Colorful Living Room Ideas

This Old House Magazine

Who said you have to keep things neutral? Your living room isn't Switzerland-there's no need to play it safe. If you like it loud, don't be shy about turning it up. That's right, go ahead and hoist a flag in your favorite hue, no matter how bright. And a coat of paint is the quickest route to a bright space. Pick the color that floats your boat the most, whether it's marigold, pomegranate, cobalt, or emerald. Sound hard to pull off? Take a look at this gallery to see some of our favorite vibrant gathering spaces, which might just inspire you to take your own living room from comatose to colorful.

By: Penelope Wood



Lucky Stripes
Lucky Stripes


Lucky Stripes

If you love bright colors but can't narrow it down to one, try painting your wall with stripes of all of your favorite hues.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms


Also See:Add a Pop of Color With Wainscot Stripes







So Shocking
So Shocking


So Shocking

Love pink? Don't be shy about it: paint your gathering space in your best and brightest.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:How to Add Blasts of Bright Paint Color









Fresh-Squeezed
Fresh-Squeezed


Fresh-Squeezed

A soft orange hue doesn't overwhelm when it tops white wainscoting.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:Colorful Small Appliances










Color Within Four White Walls
Color Within Four White Walls


Color Within Four White Walls

Even renters can brighten up a space with coordinated accessories and artwork.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:10 Great White Kitchens










Turn to Color Teory
Turn to Color Teory


Turn to Color Theory

White isn't the only color to paint trim in a red room. Here a pale version of the color opposite red on the color wheel, green, is used.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:Beautify Your Home With Crown Molding and Other Trim Upgrades







Hot and Warm
Hot and Warm


Hot and Warm

Red paired with a neutral hue such as chocolate brown adds richness and graphic style.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:TOH TV's Auburndale House: Before and After








Songs Sung Blue
Songs Sung Blue


Songs Sung Blue

Bold blue hues cocoon this stylish, pulled-together space.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:Editors' Picks: Our Favorite Blue Houses









Rosy Glow
Rosy Glow


Rosy Glow

Add cheer with a red backdrop for your fireplace.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:Fireplace Design Ideas










Inspired by Nature
Inspired by Nature


Inspired by Nature

Swaths of blue and green bring this living room home.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:Take the Chill off Modern Architecture









Go Green
Go Green


Go Green

Yellow-green paint adds freshness to this cozy layout. Horizontal accent stripes in shades of green above the mantel make the space feel expansive.

See More of Our Favorite Colorful Living Rooms

Also See:Best New Green Materials for Your Interior





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