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Whether you are moving into a new place or just looking to refresh your current decor, selecting the right furniture colours is crucial to achieving the desired vibe.
However, with so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of hues and tones.
But don’t fret. In this article, you’ll learn four tips on how to choose furniture colour as part of your home decor. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create a cohesive and beautiful room that reflects your personal style.
Ready? Let’s dive in
1. Consider the Existing Colour Scheme
Choosing hues that clash with your current colour scheme can create a chaotic and disjointed look which will constantly leave you feeling you need to redecorate.
So, start by looking at the colours that dominate your room. What are the floor, ceiling, and wall colours? Are there any patterns or textures that you’d like to incorporate into your furniture?
Once you have a clear picture of the dominating colours, use the colour wheel (see below) to find the hues that will complement them.
To use this colour wheel, check the hues in the wheel that are adjacent to your room tones. These are analogous colour families and are good choices for furniture accents and soft furnishings.
If your walls are painted purple, you might consider using cushions in shades of blue:
Another option is to choose complementary colours located opposite each other on the wheel. These colours create a strong contrast and can make a bold statement in your room.
If your living room walls are painted blue, for example, you might consider using furniture pieces in shades of yellow, like mustard yellow:
When selecting a furniture colour scheme, you should also consider the undertones of each colour. Undertones are the subtle colours that are present in a particular shade.
A good example of this is a white paint colour that might have cool undertones (blue or green) or warm undertones (yellow or pink).
If your room has warm undertones, you might consider using furniture in warm colours like red, orange, or yellow. If your room has cool undertones, using furniture in cool colours like blue, green, or purple is a great option.
2. Think About the Mood You Want to Create
The colours you choose for your piece of furniture can have a huge impact on the overall vibe of the room. Whether you’re looking for a calm and peaceful space or a lively and energetic atmosphere, the right colours can make all the difference.
Start by identifying the purpose of the room. Is it a bedroom where you want to feel relaxed and calm or a living room where you want to be energized and social?
When you have a picture of the mood of the room, align it with colour psychology. Different colours carry varying visual weights and can elicit different emotions and moods.
For instance, blue is typically associated with peace, trust, confidence, and loyalty. Check out these other colours and their respective meanings:
Use this table to choose the right furniture colour for your chosen room mood. This colour should be 60% of your room colour platelets. So, it should be in primary furniture like bedroom pieces, kitchen cabinets, couches, etc.
Then, select one or two accent colours that complement the dominant colour. These can be used in smaller amounts, such as in accent pillows, curtains, or decorative accents.
If you’re unsure about which colours work well together, refer to the colour wheel.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes the best colour combinations come from unexpected pairings. Use your creativity to mix and match colours. Do this until you find the perfect combination that creates the mood you desire.
3. Consider the Size of the Room
The size of your room is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting furniture colours. The right colour can make a small room appear larger. The wrong colour can make a large room feel empty and uninviting.
Using colour psychology, certain hues can evoke emotions and create a sense of space. Lighter shades like white, beige, and pastels can make a room feel open and airy. Darker colours like navy blue, charcoal, and black can make a room feel smaller and cosy.
If you have a small room, opt for lighter colours that will make the space feel larger and more open. White or beige furniture, for instance, can help reflect light and create an illusion of space:
To add a pop of colour, incorporate small accents like throw pillows or rugs in bright shades. These will add interest without overwhelming the home interior.
On the other hand, if you have a larger room, experiment with bolder and darker colours to add depth and richness to the space:
But be careful not to overdo it. Too much dark furniture colour can make a large room feel overwhelming. Instead, consider incorporating darker shades through accent chairs, artwork, and curtains.
4. Think about Natural Light
Natural light can have a significant impact on the way colours appear in a room. The amount and direction of light can make colours look warmer or cooler, brighter or darker.
Wondering how to choose furniture colours that look best in your room’s natural light? Start by taking note of the lighting intensity. Suppose your room has a lot of natural light. Consider cooler furniture tones like greens. These colours will make it appear brighter and fresher.
However, if your room lacks natural light, you may want to opt for warm colours, like reds and yellows. These colours will add warmth and depth to the space.
Another thing to consider is the direction of the natural light. North-facing rooms tend to have cooler light. South-facing rooms have warmer light. If your room faces east, it will receive plenty of warm morning light. West-facing rooms will have a lot of warm afternoon light. Keep these factors in mind when selecting furniture colours.
It’s also essential to test your colour choices in the natural light of your room before making any final decisions. Grab a few swatches or samples of the colours you’re considering. Place them in different areas of the room throughout the day. This will give you a better idea of how the colours will look under different lighting conditions.
If you’re still unsure, consider going with neutral colours like beige, grey, or white. These colours are versatile and can work well in any lighting condition. Also, add pops of colour through accent pieces like throw pillows, curtains, or artwork.
With so many colour options available, choosing the right one for your furniture can be a hassle. But if you’ve completed this guide on how to choose furniture colour, it should be easy for you.
All you have to do is consider the existing colour scheme, the size of your room, your preferred mood, and lighting.
When you work on these considerations, creating a visually stunning room becomes effortless!
Author bio:
Isobel is a style expert at furn.com, and works alongside the brand’s product teams to bring trend-led home furnishings to life.
When Isobel isn’t in the office, you can find her reading novels and shopping for the latest trends.
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