As you look around your living room, you can’t help but notice how mismatched everything looks. The beige walls clash with the brown leather couch, and the floral pattern on your armchair seems to clash with everything else in the room. But how do you go about matching wall colors with upholstery? Where do you even start?
Fear not, for this guide will provide you with tips and tricks to achieve harmony in your home. With the right approach, you can make your space feel cohesive and inviting.
The Importance of Matching Wall Colors with Upholstery
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of matching wall colors with upholstery, it’s worth exploring why it’s so important to get it right.
When your walls and furniture complement each other, it creates a sense of balance and harmony in the room. It makes your space feel complete and well thought-out.
On the other hand, when wall colors and upholstery clash, it can make your space feel disjointed and uncomfortable. If you’ve ever walked into a room that just doesn’t feel right, chances are it’s because of poor color choices.
Color Schemes That Work Well Together
There are several color schemes that work well together. Here are a few to consider:
- Monochromatic. A monochromatic color scheme uses different shades of the same color. For example, you might pair a light blue wall with a navy blue sofa.
- Analogous. Analogous colors are those that are next to each other on the color wheel. For example, yellow and green are analogous colors. This color scheme creates a cohesive, harmonious look.
- Triadic. A triadic color scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel. For example, blue, red, and yellow are a triadic combination. This scheme creates a vibrant, energetic look.
- Complementary. Complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme creates a high-contrast look that can be bold and eye-catching
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While matching wall colors with upholstery might seem like a daunting task, there are some common mistakes that you can avoid to make the process easier.
One mistake is to choose colors that are too similar. For example, pairing a beige sofa with an off-white wall might create a lack of contrast and make your room feel bland.
Another mistake is to choose colors that are too bold. While a pop of color can add interest to your space, it’s important to use it sparingly. Too much bold color can be overwhelming and make your room feel chaotic.
Tips for Selecting Upholstery and Wall Colors
To make the process of matching wall colors with upholstery easier, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Consider the Style of Your Room. Your room’s style should play a role in your color choices. If you have a modern, minimalist space, you might want to stick with a neutral color palette. On the other hand, if you have a bohemian-inspired room, you might want to experiment with bold, eclectic colors.
- Think About the Mood You Want to Create. The mood you want to create in your space should also play a role in your color choices. If you want a cozy, inviting room, you might want to stick with warm, earthy tones. If you want a bright, energetic space, you might want to experiment with bold, vibrant colors.
- Test Paint and Fabric Samples Together. Before committing to a color scheme, it’s important to test paint and fabric samples together. This will give you a sense of how the colors will look in your space and help you avoid any unwanted surprises.
- Seek Inspiration from Color Palettes. If you’re feeling stuck, seeking inspiration from color palettes can be helpful. Websites like Pinterest and Instagram are great places to find color palette ideas. You can also create your own color palette using a color wheel or by experimenting with paint and fabric samples.
Common Upholstery Materials and Colors
Now that you have a sense of how to match wall colors with upholstery, let’s take a closer look at common upholstery materials and colors.
Leather
Leather is a popular choice for upholstery because of its durability and timeless look. When pairing wall colors with leather, it’s important to keep in mind the color of the leather itself. If you have a brown leather couch, for example, warm, earthy tones like beige, taupe, or even burnt orange can create a cohesive look. Avoid pairing brown leather with cool-toned colors like blue or green, as they can clash with the warm undertones of the leather.
Fabric
When it comes to fabric upholstery, the possibilities are endless. From bold patterns to neutral solids, there’s something for every style. When pairing wall colors with fabric upholstery, it’s important to consider the color and pattern of the fabric. If you have a bold patterned sofa, you might want to stick with a solid wall color to avoid overwhelming the space. On the other hand, if you have a solid-colored sofa, you might want to experiment with bold, patterned wallpaper or accent walls.
Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious upholstery material that adds texture and depth to your space. When pairing wall colors with velvet upholstery, it’s important to consider the color and texture of the velvet itself. Jewel-toned velvets like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red create a bold, luxurious look. Neutral-toned velvets like ivory, taupe, and gray create a more subdued, elegant look.
Suede
Suede is a soft, plush upholstery material that adds warmth and comfort to your space. When pairing wall colors with suede upholstery, it’s important to consider the color of the suede itself. If you have a brown suede sofa, warm, earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, or mustard yellow can create a cozy, inviting space. If you have a gray suede sofa, cool-toned colors like blue or purple can create a calming, sophisticated look.
“When it comes to choosing the right upholstery material and color, it’s important to consider the overall style and feel of the room,” notes Pete’s Upholstery. You want to make sure it complements the other elements in the space. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Takeaways
Matching wall colors with upholstery can be a fun and rewarding process that allows you to express your creativity and style. By keeping in mind the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can avoid common mistakes and create a cohesive and inviting space that reflects your personal taste.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks – after all, your home should be a reflection of your unique personality and style.
