The wishlist name can't be left blank
Living space featuring a lamp, a vase and a contrasting split wall with the left side black and right side white.

Comfortable Spaces to Live In: Cosy Living Room Colour Schemes

Use colour and pattern to create a soothing haven. Informal, comforting spaces are perfect for relaxing in and after-supper entertaining – or for those who crave peace and quiet for down-time in the evening. With these distinct ideas in mind, choosing the right cosy living room colours much depends on what the room is going to be used for and your own definition of cosy.

The Calm Zone: Use Neutral Tones for a Calm Living Room

Sitting room with a neutral beige (Clay - Mid) wall and panelling in deep stone, pale brown and fawn colors, and two sofas.

Neutral paint colours set the scene for harmony and tranquillity. Muted tones reflect nature at its purest and these gentle tones can warm cooler spaces and breathe light into darker rooms.

Paint the ceiling and woodwork in Clay - Pale to keep it looking crisp and add natural furnishings like side tables with bare wood elements. Add focus to the scheme with large panels in Scullery for a contemporary scheme. Alternatively, for a cool neutral palette, paint walls in French Grey - Dark- a cosy grey paint colour, ideal for keeping it simple alongside white furniture.

Wall: Clay – Mid

Central Panel: Scullery

Middle Panel: Lute

Right Panel: Clay

Paneled living space painted in warm neutral 'Travertine' with two sofas and a wooden coffee table.

Plan a warm scheme by selecting a mid-tone, like Lute or Travertine from our Stone palette. Paint all walls in these neutral shades and allow your coffee table or fireplace to become the focal point amidst a calm scheme.  

Upper Wall: Stock

Panelling: Travertine

Dark and Mysterious: Choose Dark Paint Colours for Maximum Cosiness

Living room color drenched in grey/ green shade 'Pompeian Ash' with a deep red contrast stripe and a grey sofa.

The fathomless depths of dark paint colours teamed with the extremely low-sheen Absolute Flat finish creates an instant feeling of cosiness and a nod to the grandeur of historical homes. Woodwork painted in the same colour as the walls and the addition of panelling enhance this effortlessly opulent scheme and provide a beautiful foil for displaying art works or heirloom treasures. 

Wall: Pompeian Ash

Dado Stripe: Heat

Living space painted in dark green (Puck) with a grey sofa, armchair and a white table on a rug.

Pompeian Ash, Puck, Sage Green and Dark Lead Colour are ideal choices. These rich tones are a testament to the fact that, far from cold or stark, grey or dark green coloured paint can be used to create a warm, cosy living room. 

All: Puck

Ceiling: Slaked Lime – Mid

Joyful Brights: Use Colour Highlights for a vibrant Living Room

Living space painted in dark orange (Middle Buff) with a contrasting deep blue sofa, grey armchair and wooden table on a rug.

For a playful take on cosiness, keep everything else simple and let the walls do the talking. Paint walls in Middle Buff and Hammock and pair with contrasting furniture to enliven a featureless room and add warmth. 

Green floral wallpaper (Briar Rose - Green Verditer) with deep green ceiling (Mid Azure Green) and baseboards in living room.

Or, add cheerful personality to a blank canvas by choosing the Briar Rose wallpaper in the vibrant Green Verditer colourway. Paint the woodwork in the coordinating Mid Azure Green to create comforting depth, and introduce Green Verditer as a strong, bright colour highlight.

Bring the outside in: Use Natural Prints and Colours for a Tranquil Living Space

Country-style home with orange and burgundy leaf-printed wallpaper (Beech Nut – Córdoba) and thick wooden ceiling beams.

For reading rooms and spaces designed for contemplation, choose the leafy print, Beech Nut - Cordoba, to help clear your head from the day. Layer natural materials and textural elements like soft cushions, throws and rugs and settle down with your thoughts enshrouded by this warm and autumnal palette.

Living space with grey neutral walls (Baluster) alongside a fireplace, armchair and a bright red coffee table.

Likewise, green hues calm the mind. Bring nature inside with Baluster paint on all walls and woodwork. Include radiators, in the Intelligent Eggshell finish, for a seamless, tranquil scheme. Either keep furniture tonal to further enhance the tranquillity or add in hints of warmer tones for a contemporary finish, such as Atomic Red.

Discover more ways to bring the outside in with paint and wallpaper.

Browse our paint collection online or order a complimentary colour card to help you choose the perfect living room colours for your home.