What to Do With Neutral Living Rooms?
Strike a balance between character and calm with these 10 classy schemes
Susannah Hutchison
19 July 2017
Houzz Contributor
There’s nothing in your face about a neutral living room, but that’s rather the point. These subtle schemes don’t vie for attention, but rather offer an understated, elegant space that allows the senses to relax. While usefully impervious to the fickle nature of fads (no buyer’s remorse over a neon-pink sofa here), there are still many ways to interpret the look to best suit the style of your room and, of course, personal taste. Check out the examples below for inspiration.
Use the room’s features
If you’re lucky enough to have striking period features in your living room – like this lovely big bay window and elegant fireplace – it makes sense not to detract from them with an overly detailed decorative scheme. This is where a classic neutral scheme can pay dividends – in this space, beige sofas with period-style turned wood legs perfectly complement the proportions of the room.
Post a dilemma about your neutral living room in the discussion section
If you’re lucky enough to have striking period features in your living room – like this lovely big bay window and elegant fireplace – it makes sense not to detract from them with an overly detailed decorative scheme. This is where a classic neutral scheme can pay dividends – in this space, beige sofas with period-style turned wood legs perfectly complement the proportions of the room.
Post a dilemma about your neutral living room in the discussion section
Centre with black
Banish any 80s corporate connotations with a gentler take on black furniture. In this rustic living room, an oversized low-slung velvet footstool works as a focal point between the two cream sofas, but the soft fabric and curved lines mean it doesn’t look out of place in the predominantly neutral room. The black picture frames help tie it in, too.
Banish any 80s corporate connotations with a gentler take on black furniture. In this rustic living room, an oversized low-slung velvet footstool works as a focal point between the two cream sofas, but the soft fabric and curved lines mean it doesn’t look out of place in the predominantly neutral room. The black picture frames help tie it in, too.
Mix in some dark wood
Pale woods such as birch, stripped pine and light oak are long-time fixtures on the neutral scene, but dark woods can look just as at home. Choose pieces with slim, elegant lines, such as the chair frame and shelving shown here, to provide a sophisticated contrasting touch to the neutral palette.
Pale woods such as birch, stripped pine and light oak are long-time fixtures on the neutral scene, but dark woods can look just as at home. Choose pieces with slim, elegant lines, such as the chair frame and shelving shown here, to provide a sophisticated contrasting touch to the neutral palette.
Choose a centrepiece light
When there is a lack of colour in the decoration, a striking ceiling light works well as a focal point to draw the eye into the middle of the room. Leaving the rest of the décor very plain, with no fussy cushions or curtains, lends a very contemporary feel.
When there is a lack of colour in the decoration, a striking ceiling light works well as a focal point to draw the eye into the middle of the room. Leaving the rest of the décor very plain, with no fussy cushions or curtains, lends a very contemporary feel.
Try stripes
If ultra plain is too severe for your tastes, introduce few classic stripes into the mix. Stick to a muted colour scheme, using something like the taupes and pale greys in this picture, but employ stripes (or checks) to create subtle interest. A bit of pattern on a sofa is also more forgiving on the upkeep front than a single pale colour.
If ultra plain is too severe for your tastes, introduce few classic stripes into the mix. Stick to a muted colour scheme, using something like the taupes and pale greys in this picture, but employ stripes (or checks) to create subtle interest. A bit of pattern on a sofa is also more forgiving on the upkeep front than a single pale colour.
Hang pictures creatively
In a compact or narrow room, opting for neutral furniture is a smart choice as it keeps things feeling open and it also allows for creative decorative ideas to stand out. For example, here the gallery of pictures on the narrow wall between the two windows grabs your attention.
In a compact or narrow room, opting for neutral furniture is a smart choice as it keeps things feeling open and it also allows for creative decorative ideas to stand out. For example, here the gallery of pictures on the narrow wall between the two windows grabs your attention.
Green up with plants
One of the easiest ways to bring a plain room to life (quite literally) is to add some plants. Whether you go for a large, tropical-style centrepiece or a more subtle collection of succulents, plants provide an instant pick-me-up in any room. Ideal growing conditions vary – some need lots of water, some very little, so check when you buy to get the most out of your new green roommates.
