A beige sofa is a decor chameleon. Its neutral color means you can pair the sofa with practically any other furniture colors as long as the style is consistent with the style of the sofa. It’s OK to build a neutral color scheme around a beige sofa as long as you’re using a variety of patterns and textures to keep the look interesting. You can include other shades of beige with textured patterns in the fabric for a subtle look. However, it’s also important to incorporate color in your decorating scheme, whether it’s on the walls, on other furniture. or on your accessories.
Choosing a Color Scheme
If you’re not sure where to begin, take a closer look at some of the other décor in the room or décor you could possibly use in the room, such as wall art, a patterned pillow or an area rug. Notice the colors used and what you like about them. Choose at least three of these colors to build a color scheme. Use lighter or muted hues for large areas and save the brighter, more intense colors for smaller accents. The important thing to remember is to try to match the tone of your beige sofa with the other colors in your color scheme. A muted beige should be used with other muted colors for a toned-down scheme, whereas a bright, crisp beige can be paired with brighter, more intense colors.
Contrasting Colors
If you want to create a strong contrast against a light beige sofa, use accent pillows in dark shades of navy, burgundy, forest green, black or brown. Choose other seating options with dark colored upholstery in the same hues as the accent pillows and then accent those pieces with light colored contrasting pillows in beige and cream. Anchor the conversation area within area rug that contains a combination of light beige and cream colors with the darker hues of navy, forest green, black, burgundy or brown.
Animal Prints
One way to spice up a neutral color scheme would be to add accent pillows in various animal prints. Use a combination of patterns such as zebra, giraffe, leopard and cheetah. Include a zebra-print area rug, which you can find in black and white or brown and white. Drape a faux fur throw over a nearby overstuffed chair. Accent the conversation area with a couple of indoor palm plants for a touch of greenery and to enhance the exotic look.
Bright Colors
If your beige sofa is on the brighter side or close to white, use bright accent colors such as red, blue, orange, green, yellow or violet. You can use a complementary duo such as yellow and violet or blue and orange and use a mixture of both solids and patterns. Hang a large, framed painting or print with your chosen accent colors behind the sofa or include one of these colors in a vase of flowers on a nearby coffee or end table. Bright, bold colors work well in modern, contemporary and eclectic decorating styles.
Wall Color
Make your beige sofa stand out by placing it in front of a dark-colored wall. Warm living room colors can include a rich chocolate brown, burnt orange or a deep gold. For a cooler palette, try navy blue or emerald green. A dark charcoal gray would look lovely behind a beige sofa. Use these colors for an accent wall if you're unsure about painting the entire room. Give the room an upscale look by using flocked damask wallpaper behind the sofa. Go subtle with a tone-on-tone brown or tan or try a bold contrast with a black design against a metallic gold or silver background. With the right accessories and clever use of color in the room, a beige sofa never has to be boring.
Your choice of color scheme sets the tone for your living room. Make the space cozy and inviting with a combination of colors you love. Find a fresh look for your space with these living room color schemes you can easily adapt to match your decorating style.
Nature-Inspired Living Room Colors
Kim CornelisonOlive Green + Cream + Black
Colors pulled from nature make relaxing color schemes for living rooms. Several shades of green appear on this room's mantel, accent chair, and pillows, but the effect is subtle and organic. Creamy white walls linger in the background but complement the yellow undertones of the greens, while hints of black offer a bit of sophistication.
Modern Living Room Colors
Brie WilliamsCrisp White + Black + Gold
Living room color schemes don't have to include tons of vibrant hues to pack in personality. A simple palette dominated by black and white gives off a sleek, modern atmosphere. Start with white walls and incorporate black in bold ways, such as on built-ins or trimwork. Layer in metallic gold through accessories and accent furniture to brighten the look.
Colorful Living Room Ideas
David TsayBurnt Orange + Grassy Green + Pastels
Bring your living room to life with exuberant colors. Start your scheme with one or two main colors, then add in more hues via accessories and fabrics. In this cheery living room, grass-green furniture and window treatments pair with orange accents for an eclectic look. Patterned upholstery and pillows supply a variety of pastel colors to contribute to the room's unique character.
