When it comes to decorating your home, few choices are as impactful as the paint colour you choose for your sitting room. This space is often the heart of the home—a place where you can gather with your family, entertain guests, or simply, relax. The paint colours you choose can have a huge effect on the ambiance of your space, reflecting your personal style and creating a welcoming atmosphere. In this guide, I’m sharing the best sitting room paint colours to help you bring your space to life
The Evolution of the Sitting Room
The concept of a sitting room has evolved quite significantly over the centuries. In the past, especially during the Victorian era, homes were often divided into multiple rooms, each serving a specific function. The “parlour” or “drawing room” was reserved for receiving guests and social interactions, while the family might have had a separate room for private relaxation.
By the 19th century, the idea of a more informal sitting room or living room became popular. This room was meant to be a multi-functional space, bridging the gap between formal entertaining spaces and private family quarters. It represented a shift in home design philosophy, where comfort and accessibility began to take precedence over formality.
It was during the 20th century that sitting rooms actually became the central living areas in many households. The rise of television in the 1950s further solidified this space as a social hub for families. And today, sitting rooms are an extension of our personality and lifestyle—a place to relax, entertain, not to mention showcase personal taste.
The Best Sitting Room Paint Colours
Now that the historical background is out of the way, let’s explore some of the best colours to paint your sitting room.
Elephant’s Breath
Image via @the_house_at_no15
Why it Works: This deliciously warm mid-grey remains a classic choice for sitting rooms due to its versatility and timeless appeal. It works well as a neutral backdrop, allowing your furniture and décor to take centre stage while exuding a calm and contemporary vibe.
Expert Tip: Pair soft greys with white trim and pops of colour from accessories like throw pillows or art pieces. For more inspiration check out the best colours to go with Elephant’s Breath.
French Grey
Image credit @hillhousevintage
Why it Works: Despite having the word ‘Grey’ in its name, French Grey is actually a beautifully calming sage green paint colour with only a hint of grey.
Green is one of the most popular paint colours around at the moment, particularly shades like sage, olive, or moss. These earthy tones bring a sense of calm and connection to nature, making them perfect for creating a serene and grounded atmosphere.
Expert Tip: Earthy greens work really well with natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen. If you’re looking to add more warmth and colour to your space, you could try adding pink accents.
Shaded White
Image Credit: Kerry Villers
Why it Works: Beige is often underestimated, but it’s making a comeback as a go-to neutral for sitting rooms. Warm beige tones provide an inviting, cosy atmosphere and serve as an ideal canvas for layering textures and patterns.
Pro Tip: A beige backdrop can be enlivened with bold, colourful accents or muted with soft, tonal accessories like cream and tan.
Pale Blue
Paint Colour: Benjamin Moore
Why it Works: Blue is known for its calming properties, making it a wonderful choice for creating a peaceful sitting room. Muted shades of blue, like Borrowed Light, are subtle yet chic, lending a serene air to your sitting room.
Style Tip: Combine muted blues with metallic accents, such as gold or brass, for a touch of luxury. Crisp white trim or light wood flooring can add to the fresh, tranquil feel.
Warm Terracotta
Why it Works: Terracotta colours are a great way to add bags of character and depth to your sitting room. The warm, rich hue makes it perfect for a space where you want to feel grounded and comfortable. As you can see from the image of Louise Roe’s living room (above) which has been painted in Edward Bulmer’s Sang De Boeuf, this rich hue creates a really cosy and inviting feeling—perfect for a space where you want the option to relax with your loved ones.
Style Tip: Terracotta pairs beautifully with soft creams, whites, and natural textures like jute rugs or woven baskets. It’s an excellent color choice for anyone looking to bring a rustic yet sophisticated feel to their home.
Choosing the Right Paint Colour for Your Sitting Room
When choosing a paint colour for your sitting room, it’s important to consider the mood you want to create, the size of the space, and how much natural light your room gets.
Light, neutral tones can make small rooms feel larger and airier, while darker, more saturated colours can add warmth and cosiness to larger spaces.
Here are a few additional tips:
- Natural Light: Rooms with abundant natural light can handle cooler tones like grey or blue, while darker rooms may benefit from warm shades like beige or terracotta.
- Functionality: Think about how you use the space. For a formal sitting room used primarily for entertaining, you might opt for more sophisticated shades like navy or grey. If the room is a family space for relaxation, softer, more casual tones like muted green or beige may be more appropriate.
- Contrast: Don’t be afraid to experiment with contrast. Painting the walls a darker colour while keeping the trim, ceiling, and furniture light can create an eye-catching and dynamic look.
Final Thoughts
The sitting room has evolved from a formal room for receiving guests into a comfortable, multi-functional space that reflects the personalities and tastes of those who live in the home. Choosing the right paint colour can enhance the atmosphere you want to create—whether it’s a relaxing retreat or an elegant entertaining space.
With these gorgeous sitting room paint colours you can bring warmth, sophistication, and a sense of timelessness to your space. Remember to consider your home’s style, lighting, and how you use the space when selecting your perfect shade.
If you would like some help deciding on the perfect colour for your space, you can book a colour consultation with me here.
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