How to add color to your living room? We believe often you have this question in mind. We
understand choosing colors can be scary. Going for bold choices like painting your walls
green or getting a bright blue couch might feel risky. That why many people stick to safe options like grays, beiges, and greiges. But you can still add some navy blue living room color scheme color to your space without making big commitments. We bring forth experts’ opinions to make your work easier. We believe this blog will be helpful to you.
1. Colorful Rugs
Look down at the ground. All it takes is a new rug, and voila, your space is completely transformed," says Brad Ramsey, principal designer and founder of his studio in Nashville. Rugs can bring texture, pattern, and color to a room—sometimes all three in one piece. Depending on your style, you can choose modern patterns, vibrant solids, soft organic textures, or muted antiques to change the ambiance of your home.
2. Contrasting Textures and Elements
"Think of your furniture like the basics in your wardrobe: you can always add layers to change the look without a big renovation," says Brad Ramsey.
For example, if you have a leather or velvet couch, choose a large natural jute or sisal rug to cover most of the floor. Then, place a smaller, brighter rug on top. "Use the colorful rug to define the seating area and let the natural rug add texture," he says. "You can also add fun art and metal accents to complete the look."
3. Throw Pillows to Beautify Living Room Color
All of our experts agree: never underestimate the power of pillows. "I love adding a pop of color to a room with throw pillows. But don’t just use two of the same," says Brad Ramsey. "Choose a variety of coordinating pillows."
If you want to refresh your oatmeal or charcoal sofa, "pick pillows with fun, colorful prints," says Susan Spath, principal designer of Kern & Co in San Diego. "They'll bring your sofa back to life."
4. Lively Curtains and Blinds
"Colorful drapes give you the most value for your money," says Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Marian Louise Designs. "Frame your windows with fun, colorful prints or choose solid fabric with chic trim." Meacham likes darker, heavier tones with velvet and wool textures, which "add a soft but strong statement to the room." For a lighter feel, linen or sheer fabrics can create an airy look”.
5. Natural Accents
"A simple way to make any room feel livelier is by adding plants," says Brad Ramsey. "If you have good light, consider a fiddle-leaf fig tree by the window. They enjoy soaking up the sun and create beautiful shadows with their big, shiny leaves." Colorful planters can also bring a cheerful vibe to any space. If you don't have much sunlight, opt for low-maintenance options like snake plants. You can also decorate with dried or fake flowers on shelves, bookcases, stairwells, or entryways to add a touch of greenery.
6. Subtle Lamps and Lights
“When you're putting up decorative lights over artwork or using a lamp for extra mood lighting, take the chance to change things a bit," says Meacham. "A lamp with a plain white lampshade can be dull," she says. "Get some colorful lampshades instead, they'll spread their colors all over the room."
7. Bold Bookcases
Mindy O'Connor from Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors in Philadelphia suggests adding wallpaper to built-in or freestanding bookcases. She says it'll make the living room look deeper, layered, and more interesting. It's also easier and cheaper than wallpapering the whole room.
Alternatively, Alice Chiu, the principal designer at Miss Alice Designs, recommends painting your shelves if your living room is mostly neutral. Choose darker colors like navy, black, chocolate brown, or forest green. This creates a cool contrast against white walls, making your shelves stand out and become a focal point.
8. Refreshed KnickKnacks
Ramsey suggests trading old knickknacks for items that feel fresh and modern. "We often hold onto the same decorative pieces for years because we feel guilty about getting rid of them," he explains. "But just like you wouldn't wear the same shoes for 10 years, it's okay to update your decor. Donating old items and finding new ones that resonate with you is a great way to keep your space feeling current," he advises. "As styles evolve, don't be afraid to refresh your decor to keep up with the trends."
ere are the most common and trending living room color choices in the USA:
1. Neutral Colors:
Neutrals remain highly popular for living rooms because they are versatile, timeless, and easy to pair with various furniture and decor styles.
White and Off-White: Clean, simple, and modern, white or off-white living rooms are common in minimalist and contemporary homes. They make a space feel open and airy.
Popular Variations: Ivory, eggshell, cream.
Why It's Popular: Provides a blank canvas for artwork, colorful furniture, or accent pieces.
Gray: Gray has been a dominant living room color over the past decade due to its sophisticated, calming, and modern appeal.
Popular Variations: Light gray, charcoal, greige (gray-beige mix).
Why It's Popular: Works well with both modern and traditional decor and can create a cozy atmosphere without being too dark.
Beige and Taupe: These warm, neutral colors are staples in more traditional living rooms but are still commonly used in modern homes for a cozy, grounded feel.
Popular Variations: Sandy beige, taupe, mushroom.
Why It's Popular: Adds warmth and softness to the space, making it feel inviting.
2. Earth Tones:
Earth tones are growing in popularity, offering a natural, warm aesthetic that evokes feelings of comfort and connection to nature.
Terracotta: This rich, warm reddish-brown color brings a cozy and rustic vibe to the living room.
Why It's Popular: It’s inviting and adds warmth to both modern and bohemian design styles.
Olive Green and Sage Green: Earthy green tones are soothing and bring a sense of calmness and tranquility to the living space.
Why It's Popular: Green is associated with nature and relaxation, making it a perfect color for comfortable living spaces.
Brown and Tan: These classic, warm earth tones are re-emerging in modern interiors for a grounding, natural look.
