Living room colors. Decisions, decisions!
Living room colors can be a worry. After all, it is one of the most important rooms in your home. You may have already had a look at the pages on this site relating to color schemes. If not, click here go to the Color Schemes section. There you'll get some valuable ideas on choosing your color scheme.
Sometimes you'll already have items to work around (sofas, carpet etc). If so, you already have a head start. Use your existing colors on which to base your ideas.
Or you may be starting from scratch and have a completely free hand. In this case you don't have the discipline of having to match your existing living room colors. If you are completely stuck, then the best way out is to look at as many pictures of living rooms as you can find - this website, library books, magazines etc. (Take a look at Discover your own interior color scheme)
Starting with...
When you have an idea of the living room colors you want, what should you start with? Floor or walls?
As you'll probably find you have far more choice of living room colors in paints and wallpapers, it makes sense to get the floor fixed up first, where you don't have as much choice.
Greens and yellow/golds give a restful look and are ideal for living room colors. Notice how the pattern in the drapes picks out the main colors in the room.
If you're keeping the floorboards, or having a wood finish floor fitted, then select the color you like best. If you're going for carpets, then have a look at carpet samples to pick the best one. Make sure you look at the sample in different positions in the room and in different lighting conditions (daylight, night, artificial light).
Paint or wallpaper?
Once you have your floor selected, decide on the wall and paintwork colors. Living room paint colors can be just about anything. But as you probably want the room to be reasonably restful, avoid loud and brash colors.
Don't make the usual mistake of thinking that you'll get the job done much quicker by painting rather then using wallpaper. You may get it done quicker, but painting will still take time if you want to do a good job. Preparing walls and wood for paint is an essential part of painting. Painting isn't an easy option.
Deep warm browns and yellows are set off against the cream carpet. The central square of the pillow mirrors the drape colors.
Painting and Wallcovering
You may wonder about some of the select but more expensive paints available today. Although these may not have as wide a selection of colors as the main brands, the colors are carefully chosen. Also, these paints are manufactured differently, and have a chalkier finish, which gives them a superior look.
Whatever sort you go for, you should always buy a 'tester' or 'sample' pot to try. When you do, paint an area on two adjacent walls on the far side of the room from the window. You'll notice these walls reflect light slightly differently, and this will show up in the paint finish.
Note that you'll often have to use more than one coat of paint, despite what you may read in the paint instructions! Some walls are more porous and appear to suck the paint up as soon as it's applied. Let each coat dry and see how it looks.
Consider using wallpaper instead of paint on the walls. Wallpaper can give a softer and more homely effect. You can also obtain more subtle finishes which can be difficult or even impossible to achieve using paint unless you employ the services of an expert.
If you do use wallpaper, it's advisable to cross line the walls with a good quality lining paper. This gives an even finish - especially on rough walls - and you'll find the paper is easier to hang.
Ceiling and paintwork
If you're not sure what color to use on the ceiling and paintwork, go for white, or off-white. You can't go wrong with this. Yea, it's playing safe, but you can always paint them another color later if you want.
