Paint Colours to Match your Sofa

Refreshing your living room doesn't always require a complete overhaul. Just as adding a new accessory can breathe life into your wardrobe, updating your home's colour scheme can rejuvenate your existing furniture and décor. 

Whether you’re in the process of picking out a sofa to upgrade your seating area, reupholstering an old one, or working with the same sofa you’ve always had, our guide has plenty of paint colour suggestions that complement some of the most popular sofa shades. 

How to match paint colours to your sofa
 

A well-crafted sofa should last for at least 15 years, but that doesn't mean the rest of your décor has to stay the same for that long. The key is to work with your furniture to find colour schemes that complement these pieces. Our Creative Director, Marianne Shillingford, shares her top tips for matching paint colours to your sofa:

“Start by identifying the undertones in your sofa's fabric – whether warm, cool or neutral. For a harmonious effect, choose paint colours that complement these undertones. For example, a charcoal grey sofa could be paired with other cool shades like green or blue. If you prefer contrast, opt for colours on the opposite side of the colour wheel, like a deep blue sofa with burnt orange walls. 

Consider the room's purpose and desired atmosphere; lighter hues can make a space feel larger and more airy, while darker tones add cosiness. Don't forget to factor in natural and artificial lighting, as this can significantly affect how colours appear.”

What colours go with a grey sofa?

Shades used in image: Tranquil Dawn, Forest Shade, Neptune Seas

Grey is a versatile shade that matches a range of paint colours, from neutrals to brights. Warm neutrals like Almost Oyster and Cream Tea will complement a warm grey sofa, while Cliff Walk and Ashen White are best for a cool grey sofa. Cool grey sofas also work well with green, from Putting Green to Fresh Sage, or any blues – try a mid-blue like Stonewashed Blue or a deep navy like Breton Blue.

Want your paintwork to make a statement? Opt for a mustard yellow shade like Citrus Zing or a zesty orange like Tangerine Twist – the ideal pairings for a charcoal grey sofa.

What colours go with a brown sofa?

Shades used in image: Brave Ground

Brown sofas are a versatile investment for your living room, as their warm undertones complement a variety of shades, from neutrals to terracotta, burnt orange, deep navy and forest green. The paint you choose will depend on the atmosphere you want to create in your living room; for example, darker tones will bring a cosy feel, while lighter neutrals can uplift a dark brown sofa.

So, what are the best Dulux living room colours with a brown sofa? Warm neutrals like Vanilla White or Caramel Latte can give the space a bright and airy look, while a dark green like Heathland or a rich teal like Teal Voyage will enhance the luxurious feel of any living room – especially if you have a brown leather sofa.

What colours go with a blue sofa?

Shades used in image: Sapphire Salute, White Cotton, Mineral Mist

When choosing colour schemes to go with a blue sofa, opt for neutrals or complementary shades to let your furniture stand out. Soft greys like Polished Pebble or light beiges like Nutmeg White look great with a navy blue sofa, while earthy hues like Tuscan Terracotta and Willow Tree provide a bolder contrast.

Alternatively, embrace the darkness of your blue sofa and paint the room in a rich navy blue like Sapphire Salute for a cosy and inviting feel. Use the colour-drenching technique and paint all the walls, skirting and trim in this shade for maximum impact.

What colours go with a beige sofa?

Shades used in image: Blush Noisette 2, Natural Taupe 3

For a bright and serene living room, match your beige sofa with warm neutral paints like Knotted Twine and Trench Coat. Alternatively, opt for mid-browns or greys like English Elm and Chic Shadow to give the space a tonal effect. Introduce soft textures in cream, beige, grey and brown, such as jute rugs, boucle cushions and knitted throws, along with metallic or wood accents for fixtures, lighting and photo frames.

These colour suggestions will also work for a cream sofa since it’s a similar warm, neutral shade. Want to go one step further with your living room refresh? White furniture will complement a beige or cream sofa and brighten the room up further – consider painting any existing wooden furniture rather than buying new pieces.

Want to see these colours in action before you commit to painting? Download the Dulux Visualizer app to try out your favourite shades and transform your living room at the touch of a button.