Lighter colors soften brown hues.
A brown living room is easier to decorate than you might think. Brown may be darker than other colors but it is versatile enough to go with every style of decor, from modern to rustic. Work with the brown on your walls or furniture for the best results and you'll have a living space everyone will enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pick colors for a pleasing palette in your living room. Choose two or three lighter colors to break up the heaviness of brown. With chocolate brown, add turquoise and cream for a modern look. If you prefer a neutral living room, go with beige, white or gray.
2. Choose furniture that offsets the brown on your walls. To ease the heaviness created by dark colors, look for fabric-covered furniture or light wood tones that provide a contrast to your walls. If you're going with a casual atmosphere, pair a white, distressed armoire with a set of end tables to add light and color to your living room. A plaid fabric-covered sofa and matching chair in a solid color will go with a traditional or country theme.
3. Hang a coordinating window treatment. Go with colors lighter than brown for the best effect. Dark colors tend to muddle up, and this creates an overall heaviness in your room. Lighter shades break up the dark color, easing any heaviness. Linen is ideal because it is light and available in many colors. If you want a formal tone, look for heavy cotton or brocade curtains.
4. Add a variety of lamps to your living room. Floor and table lamps add spots of warm light that help illuminate a room with brown walls or furniture. Against the brown paint or wood, lamp light is inviting. Look for light-colored lampshades to bring contrast to your brown living room.
5. Use a rug that brings color to your living room. A light color is ideal especially if your flooring is dark. Match a light color that is on your sofa pillows, a chair or in a painting to offset the walls or furniture and give the room a complete look.
6. Accessorize your living room with colors that help balance out brown. Match the accent colors you have chosen with pillows, throws and lampshades. Add spots of bright colors with bouquets and candles. Hang a painting filled with a variety of bright colors as a focal point.
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