101 Ways to Add Color to Your Home

Color is a powerful decorating tool—it has the ability to improve mood, brighten a room, and it can certainly help you put a personal stamp on your home, too. Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the world of color or have already embraced every shade of the rainbow, there’s always another way to work a new shade or shades into your space. These 101 ideas, which range from big, bold moves like buying an orange sofa to smaller projects like painting your window trim, will have you living in technicolor in no time. The beauty is that you can pick and choose what feels right for you—and your home.

Why not go ahead and pull the trigger on that eye-catching piece of furniture that’s a little outside the box? This Buenos Aires home exemplifies that an out-there piece like a plush yellow dining bench can look absolutely stunning. If you love a particular look or shade, there’s no need to hold back—it’s your home, after all!

Hop on the tie dye bandwagon and use this affordable kit to take plain white bedsheets and pillowcases to the next level. DIYing a project at home is always satisfying, and multi-colored sheets easily camouflage stains.

Buy: Tulip One-Step 5 Color Tie-Dye Kits Rainbow, $16.10 from Amazon

Whether you choose to use the same paint color that’s featured on the walls or opt for an entirely new hue, painting the ceiling is an excellent way to introduce extra color to a space. Follow along with our easy instructions to complete this project in your own home, then admire what a difference it makes!

This Charleston artist lives her life in color, from her mauve velvet sofa to the vibrant artwork hanging on her walls. If you want to hang a bunch of pieces but still want a tonal cohesive look, try a gallery wall setup that works within a tightly edited color palette. Here shades of peach, mustard, light blue, and green are the common threads between a variety of different works, from paintings to wall hangings and even photographs. Similar frame styles and colors will also help you achieve this effect.

Crisp white hotel bedding might be all the rage, but a colorful duvet or set of sheets can be a great way to energize your bedroom. You don’t have to go wild with color—a nice blush, coral, subtle blue, or mint green shade will do the trick. If you’re a little color shy, start small with a set of pillowcases and work your way up to sheets and comforters.

Buy: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set in Rose, $149 for a Queen Size at Brooklinen

Instead of settling for all neutral cooking essentials, look for colorful crocks and knife blocks. Every time you reach for a spoon or start chopping, you’ll smile.

Books are a simple way to add color and intrigue to a space, as spines come in so many different hues and sizes. If you’re an avid reader, there’s no need to hide your collections when you can create an artful display of texts in your living room. You don’t need to shelve them in a perfectly organized manner either, as a haphazard arrangement can amplify that “library” feel. This UK home shows us how it’s done.

Drawer pulls don’t have to be neutral to be chic, as exemplified by these colorful beauties from Etsy with brass detailing. Whether you choose to introduce them in your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, you’ll notice that a change in hardware can make all the difference.

Buy: Brass with Leather Drawer Pulls, Starting at $10.90 from Etsy

If you love all things sparkly, you’ll want to replicate this hack by blogger Maghon Taylor. She added confetti to a simple acrylic ghost chair and created a magical piece in under 10 minutes. Whether you opt to transform one chair or several, you can’t go wrong with this glittery makeover. You could also try it on a smaller scale with an acrylic tray, ice bucket, lamp, or coaster set.

You don’t have to paint an entire wall with a bold color to make a big statement. Instead, strategically focusing your energy—and paint—on architectural details like doorways, window frames, and pony walls will save you time and money. Moreover, painting little features like these still packs a lot of decorative bang in the grand scheme of a room, especially if you pick a zingy hue as seen in this cute and colorful Detroit bungalow.

East Fork’s latest glaze color, Lapis, just might be the most perfect shade of blue. If you missed the pre-sale, keep an eye out for one more chance to buy dinnerware in this bright shade later this month. A portion of proceeds from the sale of all Lapis pieces will benefit The Campaign for Southern Equality in their fight to support lived and legal justice for LGBTQ+ Southerners. In the meantime, snatch up one of these wheel-thrown bud vases for your dinner table, check out the rest of the non-pottery Lapis collection, or bid on other blue wares from other creatives in an e-auction that’s also for charity.

