We Asked Designers Which Living Room Paint Colors People Always Regret

These are the paint colors homeowners regret using in their living rooms, according to designers. Plus, alternatives for greater longevity. It might be a sudden aversion or burnout over many years of staring at the same color, but there tends to be a specific handful of paint colors homeowners regret in their living rooms. Every dweller is different, but there's a clear pattern of shades that don't serve the walls of these rooms as well as others. We spoke with three designers who let us know which are the most commonly regretted living room paint colors to help you avoid choosing a color you'll tire of in a matter of years (or possibly months).

No regrettable paint color list would be complete without cool gray. The once-everywhere, now rebuked shade has lost its charm for a few reasons. "I think a lot of millennials, in particular, regret choosing flat, cool grays because they can make a living room feel sterile or even gloomy once the furniture and lighting are in place," says Moszczynski. "What looked sleek on Pinterest often reads lifeless in a real home, especially at night." Instead, you may want to opt for a different neutral if it's warmth and joy you're after. Moszczynski suggests opting for warm greige or taupe, colors that have brown and beige undertones, which tend to feel more welcoming.

Author’s note: The piece highlights six commonly regretted living room paint colors, with practical alternatives geared toward longevity and warmth.

Author's summary: Designers identify six regrets in living room hues, stressing warmth, depth, and neutrals with brown undertones to avoid sterile or dull spaces.

The Spruce — 2025-11-19

More News