A cozy living room offers a space to retreat to at the end of each day, and the right paint colors can go a long way in boosting its snug feel.
But what are the best paint colors to help create a restful and inviting living room? We’re turning to the expertise of Benjamin Moore, who recently took to Instagram to share go-to paint shades for cozy living room ideas, ranging from light neutrals to much richer, moody hues.
An earthy theme runs throughout the palette of living room paint ideas, so while each Benjamin Moore paint color offers warmth and relaxation, they also feel timeless and versatile thanks to their natural-world association.
1. Steam AF-15
Walls: Benjamin Moore’s Steam
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
While white paint may not be the first to come to mind when thinking about cozy colors for a living room, the right warm white paint can be just that. Benjamin Moore’s Steam is a soft warm-toned white that allows a quiet and calming feel throughout a space, while its undertones create an inviting atmosphere that’s not at all cold.
‘Understated and refined, Steam is an innately calming hue that’s perfect for a living room scheme where relaxation is key,’ says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. ‘It acts as a soft base color to layer other neutrals such as Natural Linen and Gloucester Sage. Elevate with layers of texture – rattan accessories, fluffy textiles, and brick surfaces to complete the look.’
Above, Steam is used across the walls, with Gloucester Sage on the trim and Natural Linen on the fireplace.
2. Sparrow AF-720
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
If you enjoy decorating with neutrals, consider going for something slightly darker to amp up your living room’s cozy appeal. Benjamin Moore’s Sparrow is the perfect example, a dark gray-brown paint that feels warming and earthy.
‘Sparrow is a unique dark gray with earthy brown undertones,’ explains Helen. ‘This rich hue reflects less light making a room less active and therefore more restful.’
‘Pair it with dark brown wood accents to bring rustic warmth to any living room,’ advises Helen. While this neutral paint is versatile to use in many spaces, Helen notes that it may be best placed in those that benefit from plenty of daylight so it doesn’t lean too dark: ‘This works particularly well in large, well-lit spaces where there is plenty of natural light to avoid it becoming closeting and confined.’
3. Lush AF-475
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Consider Benjamin Moore’s Lush for your living room color scheme for a more colorful look. A mid-toned green paint with blue undertones, this soothing hue feels reminiscent of the natural world and would look great paired with crisp white as an accent color.
‘The subtle blue undertones of Lush create a rich, comforting green that evokes a feeling of the rainforest after a strong summer rain,’ says Helen. ‘This jewel-tone shade works particularly well in north-facing rooms to create a moody and dramatic look that still feels inviting.’
4. Hearthstone Brown 2109-20
Benjamin Moore’s Hearthstone Brown
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Lastly, why not go for something dark and moody for your living room color scheme? Brown paints are in keeping with the latest color trends, so shades like Benjamin Moore’s Hearthstone Brown feel incredibly stylish right now.
‘A go-to dark brown for setting a comfortable, welcoming ambiance, Hearthstone Brown has a strong connection to the natural world, offering a sense of security, comfort, and peace,’ Helen explains. ‘Its earthy richness is also associated with being grounded, giving good reason for its popularity when designing a cozy space.’
Which of these four paint colors is your favorite? From light neutrals to much darker tones, your choice of paint color is the first step in creating a stylish and inviting living room, but don’t forget to add plenty of textures and warm furnishings to complete the scheme.
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