Buy: Wheel-Thrown Egg Vase in Lapis, $70 at East Fork

This Montreal renter let the rust-colored velvet couch steal the spotlight in her bright white living room by pairing it with a shell pink chair and a sculptural coffee table. The lesson here: Choose a couch from any color of the rainbow, and it’ll instantly become a focal point in your living room setup.

Take your favorite dinnerware out of your cabinets and display vibrant pieces on open shelving in the kitchen or dining nook instead. You’ll be surprised at just how many colorful accents are currently hiding behind closed doors. This Bronx studio features a darling display.

Spell out a favorite phrase, song lyrics, or just your name (hey, it’s your space!), then prepare to ooh and aah. Neon signs are becoming popular in bedrooms, nurseries, restaurants, and beyond, and while they’re a bit of an investment, their wow factor makes up for it. If you’re having trouble brainstorming a saying of your own, Yellowpop offers pre-made options, too.

Buy: This way – LED Neon Sign, $275 from Yellowpop

There’s no need to scoop up an extra large rug when you can get creative and group smaller ones throughout a room like Geraldine Tan did. Your pops of color don’t have to stop there. Bust out patterned throws, pillow covers, and smaller accessories to make a space look extra festive and funky.

Clothing racks are common in small spaces, but they’re easy to transform from inconvenience into statement piece. Use yours to display your prettiest pieces and let the various patterns and textures add pops of color and fun to your space. Whether you hang items in rainbow order or according to length, it can become an artful component of a room as seen in this Philadelphia loft.

Yes, a bright fuchsia carpet can work to ground a boho mix of wooden and woven accents, if this one-time HGTV “Design Star” contestant’s home is any indication. People tend to go for patterns underfoot, but a strong solid shade is always an option, too.

Challenge yourself to replace every white or cream taper candle in your home with something punchy. From hot pink to orange or even gold, making this simple swap will add color to your mantle and dining table—and may help you fall in love with an old candelabra or candle holder all over again. West Elm currently has unscented colored tapers on sale, and The Floral Society specializes in subtle shades, if those are more your speed.

Max out every square inch of your space with storage cubes in bright, bold shades. You can tuck them into virtually any corner or cranny, as shown here under the seat of a sofa in this Bristol home.

No fancy wall coverings? No problem. All you need is a little bit of painter’s tape, a brush/roller, and paint to create a two-toned, faux wall covering effect. This New Jersey home office shows off a poppy color combo that’ll supercharge any space: pink, yellow, and green.

Garlands aren’t just for the holidays! Designer and artist Helen Ward made her own pom-pom accent piece, as seen in her UK home tour, and it’s just oh-so-whimsical. A little crafty creativity can go a long way. You can also use pennant and flag garlands—or wrap a cute felt ball garland around a window frame or a collection of objects on a shelf.

Recover a plain headboard in fabric that is bright and makes a statement. We love Rifle Paper Co.’s offerings, particularly this whimsical rose print. Just add some navy blue shams and a coordinating throw to tie the look together.

Buy: Painted Roses Rayon, $15/yard from Rifle Paper Co.

Spell out a name, initials, or a slogan with colorful wall letters like the ones blogger Emily Dixon made. You can grab supplies at a craft store and then spend an afternoon customizing your designs. These creations would make for adorable gifts, too.

Have a fireplace or a weird stretch of wall that juts out into your space? Then consider giving it the color block treatment, as these Chicago homeowners did with purple paint above and below their mantel. They chose to trim out the small arched niches that flank the fireplace in yellow, but if you wanted to go even bolder, you could paint these entire features, including their backs, to add even more fun to the (color) block party!

Up your frame game with a fun, ocean-themed frame featuring an aerial shot from Gray Malin. It’s the perfect spot for your favorite vacation snap.

Buy: The Reef Picture Frame, $55 at Gray Malin

If your pillows are feeling a little lackluster, colored ball fringe, ric rac, or ribbon might be the answer. Choose trim in a shade that’ll amp up your plain covers. If you can’t sew, try pinning bright tassels to the corners of cushions instead.

