13 Practical Colors To Consider For Refreshing Your Living Room

Feeling tired of your living room’s current look? A fresh coat of paint or new color accents can completely transform your space without breaking the bank.

The right colors can make rooms feel bigger, cozier, or more energetic depending on what mood you’re trying to create. Let’s explore some practical color options that can breathe new life into your living room!

This article provides general advice on color choices; outcomes will vary depending on your space and preferences.

1. Soft Sage Green

Sage green brings the calming essence of nature indoors. This muted, earthy tone works brilliantly with natural wood furniture and cream accents.

Unlike bolder greens, sage won’t overwhelm your space but still adds character. Many interior designers consider it a new neutral that pairs beautifully with almost any decorating style from farmhouse to modern minimalist.

2. Warm Terracotta

Terracotta creates an instant feeling of warmth and comfort in any living space. This earthy orange-brown shade feels simultaneously trendy and timeless, connecting to ancient pottery traditions while looking fresh in modern homes.

It pairs wonderfully with cream, navy, or gold accents. Even incorporating just a few terracotta elements through pillows or pottery can warm up a neutral room.

3. Classic Navy Blue

Navy blue exudes sophistication while remaining incredibly versatile. Unlike black, navy has depth and character without absorbing all the light in a room.

Try it on an accent wall behind a light-colored sofa for dramatic contrast. For a less permanent commitment, navy throw pillows, artwork, or a plush area rug can introduce this stately color. Gold or brass accessories pop beautifully against navy’s rich background.

4. Buttery Yellow

Sunshine indoors! Buttery yellow instantly brightens any living room without the harshness of brighter yellows. This soft, welcoming shade mimics morning sunlight, making spaces feel cheerful even on gloomy days.

Particularly effective in rooms with limited natural light, this color creates a sense of warmth year-round. Pair with crisp whites for a fresh feel or with gray for a more contemporary look.

5. Rich Emerald Green

Emerald green injects luxury and drama without the darkness of traditional jewel tones. This vibrant yet sophisticated color makes a statement whether on all four walls or as an accent piece.

Velvet emerald furniture feels especially luxurious. Pair with brass or gold accents for a glamorous look, or balance with natural wood elements for an organic vibe. Plants look especially vibrant against emerald backgrounds.

6. Smoky Charcoal

Charcoal offers the drama of black without the harshness. This sophisticated dark gray creates instant depth and coziness in living spaces, especially when balanced with lighter elements.

Try a charcoal accent wall behind a TV to help the screen blend in when not in use. Light-colored furniture pops against this moody backdrop. For smaller spaces, incorporate charcoal through a sofa or area rug instead of wall color.

7. Peaceful Sky Blue

Sky blue evokes open horizons and peaceful summer days. This versatile color makes rooms feel larger and more airy – perfect for smaller living spaces that need to feel expansive.

Studies suggest blue tones can lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Pair with white trim for a classic coastal look, or ground the airiness with navy or gray accents for a more sophisticated approach.

8. Energetic Coral

Coral infuses living spaces with energy and warmth without the intensity of true red or orange. This happy hybrid color sits between pink and orange, creating a welcoming glow that flatters skin tones when entertaining.

Perfect for north-facing rooms that need warming up. Start small with coral accessories if you’re color-shy, or make a bold statement with a coral sofa against neutral walls.

9. Earthy Mustard Yellow

Mustard yellow brings unexpected warmth and vintage charm to living spaces. This earthy, golden-yellow hue feels both on-trend and timeless, with roots in mid-century design.

A mustard accent chair or ottoman provides the perfect pop of color against neutral backgrounds. For the color-brave, mustard walls create a cozy, enveloping feeling, especially beautiful in rooms with lots of natural light.

10. Tranquil Mint

Mint refreshes living spaces with its cool, clean personality. Lighter than sage but more sophisticated than pastel green, mint creates a feeling of tranquility without being overly sweet.

This versatile color works beautifully in both modern and vintage-inspired spaces. Pair with white for a crisp, clean look, or ground it with deeper blues and grays for more sophistication.

11. Dramatic Burgundy

Burgundy adds rich, dramatic depth without the heaviness of traditional red. This sophisticated wine-inspired hue brings instant warmth and creates a perfect backdrop for entertaining spaces.

Try a burgundy accent wall in dining areas that open to living rooms for a cohesive color story. Balance with lighter neutrals to prevent the space from feeling dark. Gold or brass accents particularly shine against this jewel tone.

12. Playful Teal

Teal injects personality and playfulness while maintaining sophistication. This blue-green hybrid feels fresh yet timeless, working equally well in traditional or contemporary spaces.

A teal sofa makes a statement without overwhelming the room. For a subtler approach, incorporate teal through accessories against neutral backgrounds. Teal pairs beautifully with complementary coral or contrasting mustard for a designer-inspired color scheme.

13. Gentle Blush

Blush pink has transcended trend status to become a modern neutral. Barely-there pink adds subtle warmth without reading as overtly feminine when used thoughtfully.

Perfect for north-facing rooms that need softening, blush walls reflect a flattering, rosy light. Balance with gray, black, or navy to keep the look sophisticated rather than sweet. Even men tend to appreciate blush when it’s paired with these grounding elements.