Choosing the right colour shade for your living room can be a daunting task. The living room is often the heart of the home, where you entertain guests and spend quality time with family. The right colour scheme can create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the wrong colours can make the space feel cold or chaotic. When selecting living room colours, you’ll want to consider the size of the room, how much natural light it gets, the style of your furnishings, and the overall mood you want to achieve. Here are some tips to help you determine the best colour palette for your living room.
Consider the Size of the Room
One of the first things to think about is the physical size and proportions of the living room. A small living room will feel even smaller if painted in dark colours. Darker hues can make walls seem like they are closing in. To give the illusion of space, go for soft and light wall colours like pale yellow, light blue, or off-white. These will make the room feel airier and more expansive. Large living rooms have more flexibility in colour choices. With ample wall space, you can get away with deeper, bolder tones on accent walls or furniture pieces without overwhelming the room.
Amount of Natural Light
The quantity and quality of natural light your living room receives should factor into your colour selection. North-facing rooms tend to have cool, bluish lighting while south-facing rooms often get warmer yellowish light. East or west facing rooms receive beautiful natural light at certain times of day but can be darker at other times. If your living room has an abundance of natural light from large windows, you can choose deeper, saturated shades that would feel too heavy and dark in a room with minimal sunlight. With plenty of illumination, the colour will appear vivid rather than murky. Low light rooms benefit from lighter, brighter colours to give the illusion of more light.
Style of Furnishings
When selecting a colour scheme, you’ll want to take into account the existing decor and furnishings. The style of your furniture can dictate what colour families would work best. For example, traditional furnishings with dark wood and patterned fabrics pair nicely with deeper jewel tones like emerald, navy or wine red. Contemporary decor with sleek metallic and leather elements can handle bold, energetic hues like orange, lime green or magenta. If you have a soft, romantic decor style with floral prints and carved wood, stick to lighter pastels like powder blue, sage green or muted peach. Choose colours that complement rather than compete with your decor.
Desired Mood and Atmosphere
Your colour choices can greatly impact the overall mood and ambiance in the living room. Warm reds, oranges and yellows will create an energizing, upbeat feeling. Cool blues and greens have a calming, relaxing effect. Neutrals like beige, grey and brown promote tranquility and flexibility. Vibrant shades of violet, teal or lime green lend a fun, whimsical vibe. Decide the type of atmosphere you want your living room to have and select colours that will enhance that mood.
Choosing a Colour Scheme
When selecting colours for your living room, you’ll need to decide on an overall colour scheme or palette. This means choosing one or two main colours and coordinating secondary shades. There are a few basic approaches:
Monochromatic – Sticking to shades of one single colour. For example, soft tan walls with darker brown and cream accents. This creates a soothing, cohesive look.
Analogous – Using hues that sit side-by-side on the colour wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green. This harmonious palette has a natural, relaxed feel.
Complementary – Pairing opposite colours from the colour wheel, like red and green or orange and blue. This look is bold and lively.
Triadic – Choosing three colours evenly spaced on the colour wheel, such as yellow, purple and red. This palette is vibrant yet balanced.
Neutral – Sticking with various shades of beige, brown, grey, white or black. This approach is versatile and elegant.
Best Colour Shades for Living Rooms
Here are some of the most popular and effective colour choices for living rooms:
Beige – A warm, welcoming neutral that pairs well with pops of colour. Works with any style.
Light blue – Calming and airy. Beautiful in coastal, cottage or traditional spaces.
Sage green – Earthy and peaceful. Lovely in craftsman or modern living rooms.
Light grey – Sophisticated and sleek. Perfect for urban lofts or contemporary rooms.
Cream – Soft and cozy. Ideal for achieving a rustic or farmhouse feel.
Navy – Dramatic yet versatile. Grounds lively accent colours.
Forest green – Rich and traditional. Complements brown leather furniture nicely.
Soft yellow – Cheerful and sunny. Great for small, dark rooms.
Mocha – Warm and welcoming. Works with antique woods and ethnic textiles.
Lavender – Feminine and charming. Lovely with silver, white and wood tones.
Factors for Choosing Paint Colours
When comparing specific paint colours for your living room, keep these factors in mind:
– Undertones – Does the colour have warm reddish-yellow undertones or cool blue undertones? This impacts the vibe it gives off.
– Light Reflectance Value (LRV) – Lighter colours with a high LRV make rooms feel open and airy. Darker shades with low LRV can feel cozy and intimate.
– Finish – Matte or flat finishes hide flaws but can show scuffs. Glossy finishes are durable and vibrant but may show imperfections. Satin or eggshell offer a nice in-between option.
– Coordinating – Sample paint strips in the full colour scheme to ensure all the tones complement each other.
– Testing – Paint swatches on the wall to see how the colour truly looks in the space and at different times of day.
– Lighting – View the samples in natural light, at night, and under incandescent bulbs to get an accurate impression.
Choosing Paint Brands and Quality
Invest in quality paint in a brand known for providing excellent coverage and fade resistance. For living rooms, many pros recommend paints by Behr, Benjamin Moore, or Sherwin-Williams. Stay away from the cheapest paints which can take numerous coats to achieve an even colour. Opt for durable interior paints rated for washability and scrub resistance to stand up to wear and tear. Higher quality paints have more saturated pigments for brighter, richer hues.
Hiring Professional Painters
While it’s possible to paint your living room yourself, hiring professional painters has many advantages if it fits your budget. Experienced painters work far faster with less mess and hassle. They know techniques for achieving flawless coverage and crisp lines. Professionals have the right tools like sprayers, ladders, and drop cloths. They also handle the furniture moving, prep work, clean up, and disposal of paint cans. Most offer multi-year warranties as well.
Conclusion
Choosing living room paint colours you love can entirely transform the feel of your home and create an inviting space for quality time. Consider the room’s size, light, furnishings, and your desired atmosphere when selecting complementary hues from the wide range of colour options. With some thoughtful planning and experimentation with samples, you’re sure to find a palette that makes your living room extra welcoming. Professional painting services can provide an easy, efficient update. With the right colours, your living room will become your favourite spot to unwind and entertain.