An expert in color psychology shares the 5 shades you should have in your living room

According to artist and color expert Amy Wax, warm yellows like pale golds and rich wheat tones can create a cozy ambiance in your living room.

"Sweet yellows can improve one's mood," Wax told Business Insider. "Using a softer yellow creates a feeling in the space that is sunny, warm, and spirited."

Wax advised against including bright yellows, as they can cause stress and agitation. If you're looking for color pairings to compliment warm yellows, Wax recommends using blues, greens, and grays.

Greige, a color between gray and beige, is a great choice for the living room because of its versatility.

"Off-whites are an elegant and conservative base color," Wax said. "This quieter color palette gives you the opportunity to create a brighter space with accent colors that are friendly and maybe even a little playful."

Whether you're using stone-colored beige or rich taupe, this color pairs well with brighter greens and colors in the plum and teal families.

If you're going for a soothing environment, Wax said shades of green have the ability to relax and calm the body, especially the eyes.

"Greens pair well with neutral creams, brick reds, and navy blues," Wax said. "I see this natural color palette as easygoing and friendly."

She also said greens like a quiet sage or a bold hunter green can bring the beauty of nature into your living room.

According to Wax, terracotta is a great choice for the living room because of its earthy and warm appeal. Though oranges are more stimulating colors, terracotta is a more restful version of the brighter hue.

"Earth tones can be very cozy and warm, but they also give you the chance to dress them up with contrasting colors that create a little drama in the room," Wax told BI.

Wax said terracotta pairs well with off-whites, blue-green accents, or even a contrasting black.

Soft blues are universally appealing and share the freshness of a coastal color palette. According to Wax, soft blues can make a living room feel more open and, in turn, more relaxing.

"Airy and open, this color palette feels carefree and stress-free," Wax told BI. 

Light-blue, gray-blue, and blue-green colors pair well with neutral earth tones like warm taupe or rich chocolate brown.

Though soft blues can feel airy and carefree, a delicate pink will have the same effect since it's also soothing and comforting.

"It is less likely to be a color that would be recommended for a living room because I believe it takes some expertise to pull it off," Wax told BI. "That being said, it can be absolutely stunning if it is done well."

According to Wax, a delicate pink can reduce stress and other strong emotions like anxiety. Pink pairs well with soft grays and warm browns for a comforting mood in the room.

This story was originally published on October 30, 2022, and most recently updated on November 20, 2024.