18 modern two-colour combination ideas for your living room

Did you know that the top home décor argument we have among housemates revolves around the colour of the walls? If you’re living with a partner, family or your bestie and you can’t decide on your living room colour palette without quarrelling, why not angle for a compromise? It doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom when you can create a vivid centrepiece in your home using a modern two-colour combination scheme in the living room.

From bold combinations that really shouldn’t work but look stunning together to classic pairings that never get old, here are 18 two-toned living room ideas to consider when decorating this crucial relaxation zone.

Skip to:

• Why go for a modern two-colour combination in your living room?
• 18 of our favourite two-colour combinations for living room walls
• How to choose paint for your living room: where to start
• Final thoughts

why go for a modern two-colour combination in your living room?

Before we spill the tea on our favourite colour pairings, here are just a few reasons why you should introduce this transformative trend into your living room.

• Maintain harmony and balance
• Add visual intrigue and flair
• Highlight architectural features
• Personalise the space with a combination
• Enhance your existing décor aesthetics
• Create a natural focal point

18 of our favourite two-colour combinations for living room walls

Source: homedit

1.     match vivid blue with white

If personality and joy are what you’re all about, look no further than the Carte Blanche collection. Among its exuberant colour swatches is the breathtaking blue, Pea Flower Tea. Like the brightly coloured drink of its namesake, this colour pops when set against a bright white such as Au Lait.

Source: Farrow & Ball

2.     go nutty for neutrals and creamy whites

Put together Farrow and Ball’s Roasted Macadamia with the complementary Tanner’s Brown, and behold! You have an effortlessly relaxed living room that simply epitomises comfort. We love this modern two-colour combination for living rooms in particular as there’s no beating the cosy atmosphere.

Source: @brockleyhouse

3.    give in to the allure of muted golds and deep ochre

From one delicious combination to another, we’re taking inspiration from Little Greene’s Sweet Treats collection. Named after the tiny cakes, Madeleine strikes a lovely balance between energised and laid-back, bringing a hint of vitality and, especially, when doused in warm afternoon sunlight. Pair it with a slightly darker shade such as Bassoon to build a delightful sense of depth.

Source: Jack D March

4.     achieve a magnificent monochrome

The pairing of white and black is a timeless choice that never fails to impress – monochrome is always in. Speaking of monochrome, we can glean some inspiration from Paint & Paper Library’s Monochrome range with chic blacks such as Kohl paired with a neutral like Leather I. To infuse an extra layer of opulence into the space, consider incorporating furniture adorned with silver accents, adding a touch of cool luxury to the overall aesthetic.

Source: Andrew Howard Interior Design, DecorPad

5.     Set rosy pinks against fresh green

Set Angie against Aquamarine for a captivating and harmonious colour combination reminiscent of a classic English garden. The rosy pinks beautifully complement the freshness of the green tones, creating a visually stunning contrast that can breathe life and energy into any room.

Source: Sawyers Design

6.     Contrast delicate lilac and sunny yellows

Contrast the soothing allure of delicate lilac with the sunny vibrancy of yellows. Think Beeswax with Lady Char’s Lilac. The gentle purple hues intertwine seamlessly with the citrusy tones of the yellow, creating a striking juxtaposition that is at once subtle and compelling.

Source: Lucinda Kellaway

7.     Go down the earth-toned route

Brown and red are intrinsically linked to nature, whether they convey the notion of autumn leaves, cracked canyons or the warmth of the sun. Try pairing Copenhagen Roof with a darker, earthier tone such as Cardamom to capture some of this essence in your own living room.

Source: Your Home Style

8.     Introduce teal and playful orange

Teal and orange two colour combinations work wonders for the living room. The green-blue undertones of Paper & Paint Library’s Teal brings a wonderful coolness that is balanced out by the burnt orange of The Long Room. Together they are both sophisticated and fun, ideal for those looking for something in between contemporary and classic design.

Source: Real Homes

9.     Incorporate a yellow and grey backdrop

Yellow is fruity, fun and energising. Grey is laid-back, practical and distinguished. Put them together and you create an elegant scheme that remembers how to be cheerful. One of our favourite living room pairings is Farrow & Balls’s Citron with Pigeon.

Source: Farrow & Ball

10.  Create a sunset with orange and pink

Sunsets, cocktails, summer. The orange and pink two-colour combination living room is a dynamic one, and you can go as subtle or bold as you like. For the best of both worlds, we suggest bathing your walls in Blooth Pink along with the warm hues of Orange Aurora.

11.  electrify with vibrant blue and orange

Feeling bright and bold? Partnering a deep blue like Little Greene’s Mambo with an energising orange (think Marigold) creates a space that is simultaneously playful and grounding. Plus, you can rest assured that they are complementary given that they directly oppose one another on the RGB colour wheel!

