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17 neutral living room ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 2nd December 2024 | 7 min read

When in doubt, go neutral. Soft greiges, desert sands, rich hazelnuts, and creamy caramels – they might seem similar, but each shade brings its own unique charm. A neutral lounge provides the perfect backdrop for a calm space, with endless opportunities to add colour through accessories, furniture, and art. Have a scroll through these neutral room design ideas…

Shop neutral paint shades
Neutral living room with mustard sofa, grey armchair, wooden floorboards, blue and white rug, and a glass coffee table.Neutral living room with mustard sofa, grey armchair, wooden floorboards, blue and white rug, and a glass coffee table.Neutral living room with mustard sofa, grey armchair, wooden floorboards, blue and white rug, and a glass coffee table.Neutral living room with mustard sofa, grey armchair, wooden floorboards, blue and white rug, and a glass coffee table.

1. Wrap your space in pale walnut warmth

Pale Walnut by Dulux Heritage is the neutral your living room’s been waiting for. It’s like slipping into a cashmere sweater – warm, cosy, and effortlessly luxe. This mid-toned shade brings warmth to your walls without overpowering the space. Pair it with earthy textures or metallic accents for an inviting space.

Neutral living room with three rows of wooden floating shelves filled with framed art, a statement yellow sofa, and black industrial lighting.Neutral living room with three rows of wooden floating shelves filled with framed art, a statement yellow sofa, and black industrial lighting.Neutral living room with three rows of wooden floating shelves filled with framed art, a statement yellow sofa, and black industrial lighting.Neutral living room with three rows of wooden floating shelves filled with framed art, a statement yellow sofa, and black industrial lighting.

2. Channel coastal calm

Ammonite by Farrow & Ball is inspired by Dorset’s fossil-strewn cliffs, but its soft, timeless hue works just as well inland. This neutral brings a fresh, calming vibe, especially when paired with crisp white trim and natural wood furniture. A perfect nod to laid-back coastal living.

Neutral living room with a large tan sofa, gallery wall behind the sofa, and modular storage either side of the sofa.Neutral living room with a large tan sofa, gallery wall behind the sofa, and modular storage either side of the sofa.Neutral living room with a large tan sofa, gallery wall behind the sofa, and modular storage either side of the sofa.Neutral living room with a large tan sofa, gallery wall behind the sofa, and modular storage either side of the sofa.

3. Embrace soft stone hues

Picture soft stone with a contemporary twist – that's the vibe you'll get with GoodHome Cancún. This gorgeous mid greige paint shade strikes the perfect balance between cool grey and inviting warmth. It's the ideal backdrop, adding just the right amount of depth and character to the room.

Neutral living room with a grey upholstered armchair, floor glass vase filled with pampas grass, and a floating wooden shelf with framed art, a table lamp and a vase.Neutral living room with a grey upholstered armchair, floor glass vase filled with pampas grass, and a floating wooden shelf with framed art, a table lamp and a vase.Neutral living room with a grey upholstered armchair, floor glass vase filled with pampas grass, and a floating wooden shelf with framed art, a table lamp and a vase.Neutral living room with a grey upholstered armchair, floor glass vase filled with pampas grass, and a floating wooden shelf with framed art, a table lamp and a vase.

4. Layer neutrals with natural textures

Neutral doesn’t have to mean bland – it’s all about layering in texture. Think soft neutral walls paired with pampas grass, wooden shelving, and jute baskets, topped off with a grey fabric armchair with light wooden legs. It’s a contemporary, cosy retreat that invites you in to relax.

Dark neutral living room with large windows, light wooden flooring, a chandelier, and black leather sofas.Dark neutral living room with large windows, light wooden flooring, a chandelier, and black leather sofas.Dark neutral living room with large windows, light wooden flooring, a chandelier, and black leather sofas.Dark neutral living room with large windows, light wooden flooring, a chandelier, and black leather sofas.

5. Get cosy with Mouse’s Back

A georgeous mixture of grey and brown with a hint of green, Mouse’s Back by Farrow & Ball is as charming as its namesake. Inspired by the soft fur of the British field mouse, it’s quiet and versatile, perfect for adding depth to both large and small living rooms.

Cream living room with grey carpet, grey sofa, white armchair, a stylish gallery wall, and a wooden coffee table.Cream living room with grey carpet, grey sofa, white armchair, a stylish gallery wall, and a wooden coffee table.Cream living room with grey carpet, grey sofa, white armchair, a stylish gallery wall, and a wooden coffee table.Cream living room with grey carpet, grey sofa, white armchair, a stylish gallery wall, and a wooden coffee table.

