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Key Points
- For living room walls, avoid using bright yellow, red, brown, or cool white paint colors.
- If you really want some of these colors, you can integrate them more subtly in decor pieces.
- There are acceptable shade of these colors, it's just about finding the right one for your space.
Bold color choices can bring life to any room, but when it comes to living room walls, it's wise to choose colors carefully. The paint color you select directly affects the mood and comfort of this popular space. To prevent common color mistakes, we consulted two designers about which hues you should avoid when painting your living room.
Meet the Experts
- Bryonie Brooks is the co-founder and head designer at BBH, an architecture and design firm.
- Alexandra Cooper is an architect and interior designer at Planner 5D.
Bright or Neon Yellow
Yellow is one of those colors that can look dramatically different on a swatch card than it does on your walls. Even if you think you're choosing a cheerful version, it's best to avoid any shade of yellow that could potentially read as neon.
According to designer Alexandra Cooper, neon yellow has the potential to put you and your guests on edge. Cooper also notes that the glare of neon or bright yellow can even cause eye strain when you pair it with artificial lighting.
"I’ve learned this through experience in smaller rooms where bright yellow reflected too much light, creating a harsh environment," she says.
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What to Try Instead
Architect Bryonie Brooks also cited yellow as one color she tells her clients to avoid painting a living room. However, she does note that there are ways to apply the color yellow in a living room in a more subtle way.
"For the wall color, it can be a tonal decision," she says. "For example, a white with a hint of yellow can be lovely in a living room."
Dark Brown
While dark brown can look great as an accent color or even wood floor stain, Cooper doesn't recommend it for your living room walls since it absorbs a lot of light.
"Dark brown, particularly in large quantities on walls, can make a living room feel too heavy, closed-in, or outdated," she says. "This is especially true when there is little natural light coming into the room."
What to Try Instead
If you're going for an earthy look in your living room, Cooper suggests opting for taupe rather than dark brown.
"This is a lighter, more sophisticated version of brown that still offers warmth but feels fresher and more modern," she says. "It can work well in both large and small spaces and pairs well with other accent colors and neutrals."
Red
One of Brooks' no-go colors for walls is red, and it's for the same reason she never suggests bright colors for a living room in general.
"Despite their beauty, bright colors are not ideal for a living space where you want to feel calm and relaxed," Brooks says.
What to Try Instead
If you love the color red, Brooks says to use it as an accent color rather than the dominant color in your living room design.
"If you are looking to add a huge splash of color, then keep it to the artwork or accessories like a throw or candlesticks, books, and ornaments," she says. "Colorful accessories bring some life and individuality that can change with the season."
Cool White
White is such a versatile neutral, but its undertones determine whether it reads as cozy and welcoming or cold, sterile, and impersonal. According to Cooper, cool white falls into the latter camp.
"In residential spaces, I’ve seen situations where cool whites, especially in rooms with limited natural light, ended up feeling more like a doctor's office than a comfortable home," Cooper says.
What to Try Instead
You don't need to steer clear entirely of white walls. Cooper suggests opting for a warm off-white instead.
"[Warm white or off-white walls] still provide a fresh and clean look but with a much more inviting feel," she says. "These tones are a little softer than pure white but still give the room an airy, light feel. They’re perfect for creating a serene, relaxed environment without feeling too cold."
Read the original article on The Spruce