Elegant Living Room Color Scheme
Jay WildeOff-White + Navy + Wood Tones
Variations of cream and white provide a sophisticated foundation for living room color schemes. Employ a variety of textures and small doses of color throughout the room to make a mostly neutral space more interesting. In this living room, wood accents appear on furniture, open shelves, and a built-in nook stocked with firewood. Navy throw pillows bring personality to the simple linen sofa.
Beachy Living Room Color Scheme
Anthony MastersonTurquoise + Cool Gray + Brights
While blue and turquoise are standard fare for coastal color schemes, bright colors with warmer tones also have a place. This living room blends brilliant turquoise with a few hints of hot pink and yellow to create a playful look inspired by the sea. Subtle beachy accents, including seahorse table lamps, nod to the motif without sacrificing the room's sophistication.
Bold, Moody Living Room Colors
Annie SchlectherCitron Green + Dusty Rose + Charcoal
Shades of green that lean more yellow than blue tend to have more zing. The vibrant citron green on this living room's sofa is tempered by dark charcoal walls that give the space a moody feel. A rosy area rug underfoot and playful animal print fabrics work with the sofa to keep the dark wall color from feeling too gloomy.
Refined Rustic Living Room Color Scheme
Kim CornelisonCloudy Gray + Mustard + Linen
Use living room colors to bridge the gap between distinctive styles. Here, muted neutrals and refined furnishings lean traditional, while a checked ottoman and a framed buffalo art print nod to rustic style. White, gray, navy, brown, and blue cover a wide range of neutrals but work together thanks to the room's timeless aesthetic. Mustard yellow accents add warmth and keep the scheme from falling flat.
Vibrant-Yet-Livable Color Scheme
Michael GarlandTangerine + Cornflower + Shades of White
Complementary colors, such as orange and blue, in bright shades come on strong, but the right decorating strategy ensures the effect isn't too intense. Sprinkling the colors against a backdrop of white softens the look. In this living room, a painted color-block treatment introduces vivid orange in a small area, instead of an entire accent wall, to keep the color subdued.
Light and Airy Living Room Colors
Paul DyerCottage White + Taupe + Goldenrod
Soaring ceilings and airy shades of white lend a sense of grandeur to this living room. Gray, gold, and tan in the fireplace's stone provide inspiration for the living room colors used elsewhere. Warm gray and goldenrod textiles liven up white furniture while keeping the overall palette neutral.
Cottage-Style Living Room Colors
Brie WilliamsAntique White + Burgundy + Navy Blue
Simple furnishings dressed in timeworn white evoke a cottage-like feel in this living room. Pillows and an area rug sporting navy blue and burgundy patterns energize the look. Fresh flowers and a sprinkling of coastal accents ensure keep it classic rather than cutesy.
Bright Pink Accent Colors
David TsayCream and White + Bright Pink + Muted Blue
Incorporating both white and cream will play up the gorgeous characteristics of pink in living room color schemes. Using all white would make the color come off as childish, and a completely cream background would muddle the color. In this living room, balance is achieved with warm white walls and trim and cream upholstery. The right accent colors will also help you pull off blush pink. Throw pillows featuring muted blue patterns tone down pink's feminine appeal.
Rich Blue Living Room Color Scheme
Annie SchlechterCerulean Blue + Soft Red + Khaki
Going bold with color is a risk, but the payoff can be incredible. Balancing a vibrant color with neutrals is one key to success. In this living room, cerulean blue colors the walls, fireplace, ceiling, and trim. A mid-tone khaki on the leather sofa and ottoman temper the blue, and soft red accents provide further contrast.
Using Neutral Living Room Colors
Brie WilliamsOff-White + Taupe + Smokey Black
Give neutrals presence by applying them in a mix of patterns. Vary the scale of patterns on different surfaces to create a balanced look. Here, window treatments feature a tight pattern that's hardly noticeable, while black-and-white striped chairs have a much bolder presence. An assortment of patterned throw pillows in warm neutral colors adds interest to a taupe sofa.
