This blog post is about “How to Choose Wallpaper for Your Living Room”
How do you choose wallpaper for a living room? With thousands of different designs and styles on offer, it can be a bewildering decision. But don’t worry, Wallpaper It is here to help make things a little simpler.
Our handy guide will show you how to choose wallpaper for a living room based on things like your current décor, colour combinations, and whether you should go for patterned or plain styles. We’ll also go through technical questions, such as working out how much wallpaper you’ll need, and give you a few pointers with a selection of our favourite living room wallpapers right now. With top tips and handy hints, this is the only guide you need to create your perfect living room.
Beautiful Living Room Color Schemes
Your choice of color scheme sets the tone for your living room. Make the space cozy and inviting, or create a dramatic and dynamic atmosphere 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.
Olive Green + Cream + Black
Olive green, inspired by nature, introduces a calming and grounded presence in any living room. This hue is perfect for creating a serene and sophisticated vibe. When paired with creamy white walls, the contrast softens the overall atmosphere, making the space feel open yet warm. The cream balances the depth of olive and creates a neutral backdrop that lets the green accents shine subtly without overpowering the space.
Incorporating black accents, such as picture frames, lighting fixtures, or furniture legs, elevates the room with a refined and modern touch. Black provides definition and structure, anchoring the light and earthy tones. This combination is especially useful in contemporary or transitional interiors, offering timeless elegance that still feels approachable and cozy.
Off-White + Navy + Wood Tones
Off-white walls offer a timeless base for any living room, creating a bright, airy feel that enhances natural light. This neutral foundation is versatile and pairs effortlessly with bold or subtle colors. The navy provides contrast and character in this scheme without overwhelming the space. It adds depth, especially on throw pillows or rugs, bringing personality to an otherwise soft-toned room.
Wood accents, whether in the form of coffee tables, shelves, or ceiling beams, introduce warmth and texture. They prevent the color scheme from feeling too cold or sterile and ground the design in natural elements. This trio is perfect for those seeking a minimalist look with just the right amount of richness and style.
Cloudy Gray + Mustard + Linen
Cloudy gray is a sophisticated and soothing neutral that forms the perfect canvas for layering other hues. It’s especially effective in bridging different styles from traditional to rustic without leaning too heavily in one direction. When paired with classic furnishings and natural textures like linen, the overall look is timeless and balanced.
The addition of mustard yellow brings a sense of vibrancy and warmth. Used sparingly on pillows, vases, or artwork, it adds a modern flair and energizes the muted palette. This thoughtful mix of colors allows for a layered look that feels both grounded and alive, ideal for creating a cozy yet eclectic living room.
Cottage White + Taupe + Goldenrod
Cottage white walls create an airy, spacious feeling, especially in rooms with tall ceilings or ample natural light. This fresh tone serves as a backdrop that enhances architectural details and lets furnishings and accents take center stage. It’s ideal for creating a peaceful, sanctuary-like space where relaxation is key.
Taupe and goldenrod act as warm, earthy companions to the cool brightness of white. Taupe grounds the space, while goldenrod injects cheer and richness. When applied through textiles like cushions, curtains, or a statement rug, these tones add depth and interest without disrupting the calm ambiance.
Ecru + Dove Gray + Yellow
Ecru, a soft, warm neutral, offers a cozy alternative to stark whites. It lends a gentle glow to a living room and works beautifully with other understated shades. Dove gray complements ecru by adding a cool balance, keeping the palette from becoming too warm or monotone.
Adding pops of yellow, especially in accessories like cushions or artwork, livens up the scheme and draws attention without being too bold. The restrained use of color gives the room a refined and classic elegance while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
Cloudy Blue + Garden Soil Brown + Grass Green
Cloudy blue evokes a calm and tranquil vibe, perfect for living rooms that aim to offer a peaceful retreat. When used on walls or large furniture, it can create the illusion of spaciousness, especially when paired with natural light. Its cool undertone also makes it a strong foundation for introducing deeper, earthier colors without overwhelming the room.
Pairing this tone with garden-inspired greens and rich soil browns brings the outdoors in. A brown leather or textured fabric sofa adds depth and comfort, while green curtains or accent pieces tie in nature’s vibrancy. This palette is ideal for biophilic design lovers who want a space that feels restorative, fresh, and grounded.
Wisteria Purple + Linen Beige + Cloud White
Wisteria Purple brings a delicate elegance and a touch of personality to your living room. This soft purple is subtle enough to be calming but still adds an element of surprise and creativity. It works beautifully on throw pillows, a pouf, or a feature wall, especially when contrasted against a more neutral background.
Beige linen and cloud white act as gentle counterpoints, adding warmth and lightness to the palette. Together, they prevent the purple from feeling too cold or too bold. These neutral tones create a cohesive and inviting space, making this scheme perfect for those who want a feminine yet grounded interior with a timeless appeal.
Cornflower Blue + Lime + Coral
Cornflower blue is a bold, cheerful color that brings energy and personality to any living room. When applied to walls or larger elements like curtains, it makes a bold statement while still feeling fresh and inviting. It acts as a stable base that allows other vivid colors to play alongside it.
Lime and coral, used in accents such as pillows, vases, or artwork, introduce a vibrant, tropical feel. This scheme is perfect for eclectic or coastal styles and works best when anchored by neutral flooring or window treatments to keep it from feeling overwhelming. It’s a lively combination that exudes joy and creativity.
