51 Living Room Color Schemes From Bold to Understated

Choosing a color scheme can make it easier to design your living room. From classic pairings to unexpected combinations or rooms designed around an unexpected statement color, there are palettes to add style and personality to any space.

Check out these stylish living room color schemes for inspiration.

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White + Yellow

Design by Ghislaine Vinas / Photo by Garrett Rowland

Transform an all-white living room by adding virtually any color under the sun. In this SoHo loft, NYC-based interior designer Ghislaine Viñas added a pair of sunny yellow armchairs that add some mood-boosting color.

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Pink + Gray

Design by Liberty Interiors / Photo by Eve Wilson

Create a crowd-pleasing color pairing with pink and gray. Liberty Interiors energized this soothing space with a geometric painting above the fireplace mantel to create a multicolored focal point.

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Brown + Blue

Becca Interiors

Complement modern, traditional, or transitional-style living rooms with blue and brown. Becca Interiors paired blue walls with brown leather and wood furnishings, a classic and timeless combo that goes together like a blue suit and brown leather dress shoes.

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Black + Gray + Yellow

Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

Mix black and gray for a sophisticated feel. Caroline Andréoni Interior Design paired matte black paint on the walls with a soft gray sectional sofa to create a calming, enveloping feel, with touches of yellow on throw pillows to give the sober palette a lift.

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White + Beige

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Amy Neunsinger

Vary the shades and tones when styling an all-white room so that it doesn't feel one-dimensional or sterile. This 1920's Los Angeles hunting cabin from Leanne Ford Interiors reads like an all-white room, but it's the mixture of shades of white with natural beige tones that gives it a soft, cozy, and livable feel.

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Shades of Pink + Mustard Yellow

Fantastic Frank

Try shades of yellow or mustard for a perfect complement. Pink is a versatile color that can veer sweet and blush-toned or rosy and serene, like the walls and plush upholstered sofa in this living room from Fantastic Frank.

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Blue + Coral

Design by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis / Photo by Heidi Harris

Balance wood tones with bright color. Shades of bright blue and coral complement a striking medium-toned wood accent wall in this light-flooded living room from interior designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis.

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Brown + Cream

Design by Tyler Karu / Photo by Erin Little

Lighten up rich earth tones with soft cream. Interior designer Tyler Karu mixed brown tones on the fireplace surround tiles, grasscloth wall coverings, and vintage trunk coffee table are mixed with soothing creamy white walls to highlight the character of this Spanish Colonial style living room.

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Blue + White

Allison Babcock Design / Photo by Matt Kisiday

Give your living room a clean, coastal vibe that is easy to replicate whether or not you live at the seashore with a blue-and-white color scheme. Allison Babcock Design decorated this Nantucket living room with white shiplap walls and painted ceiling beams that are punctuated with shades of blue and warmed up with natural materials like wood and rattan.

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Black + White

Louis Duncan-He Designs / Eymeric Wilding Photography

Use black and white for a marriage of opposites; this classic color pairing will stand the test of time. In this living room from Louis Duncan-He Designs, matte black walls on either side of the fireplace are lined with floating shelves that serve as a showcase for a vinyl collection.

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Yellow + Green + Red

Studio Peake

Pair primary colors for an easy color scheme. This cozy British living room from Studio Peake has vivid yellow wall paint that makes a cheerful foil for assertive pops of green and red scattered throughout the traditional space.

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Gray + White

Design by Michelle Gerson Interiors / Photo by Marco Ricca

Using a serene, no-fail color combination allows you to play with shapes and patterns. This gray-and-white living room from Michelle Gerson Interiors focuses on form for a sophisticated effect.

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Pale Red + Olive Green

Design by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis / Photo by Heidi Harris

Create a signature look with a bold color combination. Assertive red walls, red-toned woods, a massive olive green sectional, and black hardwood flooring makes a statement in this living room from interior designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis.

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Black + Green

Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Designs

Use charcoal paint to create a backdrop for green plants or decor accents. This living room from Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Designs pairs shades of green with striking matte charcoal black paint on the tall brick fireplace that anchors the room.

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Beige + Sand

Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Hugo Landa Garcia

Match your living room color palette to the view beyond the windows to blur the lines between indoors and out. This midcentury modern desert living room in Rancho Mirage, CA from Laura Brophy Interiors has mixes shades of warm sandy beige and butterscotch that echo the landscape.

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Black + Cream + Tan

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

Use warm shades of cream and tan to warm up a neutral living room. Leanne Ford Interiors complemented walnut wood flooring with a massive tan sectional in this entertaining-ready space.

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Black + Blue

Caroline Andreoni Interior Design / Photo by Sophie Lloyd

Black and darker shades of blue such as teal, peacock, or navy make a sophisticated pairing. In this Parisian living room from Caroline Andréoni Interior Design, built-in bookshelves flanking the period fireplace are backed with black patterned wallpaper that complements the peacock blue walls and classic marble fireplace.

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White + Gold

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

White and gold is a sleek combination for a chic living room. The white walls and curvy furniture of this contemporary living room from Leanne Ford Interiors are paired with gilded accents like an ornate vintage mirror on the wall.