Find out the latest styling tips for accessorising with plants
One of the easiest ways to bring a plain room to life (quite literally) is to add some plants. Whether you go for a large, tropical-style centrepiece or a more subtle collection of succulents, plants provide an instant pick-me-up in any room. Ideal growing conditions vary – some need lots of water, some very little, so check when you buy to get the most out of your new green roommates.
Find out the latest styling tips for accessorising with plants
marciosuster.com
Introduce subtle pattern
By keeping the main elements plain, for example like the sofa, curtains and chairs here, there is scope to add muted pattern with other textiles. A two-tone rug, a small pouf and gently patterned cushions all add colour but stick to the soothing pale theme.
By keeping the main elements plain, for example like the sofa, curtains and chairs here, there is scope to add muted pattern with other textiles. A two-tone rug, a small pouf and gently patterned cushions all add colour but stick to the soothing pale theme.
Paint the furniture
If your current freestanding furniture doesn’t fit with your plain plans, or you have built-in furniture like the big bookcase here, consider painting them the same colour used on the walls. This creates an unbroken flow, which will reinforce the room’s relaxed feel.
See more examples of woodwork blended in with walls
If your current freestanding furniture doesn’t fit with your plain plans, or you have built-in furniture like the big bookcase here, consider painting them the same colour used on the walls. This creates an unbroken flow, which will reinforce the room’s relaxed feel.
See more examples of woodwork blended in with walls
Act natural
Textured natural materials such as jute and rattan also work really well in a neutral scheme. They add interest, are hardwearing and can give a pleasing Scandi look, too.
Tell us:
Have you gone for a neutral scheme in your living room? Share your ideas/photos in the Comments section.
Textured natural materials such as jute and rattan also work really well in a neutral scheme. They add interest, are hardwearing and can give a pleasing Scandi look, too.
Tell us:
Have you gone for a neutral scheme in your living room? Share your ideas/photos in the Comments section.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Photo Books
30 Best Sofa Designs
This guide gives a rundown of sofa types that will leave you spoilt for choices
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
How to Make Your Living Room Look Bigger
By Neila Deen
Decorating a small living room? These 10 tips will help you make it more beautiful and welcoming
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
12 Sofa Colour Combinations You Can Blindly Trust
We've put together a tasteful mix of sofa shades that can take your living room from meh to magnificent
Full Story
Indian Homes
Design-Forward Indian Living Rooms, Bedrooms & Kitchens on Houzz
Take cues, ideas and inspiration from this compilation of 50 inspiring Indian spaces
Full Story
Most Popular
Which False Ceiling Material is Better: Gypsum or POP?
Here is all you need to know about the difference between gypsum and POP before you commit to a ceiling
Full Story
Small Spaces
9 Seating Arrangement Ideas for Small Living Rooms
Discover ways to live large with these pocket-sized living areas
Full Story
Colour Guides
5 Best Colours for Small Living Rooms
These paint colours will set the mood, update your space and make a small space seem larger than it is
Full Story
Dining Rooms
Remarkable Pairings: 40 Gorgeous Living Dining Combos
Here are inspiring living and dining room ideas for small and big spaces
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Contemporary Chic: How to Design a Modern Rustic Living Room
Love natural, rustic style, but want to keep it contemporary? Take a look at these design ideas
Full Story
Colour Guides
What Colour Curtains Go With Cream Walls?
Here are exciting and surprising curtain colours that match cream walls
Full Story
Maybe consider having a look at our Frameless Glass Curtains?
Browse our range of frameless glass products in our gallery and see the versatility of the glass panel for yourself. Whether you're looking for the interior or exterior frameless glass doors, we have an option for you.
Frameless Glass Curtains Ltd
I need to get rid of the current sofa, which was OK-ish some 20 years ago but certainly isn't now. And then I wondered why replace with another sofa, since nobody ever sits side by side, at least not in our family. And we don't have a TV so there's no reclining to watch a screen. Has anyone opted for four comfortable armchairs rather than the standard sofa and two armchairs?
If you're looking for a home decor statement that would infuse your home with warmth and character, visit our online store and discover a stunning collection of Moroccan handmade rugs
https://bohoconvention.com