How to choose a colour scheme for your living room

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Here at Tapi, we understand that choosing between different living room colour ideas can be a daunting task, especially for the main room in your house where all your guests will sit! That's why we've created this guide to help you pick the perfect living room colour scheme, whether you're looking for popular colour schemes for your lounge, or a unique colour combination for your living, we've got you covered.

In this guide, we'll provide you with expert advice on how to find inspiration for colour schemes, colour combinations for smaller living rooms, and how to select colours for your living room that match other areas of your home. So, whether you're renovating your living room or simply want to refresh the look of your space, let us help you create a beautiful and cohesive living room that reflects your style and taste.

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Find inspiration for colour schemes for your lounge

If you're not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a colour scheme for your living room, there are plenty of resources out there to help you find inspiration. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for living room colour schemes. Try searching for "living room colour ideas" or "colour schemes for lounge" and browse through the results for ideas that catch your eye.

Home decor magazines like Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Architectural Digest are full of living room colour ideas and inspiration. Browse through the pages and tear out any ideas that you love. We have a variety of different lookbooks right here in the Ideas Hub that you can use to get your creativity flowing, from pink pastels to moody greys.

Another great resource for finding living room colour ideas is to look at paint company websites. Many companies have virtual paint tools that allow you to see how different colours will look in your living room. You can even upload a photo of your living room and try out different colours virtually – our Flooring Ideas page has loads of pictures of Tapi customers’ homes that show how they’ve styled different areas of their homes, another great place to find inspiration for your living room colour scheme!

Use your flooring for inspiration

Don't forget to consider the type of flooring you have in your living room when choosing a colour scheme. The colour, texture, and style of your flooring can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your living room, so it's important to consider it when selecting a colour scheme.

If you have wooden floors like laminate or engineered wood flooring, you may want to choose a colour scheme that complements the natural tones and textures of the wood. Warm colours like browns, oranges, and reds can bring out the warmth in the wood and create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Alternatively, you could choose a cooler colour scheme with blues or greens to create a more modern and sophisticated look.

For living rooms with carpet, the colour and texture of the carpet can also be a great starting point for a living room colour scheme. If you have a neutral or plain-coloured carpet, you might consider a bolder and brighter colour scheme to add some visual interest to the room. Alternatively, if you’ve got a patterned or colourful carpet, you may want to choose a more subdued colour scheme to avoid clashing with the carpet

In addition to the colour of your flooring, the texture and style of your flooring can also play a role in selecting a living room colour scheme. For example, if you have a shaggy or textured carpet, you may want to choose a smooth and solid-coloured upholstery to create a contrast. If you’re even considering changing up the flooring in your living room, why not check out our best flooring for living rooms guide to help you pick the perfect new flooring to complement your style?

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Popular living room colour ideas

When it comes to living room colour ideas, there are a few classic colour schemes that are always in style. These tried-and-true colour combinations are popular for a reason - they create a cohesive look that is both timeless and elegant:

Neutral colours: Neutral colours like beige, grey, and cream are always a safe bet for living room colour schemes. They create a calming, serene environment that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Plus, neutral colours are versatile and easy to decorate around, so you can switch up your decor without having to repaint your walls.
Blue and white: Blue and white is a classic colour combination that is perfect for creating a beachy, coastal vibe in your living room. Pair navy blue walls with white furniture and accents for a crisp, clean look that will make you feel like you're on holiday.
Grey and yellow: Grey and yellow is a fun and unexpected colour combination that can add a pop of sunshine to your living room. Try pairing light grey walls with yellow accents like throw pillows, curtains, or a rug for a cheerful, playful look – our guide on grey living room design ideas has plenty of fun ideas you can play around with!

Unique living room colour ideas

If you’re looking for something a little more unique than the classic living room colour schemes, there are plenty of creative living room colour ideas out there. These colour combinations will make your living room stand out and reflect your personal style:

Green and pink: Green and pink is a bold, daring colour combination that can create a vibrant and playful atmosphere in your living room. Pair light green walls with pink accents like throw pillows, curtains, or a rug for a fun and unexpected look.
Black and white: Black and white is a timeless colour combination that never goes out of style. Use black and white wallpaper, rugs, or artwork to create a chic, sophisticated look in your living room.
Bold jewel tones: If you’re not afraid of colour, consider using bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red in your living room. These rich, vibrant colours will create a luxurious, opulent atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining.

Colour combinations for smaller living rooms

If you have a smaller living room, you may be worried about choosing a colour scheme that will make the room feel even smaller. Here are a few colour combinations that will make your living room feel bigger and brighter:

Light colours: Light colours like white, beige, and light grey will make your living room feel more open and spacious. Pair these light colours with accents in brighter colours to add some visual interest.
Monochromatic colours: Using different shades of the same colour in your living room can create a cohesive and visually interesting look that will make your space feel larger. For example, you could use different shades of blue or green in your living room.
Pastel colours: Pastel colours like pale pink, light blue, and mint green are perfect for smaller living rooms. These soft colours will make your living room feel more open and airy, and are a great way to achieve the Danish pastel aesthetic that's all over social media.

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How to choose a colour scheme for your living room that matches other areas of your home

If you want your living room colour scheme to match the rest of your home, for example, if you have an open plan downstairs that connects your kitchen, dining area and living room, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips:

Consider your existing décor: Look at the colours and patterns in the other rooms of your home. Are there any colours that are repeated throughout your décor? Use these colours as inspiration for your living room colour scheme – our guide to design ideas for open-plan living and dining has plenty of insights and ideas to inspire you.
Create a cohesive look: You want your home to feel harmonious, so choose a living room colour scheme that complements the colours and patterns in the rest of your home.
Stick to a colour palette: If you want your living room colour scheme to match the rest of your home, choose a colour palette and stick to it. For example, if you have a lot of blue in your home décor, use blue as the dominant colour in your living room.

Whether you opt for a classic colour combination or a bold and daring look, there are plenty of living room colour ideas out there to choose from. Use our tips and tricks to find inspiration for your living room colour scheme, or other guides including creating a rustic living room, to create a cohesive look that matches the rest of your home. With the perfect colour scheme, your living room will be a beautiful and inviting space that you’ll love spending time in! You can speak to our professional and friendly floorologists at your local Tapi store for some advice on the best flooring for your home.

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Post author

Claire Murphy Copywriter Former lifestyle journalist, keen amateur upcycler, full of value for money ideas

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