Source: Kate Hollingsworth

12. channel your inner romantic with warm grey and raspberry hues

A subtle and sweet foundation can be found in a warm grey like Elephant’s Breath. Introduce a rich, passionate raspberry into the mix, say Lake Red, and you have a living room that invites cosiness and intimacy. Both chic and emotive, this pairing is perfect for a stylish yet inviting atmosphere.

Source: Home & Garden

13. sweeten the deal with cherry and pink

The intensity of Baked Cherry creates a charming visual contrast with the youthful and whimsical touch of Middleton Pink. This combination is perfect for those looking to infuse a living room with joy and excitement, whilst maintaining a bold, feminine appeal.

Source: Timothy Whealon

14. dive into seafoam green and light blue

For a tone of tranquil airiness, Paint & Paper Library’s Deep Water Green flows into Bone China Blue (Faint) by Little Greene. The pairing of a soft, muted seafoam green with a gentle and peaceful light blue creates a palette perfect for unwinding in the serene waves of calm and relaxation.

Source: Oksana Mukhina via Home Designing

15. freshen up with apricot and sage green

A soft pink-orange, apricot adds a cheerful and inviting feel, whilst sage green brings a natural calmness to your living room walls. Set Farrow & Ball’s Fowler Pink against Teresa’s Green to cultivate such an ambience. Throw in botanical prints, brass fixtures, and light-coloured furniture, and you’re left with a balanced and elegant space.

16. live in luxury with deep plum and ivory

Deep plum, such as Preference Red, is luxurious, sophisticated and refined. Ivory, like Paint & Paper Library’s shade of the same name, is timeless, effortless and warm. Put together, your living room becomes a regal and opulent space whilst remaining gentle and tasteful.

Source: Farrow & Ball

17. embrace the cosy charm of rust and beige

For a deep, rich warmth, Tuscan Red can be balanced with the neutrality of a beige such as Acre. The resulting rustic ambience promises a restful and homey living room combination, evoking that autumn feeling all year round.

Source: Fancy House Design:

18. visit the tropics with turquoise and coral

For bohemian or eclectic spaces calling for a burst of colour, there’s perhaps no better option than a pairing like Turquoise Blue and Bisque. The cool, calming qualities of a muted turquoise blend seamlessly with warm, vibrant coral, creating the perfect balance of energy and tranquillity.

how to choose a paint for your living room: where to start

When it comes to choosing the right paint for your living room, it can be an exciting yet challenging (even painful) task. The colour you select can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and aesthetics of your space, miraculously making a room look brighter or more inviting.

To make the process easier, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, starting with your intentions for ambience.

matching the vibe of the space

Matching the vibe of the space is a crucial first step. Before diving into paint swatches, take a moment to assess the existing décor, furniture, and overall style of your living room. Consider the mood you want to create; whether it’s a cosy and restful atmosphere, a bright and energetic space, or something in between.

Imagine yourself in that space. Is it you? Or is it a projection of who you think you should be? Answer these questions and you’ll find the process so much easier.

spotlighting key features

Once you have a sense of the mood you’re aiming for, next up you need to think about spotlighting key features within your living room. These could be architectural elements such as a fireplace, doors and trims, or even built-in shelving. Another great option is to pick a feature wall to be the centre of attention, either by painting it all one colour, or trying your hand at colour blocking.

Choosing a complementary or contrasting paint colour for these focal points can enhance their visual impact and create a more cohesive design. Alternatively, you could lean into traditional colourways and opt to integrate them into the wider paint colour. Both work a treat, but remember: it’s essential to strike a balance between highlighting these features and ensuring they don’t overwhelm or disappear into the room’s overall aesthetic.

finding the perfect finish

We’ve covered everything colour-related, but we haven’t talked paint finishes. Finding a suitable finish for the job is another critical aspect of choosing the right paint for your living room. It’s all about complementing the surface you’re painting, exploiting the amount of natural light available and creating an impact that suits the overall theme.

Matt finishes inherently possess a smooth texture and exhibit lower sheen levels. They are a great match for feature walls with deeper and richer tones, beautifully enhancing the intensity of the colours used for a saturated effect. In contrast, satin paints are more reflective and provide more durability, while eggshells are a happy medium.

grab a sample pot

While we’re not magicians, we can’t deny the power of colour and we have a few tricks up our sleeve. We’re talking about our broad roster of designer paints that we’ve curated with every taste in mind – from indulgent blues to crisp magnolias, there’s a bit of everything.

Still hesitant to take the plunge? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our sample pots, which you can order straight to your door – even the most indecisive can’t resist…

got that itch for painting?

So, there you have it! If you have been struggling with your colour scheme, we encourage you to try a two-colour combination for your living room. Don’t forget to let us know how it goes on social media!

Want to let out your inner Picasso? Perhaps you’re looking for two-colour paint combinations for bedroom walls, or bathroom paint ideas? Explore the rest of our paint and decorating blog for even more inspiration.