The Ultimate Guide to Living Room Paint Colors
More than any other room in the house, living rooms are meant for leisure—for spending time with loved ones, watching favorite movies and shows, playing games, or just cozying up with a good book. Paint colors help create the right living room environment, making the space more comfortable and inviting.
But what colors are best for your living room? Read on for tips, mistakes to avoid, and 10 excellent color recommendations from leading brands.
What to Consider When Choosing Living Room Paint Colors
Let’s start by discussing a few factors to keep in mind.
1. Lighting
The direction and amount of natural light affect how paint colors appear. South-facing rooms enhance warm tones, while north-facing rooms may benefit from lighter, warmer colors to counteract cooler lighting. The type of bulbs you use (LED, incandescent, etc.) also influences color perception. Make sure to test paint samples to see how your living room’s light impacts various colors. (More on testing paint below.)
2. Room Size
Lighter colors like whites, pastels, and light neutrals can make a small living room feel more open. Darker hues, such as deep greens or navy, help boost the coziness of larger spaces.
3. Furniture and Decor
Ensure your paint colors complement your furniture, rugs, curtains, and artwork. Neutral colors work well with colorful or patterned decor, while bolder hues can balance more subtle furnishings.
4. Mood and Purpose
Think about what kind of vibe you want for your living room. For a calming environment, consider soft blues, greens, or grays. Vibrant hues like yellows or oranges add warmth and energy, while deep colors like navy, charcoal, or muted jewel tones exude elegance.
5. Durability and Finish
A satin or eggshell finish is great for living rooms due to their balance of durability and sheen. Matte finishes hide imperfections, while glossier finishes add light reflection. If you have kids or pets, opt for a washable and scuff-resistant finish.
6. Flow with Adjoining Spaces
For open floor plans, choose a cohesive palette to create visual harmony between living, dining, and kitchen areas.
Testing Paint Colors
All the factors above will help you narrow down your paint color choices. Once you have a few candidates, it’s essential to test them in your living room, to see how they really perform in that space.
The easiest way to do that is with mess-free peel-and-stick samples from Samplize. Here’s how it works.
Step One: Choose Your Samples
Enjoy browsing our huge selection of paint colors from leading brands, including Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball. You can go with our bundles, or handpick a stack of samples from the recommendations below. Finish your order, and your samples will arrive on your doorstep the very next day.
Step Two: Peel and Stick
Your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint. Start by testing one sample in an inconspicuous spot that’s clean and free of debris. Once you’ve tried one sample, feel free to stick on various colors side by side.
Step Three: Dream, Debate, Decide
Walk around your living room. Turn the lights on and off, draw the curtains, wait for sunset, light some candles—explore how each color presents in each condition. If after all that, you’re not in love with one color, just repeat steps one and two until you find the perfect hue for your ideal living room.
The 10 Best Living Room Paint Colors
With all that in mind, here are ten excellent living room paint colors to consider.
Neutral and Versatile Shades:
1. Revere Pewter: A warm greige ideal for various lighting conditions.
- revere-pewter-hc-172-12x12
2. Alabaster: A soft, creamy white for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- alabaster-7008-12x12
3. White Dove: A slightly warm white that pairs well with most decor styles.
- white-dove-oc-17-12x12
4. Agreeable Gray: A light greige that complements both modern and traditional styles.
- agreeable-gray-7029-12x12
Soothing Blues and Greens:
5. Wythe Blue: A tranquil blue-green, great for adding a touch of color.
- wythe-blue-hc-143-12x12
6. Sea Salt: A delicate greenish-gray with blue undertones for a serene feel.
- sea-salt-6204-12x12
7. Pewter Green: A rich, earthy green that brings warmth and depth.
- pewter-green-6208-12x12
Bold and Moody Options:
8. Hale Navy: A dramatic navy for accent walls or a statement look.
- hale-navy-hc-154-12x12
9. Urbane Bronze: A warm, deep gray-brown for a sophisticated ambiance.
- urbane-bronze-7048-12x12
10. Tricorn Black: A striking black that adds a modern edge to any space.
- tricorn-black-6258-12x12
These colors offer a mix of timelessness and trendiness to create a beautiful and functional living room.
8 Mistakes to Avoid
When painting your living room, avoid these common mistakes to ensure you get the results you want.
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
Mistake: Painting over dirty, oily, or uneven walls.
Fix: Clean walls thoroughly, patch any holes or cracks, and sand rough areas. Use primer for better adhesion and color consistency.
2. Choosing the Wrong Sheen
Mistake: Using a finish that doesn’t match the room’s needs (e.g., matte in high-traffic areas).
Fix: Use satin or eggshell finishes for durability and easy cleaning; reserve matte for areas less prone to scuffs.
3. Forgetting to Protect Surrounding Areas
Mistake: Skipping protective measures, leading to paint splatters on furniture, floors, or trim.
Fix: Use painter’s tape to mask edges, and cover furniture and floors with drop cloths.
4. Overlooking Trim and Ceiling
Mistake: Neglecting to refresh trim or ceiling paint, leading to a mismatched look.
Fix: Repaint or touch up the trim and ceiling for a cohesive finish.
5. Using Low-Quality Paint and Tools
Mistake: Opting for cheap paints or brushes that may leave streaks or require multiple coats.
Fix: Invest in high-quality paint and proper tools for better coverage and a smoother finish.
6. Applying Paint Too Quickly
Mistake: Applying a second coat before the first coat dries, leading to streaks and uneven texture.
Fix: Follow the manufacturer’s drying time guidelines and ensure the first coat is completely dry.
7. Painting in Poor Conditions
Mistake: Painting in extreme temperatures or high humidity can cause uneven drying or peeling.
Fix: Paint when conditions are optimal, typically between 50°F and 85°F, and ensure good ventilation.
8. Underestimating Paint Quantity
Mistake: Running out of paint mid-project, leading to inconsistencies if you can’t match that batch exactly.
Fix: Use a paint calculator or consult a professional to estimate the correct amount of paint you’ll need.
By avoiding these pitfalls and taking your time with proper planning, you can achieve a polished and beautiful result in your living room.
Ready to Start?
Samplize has thousands of colors to choose from, made by leading brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. Start your search for your perfect living room colors right here.