6. Keep it relaxed with cream and grey

Cream walls and grey carpets make the perfect canvas for a relaxed living room. Add warmth and character with colourful cushions, textured throws, and gallery-style wall art. Mix natural woods with soft fabrics for a laid-back yet polished finish.

Neutral living room with light wooden flooring, a white fireplace, a tasselled rug, and the Dulux dog sat by the fireplace.Neutral living room with light wooden flooring, a white fireplace, a tasselled rug, and the Dulux dog sat by the fireplace.Neutral living room with light wooden flooring, a white fireplace, a tasselled rug, and the Dulux dog sat by the fireplace.Neutral living room with light wooden flooring, a white fireplace, a tasselled rug, and the Dulux dog sat by the fireplace.

7. Add warmth with Heart Wood

Dulux’s Heart Wood is more than just a colour – it’s a feeling. This deep, warm neutral has a touch of heather, giving your living room a rosy glow that’s cosy yet sophisticated. Perfect for curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and your favourite book.

Living room painted with Soft Stone by Dulux, with a grey sofa, framed abstract wall art, an abstract rug, and a wooden coffee table.Living room painted with Soft Stone by Dulux, with a grey sofa, framed abstract wall art, an abstract rug, and a wooden coffee table.Living room painted with Soft Stone by Dulux, with a grey sofa, framed abstract wall art, an abstract rug, and a wooden coffee table.Living room painted with Soft Stone by Dulux, with a grey sofa, framed abstract wall art, an abstract rug, and a wooden coffee table.

8. Discover the charm of Soft Stone

Soft Stone by Dulux is a medium-depth warm neutral that takes inspiration from nature. Imagine the soothing tones of wet clay or freshly sawn wood. Pair it with soft furnishings in muted tones to create a living room that feels warm and inviting.

Neutral living room with cream sofa decorated with cushions and a soft throw, a dark green armchair, a gallery wall, houseplants, and a white and wooden round coffee table.Neutral living room with cream sofa decorated with cushions and a soft throw, a dark green armchair, a gallery wall, houseplants, and a white and wooden round coffee table.Neutral living room with cream sofa decorated with cushions and a soft throw, a dark green armchair, a gallery wall, houseplants, and a white and wooden round coffee table.Neutral living room with cream sofa decorated with cushions and a soft throw, a dark green armchair, a gallery wall, houseplants, and a white and wooden round coffee table.

9. Bring the outdoors in

A touch of greenery is all it takes to breathe life into a neutral living room. Think lush houseplants, paired with a green accent chair or botanical prints. A gentle pop of green adds warmth and character, creating a space that welcomes you in with open arms.

Living room painted in Perfectly Taupe by Dulux, with a large black and white geometric rug, dark red sofa, and a floor lamp with wooden legs and a white lampshade.Living room painted in Perfectly Taupe by Dulux, with a large black and white geometric rug, dark red sofa, and a floor lamp with wooden legs and a white lampshade.Living room painted in Perfectly Taupe by Dulux, with a large black and white geometric rug, dark red sofa, and a floor lamp with wooden legs and a white lampshade.Living room painted in Perfectly Taupe by Dulux, with a large black and white geometric rug, dark red sofa, and a floor lamp with wooden legs and a white lampshade.

10. Make a statement with bold furniture

Perfectly Taupe by Dulux is the ultimate neutral with a twist - a warm blend of grey and beige that’s anything but ordinary. A stylish step up from classic cream. Pair it with a rich plum sofa, gleaming brass accents, and light wood furniture for a living room that’s effortlessly stylish and seriously inviting.

Living room painted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball, with white wooden floorboards, a faux fur rug, a yellow and white armchair, and a black radiator.Living room painted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball, with white wooden floorboards, a faux fur rug, a yellow and white armchair, and a black radiator.Living room painted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball, with white wooden floorboards, a faux fur rug, a yellow and white armchair, and a black radiator.Living room painted in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball, with white wooden floorboards, a faux fur rug, a yellow and white armchair, and a black radiator.

11. Add subtle charm with a stony off-white

Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball is a stony off-white with gentle warm undertones, perfect for a neutral living room that feels timeless and inviting. Inspired by the charm of peaceful waterside days, it pairs beautifully with yellow or orange accents to add a cheerful touch.

