Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Rooms
  3. Living Room Decorating and Design
  4. Easy Ways to Add Color to Your Living Room

Easy Ways to Add Color to Your Living Room

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole Updated August 19, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
dark teal living room
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Color and pattern can take a neutral living room from blah to beautiful. And you're not just limited to paint to make your space pop. Step outside the box and add personality to your home with these living room color ideas.
Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Work in Warmth

living room with green chairs
Credit: Edmund Barr

White walls, seating, and a neutral mantel let strategic pops of color go a long way. Hints of coral and lime green bring life to this living room while black accents help ground the mainly white space. A wood floor in a matte finish adds visual warmth underfoot.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pattern Partners

different pattern rug and couch
Credit: Edmund Barr

A bold patterned rug dresses up white walls and serves as the inspiration for this room's color scheme. Although the area rug and surrounding textiles contain different patterns, they feature the same colors and therefore complement each other. Choose furniture with solid fabrics within the color scheme ground the look and separate the patterns, like this blue chair and leather-top coffee table.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Ways to Add Personality

You don't have to paint walls to add interest to a neutral living room. Try these simple tips for elevating the hub of your home.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add Living Room Color in Stages

Want an easy way to add personality to the hub of your home? Learn how to layer colors in stages for a stunning final result.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Keep It Simple

neutral living room with red coffee table
Credit: Tria Giovan

Balance bright colors with strong neutrals for a look that's colorful but livable. Accents of peppy pink, lime green, and yellow are sprinkled over a foundation of assertive neutrals: on the brown chair, gray sofa, dark wood floors, and black light fixtures.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add an Area Rug

green living room with matching chairs
Credit: John Bessler

Living room wall colors should work with furniture and decor, not fight against them. In this colorful living room, pale sage walls act almost as a neutral background for other, more vibrant colors. A patterned area rug combines orange, pink, purple, green, and blue and defines the color palette in this room, which helps the other accents and furniture pieces feel unified. One large piece of art on the walls adds interest to the busy space without overwhelming the palette.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Alternate Accessories

stone fireplace in living room
Credit: Anthony Masterson

Grey living room ideas shouldn't remind you of a rainy day. Use a neutral background as the canvas for pops of bright color, clean lines, and funky patterns. In this living room, a coat of chic gray paint on the walls, a handsome stone fireplace, and chocolate brown tables give a foundation to the bright plants, art, and accessories, which keep the room from looking cold. When you feel like a change in the color scheme, simply swap out the accessories for a whole new look.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Winning Color Combo

blue and neutral living room
Credit: Lisa Romerein

With beige walls, mostly-white furniture, and a white ceiling, this living room was clean and serene. By limiting color to the sofa, pillows, and a few key accessories, the room gets a wake-up call, while maintaining its serenity. While this is easy to do with almost any color combination, here, shiny gold, leafy green, and navy blue stripes give the room preppy flair. Another combination, such as ocean blue and sea glass green, could take the look beachy, or barn red, goldenrod, and taupe could go country.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create a Balance

black and white living room
Credit: John Bessler

Try this easy approach to living room color ideas: commit to two main hues dispersed evenly throughout the room. Here, bold black and shimmery gold accessories are placed symmetrically to create a visually stunning space. The stand-out gold frame against the painted wood paneling drives the eye toward the center and make the black and gold pair even more dynamic. Choose asymmetrical art featuring the same color scheme for an element of surprise.

Related: The Most Popular Living Room Colors

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sherbet Color Palette

living room with plush pink couches
Credit: Nathan Kirkman

Bubble-gum pink sofas decorated with bright sherbet-color pillows make this living room truly stand out. Solid gray-glue walls, a white chandelier, and a geometrical bookshelf balance the splashy couch and pillows. When incorporating lots of bright, bold colors, keep balance and scale in mind so the space doesn't come across as over-the-top. If this room were to incorporate a rug, it would be wise to stick with a neutral tone to prevent competing colors.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Canvas

living room with blue statement wall
Credit: Kim Cornelison

Living room colors pack an extra punch when used against white walls and sofas. A saturated blue accent wall is the starting point for the infusion of color in this crisp white living room. Rich gold, bold prints and a wild rug complement the spring-like nature of the peppy sofa. Subtle metallic and mirrored accents, such as the tables and light fixtures, add shine to complete the airy, family-friendly look.