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Blue + Green + Orange

Fantastic Frank

Pair blue, green, and orange accents with white walls and pale oak flooring for a fresh look, like this colorful Spanish apartment from Fantastic Frank. This color scheme works particularly well in midcentury modern living rooms.

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Blush Tones + Navy Blue

Design by Tyler Karu / Photo by Erin Little

Pair soft blush tones and navy blue for a winning combination that is balanced and easy to style. Interior designer Tyler Karu turned white walls into a showcase for a colorful art collection.

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Black + Cognac

Alvin Wayne

Warm up black walls with honey-toned flooring and a cognac leather sofa for a modern feel, like this comfortable New York City apartment living room from interior designer Alvin Wayne.

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White + Gray + Blue + Brown + Rust

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

Incorporate touches of color through textiles and accessories in an otherwise neutral-toned space. This light and airy midcentury modern living room from Cathie Hong Interiors reads as neutral, but a closer look reveals judicious doses of multiple colors—from pale gray to navy blue to medium-toned brown to rust—that quietly add depth and dimension without detracting from the zen feel of the room.

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Ombre of Blue + Pale Gray

Tina Ramchandani Creative

Mix softer hades of blue and gray for a quietly moody feel. The star feature of this living room from Tina Ramchandani Creative is the blue gradient paint treatment on the walls and ceiling that is paired with a pale gray sofa for contrast.

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Terracotta + Pale Yellow

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Christy Q. Photo

Warm up white walls with pale yellow and terracotta accents. This understated living room from Cathie Hong Interiors has subtle color accents on the wall art and rug that complement the wood tones throughout the room.

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Royal Blue + Gray

Forbes + Masters

Use medium gray to calm down bold blue walls. Forbes + Masters paired high-gloss royal blue walls and coffered ceilings and blingy decor like a pair of chandeliers and an ornate mirror with a pair of cool gray sofas to add balance.

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White + Turquoise + Gold

Michelle Boudreau Design

Turquoise and gold accents will brighten up a neutral space. This Palm Springs living room from Michelle Boudreau Design has soft shades of white and gray accented with a midcentury armchair in a bracing shade of turquoise that echoes the shade of the pool beyond the windows.

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Chocolate Brown + Cherry Red

Forbes + Masters

In a darker space like a basement or a room with limited natural light, lean into the mood by pairing browns and reds. Saturated chocolate brown walls are paired with deep cherry red drapes, a cocoa-colored suede ottoman and a brown plaid rug in this basement living room from Forbes + Masters.

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White + Red

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls

Combine white and red walls and furniture with silver accents for a contemporary feel. The strict palette in this living room from Leanne Ford Interiors keeps the focus on sculptural shapes and clean lines.

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Blue + Pink + Green

Studio Peake

For a maximalist take, mix shades of blue, pink, and green in varying shades and multiple patterns. Studio Peake created a colorful, eccentric look in this London double living room.

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Navy + White

Kara Mann

Complement a farmhouse living room with a navy-and-white color scheme. The white walls and simple lines of this Connecticut farmhouse living room from interior designer Kara Mann are anchored by a deep navy blue velvet couch that complements the wood tones and vintage decor.

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Deep Teal + Hot Pink

Erin Williamson Design

Express your love of color with a splashy pairing. This eclectic midcentury modern style living room from Erin Williamson Design has deep teal wall paint, a hot pink vintage rug, and plenty of white and wood tones to keep the room in balance.

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Red + Brown + Black

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls

Before settling on a color scheme, consider existing architectural elements and decor. This living room from Leanne Ford Interiors features dark tones of red and black from the Chesterfield sofa to the armchairs that stand up to the patterned tile fireplace and dramatic brown wood ceiling beams and flooring.

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Red + Green

Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia Fiszer

Go for a complementary contrast—green and red isn't just for Christmas. In this traditional London living room from Emilie Fournet Interiors, green paint and red patterned textile accents create an unpretentiously cozy spot for nights in that will never go out of style.

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Black + Gold

Brexton Cole Interiors

Lend a regal feel to any space with black and gold. This 1920s Tudor living room from Brexton Cole Interiors has a neutral palette of black and white, with touches of mustard yellow and gold on textiles, lighting, and accessories to keep it from looking too traditional.

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White + Black + Pale Gray

Forbes + Masters

A white, black, and gray color scheme will work in any space, from an industrial loft to a traditional or modern space. This contemporary living room from Forbes + Masters is dominated by shades of white and the palest of gray, with black accents to add a graphic touch.

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Orange + Green

Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

Orange and green is a feel-good combination that can flatter a range of spaces. This midcentury modern meets Caribbean-style California living room from Cathie Hong Interiors has a neutral envelope of soft white, beige, and light wood tones that is energized with textiles and a floral centerpiece in shades of orange and green.

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Taupe + Gray

Fantastic Frank

Color doesn't have to be bright or loud to make a statement. Taupe walls, a soft gray sofa and rug, pale wood accents and a ceiling-scraping potted tree create an effortlessly chic backdrop for this Scandinavian living room from Fantastic Frank.