Bohemian Living Room Color Scheme
David A. LandKelly Green + Brick Red + Earthy Browns
A fearless combination of colors and design styles gives this boho-style living room its edge. The botanical curtains serve as a jumping-off point for the room's color palette. It guides the selection of the furniture, area rug, and accents, such as the table lamps and wall sconces. The bright colors are combined with an assortment of animal print pillows for a safari look.
Vintage-Style Living Room Colors
Werner StraubeKelly Green + Saffron Yellow + Antique White
A color combination of Kelly green and yellow would typically appear bold and modern, but in subdued shades, the hues contribute to this living room's vintage style. The shiplap-covered walls are painted green to make antique wall art and furnishings stand out. Saffron yellow window treatments bring out the warm tones within leather and wood pieces. Keeping the ceiling, trim, and sofa white maintains a classic look.
Warm Neutral Living Room Colors
Emily FollowillOatmeal + Cream + Watery Blue
Set a tranquil tone in your living room with a mixture of warm neutrals, soft colors, and natural elements. The stone fireplace and its rustic wood mantel feature rough textures that are softened by soft linen furniture and a plush cream-colored area rug. Watery blue tones in pillows and a landscape painting reinforce the serene feeling.
Soothing Living Room Colors
Edmund BarrLight Aquamarine + Cottage White + Coral
A soft, blue-green paint color creates a calm, soothing effect in this living room. Upholstered accent chairs and matching ottomans repeat the hue throughout the space for a cohesive look. The light color is just a few shades off the white that covers the fireplace, trim, and cabinets. Small coral pillows introduce an accent color without distracting from the room's quiet, peaceful mood
Unexpected Living Room Color Ideas
Anthony MastersonWarm Gray + Dark Teal + Rich Leather
When colors are applied in unexpected ways, the result is striking. In this living room, a dark teal accent color covers the fireplace mantel, serving as a colorful focal point in an otherwise neutral space. Warm gray walls, a leather sofa, and a nubby area rug incorporate natural tones into this living room color scheme.
Fun with Neutral Living Room Colors
Brian McWeeneyLight Gray + Pure White + Bubblegum Pink
Neutrals take a fun twist when bubblegum pink becomes part of the equation. Starting with a neutral base and adding one big pop of color is a savvy way to dive into color without going over-the-top. Here, pink patterned wallpaper covers the backs of built-in shelves. Pulling in a few smaller doses of equally bright colors, such as coral throw pillows and metallic gold accents, ensure the pink doesn't stick out.
Happy Living Room Color Scheme
Anthony MastersonSunny Yellow + Blue + Eggplant
Sunny shades of yellow create bright, happy living room color schemes. Try painting the walls yellow to instantly give the space a lift. To keep the yellow from overtaking the room, introduce cooler tones, such as blue or purple, for contrast and balance. Here, purple velvet chairs, a blue-upholstered sofa, and an assortment of multi-colored pillows and artwork contribute to the room's cheerful outlook.
Pastel Tones in Living Rooms
John BesslerPowder Blue + Lavender + Warm White
When banded together, soft colors produce a strong style statement. In this living room, powder blue takes on a bold presence, covering the ceiling, furniture, and floors. Similarly light in tone, lavender contrasts the blue on artwork and pillows. Creamy white walls offer a warmer counterpoint to all the cool tones.
Contemporary Color Scheme
Kim CornelisonBluebird + Gunmetal + Snowy White
Cool gray walls paired with plenty of blue captures a modern tone in this living room, which is enhanced by contemporary furniture and accessories. Using soft white, rather than a stark shade, injects the space with warmth. The wood coffee table top and touches of nature add a grounding effect.
Warm Blue Living Room
Greg ScheidemannRobin's Egg + White + Driftwood
Although blue is technically a cool color, shades that sport a little bit of yellow come off as warmer. In this space, the warm blue wall color is enhanced by a cozy gray chair and wood coffee table. The white fireplace and mirror are brighter counterpoints to the warm hues. Accessories in shades similar to the wall color tie the space together.