Related: Expert-Approved White Paint Colors

11 of 20

12 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add a Splash of Red

blue living room with red and gold accents
Credit: Jean Allsopp

Some of the best living room wall color ideas are a part of a well thought-out theme. Favorite sport teams, vacation spots, or a beloved era could all influence a family's decor style. Here, layered shades of red and blue mingle to add dimension to this colorful space. Large, blank walls offer a display for gallery walls.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mix Warm and Cool Colors

green and red living room
Credit: David A. Land

Rich blues and greens, are warmed up with pops of orange-reds in this small, eclectic living room. A hint of warm colors can take the chill off a cool color palette. With various colors, a white sofa, leopard print pillows, and a white coffee table become neutral pieces that allow saturated colors to truly shine. If you love a patterned area rug, but worry it will be a distraction, opt for a smaller size and layer it over a neutral area rug for grounding.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Incorporate Your Travels

living room with dark ceiling
Credit: Jim Franco

Fabulous fabrics and continuous color give this room a global bazaar feel. Spice hues and jewel box hues, such as curry orange, sapphire, alexandrite, and emerald, add richness to the style. A nail head trim chair and a glitzy bar cart provide a youthful oomph, while the colors in the detailed oriental rug are repeated in the throw pillows and centerpiece items. To put a cherry on top of this perfect room, the ceiling is painted a dark navy blue to keep the white walls from looking too airy.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Play with Patterns

living room with mix of patterns
Credit: Heather Anne Thomas

Modern living room colors and patterns partner to infuse flair into this living room. A combination of navy, aqua, and mustard yellow make for a relaxing yet vibrant color palette. Stripes, ikat, and other geometric patterns help the eye travel through the spacious room. Varying the scale of the patterns, along with large swaths of neutrals (on the sofa and walls) helps pace the exuberant look.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create an Accent Wall

blue accent wall
Credit: Michael Partenio

For a color addition that's not too strong, paint one wall and leave the others white. Here, the blue wall stands out against the white ceiling, rug, and adjacent wall. The combination of blue and white invites the light from outside into the room, creating a feeling of openness. Adding accessories in colors from the same blue family helps the accent wall feel at home.

Related: Our Favorite Accent Wall Ideas

16 of 20

17 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Subtle and Sweet Palette

Light blue living room
Credit: Edmund Barr

Living room colors don't need to be bright or bold to make a big impact in a space. In this room, powder blue walls and a white fireplace make a pleasant pair. Identical tall, swoop arm chairs and flared ottomans match the color from the walls, while decorative rosy pink pillows add a touch of warmth. For a little shine, choose a bejeweled chandelier that glimmers with the natural light pouring in to complete an elegant look.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Twist

small living room, sofa, area rug
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Hang bright, graphic artwork to amp up the style of a cozy family room. Here, a floating gallery shelf with blue prints puts a surprising contemporary twist on a traditionally rooted room. On the adjacent wall is proof that you can fill a bold-patterned wallpaper with artwork. The key to doing this is to keep the color scheme, in this case, black and white, consistent between the wallpaper and the print.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Switch Up Window Treatments

living room with bold drapes
Credit: Richard Leo Johnson

For an easy splash of color, outfit windows in treatments with bold hues and unique patterns. Here, unlikely chevron curtains transform this muted space into a fabulously lively living room. Place a few accessories mimicking the color scheme around the room, such as the striped vintage chairs shown here. Stacked white frames placed between the windows tie the neutral wall colors together. To make the room appear larger, hang the curtains from the ceiling all the way down to the floor.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Contrast Trim

dark teal living room
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Landing on a living room color scheme can be difficult. One way to make it easy is to choose whether you want a warm or cool palette and build from there. In this cool living room, the saturated teal wall is the star and other shades of blue, violet, and gray complement it. For a bit of contrast, the wood elements in the room have warm undertones that look great against their cool counterparts.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Work in Warmth
    2 of 20 Pattern Partners
    3 of 20 Easy Ways to Add Personality
    4 of 20 Add Living Room Color in Stages
    5 of 20 Keep It Simple
    6 of 20 Add an Area Rug
    7 of 20 Alternate Accessories
    8 of 20 Winning Color Combo
    9 of 20 Create a Balance
    10 of 20 Sherbet Color Palette
    11 of 20 White Canvas
    12 of 20 Add a Splash of Red
    13 of 20 Mix Warm and Cool Colors
    14 of 20 Incorporate Your Travels
    15 of 20 Play with Patterns
    16 of 20 Create an Accent Wall
    17 of 20 Subtle and Sweet Palette
    18 of 20 New Twist
    19 of 20 Switch Up Window Treatments
    20 of 20 Contrast Trim

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Easy Ways to Add Color to Your Living Room
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.