We Asked 15 Real Estate Pros What the Best Living Room Paint Color Is — Here’s What They Said

Picking a living room paint color can be a challenge — there are so many options and only one room! If you’re anything like me, you grab about 25 paint samples and bring them home to tape up on the wall and see which you like (if any at all). But according to real estate pros, there’s a perfect color for living rooms. I asked 15 of them what they’d choose, and here’s what they had to say.

“A warm white like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a nice neutral that will give some warmth to your space and make it feel more cozy and inviting.” —Julia Longchamps, owner of Julia Longchamps Design

“[My] go-to paint color is Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White, a blend of a classic white and a touch of cool gray creating an airy living space.” —Haley Cutter of Cutter Luxe Living

“Personally, my go-to is Sherwin Williams White Sand. The living space in a home should be airy, serene, and light, and White Sand is as neutral as it gets… and isn’t too white of a shade. It has just enough of a hue to create a pristine yet warm feel — which makes a space inviting.” —Phenicia Mitchell, agent at The Corcoran Group in New York City

“Sherwin Williams Repose Gray [is] a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, making it a versatile choice for any living room. It also offers a calm and soothing atmosphere, which is ideal for creating a comfortable and inviting space for family and guests. Additionally, it pairs well with a variety of furniture and decor styles, making it a great option for those looking to change their living room decor in the future.” —Muhammad Waqar, founder and CEO of Build Pakistan

“Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. Neutral colors tend to be more attractive to potential buyers and help to create a blank canvas for buyers to visualize the space with their own furniture and decor. Plus, neutral colors are timeless and can fit any style.” —George Beatty, founder of Problem Property Pals

“Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray is THE interior paint color used by Opendoor. It has been used in thousands of homes in the U.S. It’s an iconic greige color that has massive appeal. The tone is warm and inviting, perfect for a large gathering spot such as a living room, and it also pairs well with many pieces of furniture. —Yasmine El Sanyoura, home designer at Opendoor

“Taupes are hot right now. They lend themselves to both cool and warm color palettes, which is appealing to a lot of buyers. …We’re still seeing gray tones, but because they were used on almost every flip and every new build in the last seven years, I think taupes are a refreshing option.” —Abigail Keyes, listings manager for Orchard in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston

“I always recommend my clients go for a classic and timeless color, such as beige. This color will never lose its cool, no matter what trends are in the current market.” —Josh Wilson, cofounder of That Florida Life

“A neutral wall color allows you to experiment with colors more easily within your decorations — it’s more of a blank canvas for the end buyer (or yourself). It’s also a lot easier to change your color schemes if you need some new inspiration and want to make a change.” —Tresa Todd, founder of Women’s Real Estate Investors Network

“Our favorite paint color for any living room, and most gathering spaces, is a crisp but warm neutral. This keeps the ambiance light and bright while allowing the accents of the design (lighting, art, and rugs) to set the tone for the visual interest of the space.” —Alex McBride, senior manager of home quality standards and design at Vacasa

“Neutral colors are calming and appeal to a wide range of tastes, which is helpful when trying to appeal to a variety of potential buyers. Neutral colors also make a room look larger, brighter, and more inviting, which will help to make a great first impression.” —Jasen Edwards, chair of the Agent Advice editorial board

“I chose teal, and have been happy with it for several years. It seems to stand the test of time. This bluish green is perfect for Florida’s greenery and waters. Even as I have updated my decorating the teal walls remain, they just work. Teal represents renewal — perfect for our challenging and hectic world. It is also a good color for stress relief!” —Diana De Paola Nardy, agent at The Corcoran Group in Palm Beach, Florida

“Farrow and Ball’s Borrowed Light, No 235, is one of my favorites for a living room when I want something other than a shade of white. It’s subtle and understated and slightly unexpected — a pale blue that reminds me of the stunning light and sky in the Hamptons. It’s fabulous for a ceiling color too!” —Whitney Lee, agent at The Corcoran Group in Southampton, New York

“A great living room paint color is Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black. This rich, dark color creates a dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere, making it perfect for formal living rooms or spaces where people entertain. It also works well with a variety of decor styles, from traditional to modern.” —Zara O’Hare, interior design consultant at Land of Rugs

“With today’s fashion trends bleeding into the interior design space, people are much more open to exploring bold colors and fun patterns in their homes than ever before. The most popular hues include deep reds, burgundy, rose, deep navy, and greens. Many are also extending their paint colors onto the ceiling and incorporating matching wallpaper to create a monochromatic look.” —Alexis Caldera, founder of DMT Design