Murals are totally trending right now and no matter what you decide to paint, you can’t really go wrong! The geometric shapes in this LA home look nice and sophisticated and are a great way to incorporate a bunch of different shades.

Say goodbye to that builder’s grade switch plate and replace it with an artful alternative. This bird print plate has chinoiserie flair and will liven up an entryway in minutes.

Buy: Art Plates Brand Double Gang Toggle Switch/Wall Plate – Watercolor Birds, $12.95 from Amazon

Stair runners are a popular choice for homes with little ones, and they certainly don’t have to be boring. Sara Raak’s Annie Selke striped runner leads the way to her finished basement and brings her all kinds of joy.

This creative couple matched their blinds to their tangerine sofa, and the end result is super striking. All of the quirky accents probably help make this space feel really original, too. You don’t have to choose a megawatt shade like orange for this design trick if you’re a little more into subtle shades. Imagine how pretty a soft moss green might look on these two furnishings—or even blush or cobalt—when given this kind of matching treatment.

Change the look of your curtains in a snap with tassel tiebacks in a saturated shade like this dark green. You can also use one of these guys to add a little personality to an old doorknob or canister top.

Buy: Tiebacks with Tassels, $17.99 for a 2-pack from H&M Home

Books and magazines can also add color your coffee table, especially if you top each of your stacks with something saturated, as seen in this eclectic studio. If you’re going for a maximalist vibe, don’t be afraid to rock multiple piles. A clear coffee table like the one shown will put the spotlight on your bright reads.

For instant color and life, decorate with plants wherever—and whenever—it’s possible! Take an average setup to the next level by wrapping an extra-long pothos around an archway, as seen above. It turns a NYC apartment into the perfect little green oasis.

You spend way too much time tidying up the kitchen, so don’t forget to add some colorful accents to your prep work. These cherry-themed dish towels from Amazon instantly add warmth to your cooking space and may even make chores feel a little less painful.

Buy: Now Designs Cherry Swedish Dishcloths, $11.50 for a set of 2 from Amazon

Why not take a cue from designer Lisa Quina and opt for aqua tiles in the kitchen rather than your ordinary marble? You have to stare at your backsplash as you cook anyway, so you may as well make it a little more exciting.

Frame an oversized scarf or textile in a color scheme you enjoy, then display it over a mantel or sofa for personality-filled art. The piece in this Philadelphia home captures the eye immediately.

Juju hats originated with the Bamileke people of Western Cameroon, who called them “Tyn” and typically wore them in ceremonies and for special festivities. They’re a celebration of traditional African craftsmanship—perfect for that prime blank spot above a sofa, as seen in this Montreal apartment—just be sure to source them responsibly.

Perk up your bathroom with patterned towels in a pretty aqua shade. This style from Hay comes with sewn-in loops that you can hang off hooks, so you never have to fold another towel again and so you can use a set to brighten up plain white walls.

Buy: Plunge Towels, Starting at $25 to $40 $15 to $24 each from Hay

Want large scale art work to fill a wall, in your dining room or otherwise? An installation of multi-colored pom-poms will definitely make a statement, as seen in this LA apartment. Create your own out of yarn or purchase readymade poms for an even quicker solution. No need for a pattern—just place pom-poms next to each other at random. It’s best to use some kind of cardboard, wood, or backing alternative for the piece, so you can take it with you or move it around your place.

Don’t forgo color in your space just because your apartment is small. If a 315-square-foot NYC studio can feature a brilliant wallpaper display as seen here, you can replicate the look in your home, too. Wall coverings can be used to create designated zones as well, especially if your space lacks walls or transitional areas.

Placemats aren’t just for kids. Target offers tons of peppy, affordable options that will take your tablescape to the next level in an instant. We’re all about this lemon print for summer.

Buy: Opalhouse Lemons Placemat, $4.99 from Target

Ariel Garneau hung paint swatch-inspired posters from Society6 in her hallway, and the cheerful display complements her decor perfectly. These pieces are a cute alternative for renters who can’t actually paint their walls in their favorite hues.

