These Are the Living Room Paint Trends You Can Expect to See in 2021

The right shade of paint can have a big impact in a living room—which is why choosing the correct one is key. "Our living room is a space that is multi-functional," Ashley Banbury, Senior Color Designer at Pratt & Lambert Paints, explains. "It's where we spend time with family, and also where we unwind at the end of a long day, so it's important to pick a paint color that creates a space that fits your lifestyle."

While some living room colors, such as minimalist white and pale gray, remain popular year after year, Patrick O'Donnell, International Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball, says that paint color trends—especially in this space—tend to reflect the world around us. "For example, this year we've seen a shift towards warm, earthy tones that bring in the natural world to help evoke the feeling of calmness and tranquility," he explains. Curious which living room paint colors will be all the rage in 2021? We asked a handful of paint color experts to share their predictions, and this is what they had to share.

Modern Grays

For an elegant neutral that looks modern, yet timeless, Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, says you can't go wrong with a warm shade of beige-gray. "Although technically a gray, Modern Gray SW 7632 has a warmth to it that elevates it beyond the traditional, cool versions," she explains. For a lighter shade of gray that provides a sophisticated backdrop to living room furniture and décor, Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Development for Benjamin Moore, recommends Gray Cashmere 2138-60. "It's neutral but has intriguing undertones that offer a more modern look," she explains. If you don't want to commit to gray walls, Banbury suggests painting your crown molding or fireplace mantel in a dark shade of gray instead. "Noble Gray 417G is a dramatic neutral that highlights charming architectural details in your living room," she says.

Soothing Blues

To bring a touch of color into your living room in 2021, Magno suggests a calming, but eye-catching shade of blue. "The Benjamin Moore Color of the Year Aegean Teal 2136-40 is a mid-tone blue-green that makes a color statement while exuding a feeling of comfortable elegance," she says. For an equally soothing shade of blue that will mentally transport you to another place, O'Donnell recommends Stiffkey Blue. "In today's landscape, we want to feel relaxed at home, but we also want excitement, especially if we're not able to travel," he explains. "This means design has taken cues from the 'boutique hotel' look, with living room walls painted in moodier hues of blue."

Earthy Pinks and Reds

For a rich burst of color in your living room, O'Donnell suggests painting the walls in a muted red or pink. "The deep warm tone of Preference Red will look effortlessly chic during the day, but also create a cozy area at night for the family to gather, perfect for family games and indoor activities in the age of COVID-19," he says. "The earthy tones of Dead Salmon make the hue easy to live with, as they draw from the colors that you find in landscapes and nature."

Sharp Black

If statement walls are more your speed, Wadden says to consider painting your living room Tricorn Black SW 6258 for the new year. "Black-painted rooms have been gaining popularity over the past few years and the trend has officially entered the mainstream. Contrary to popular belief, black doesn't make a room look small, but rather adds a depth that can be played with in so many ways."

Soft Green

A little bit of green can go a long way in a living room, especially when you're spending a lot of time indoors. "An olive green, like Sap Green, is the perfect hue for those who want to embrace a stronger color with a mid-century modern feel, but still stay in touch with nature and benefit from evoking calmness and serenity," O'Donnell explains.