Never underestimate what a good choice of living room colours can do for your wellbeing. Choosing colours can be a challenge, but you can start small and build to create something really personal.

Choosing a colour scheme for your living room can be a bit daunting, but it is worth some serious consideration, as colour really can affect your mood and your life.

According to colour consultant Kerry Shepherd, colour choice in your living room is all-important. “Good colour choices contribute not only to the aesthetic and functional attributes of your living room but to your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing,” she says.

Knowing Where to Start and What Living Room Colour to Choose

It can sometimes be hard to know where to begin when choosing colours for living rooms. “Fashion trends can be a great source of inspiration that can be adapted to the unique characteristics of your home, lifestyle and personality,” suggests Kerry. “A new look can be as simple as creating accents with scatter cushions, rugs and accessories, or an interesting mix of textured finishes or decorative pieces.”

Essentially, a colour scheme has to begin at some point of inspiration. “With existing homes, working from the floor up is a good start, as its depth, tone, reflective surface and absorption of light will influence your colour choices, mood and direction of your colour palette,” says Kerry.

Interiors that appear disjointed or out of balance may benefit from a neutral colour scheme. “This will restore balance, harmony and alignment,” says Kerry. “Colour can then be applied as a focal element with accessories, while spaces can be linked visually using a consistent colour for trims, floor coverings or window furnishings.”

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Living Room Colours and Their Meanings

When choosing living room colours, it also pays to keep in mind the positive and negative associations of different colours. While cool blues and greens are calming and relaxing, warm yellows, oranges and reds are stimulating and energising. But beware: too much or too little can turn these positives into negatives.

There are many people who can help you with colour choice for your living room, but while there are universal associations to colour, mood and meaning, our individual colour response is the most important. Choosing colours is personal, so follow your own preferences: “The colours that we feel comfortable and happy to be surrounded by are a great guide to positive colour solutions,” says Kerry.

FAQ’s

Should I only choose neutral living room colours?

When choosing colours, it’s all about personal style. However, neutral colours are the easiest to design around. Choosing a more neutral palette allows you to easily swap in seasonal items, like window coverings, or to change the look and feel with furniture without having to repaint the entire room when you opt for a design change.

What is a feature wall?

A feature wall adds interest to a room through texture and contrast. It can impact the look and feel of an entire space while showcasing your personal style via visual impact.

Why do I need to do a paint test patch?

If you paint directly on the wall, you’ll get a much better sense of the look and feel of the colour and how it will react to the changing light in the room throughout the day. Paint may also saturate differently on your wall as opposed to on a test board.

Will bold colours work within a living room?

Living room colours don’t have to be dull. If you’re looking to make your living room a statement piece, a bold colour will leave a lasting impression on guests. If you’re unsure about a bold choice, speak to a professional that can help you choose a palette that fits with your lifestyle and is anything but boring.

Do I need a painter to update my living room paint colour?

It really depends on your preference. Consider how much time it will take and if you have the time and patience to handle both the painting and the prep. If your walls need repairs from damages and require a bit of spackle work, or if you have an elaborate design plan, it may be beneficial to hire a professional to handle the job.

How to use a colour wheel to choose your living room paint colour?

A colour wheel can help you choose the right paint or paint combination for your living room. Using a colour wheel will allow you to match your preferred living room colour with accent paints or features that will help tie the room together.

What are paint swatches?

Paint swatches are small squares of paint that you can take home to help you choose the right colour for your walls. If you’ve ever visited a hardware store or your local paint store, you’ve probably seen a whole wall of swatches that showcase each and every colour possibility.

What if I don’t like my paint colour choice?

It’s best, before committing to a colour, to look for inspiration first, and, if your living room is brand new, choose your furnishings. After you have a pretty good idea of the look and feel you want to achieve, buy small cans of a few colour options and test them by painting swatches right on the wall. Going with neutral colours is always a safe bet, as they generally will go with any decor. Worst case scenario: you can paint over your colour choice with something completely new.

Do dark paint colours work in a living room?

Of course! Dark colours can be dramatic and daring. If you’re concerned about going dark, start small by trying out a dark hue on a statement wall.

What is the rule of three when it comes to painting a room?

Think of the rule of three as the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room includes your dominant colour, 30% of your room is a secondary colour, and 10% is for accents.