Looking to jazz up the wall behin your bed, but don’t want to (or can’t) go the route of wallpaper? Try painting a yellow circle behind your headboard. Not only are circles said to be visually soothing, but in this sunny hue, this paint project just might make you smile every time you see it. Bonus points if you pull off a monochromatic look like this, matching your headboard, bedding, and curtains to your paint color.

With opaque colored glass vessels and frosted lids, these cute candles will bring a pop of color to any space. You’ll want to burn through them quickly, so you can repurpose them as little canisters for corralling cotton balls and swabs in the bath—or even pens and pencils on your desk.

Buy: Lolli Candles, $22 each from Paddywax

A few sample pots of paint—and a staircase—are all you need to pull off this subtle but fun makeover. Use a paint color card to choose shades that will blend seamlessly as you ascend (or descend) the stairs.

When shopping for basic pieces, such as a kitchen island or a storage cart, keep your eyes peeled for options with a bit more flair. Here, a yellow rolling cart adds a happy element to an otherwise ordinary kitchen in Brooklyn.

Save the plain old bathmats for hotels and opt for something with a little more pizzazz in your own space. This tribal print bathmat from World Market will take your bathroom from so-so to spectacular for just $15. Bright colors can work wonders in helping you feel invigorated and ready to start the day.

Buy: Terracotta And Blush Sunwashed Tufted Bath Mat, $14.99 from World Market

If you think too much wallpaper might overwhelm your small bathroom, you can always opt to hang a half-wall’s worth in a favorite print, like Tiffany Brown did in her space. This is an excellent compromise if other members of your household aren’t fully on board with the wall coverings trend.

Accent walls are a quick, easy, and affordable way to enliven a bedroom. If you’re worried about choosing something so jarring that you might not be able to fall asleep, then a deep hue like the navy in this Australian home is the way to go. You can even match the throw at the foot of your bed to your walls, if you like the color-coordinated look.

Spruce up a dining table with a printed table cloth or runner. This shibori table throw, which comes in pink and indigo colorways, is the perfect way to set off white dishes. It won’t cover your entire dining surface, so it’ll still look modern and feel unfussy.

Buy: Shibori Tie Dye Table Throw, From $79 to $99 $30.99 to $38.99 at Pottery Barn

Can’t be bothered to paint a whole room or wall in perfect, uniform strokes but don’t want to splurge on wallpaper either? Then don’t! Get the best of both worlds by painting your own custom “wallpaper,” as artist Kaviya Ravi did in her Louisville guest bath.

You can even opt for colorful appliances if you’re selecting new ones. Smeg is a longtime favorite brands for adorable refrigerators, toasters, and the like. This yellow fridge shines in a Michigan home.

Say goodbye to plain white globe lights and get a little funky with this beautiful West Elm piece. After all, overheard light fixtures are supposed to make a statement! This piece proves that whimsical can also be functional.

Buy: Colorful Globe 6 Light Chandelier, Multi, White, $399 from West Elm

Even if your furniture is white or gold, flowers are an excellent way to add pop of color in seconds, as seen in this space Michelle Gage designed. No matter your budget, you can totally have beautiful blooms in your home every day of the week.

Love to surf or skate? Hang your boards up on the wall for instant decor and a heavy dose of personality. They’re sure to be a conservation starter as soon as guests walk in the door. Storage has never looked so good!

Sure, you could leave the floors in your hall or hallways bare. That said, the easiest ever way to add some color in these kinds of transitional spaces is by unrolling a dramatic rug, and nothing beats a long runner at this game. Whether you go solid or patterned, all eyes will be on the floor.

If you thought metal and wood were the only materials that mirror frames were made out of, think again. This round, asymmetrical design is actually wrapped in teal velvet, so it’ll bring a touch of color, whimsy, and a bit of ’80s style to anywhere you hang it.

Buy: Fabric Wrapped Mirror, $299 $179.99 from West Elm

This Chicago couple raised the stakes on painted stair risers by also coating their railings and spindles in an electric lemon yellow. Primary colors always look good when paired together, if their entryway is any indicator.