Living room featuring two-tone walls with the upper half painted in soft Pipe Clay beige, the lower half in bold navy blue, and a metallic rose gold dividing line.Living room featuring two-tone walls with the upper half painted in soft Pipe Clay beige, the lower half in bold navy blue, and a metallic rose gold dividing line.Living room featuring two-tone walls with the upper half painted in soft Pipe Clay beige, the lower half in bold navy blue, and a metallic rose gold dividing line.Living room featuring two-tone walls with the upper half painted in soft Pipe Clay beige, the lower half in bold navy blue, and a metallic rose gold dividing line.

12. Play with two-tone walls

Add depth and style to your living room with two-tone walls. Paint the top half in the soft, earthy neutral of Pipe Clay by Craig & Rose and the bottom in bold navy blue. A metallic rose gold dividing line ties it all together, giving classic panelling a contemporary twist.

Walls painted in Jasper Yellow by Craig & Rose, a marble fireplace with wooden vases and sculptures.Walls painted in Jasper Yellow by Craig & Rose, a marble fireplace with wooden vases and sculptures.Walls painted in Jasper Yellow by Craig & Rose, a marble fireplace with wooden vases and sculptures.Walls painted in Jasper Yellow by Craig & Rose, a marble fireplace with wooden vases and sculptures.

13. Move over, magnolia

Magnolia’s reign is over, and Jasper Yellow by Craig & Rose is stepping in as the neutral to know. This powdery lemon hue softens bright spaces with a warm, welcoming glow. Pair it with natural textures and neutral furniture for a look that’s fresh and timeless.

Living room with crisp white walls, a creamy sofa, beige cushions, and soft pink accents.Living room with crisp white walls, a creamy sofa, beige cushions, and soft pink accents.Living room with crisp white walls, a creamy sofa, beige cushions, and soft pink accents.Living room with crisp white walls, a creamy sofa, beige cushions, and soft pink accents.

14. Neutral never looked so chic

Crisp white walls, a creamy sofa, and beige cushions with soft pink accents create a space that’s calm, cosy, and effortlessly chic. The blend of tones adds warmth without overpowering, making it an inviting spot to unwind in style.

Living room with neutral walls, a blue alcove storage unit, a deep blue sofa, a grey armchair, and light blue cushions.Living room with neutral walls, a blue alcove storage unit, a deep blue sofa, a grey armchair, and light blue cushions.Living room with neutral walls, a blue alcove storage unit, a deep blue sofa, a grey armchair, and light blue cushions.Living room with neutral walls, a blue alcove storage unit, a deep blue sofa, a grey armchair, and light blue cushions.

15. Add a hint of blue

Balance neutral walls with a coat of soft blue paint on your alcove storage, then anchor the look with a deep blue sofa and a chic grey armchair. Throw in light blue cushions to tie it all together for a fresh, calming palette that feels instantly modern.

Living room with walls painted in Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball, a soft green rug, and a dark blue sofa.Living room with walls painted in Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball, a soft green rug, and a dark blue sofa.Living room with walls painted in Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball, a soft green rug, and a dark blue sofa.Living room with walls painted in Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball, a soft green rug, and a dark blue sofa.

16. Wrap your walls in a warm embrace

Charleston Gray by Farrow & Ball is a deep, inviting grey with subtle brown undertones that wraps your space in warmth. Inspired by the artistic heart of the Bloomsbury Group, it brings a touch of sophistication and calm to your living room – the perfect balance of modern and comforting.

Living room featuring taupe wallpaper with rose gold geometric accents and a light aqua blue statement chair.Living room featuring taupe wallpaper with rose gold geometric accents and a light aqua blue statement chair.Living room featuring taupe wallpaper with rose gold geometric accents and a light aqua blue statement chair.Living room featuring taupe wallpaper with rose gold geometric accents and a light aqua blue statement chair.

17. Experiment with geometric accents

Taupe wallpaper gets a modern makeover with geometric detailing – a simple way to add some flair to your living room walls. Finish the look with a light aqua blue statement chair for a stylish, unexpected pop of colour.

Neutral living rooms: styled by you

Got a neutral space you're proud of? We love seeing your DIY transformations! Tag us on Instagram using #BandQit for a chance to be featured in our gallery below (and of course, to earn ultimate bragging rights)!

  • Neutral living room with cream wall panelling, a sofa and armchair.

    @home_with_kaitlyn

  • Cream living room with wall panels and cream sofa.

    @thevillagewhitehouse

  • Neutral living room with cream sofa and cream textured cushions.

    @thethomashome_x

It's time to go neutral

Neutral tones are the perfect foundation for a calm, stylish space that suits any mood. From beige to brown and everything in between, explore our range of neutral paint colours. Then, browse our beautiful home accessories to bring your neutral living room vision to life today.