Top 8 Living Room Paint Colors, as Recommended by Design Experts

Anyone who's seen HGTV knows how a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space. When it comes to the living room, a change in color can make a dramatic difference. The challenge is choosing the right hue—one that stands out and feels fresh, without clashing with your existing living room decor.

Avoiding painter's remorse is key, so we’ve consulted a variety of home and paint color specialists to guide us through the overwhelming world of paint samples. From sophisticated neutrals to trendy earthy greens, here are the best living room paint colors that will give your space a total makeover.

Expert Recommendations

1. Crushed Ice by Sherwin Williams

"This is my go-to cool white for living rooms. The tone is fresh, luminous, and expands the room. It works wonderfully in modern, coastal, Scandinavian, and contemporary interiors," shares Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective.

2. Rainy Afternoon by Benjamin Moore

"My clients have been requesting more color recently, which is really exciting for me. Right now, I’m especially fond of this sage-like pine shade. It’s a rich, muted, smoky pine that pairs beautifully with lavender tones," says Diana Weinstein, interior designer and founder of DW Designs.

3. Studio Green by Farrow & Ball

"This is a wonderful shade with a distinctly English charm. I’m currently working on a project where we’re using this color to paint all the intricate moldings and coffered ceilings. When paired with fresh color combinations like ivory, blush, and lavender, it creates a room that feels both traditional and contemporary," explains Weinstein.

4. Salamander by Benjamin Moore

"This green hue can create a cozy atmosphere while also feeling luxurious and moody. Many people hesitate to use dark tones on walls, fearing it will shrink the space, but I believe this shade actually brings depth and makes a room feel more welcoming. I love the bold contrast of rich dark green walls paired with ivory and chunky textured curtain panels," says Weinstein.

5. Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore

"One of my all-time favorite neutrals, this timeless greige works beautifully within a neutral palette, complementing both warm and cool tones. It’s particularly great for those who prefer not to have stark white walls in their living rooms but also aren’t fans of bold, vibrant colors on the walls," says Alessandra Wood, design expert and VP of Style at Modsy.

6. Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams

"I adore this shade. It’s soft and peaceful, providing a stunning backdrop for rich, earthy tones. What I love most about a color like this is that it offers a bold, saturated pop to the living room without feeling overpowering. Instead, it instills a sense of calm with its cool-toned undertones," shares Wood.

7. Collector's Item by Benjamin Moore

"This creamy white hue has a gentle softness that creates an inviting atmosphere. It’s incredibly versatile, blending seamlessly with a variety of decor styles," says Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Development at Benjamin Moore.

8. Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore

"Edgecomb Gray is the perfect neutral—balanced, neither too warm nor too cool. It’s adaptable, fitting effortlessly with both modern and traditional styles, as well as everything in between. The subtle backdrop it provides makes it easy to incorporate a variety of other colors into the space, which is why it works so well for open floor plans," explains Magno.