Indigo + Paper White + Rusty Red
Indigo is a deep, dramatic hue that adds instant sophistication. Its cool undertones make it feel modern and refined, particularly when applied through feature walls, paneling, or velvet furnishings. It’s ideal for creating contrast in larger rooms and works well with both traditional and contemporary décor.
Rusty red acts as a perfect complement to indigo, bringing warmth and rustic charm into the mix. Combined with crisp white paper on the ceiling or trim, the palette maintains balance and brightness. This color scheme gives off Americana or vintage vibes while still feeling polished and updated.
Navy + Taupe + Sailcloth White
Navy adds classic charm and richness to a living room and pairs effortlessly with both warm and cool tones. It creates a sense of depth and works especially well in spacious rooms, offering a touch of nautical or tailored sophistication when used in moderation. Navy accents, like a feature wall, rug, or armchair, make for an elegant statement.
Taupe and sailcloth white soften the overall look, offering an inviting, layered neutral base. These hues add warmth and serenity, preventing navy from feeling too heavy. The result is a balanced, serene space with refined textures and enduring appeal, a perfect combination for a polished, timeless design.
Bluebird + Gunmetal + Snowy White
Bluebird Blue introduces a bright, clean pop of color that brings joy and liveliness into the space. It’s especially effective on decorative accents like lamps, pillows, or painted furniture. Its playful yet grown-up feel makes it suitable for transitional and modern design styles alike.
Gunmetal gray grounds the scheme, lending maturity and a sleek edge. When combined with snowy white, the palette achieves a crisp and sophisticated feel. Layering these tones using clean-lined furniture, plush throws, and touches of greenery creates a refined yet approachable living room aesthetic.
Powder Blue + Lavender + Warm White
Powder blue, when used generously, offers a dreamy and whimsical base for your living room. It works beautifully on ceilings, upholstery, or rugs, setting a light and airy tone. This shade instantly refreshes a space, making it perfect for spring-inspired or romantic themes.
Pairing it with lavender introduces a soft contrast that enhances the room’s gentle energy. Warm white walls keep everything balanced while giving the space a cozy glow. This trio works well with vintage or shabby chic furniture and is perfect for those who appreciate delicate palettes with strong visual harmony.
Sunny Yellow + Blue + Eggplant
Sunny yellow infuses any space with optimism and light, making it an excellent choice for uplifting interiors. Painting the walls yellow sets a cheerful tone from the start and reflects light to make the room feel larger. It’s ideal for north-facing rooms that lack natural brightness.
To temper the brightness, add eggplant and blue accents through seating, cushions, or rugs. These cooler tones balance the palette and add complexity. The bold contrast between yellow and purple tones gives the space a creative, artistic flair great for maximalist or bohemian styles.
Light Gray + Pure White + Bubblegum Pink
Light gray and pure white form a classic, minimal base that keeps your living room looking clean, bright, and spacious. These shades are incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily change the mood with colorful accents. The base feels modern and chic, perfect for Scandinavian or contemporary interiors.
Introducing bubblegum pink adds a pop of playful charm without overwhelming the space. This accent works great on wallpaper backs, cushions, or even an art piece. When paired with other fun hues like coral or soft gold, it creates a joyful and stylish room with a trendy edge.
Warm Gray + Dark Teal + Rich Leather
Warm gray walls offer a cozy and comforting base tone, perfect for creating a grounded living room that still feels light. It complements both cool and warm colors, making it an excellent backdrop for bold or earthy accents. It’s especially useful in smaller spaces to make the room feel snug but not cramped.
Dark teal provides a striking focal point; think fireplace mantels, built-ins, or statement furniture. Add in the richness of leather through seating or accessories, and the room exudes warmth, sophistication, and texture. This palette is perfect for anyone wanting a cozy, contemporary, and layered look with character.
FAQs
1. How do I choose the right wallpaper for my living room?
Consider your existing décor, color scheme, and the mood you want to create. Decide between patterned or plain wallpaper based on the size of your room and the level of visual interest you prefer. Textured wallpapers can add depth, while bold patterns make a statement.
2. Should I go for patterned or plain wallpaper?
If your furniture and décor are already busy with patterns, a plain or textured wallpaper can create balance. If your furnishings are simple, patterned wallpaper can add personality and dimension to your space.
3. How do I calculate how much wallpaper I need?
Measure the height and width of each wall, then multiply them to get the total square footage. Subtract doors and windows, and check the wallpaper roll dimensions to estimate the number of rolls required. Always buy extra for mistakes and future repairs.
4. Can I use wallpaper in a small living room?
Yes! Light-colored or subtly patterned wallpaper can make a small room feel bigger. Vertical stripes can add height, while horizontal patterns create the illusion of a wider space. Avoid overly busy prints that might overwhelm the room.
5. What color scheme is best for a cozy living room?
Warm tones like beige, taupe, mustard, and earthy greens create a cozy and inviting feel. Mixing these with soft textures and warm lighting enhances the ambiance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wallpaper and color scheme for your living room is more than just a design decision; it’s a way to express your personality and craft the atmosphere you want to come home to every day. From calming neutrals to vibrant statement colors, your choices shape how your living room feels, functions, and flows. Thoughtfully combining wallpaper with your preferred color palette allows you to set the tone for the entire space.
Remember, the key to success lies in balance: matching patterns with textures, layering colors with intention, and complementing existing décor without overwhelming it. Factor in your room’s size, lighting, and layout to make smart, creative choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your vision until everything feels just right. With a little planning and imagination, your living room can become your favorite spot in the house, stylish, inviting, and unmistakably yours.