23 Living Room Paint Ideas to Set the Perfect Mood in Your Space

What is the most popular color for a living room?

If you guessed white, you guessed right. Benjamin Moore reports that easygoing hues like White Dove and Chantilly Lace repeatedly top their list of the most popular paint colors. “I typically go with a great neutral and get my color pops from fabrics and art,” says designer Gray Walker. “My favorite neutrals range from a pure white to a neutral white that doesn’t lean to grey or yellow. This concept can also be reversed for a bold impact…imagine bold color on the walls with neutral fabrics and art that bridges the aesthetic connection.” Designer Tracy Morris also opts for versatility when selecting living room paint colors. Something like “Pale Oak OC-20 will allow you to add any color to the space,” she says.

Which colors should I paint my living room?

“Living rooms can be light and bright or dark and moody—and anywhere in between,” Morris says, though she does love deep greens (like Benjamin Moore’s Lafayette Green) and warm peaches (such as Benjamin Moore’s Salmon Mousse). Some of Walker’s go-to neutrals are Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White “for a pure white” and Seapearl or Dune White “for a good light neutral”. Want something even warmer? Walker recommends Farrow & Ball’s Peignoir or Pink Ground “for a flirty softness.”

Which color combination is best for the living room?

The possibilities are literally endless, but Morris has her combos of choice. “I prefer a mid-tone color like Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe 983 paired with White Dove Trim OC-17,” she says. “Some might say it is boring, but I say it is classic.” As for Walker: “My advice is to invest in one object that speaks to you…art, rug, fabric, an accessory—and pull colors from that piece. A great color scheme evolves from an anchor that guides the color direction. Who knows color better than a great artist, right?”

What paint to use to brighten up a living room?

Maybe your teensy studio overlooks a brick wall, or you live in a dreary, drizzly locale. Paint can help. “If you are looking to brighten your living room, try a warm, soft tone like peach or pink,” Morris says. “It will breathe new life into your space!” Or maybe it’s less about the color itself and more about how it’s applied. Walker says: “Nothing brightens a room like glistening lacquered walls!”

What color is best for an accent wall in a living room?

While you can certainly choose a second paint color for creating an accent wall in a living room, Contreras offers another option that adds to visual intrigue. “If we are creating an accent wall moment, we usually opt for a change in materials—perhaps we shift from a painted wall to a stone or wood clad wall to add texture and depth,” she says. “When it comes to paint, my preference is for all of the walls to be cohesive.”

What is the best type of paint to use in a living room?

Every designer—and client, for that matter—has a different opinion as to the best type of paint to use in a living room, but according to Contreras, flat finishes reign supreme. Flat paint has a matte finish, meaning no gloss, and it excels at hiding flaws and imperfections. It’s a great choice for people with older homes because it absorbs light and makes uneven walls appear more uniform. As for a specific shade, Contreras has a tried and true favorite. “Flat White Dove creates a beautiful foundation that complements fabrics and finishes effortlessly, and it’s one we specify often.”