Repaint your furniture but highlight multiple colors instead of just one. Yellow and orange are a bold combo and look super chic on this mid century chest in a London home.

It’s all in the details! Hang your shower curtain with hooks that have some personality. A set of 12 is just $9 and proves that even a small change can positively impact your space.

Buy: Amazer Shower Curtain Hooks Rings, $8.97

If you’re selecting tiles for a bathroom, why not go for a hue that you’ve always wanted to incorporate in your home? Designer Kelsey Haywood proves that dark green shower tile can look stunning and soothing.

Don’t settle for white or beige curtains when you can hang literally any other color instead. Match your drapes to a sofa, chair, or another feature in your room to set up a colorful eye path that’ll create movement in your space.

There’s no rule that says shearling and faux sheepskin rugs have to be cream or gray. For a unique take on this Scandi staple, try one that’s been dyed to a pretty shade like these ultraplush Ugg rugs. One would be so cozy bedside, or you could use one to perk up an old chair or bench.

Buy: Ugg Shearling Rug, $145 from Nordstrom

Rental floors don’t have to be blah. If your landlord lets you, you can make like blogger Grace Atwood and paint a checkered pattern in your favorite hues. While this is a time-intensive project, it’s certainly worthwhile if you plan to stay in your space a few years.

If you have the capability to paint, why not perk up an interior door with a pop of color? Bright yellow makes a sunny statement in this Atlanta kitchen, but you could choose any color that works with your decor.

Jazz up a plain wall with a vibrant art print like this leafy one. Society6 is full of colorful, affordable artwork and frequently runs sales. Many of their pieces can be ordered framed, which makes it easy to assemble an arrangement in a snap.

Buy: Moroccan Coast – Tropical Sunset Scene Art Print, starts at $23.99 from Society6

Say goodbye to plain white or wood and hello to an inviting color like light blue, as seen in this space by Kelsey Haywood. Depending on your DIY skills, you could even paint existing cabinets by yourself.

When picking a color scheme for a whole room, sometimes the best place to start is with a striking duvet cover, throw pillow, or even a set of curtains. This LA couple used their sherbet colored bedding as the jumping off point for the rest of their bedroom, from the pink papered accent wall to the orange chevron nightstand.

Dried and fake flowers have been trending as of late because they last forever. They’re also fairly easy to over-dye, so many of the varieties you’ll find are super saturated. Try adding a few sun palm leaves to a plain vase. These fan-shaped florals are so striking, you only need a few stems. You could even hang a couple on a wall in a spot that’s often hard to decorate, like over your headboard.

Buy: Pastel Pink Sun Palms, $25 $22.50 for 5 stems from Etsy

Follow blogger Rachel Smith’s lead and construct your own rainbow shelf rather than opting for a store bought option. Smith had the clever idea to use hers to stash her sunglasses and provides a full set of DIY instructions on her blog.

Have a small patterned rug on hand that deserves some extra attention? Hang it on a wall as you would a tapestry for some unique, eye-catching artwork, as seen in this Illinois home. You don’t need to travel far to replicate the look: Etsy is an excellent source to shop for petite yet beautiful rugs that are one-of-a-kind.

Rethink your plant pots! Upgrading from neutral terracotta to a fun ombre option is bound to spark joy. With all of the available color combos, these small, cheerful planters from Etsy are sure to complement all of your plant babies.

Buy: Small Gradient Ombre Cement Planter, Starting at $17.49 from Etsy

We love how blogger Carly Hill covered her fridge with an assortment of business cards from her favorite NYC spots. This is an excellent way to add spunk to a kitchen (for free, to boot!) while keeping local spots top of mind (though be warned—you may frequently find yourself reaching for the phone to order takeout).

Kids’ toys don’t have to be seen as clutter. Do what blogger Kate Dreyer did: Give a few charming pieces some extra attention by integrating them into a shelf display as you would with other decorative accents. Favorite art projects can also be hung on clipboards and rotated out as new masterpieces come in.