Why It's Popular: Provides depth and warmth to the living room without being overpowering.
3. Bold Colors:
For those looking to make a statement, bold colors are increasingly being used as accent walls or in larger sections of the living room.
Navy Blue: Deep and elegant, navy blue is a popular choice for those who want to make a bold statement while keeping the atmosphere chic.
Why It's Popular: Navy provides a striking contrast with lighter furniture and metallic accents like gold or brass.
Emerald Green: Luxurious and dramatic, emerald green is often used in living rooms to create a bold, opulent atmosphere.
Why It's Popular: Adds richness and depth to a space and works well with velvet furniture and brass accents.
Charcoal and Black: Although traditionally avoided for fear of making a room feel too dark, deep charcoal and black are being used in modern, high-contrast living room designs.
Why It's Popular: When paired with lighter furniture and ample lighting, dark tones create a dramatic, sleek look.
4. Pastels and Light Colors:
Soft pastel colors are popular for adding subtle, light tones that make a room feel fresh and modern.
Soft Blue: Light blues, such as sky blue or powder blue, create a calm, serene environment. It's often used in coastal or modern farmhouse designs.
Why It's Popular: Soft blues evoke the sky and water, making the room feel airy and relaxing.
Blush Pink: Light pink, especially in a blush or dusty rose hue, has become popular for adding a subtle, sophisticated touch to living rooms.
Why It's Popular: Adds a soft, feminine touch without being overpowering.
Pale Yellow: Yellow is a cheerful and uplifting color that works well in small doses, especially when paired with neutrals.
Why It's Popular: Brings warmth and light to a space, creating a bright and happy atmosphere.
5. Accent Wall Colors:
Accent walls are a great way to incorporate bold colors without overwhelming the space. Popular accent wall colors include:
Teal or Turquoise: These colors add a lively, energetic pop to a neutral room.
Why It's Popular: Adds a sense of depth and richness without overpowering the space.
Deep Burgundy or Wine: Rich red tones are making a comeback, particularly in modern and vintage-inspired designs.
Why It's Popular: It adds drama and elegance to a room and pairs well with soft neutrals or warm woods.
Dark Forest Green: This deep green is often used as an accent wall to create a connection with nature and add a sophisticated, moody vibe.
Why It's Popular: It’s a grounding color that pairs well with earth tones and natural textures like wood and leather.
6. Trending Color Combinations:
Many homeowners are now combining multiple colors to create a balanced and dynamic space. Some trending combinations include:
Gray and Yellow: Combining the calmness of gray with the warmth and energy of yellow has become a popular trend, particularly in modern and eclectic homes.
Navy and White: This classic color combination is common in coastal and modern homes, offering a clean yet bold aesthetic.
Sage Green and Beige: This combination provides a natural, soothing palette that’s perfect for contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired living rooms.
Blush Pink and Gold: Often seen in modern or glam-inspired spaces, this combination adds a touch of elegance and femininity.
Color Trends by Style:
Modern/Minimalist: Whites, grays, and blacks are common, with the occasional bold accent like navy or charcoal.
Bohemian: Earth tones like terracotta, olive green, and natural wood hues are prevalent.
Traditional: Rich neutrals like beige, taupe, and warm browns dominate, sometimes accented with deep greens or blues.
Contemporary: Lighter neutrals paired with bold, unexpected accents like emerald green or navy are popular in contemporary spaces.
FAQs
What are some non-permanent ways to add color to my living room?
You can add color through vibrant rugs, contrasting textures, throw pillows, colorful curtains and blinds, natural accents like plants, subtle lamps and lights, bold bookcases, and refreshed knickknacks.
How can rugs help in adding color to my living room?
Rugs can transform the look of your living room by providing texture, pattern, and color. You can choose from modern patterns, saturated solids, or muted antiques to suit your style.
What role do throw pillows play in adding color?
Throw pillows are an easy and cost-effective way to introduce color. Opt for a collection of coordinating pillows in various colors and patterns to breathe life into a neutral sofa.
Can window treatments like curtains and blinds add color effectively?
Yes, colorful drapes or blinds can significantly impact the room's appearance. Choose vibrant prints or solid fabrics with chic trims to frame your windows beautifully.
How can plants be used to introduce color to a living room?
Adding plants in colorful planters or using flowering plants can bring in natural color. Even low-maintenance options like snake plants or faux flowers can add vibrancy.
What kind of lighting options can add color without commitment?
Decorative lamps with colorful lampshades or unique sconces can project hues around the room, adding a fun and dynamic element to your living space.
How can bookcases be used to add color?
Painting the back of built-in or freestanding bookcases or adding colorful wallpaper can create a striking visual contrast and focal point in a neutral living room.
What are some tips for using contrasting textures to add color?
Layer different textures such as a natural jute or sisal rug with a smaller, brighter rug on top. This contrast can be further enhanced with fun art and metal accents.
How can I update my knickknacks to add color to my living room?
Swap out outdated decorative items for new, colorful ones that reflect current styles and trends. This can refresh the room without the need for major changes.
Are there any low-maintenance ways to add color that don't require much upkeep?
Using colorful throw pillows, vibrant rugs, and bold bookcases are all low-maintenance ways to introduce color. Additionally, faux plants and dried flowers can add color without requiring care.