6 Living Room Paint Color Trends That Are Going to Take Over Walls in 2026

A living room takes on many roles, and the 2026 living room paint color trends are proof of just how often we use them and how much time we spend in them. The shift towards these new colors is a not-so-subtle hint that people are craving warm, inviting spaces with a little more personality.

In the next year, designers have shared that richer and more saturated shades are introducing themselves into living rooms. Here are the color trends you can expect to see in 2026.

Olive Green

Neutrals have remained a constant for many of our homes, and while they’re not disappearing, they’re making more room for moodier color palettes in 2026. This is especially true for blues and greens.

“These colours are so pleasant to look at any time,” says designer Mugdha Girish Uma, adding that many of them are a continuation of trends from last year.

This is particularly true for olive green, which brings a richer, more grounded feel to your living room. It’s a nice choice for your walls, for fully color-drenching, or even just small decor.

“You could bring colour through absolutely anything in decor, be it pillow cases, throws, accent pillows, or the best one—wall art,” she adds.

Colors to try: Benjamin Moore Creekside Green, Sherwin-Williams Muddled Basil

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Mushroom

Designer Alice Moszczynski predicts homeowners will continue to shift even further away from cool and pure grays.

“Shades like mushroom or putty feel grounded and offer the same versatility as grey but with a lot more soul,” she explains.

Mushroom tones are earthy, reminiscent of the great outdoors, and bring a sense of groundedness to a room where you might want it the most, aside from your bedroom.

“If you are not ready to repaint, you can introduce this palette through textured upholstery, linen drapery, or a wool rug in warm taupe or sand,” Moszczynski says.

Colors to try: Backdrop Interior Motives, Farrow & Ball Charleston Gray, Clare Dirty Chai

Sand-Washed Beige

In the same vein as mushroom, other warmer neutrals are gaining popularity too—especially over the cold, sterile grays and whites we’re used to seeing.

Designer Lauren Saab explains that sand-washed beige is one trendy example. Not only does it give an air of sophistication, but it reminds us of nature, too.

“The overall aesthetic created by these colors will provide a calming yet architectural feeling, which will appeal to consumers who are looking for a departure from the bright, minimalist space they had grown accustomed to over the past few years,” she says.

Colors to try: Farrow & Ball Jitney, Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige

Soft Clay

Another warm tone that’s neutral but a pinch more colorful is soft clay. This trending shade makes for an ideal living room color if you’re after a finish that feels toasty and warm but relaxing.

“These warmer neutrals have depth without shouting for attention, making them perfect for living rooms designed to be lived in rather than styled for show,” Saab says.

Smaller living rooms can benefit from colors like these that make the space feel cozy as opposed to cramped. You can bring the color in through decor, such as items made of clay-colored plaster. Jute and unbleached linen also complement this shade.

“Each of these textured materials evokes the same sense of warmth and depth as the color itself, creating a very inviting room,” she says.

Colors to try: Benjamin Moore Venetian Portico, Backdrop Studio Hours, Valspar Delta Sandbar

Rich Red

If it’s a statement color you’re after, you’ll appreciate that deep, bold reds are trending. From burgundy to oxblood, Moszczynski points out that these shades bring drama without overshadowing.

A deeper red may pack much more power than a beige or cream, but it won’t be nearly as overwhelming as a primary hue.

“People are craving mood and emotion, and these saturated reds create a nest effect that feels sophisticated and enveloping,” she says.

Deep reds also work well for living room-adjacent spaces like reading nooks that really shine with ample color. Moszczynski points out that velvet pillows and accent chairs are great ways to bring in these shades before you commit to paint.

Colors to try: Farrow & Ball Preference Red, Benjamin Moore Bewitched

Midnight Blue

Dark, almost-black blues, reminiscent of the night sky and deep waters, are gaining interest for 2026 as well. It’s a big contrast from bright white walls and cool beiges, but it makes sense.

“The reason people are opting for these colors is because we all want our home to look like a representation of who we are, not just go plain and neutral,” Girish Uma says.

Like many other dark colors, these can feel cozy on your walls. They make a living room feel cocoon-like and suitable for getting comfortable and spending hours in.

Colors to try: Benjamin Moore Deep Royal, Clare Goodnight Moon, Behr Starless Night