According to experts, there are several colors you should never use to paint your living room.
These colors are thought to be too outdated or too bold for living rooms – which should be relaxing and cozy.
Although it all depends on the taste, some living room colors can create an uneasy feeling and make you and most of your visitors feel ‘off‘.
Some of these colors may also surprise you, as they were very popular in the past.
So let us examine some of the worst color choices you could make today for your living room and what their alternatives are.
1. Basic White
Although the right shade of white can make your home feel clean, calming, and elegant, the wrong one can leave it looking cold and uninviting.
Instead of a stark cool white, go for a neutral tone with warmth, such as creamy white, to bring your space to life.
2. Gray
Gray might have been extremely popular several years ago but today people are realizing that it is, in fact, boring.
It can be too cold for some living rooms and make the whole space feel ‘dull‘.
It is much better to choose a ‘creamy white’ or a ‘warm blue’ for your living room if you want a similar effect.
3. Lemon
A bright, citrus-toned chair or an ottoman can add a fun pop of sunny lemon to your space, but a little of this bold hue goes a long way – so keep it subtle in living areas.
Lemon everywhere can make your space look too yellow and unserious. Instead, go for pale or muted yellows for an elegant look.
4. Beige
The most popular neutral, beige was a favorite color for many years. It is versatile and timeless, and it can match any decor.
However, most designers would agree that beige is not so popular anymore as people get tired of it.
Instead, warm grays or greiges (grays and beiges) should be explored as they add more visual interest and can blend into any modern living room.
5. Dark Brown
Dark brown works well as an accent color or as a wooden accent piece, but it is not advised to use it on your living room walls because it tends to absorb too much light.
Instead, use paler shades of brown for a harmonious and elegant look which is what every living room needs.
6. Mustard
Although mustard was one of the favorite color choices in the mid-century design, this color can feel overpowering today.
Instead, muted yellows are much better for a modern look and for an airy atmosphere in a living room.
7. Neons
Neon pink, green, or yellow are fun for a playground but not for a living room.
These vibrant colors can add a lively pop of visual interest when used in small accents, but on the walls, they might make your living room feel anything but relaxing.
Instead, use softer or pastel shades of these colors for a calming and relaxing effect.
8. Mint
Pastels can feel refreshing in some settings, like a kid’s room, but you should avoid them in the living room.
There are plenty of other, more natural and inviting options to choose from instead for an elegant-looking living room.
Sage green, for example, would be a much more modern choice if you love green tones.
9. Red
Red is a color of passion and it is great for rugs, accent chairs, or art – but red walls will not make you feel relaxed and calm.
Instead, use red for smaller items and color your walls eggshell white or pale beige.