gray
Grays offer elegance and versatility. They take lighter and darker tones well, adapting as a room evolves over time. Cool grays like Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray provide contrast to warm woods, while warmer grays like Revere Pewter complement most colors. Dark charcoal grays can feel sophisticated and moody.
Beige
Timeless beiges work with any style. They make living rooms feel naturally bright and casual. Warm antique white and greige beiges are especially popular. Behr’s Khaki Tan and Valspar’s Strategic Tan are nice flexible options.
Blue
From pale powder blue to navy, blue is always in style. It offers range for different moods – energizing, calming, or cozy. A bright cobalt blue accent wall can be striking. For softer backdrops, try a robin’s egg or weathered blue.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Living Room Color
Here are some things to think about when selecting living room paint colors:
Natural Lighting
The room’s natural lighting impacts how colors appear. North-facing rooms may need warmer tones, while ample southern light can handle cool, bold hues. White and pale colors help brighten dark spaces. Consider lighting at different times of day.
Furniture and Decor
Match large pieces you plan to keep like sofas and shelves. Accent colors in your furniture and decor will also impact the palette. Coordinate wall colors with rug tones and art for a put-together look.
Mood and Purpose
Do you want an elegant, sophisticated living room or a casual, cozy hang-out space? The mood you want to create can help guide color selections. Bolder colors may suit large gatherings, while softer hues provide quiet ambiance.
Personal Preference
Some people prefer the airy openness of white, while others opt for the cozy warmth of tan. Consider colors you are naturally drawn to. Remember, bolder samples often seem less intense on walls.
Paint Sheen for Living Rooms
The paint’s sheen or finish impacts the look, durability, and washability. Here are some top sheen options for living room walls and trim:
Matte or Flat
Matte or flat finishes minimize imperfections but show scuffs. They work for most living room walls, providing a casual, welcoming vibe. Washable matte is a good compromise with some sheen.
Eggshell
With soft shine, eggshell finishes resist marks and can be wiped clean. They work well on living room walls that get occasional scuffs or handprints. The subtle luster elevates the look.
Satin
With medium reflectiveness, satin provides a smooth, pearl-like sheen. It maintains living room walls nicely and stands up to cleaning. Use satin sheen for dining rooms or kid-friendly living spaces.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss offers maximum durability and washability. Its high shine works well on window trim, molding, cabinets and doors that get handled frequently. The bold gloss shows more imperfections.
DIY vs Professional Painting
While many homeowners tackle living room painting DIY-style to save on labor costs, hiring professional painters has advantages:
– Speed – Professionals paint much faster and more efficiently than DIYers. They can paint an entire average-sized living room in 1-2 days.
– Quality – Experienced painters have techniques and tools to achieve smooth, consistent coverage without drips, splatters, or brush marks.
– Prep work – Pros handle messy, time-consuming prep like furniture moving, drop cloths, patching, sanding, taping, and priming expertly.
– Multitasking – A crew can paint walls, trim, ceilings, and touch ups simultaneously. DIY painting tends to happen in stages.
– Clean up – Pro painters tidy up completely when finished. With DIY projects, cleaning small messes can take weeks.
– Savings – Though pricier upfront, pro painting saves money by using less paint and finishing faster so the room can be used again sooner.
Average Cost to Paint a Living Room
The average cost to paint a 12×12 foot living room in the U.S. ranges between $300-$1,500. Here’s a price breakdown:
| Project Details | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 300-400 sq. ft. living room, medium quality paint | $300-$800 |
| 300-400 sq. ft. living room, premium paint | $500-$1,200 |
| 12×12 ft. accent wall, premium paint | $50-$250 |
The wide range accounts for geographical variations, wall height/access, primer needs, and professional vs DIY labor. Extra costs may include:
– Paint for ceilings, trim, doors: $100-$300
– Priming bare or damaged walls: $75-$150
– Minor drywall repairs: $200-$400
– Furniture moving: $50-$200
Conclusion
When choosing living room colors, assess the lighting, your existing decor, the mood you want, and your color preferences. Current popular paint colors include greige, different shades of blues and greens, and classic neutrals like white, gray, beige, and blue. Flat or matte finishes work for most living room walls, while semi-gloss is best for trim. Though DIY painting may save money upfront, hiring professionals typically delivers better quality results in less time. For painting a 300-400 sq. ft. living room, expect to invest $300-$1,500 based on the paint quality, geographical region, and whether you DIY or hire it out. Consider both current trends and timeless colors to ensure your living room paint selection remains stylish and adaptable for years to come.