Living room paint ideas: UK colour trends and aesthetics

Choosing the right living room paint ideas in the UK often revolves around warmth. Whether it’s a cosy film night, a hot chocolate and snuggle evening, or a lazy afternoon with a good book, creating the perfect ambience is essential.

Designing the ultimate lounge starts with choosing the right paint colours for your living room. Whether it’s popular neutrals or statement-making shades, we have a range of muted and bold trends to choose from.

However, if you can’t wait to get started, pop your postcode into the search bar below and we’ll give you a list of our talented painters and decorators, each of whom is ready to transform your living room.

Living room ideas with instant impact

The best living room paint ideas and UK trends have to include teal. It’s both a happy and warm colour, which you can make bright and impactful or soft and muted depending on the finish you’re after.

For example, when it’s paired with a metallic shade like gold or copper, teal creates instant opulence – perfect for those who want a little magic. On the other hand, keeping it light or to a feature wall guarantees a soft and inviting finish.

Related content: Teal living room ideas: how to embrace this power-packed colour.

Smoky tones and trending living room colour ideas

Grey and its hue spectrum are consistently popular choices. Enduring and atmospheric, grey paint is stylish and versatile – able to fit almost any aesthetic depending on the undertone you pick.

For example, choosing a grey shade on the blue end of the spectrum offers a sleek and industrial aesthetic. Whereas, shades on the pink side are warmer and brooding for a calm and contemporary transformation.

Related content: Dark bedroom ideas: Smoky trends and stormy aesthetics.

Include some greige in your living room decorating ideas

If you’re looking to embrace a warm and relaxing living room, greige is the perfect neutral shade. As the new trend on the block, consider slathering it all over your walls for a modern edge.

A combination of beige and grey, it embraces the best qualities of each hue. Beige offers softness and warmth while grey brings elegance and sophistication to the table.

Related content: 2023’s paint trends to transform and elevate your interiors.

Dark and intense living room ideas and decor

Jewel tones are radiant and opulent. So, if you want a living room that gives you a royal welcome whenever you get home, try pairing two of these rich shades.

For example, deep sapphire, onyx, or emerald are perfect when combined with gold or copper accents. From a starlit night to a radiant forest, jewel tones offer a sense of luxury and refinement, sure to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Dual tones with modern living room ideas

Navy blue and mustard are opposite shades on the colour wheel, which is why they complement each other so well. Dual tones are great because they add contrast and immediate design interest.

A popular trend in paint ideas for living rooms includes wall panelling and colour blocking. This lounge uses dark blue across all walls with a bright mustard between each rectangular panel.

Related content: 15 navy living room ideas.

Blush living room colour ideas that go with anything

Blush walls are a feminine and playful way to add some design elegance to your living room. It keeps the room bright but not stark, while also pairing well with bold colours and statement pieces.

Further lighten the mood with cobalt blues and abstract artwork. A large pouffe and diamond chequered rug finish the look, while hairpin-legged furniture gives it a contemporary-meets-whimsical ambience.

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Consider a green living room for biophilic elegance

While playing with dual paint trends, it’s also worth considering two textures. For example, this wood panelling with a block green wall brings the outside in for a natural biophilic effect.

Imagine coming home to a tranquil forest after a long and difficult day. No matter what might have happened, you’ll be able to relax and unwind in your spa vibes and bohemian elements.

Related content: Biophilic interior design ideas: Get closer to nature at home.

Neutral paint ideas for a calming living room aesthetic

There’s nothing more calming than neutral tones. Deep and light beige, light chocolate, pampas grass, and minimalist finishes are perfect for creating a muted retreat.

Consider adding rustic wood furniture, cream upholstery, and simple accessories to give your living room some depth and character. However, for a truly minimalist result, keep it light and straightforward when it comes to the decor.

Marble limewash paint ideas for striking living rooms

Limewash paint is a great way to add a mottled and matte effect to your walls. It’s increasingly popular due to its chalky texture, which creates both depth and luminosity.

To inject some opulence into your living room, consider marble limewashing. It will turn even the most boring drywall into one with heaps of intrigue and character.

Related content: Limewash paint wall ideas: Inject some zest into your designs.

Bright and welcoming paint colours for a living room

Bring the sunshine into your living room with a dash of yellow. It’ll brighten your walls and inject your home with an abundance of energy.

Yellow works in rooms with little or loads of light, making it a versatile colour that suits several aesthetics.

For example, go vintage with bold and clashing patterns or keep it modern with geometric accents and bold statement pieces.

Consider bold shapes and colours for a vibrant living room

When choosing a bright paint colour for your living room, consider how to make the most of it for a unique finish. For example, this red inset wall puts a fun twist on a classic feature wall.

Why not go all out with Japandi-inspired interior design? It uses a circular shape to display artwork and accessories, while the lantern hanging lights and mahogany furniture finish the look.

Related content: Accent wall cost guide.

Did you enjoy these top examples of living room paint ideas: UK trends? Let us know in the comments! And for more ideas like this, visit our blog and discover more ideas, inspiration, and design trends.