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Blue + Red

Studio Peake

Blue and red work well together in a traditional space. This spacious British living room from Studio Peake has a neutral background that makes dominant shades of blue and red take center stage.

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Brown + Black + Gray

Forbes + Masters

Create a neutral backdrop for a room that showcases an art collection. This living room from Forbes + Masters has white walls and ceiling that contrast with the dramatic black and gray floors, rug, furnishings, and decor, and give the art a chance to shine.

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Soft White + Pale Blue

Desiree Burns Interiors

Create a coastal grandmother color scheme with shades of soft white and pale blue. Desiree Burns Interiors warmed up this sunny living room with wood tones and natural accents on window treatments, floor coverings, and armchairs.

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Navy + Blue-Gray + Red

Studio Peake

Use mixed patterns to reinforce your color story. In this British living room from Studio Peake, both solid and patterned takes on red and navy blue are paired with pale luminous blue gray wall paint for a cohesive effect loaded with personal style.

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Beige + Blue

Erin Williamson Design

Combine beige and blue for a mix of warm and cool tones. This living room from Erin Williamson Design has a calming color palette that complements the brown wood furnishings and eclectic decor.

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Sage Green + Golden Yellow

House 9 Interiors

Juxtapose a soothing shade with a vibrant color for a dynamic look. This cozy English living room from House 9 Interiors pairs calming sage green paint with an eye-catching mustard velvet sofa that adds some color and contrast to an otherwise neutral room.

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Purple + Gray

Fantastic Frank

Add interest to a gray room with purple accents. This Stockholm living room from Fantastic Frank has a plush royal purple rug, a deep gray velvet sofa, and black-and-white photography and patterned throw pillows to add a graphic touch that keeps it looking modern.

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Blue + Pink + Yellow + Green

Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

Use upholstery to add color variations in your living room. This space from Leanne Ford Interiors mixes soft vintage-inspired shades of blue, pink, yellow, and natural green that work harmoniously together without feeling busy.

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Brown + Pink

Lobster and Swan

Brown and pink have an effortless feel that can work in a '70s inspired or rustic living room. This English country living room from Lobster and Swan has a warm, earthy color palette of brown wood tones and natural elements mixed with textiles in shades of blush and salmon pink for a bohemian design-inspired feel.

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Navy + Gold

Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona

Gold accents like lighting, mirrors, or picture frames will gleam against a navy background. This living room from blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona has matte navy wall paint that adds depth to the wall of built-ins, and gold-toned lighting fixtures that wake up the dark color with a little bit of bling.

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Green + White

Desiree Burns Interiors

White and any shade of green will give your living room a refreshing feel. This bright and sunny living room from Desiree Burns Interiors pairs deep jewel-toned green with crisp white for a clean, modern look.

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Yellow + Blue + Green

Casa Watkins Living

Create a cheerful color scheme to complement a family-friendly living room. This light-flooded space from Casa Watkins Living mixes shades of yellow, blue, and green, colors that play together well and are easy to mix and match.

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Gray + Green + Orange

Design and Photo by Emilie Fournet Interiors

Orange and gray is a versatile color scheme that can work in industrial, modern, or traditional interiors. This cozy Victorian house living room in London from Emilie Fournet Interiors has classic bay windows and a period fireplace. But it's decorated with midcentury modern furniture and decor, eclectic art, and green and orange accessories that play well against the warm gray walls.

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Rainbow Colors

Design by Ghislaine Vinas / Photo by Garrett Rowland

If you love color but have difficulty choosing a color palette for the living room, install a giant rainbow area rug instead. In this New York City apartment from interior designer Ghislaine Viñas, the rainbow rug anchors the seating area and provides a menu of largely bold primary colors that are blended throughout the room, from a multi-colored framed artwork over the mantel to bold upholstery and decor.

Additional Tips for Choosing Colors

For a cohesive look throughout your home, choose a living room color scheme that is similar to the rest of your interior.
Add variation with an accent wall, throw pillows, wall decor, or an area rug.
Choose black and white for a timeless or minimalist feel, or jewel tones for a traditional space.
For a tonal look, mix three or more shades of the same color such as green or blue (or any other color that strikes your fancy) to give the monochromatic color scheme dimension and interest.

FAQ

What is the 60-30-10 rule for living rooms?

Some designers follow the 60-30-10 rule to make it easy to balance color in a room. This simple formula involves devoting 60 percent of your space to a main color, 30 percent to a secondary color, and the remaining 10 percent to an accent color.
Which color scheme is on trend for living rooms?

Nature-inspired green such as sage or forest are on trend for living rooms. Mix shades of green for a tonal color scheme, or pair with neutrals such as cream, brown, or gray.
What is the most relaxing color scheme for a living room?

Relaxing living room color schemes include neutral shades of white, beige, cream, and gray. Earth tones such as brown or olive green create a soothing feel. Or opt for muted shades of blue or pink for a tranquil atmosphere.