Getting the colour scheme for your living space right is so important, so this article will help you nail down whether you may want to opt for a light or dark colour scheme, helping you to create a dream space that’s ultimately right for you.
Light vs. Dark: which colour scheme is right for your living space?
Dark Colours vs. Light Colours
Reasons to Choose a Light Colour Scheme
When it comes to designing your living room, selecting the perfect colour scheme can determine the ultimate feel of your home. If you are drawn to lighter colour palettes, such as neutrals and coastal timbers, your space will feel open and bright. Some of our favourite reasons to choose a light colour scheme for your living room are as follows:
Keeps Things Feeling Calm & Open
A light colour scheme favours neutrals and soft timbers, reminiscent of a coastal inspired look. This style choice is often complete with soft finishing touches such as pillows and throws in a similar colour to keep things looking harmonious. The use of these more muted colours creates a feeling of calmness and togetherness that can otherwise be interrupted with bold or harsh colours.
Can be Transformed at Night to Still Feel Dark & Cosy
While a dark colour scheme favours the intimate, that isn’t to say that a light colour scheme can't either! Once the sun starts to set, switch out your throws with a darker, woolier option and even light some candles. We also recommend installing blockout roller blinds and curtains in your living room for ultimate privacy and light control. Once closed, your room will be instantly transformed into a dark and intimate space, ready to be light and bright in the morning.
A Homey and Inviting Space
When you walk into a space for the first time, you want to feel invited and compelled to stay. A light colour scheme does exactly this as it is homely and bright. This is an important factor to consider when hosting family and friends. If you have a space that does not look inviting, they will be hesitant to get comfortable.
A Homey and Inviting Space
When you walk into a space for the first time, you want to feel invited and compelled to stay. A light colour scheme does exactly this as it is homely and bright. This is an important factor to consider when hosting family and friends. If you have a space that does not look inviting, they will be hesitant to get comfortable.
Reasons to Choose a Dark Colour Scheme
A dark colour scheme is a fantastic option when creating an intimate and cosy living space. Think velvet couches, luxe throws and dark timbers to truly complete this room. Our top reasons for choosing a dark colour scheme include:
Intimacy & Comfort
Deep colours create the feeling of intimacy and relaxation. Combining this with plush furniture and thoughtful touches such as candles and pillows, you can create a space that is inviting and cosy - the perfect place to wind down at night.
Make a Dramatic Statement
Draw your friends and family into your living room with an eye-catching, dark & mysterious room. As we normally gravitate towards light & bright spaces, a dark colour scheme adds a point of difference and adds interest to your home.
Add Character to Your Home
A dark colour scheme allows you to let your imagination run free. Dark doesn’t just mean browns and blacks, but also navy blue, dark teal and burgundy. These colours add depth and character while still falling within this dark, classic colour scheme.
Add Character to Your Home
A dark colour scheme allows you to let your imagination run free. Dark doesn’t just mean browns and blacks, but also navy blue, dark teal and burgundy. These colours add depth and character while still falling within this dark, classic colour scheme.
Our Favourite Ways to Create A Light Colour Scheme
Our Favourite Ways to Create A Dark Colour Scheme
Other Tips for Your Living Space Colour Scheme
To help determine which colour scheme will best suit your home there are a few factors we would suggest considering. These include:
Consider the Amount of Sunlight Coming in the Space
If your space is naturally quite light and bright, we would suggest running with this theme. Natural sunlight is a fantastic way to support your colour scheme and can assist in making your room appear larger than it might actually be.
However, if you do want to still incorporate dark colours in a naturally light room, consider the use of blockout blinds to take full control over the light. Blinds and curtains are now available in a range of light and dark colours, ready to suit whichever style you choose.
Introduce an Accent Colour
No matter which colour scheme you go for, an accent colour never goes astray! If you decide to go with a light colour scheme, consider pops of bright colours such as greens or pinks to keep your space playful and bright. Should you decide on a darker colour scheme, then we would recommend introducing gold or bronze finishing touches to compliment the space. See below some of our favourite pieces to add that extra touch of colour.
Choose Appropriate Lighting
To assist in creating the perfect colour scheme and mood for your living room, it is important to consider the type of lighting used. Warm lighting is perfect for a darker colour scheme as it exemplifies the deep colours used, as well as adding an extra touch of warmth to the space. For a lighter colour scheme, we would recommend sticking with natural/cooler lights to assist in the continuity of this theme. Incorporate additional lighting through accent pendant lights which also add a touch of elegance to any space.
