Is it time to start thinking of new living room decorating ideas? Nothing is as effective—and simple to execute—as looking at living room paint colors to spruce up your family room. Whether you’re into demure creams, rustic taupes, or soft grays, these best paint colors for your living room will have you swooning. Ahead, we’re highlighting 16 shades that will make the hub of your home feel spacious and inviting. This room is the center of your home, after all, where your family gathers the most and where you do your entertaining, so it should set the tone for the rest of your home's style. We've got paint colors for small living rooms, the most popular living room paint colors, and more, in a range of price points. (Can't quite make up your mind? Check out the best neutral paint colors and the best bedroom paint colors here for more inspiration.)
Calming Living Room Paint Colors
“While there are many different color options for a large area like a living room, I suggest sticking to neutrals,” says vice president of color and creative services at Behr, Erika Woelfel. “When selecting the color, you’ll need to account for furniture, varying light sources and other décor items—neutrals are versatile in that they partner with many other colors and will help you to connect these different areas with ease.” In this California farmhouse, a warm neutral acts as an inconspicuous backdrop to colorful chairs and drapery.
Shop Our Favorite Calming Living Room Paint Colors
Valspar Polished Ivory
Behr PREMIUM PLUS Linen White
Glidden Premium Adobe White
Farrow & Ball White Tie
Rustic Living Room Paint Colors
If you’re considering painting your living room a unique color, start by taking inventory of the space you’re about to paint. “How will the space be used and what mood do you want to create?” says Benjamin Moore color marketing and development manager Hannah Yeo. “Identifying the main function of the room can help you narrow down your color choices. Then, take a visual inventory of your existing materials including flooring, tiles, fabrics and accent pieces. Understanding the undertone of these colors can guide you to select a paint color that creates a sense of harmony with what is already in the space.”
Shop Our Favorite Rustic Living Room Paint Colors
Glidden Premium Antique Alencon Lace
Behr ULTRA Vanilla Mocha
Farrow & Ball Cord
Magnolia Home Soft Linen
Small Living Room Paint Colors
A low ceiling in this California farmhouse meant a bright white was key in making the space feel open and spacious. “Whites are an easy way to bring everything together in a room, but not all whites are the same,” says Woelfel. “It may seem surprising, but just like every other color, the white family contains a variety of different undertones from yellow to pink or brown and green to blue or gray. Choosing the proper undertone for your white will go a long way toward achieving your vision.”
Shop Our Favorite Small Living Room Paint Colors
Valspar Blue Kiss
Glidden Essentials Winter Walk White
PPG Diamond Commercial White
Farrow & Ball Cabbage White
Popular Living Room Paint Colors
“I recommend painting living rooms neutral colors, like a soft gray, and smaller rooms adjacent to living rooms in bold colors,” says director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, Sue Wadden. “You can see the splash of color from the big rooms, but it's not overwhelming.” The cozy paneled walls in this festive living room serve as a neutral but dignified backdrop to holiday decor.
Shop Our Favorite Popular Living Room Paint Colors
Valspar Gravity
PPG TIMELESS Fall Chill
Behr ULTRA Salt Glaze
