5 Paint Colors to Never Use in Your Living Room, According to Interior Designers
There’s no denying that the living room is an integral part of a home. From relaxing on a lazy weekend to entertaining friends and hosting children’s birthday parties, it’s a space where people can come together, unwind, and spend quality time.
Creating a living room that’s relaxed yet sophisticated starts with the right paint color. A hue that’s too cool can tone down the essential cozy factor; one that’s too boring can make your living room feel impersonal and bland. One that’s too bold, meanwhile, creates an atmosphere that’s jarring, rather than calming. “Steer clear of colors that clash with neighboring rooms, so your selections create a cohesive color story,” says Erica Chacon, principal and founder of Erica Marie Interiors. “Consider how you want to feel in the space. I recommend choosing earth tones that enhance a feeling of relaxation.”
Here, we spoke to interiors designers to get the scoop on the living room colors you should skip. While these hues can certainly make sense in other contexts, they’re best avoided on your living room walls.
Gray
Shades of gray were “all the rage 10 years ago,” according to Nadia Watts, principal and founder of Nadia Watts Interior Design. These days, though, gray is rarely the right choice for a living room. “Let’s face it, gray is boring,” she says. “It lacks character and vibrancy—especially on the walls. [It] makes everything feel monotonous, it lacks visual interest, and feels flat. It was overused, and overdone, and now it feels stale and dated.”
Watts recommends replacing grays with neutrals or bolds that have rich, warm undertones. “You absorb energy from your room, and color matters,” she says. “There are many colors other than gray that work as a neutral base. These will bring energy, vibrancy, and warmth to your living room. Think creamy beige, warm blues and greens, caramel-y browns, or rich jewel tones.”
Basic White
While the right shade of white can make your home feel clean, streamlined, soothing, and sophisticated, the wrong one will make it look cold, sterile, and bare. Skip cool white in favor of a neutral with depth and personality. “If you want that ‘gallery’ look and love all-white walls, then be sure you choose a white with warm undertones,” says Watts. “Whites with gray or blue undertones will make your space feel stark. Instead, look for a neutral with some cream or beige that feels warm and welcoming.”
Lemon
While a cheerful, citrus-toned chair can be a fun way to work in a spritz of sunny lemon, a little of the hue goes a long way—so use it sparingly in living spaces. “When an entire room is drenched in lemon yellow, it can feel outdated, old fashioned, and overwhelming,” says Watts. “Instead, try a rich yellow with green undertones, like ochre or mustard, or a creamy, warm yellow like primrose, honey, or old gold. These have more depth and undertones to pull from.”
Orange
With the right styling and accessories, deep orange hues can create an elegant backdrop for your living space. They offer unexpected contrast to cooler shades and a pretty complement to neutrals and jewel tones. However, oranges that bring to mind pumpkins, traffic cones, or actual orange fruits are not what you want.
“As much as I love fall colors and rich, warm oranges, I would hesitate to paint your living room walls a true orange,” says Watts. “Orange can feel overwhelming and overpowering. If you love the idea, opt for an orange with some brown to bring depth, like rust or burnt orange. You can also try an orange with a hint of pink, like coral, salmon, or apricot.”
Brights and Neons
Similar rules apply for other neon hues, whether it’s bright pink, eye-popping aqua, or lime green. “It’s best to steer clear of overly vibrant shades,” says Amy Peltier, principal and founder of Peltier Interiors. “These colors can feel too intense or harsh, especially in an area like the living room where people mainly relax and spend time with one another.”
When used in small decorative elements, these dynamic brights add a welcome pop of visual interest—on the walls, they’ll turn your living room into a space that’s the opposite of soothing. “Avoid high-energy colors that can distract from the room’s purpose,” says Lisa Checo, founder and principal of OOAK Design Studio. “Instead, opt for shades that allow the space to feel natural, contemporary, and restful.” Her suggestions include olive, warm gray, creamy whites, and dusty rose. “At the end of the day, the right paint color will complement the natural light and layout of the room,” she says. “It sets the perfect mood.”