Ocean-Inspired Living Room Color Scheme
Werner StraubeNavy + Taupe + Sailcloth White
Muted neutrals soothe this large-scale room, while hints of navy introduce a sophisticated color. The mostly gray and blue living room color scheme reminds of stormy ocean waves. With a monochromatic base of neutrals, shape and texture are important players, and the woven wicker chair and large round coffee table become standout pieces.
All-American Color Scheme
Brie Williams Photography IncIndigo + Paper White + Rusty Red
You can rarely go wrong with a blue-and-white color scheme. In this living room, detailed wall paneling makes the color combination really pop. Introducing rusty red, rather than bright apple red, on accessories captures an Americana style, without coming across as a theme. A brown sofa keeps the look relaxed.
Pink Living Room Color Scheme
David TsayFuchsia + Raspberry + Browns
Pink brings a bright, energizing feel to living rooms. Here, warm neutrals, including white walls, medium latte on the sofa and rug, and dark browns on the furniture frames and floor, are key to pulling off the pink in this living room. Richer tones of pink, raspberry, and fuchsia, rather than pastel hues, appear through punchy patterns that feel bold and grown-up.
Energetic Colors for Living Rooms
Michael PartenioCornflower Blue + Lime + Coral
Covering the walls and trim, blue takes a bold stand in this living room. Equally strong citron and coral keep up with the blue's energy level. The room's colorful walls, upholstery, and throw pillows remain livable thanks to large doses of neutrals in the window treatments and area rug.
Vibrant Green Living Room
Jay WildeEmerald + Jade + Linen
Green pulls out all the stops in this jewel box living room. Jade and emerald on the walls play out in subtle contrast, and the hues are sprinkled in with accessories throughout the space. A neutral sofa and slipper chair calm the vibrant colors.
Rustic Living Room Color Scheme
Kim CornelisonWisteria Purple + Linen Beige + Cloud White
Although this living room is mostly neutral, the exact shades selected for the space bear a certain colorful quality. A hint of wisteria purple on the fuzzy pouf and the throw pillows guided the choice of cooler neutrals on the gray built-in cabinets, brown armchairs, and clean white on the walls and trimwork. The linen beige color on the sofa, coffee table top, and mirror frame warm up the living room, as do the wicker baskets and leather-bound books.
Reimagined Traditional Color Scheme
Helen NormanCoral-Orange + Aqua + Milk Chocolate
Traditional style relies on a refined composition and classic styling. Have fun with this formal look in a living room by layering in a punchy color scheme. With a foundation of timeless neutrals, a complementary color scheme of coral-orange and aqua brings this living room to life. Hints of chocolate brown recall the coloring of the wood floor, tables, and chair frames. Limit a traditional color palette to a few neutrals and two colors to maintain a formal air.
Living Room Colors Inspired by the Garden
John BesslerCloudy Blue + Garden Soil Brown + Grass Green
An earthy palette draw from the garden defines this living room. The green curtains, garden stool, and the blue wall color are cooler in tone, offering a more refined approach to earthy colors of sky blue and grass green. A brown sofa directly resembles the color of rich soil and is repeated within the armchair upholstery's stripe.
Classic Living Room Colors
Werner StraubeEcru + Dove Gray + Yellow
A mix of neutrals and warm tones set a classic, elegant tone in living rooms. Soft ecru lends a glowing quality to this space, while gray is a grounding addition. A restrained use of yellow on the pillows draws out the yellow undertones in the ecru while adding dimension.
Metallic Living Room Color Scheme
Edmund BarrNickel Gray + Golden Yellow
Use neutrals inspired by metallics to create a chic look that's not overpowering. In this living room, nickel gray walls envelop the space, and golden yellow patterns the window treatments. Bringing the colors of your walls and window treatments into the rest of the space is a smart step in good decor. Here, the gray pops up on the upholstery, and the golden color appears in variations on the rug and the side table between the chairs.