Choosing a color scheme for your living room presents an opportunity to bring in your favorite colors, whether that’s brights and bolds or pared-back neutrals.
Whether your living room serves as a social hub to entertain guests or a cozy snug to unwind at the end of the day, the right color combinations can help you master your desired mood and aesthetic.
Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of interior designers’ favorite living room color combinations to help you on your way. If your own space is in need of a refresh, or you’re in the midst of a remodel, read on to gain some stylish living room color ideas.
Living room color combinations – 7 stylish schemes
While decorating with paint is the obvious way to overhaul a living room’s color scheme, don’t overlook smaller changes, such as swapping out upholstery or smaller decor items which can be a simple yet effective way to incorporate your favorite hues.
1. A neutral base contrasted with richer upholstery
(Image credit: Ries Hayes, photography Lesley Unruh)
‘We like for the architecture of the room to inform a color combination, and size as well! If the space is rather large, we recommend neutral wall paint colors and window treatments that visually calm everything down, and incorporate moody, deeper hues for the furnishings,’ says David Ries, principal at NYC-based interior design studio Ries Hayes.
‘The eye will focus on the seating group rather than the large expanse of the room,’ continues David. ‘In this instance, we pulled in colors found in the rug for the upholstered pieces and chose a black lacquered coffee table to offer a little reflectivity and further draw the eye in.’
2. Pink and orange
(Image credit: KA Murphy Interiors, photography Michael Partenio (MPProductions))
If you’re looking for a more lively living room color combination, consider going bright with energizing shades of pink and orange, as seen in this playful room designed by KA Murphy Interiors.
‘One of my favorite color combinations is orange and pink – they make a bold statement but are still warm and cohesive,’ says Kevie Murphy, principal and CEO at the NYC and Long Island design studio. ‘I love a bright color palette for living rooms because it ensures the most communal space in the home feels intentionally vibrant and happy.’
3. Beige tones and bright hues
(Image credit: Sarah Tract Interiors, photography Reid Rolls)
If you’re inclined to decorate with neutral tones in the living room, which is a good choice if a calming feel is the aim, you can elevate it with the addition of bold and bright pops of color. In this space designed by Sarah Tract Interiors, bright yellow and green are incorporated through artwork, adding a playful touch to the neutral room.
‘I love a neutral-base living room brought to life with vibrant pops of color and layers of texture. The best way to introduce color is through art, accessories, and pillows, creating visual interest without overwhelming the space. A neutral foundation serves as the centerpiece of your home, seamlessly connecting to the other rooms and setting the tone for the story your home tells,’ says founder of the design studio and interior designer Sarah Tract.
4. Warm white with earthy tones
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors, photography Julie Soefer)
Houston-based interior designer Marie Flanigan also favors neutral hues for a living room, but recommends adding richer shades, much like the rust tones of this sofa which add depth to the Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa color scheme:
‘A beautiful neutral foundation allows a room to breathe, creating a sense of calm and timelessness. I love pairing warm whites or soft taupes with accents of deep oxblood or moody greens – colors that feel rich yet grounded.’
‘These hues bring depth and sophistication without overwhelming the space, particularly when introduced through soft furnishings like pillows, throws, or drapery. The neutral backdrop ensures the bolder tones shine, while the contrast keeps the room feeling layered and intentional. It’s a combination that feels both classic and fresh, effortlessly inviting and endlessly livable,’ says Marie.
The Perfect Room: Timeless Designs for Intentional Living
Learn more about Marie Flanigan’s design expertise in her latest book, The Perfect Room, which is filled with helpful home design tips and stunning room examples.
5. Pink and green
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
Pink and green is a timeless color combination that feels warm and welcoming, making it a fun choice for living rooms.
‘I love to use an unexpected color in a living room,’ says paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint Annie Sloan.
‘For a deliciously sophisticated and stylish look, consider pairing soft pale pink Pointe Silk Wall Paint with rich, handsome forest green Knightsbridge Green Satin Paint on doors. This combination brings a touch of ballet dancers’ elegance and well-heeled metropolitan modernity to any living space,’ explains Annie.
6. White on white
(Image credit: Alexis Warren Designs, photography Anna Routh Barzin)
White living rooms are a classic, failsafe choice that allows for a light and airy feel – especially if you have a well-lit, south-facing room – while pops of color can be incorporated through the decor. Below, Charlotte-based interior designer Alexis Warren shares her favorite white paint duo to use in living rooms:
‘If you are looking for a nice warm and clean living room I always suggest painting your walls and trim Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and the ceiling Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace. If you feel as though the White Dove is pulling a little yellow in your space, ask for your paint store to mix it at 50% – it will pull that yellow out and give you a fresh white that still has a warm undertone to it.’
‘White Dove and Chantilly Lace complement each other extremely well and the bright whiteness of Chantilly Lace does not make your White Dove feel dirty like other bright whites can,’ says Alexis.
7. Dark green and rust
(Image credit: R. Higgins Interiors, photography Emily Followill)
‘There’s something about the rich, earthy harmony of dark green and rust that always captivates me,’ shares Nashville-based designer Roger Higgins of R. Higgins Interiors.
In this traditional living room, the dark green walls help create a moody and cozy feel, while the rust-colored furnishings provide contrast. If your aim is cozy and timeless – this makes a go-to living room color combination.
If you’re going to decorate with paint to achieve your desired living room color combination, make sure to test colors first as swatches to see how they look throughout the day as the natural light changes.
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