Opting for green wall paint, green home accessories and furniture to put in the living room is not only the perfect way to go that just simply works, but it’s also a hugely popular one. Ever since the pandemic, our desire to be connected to nature and the outside world even when at home has heightened. This year, wellbeing-focused interiors are especially trending – and green living room ideas are perfect for that.
If you’re currently deciding on your new living room colour scheme, you truly can’t go wrong with green. Especially as this nature-inspired hue spans so many different shades so that everyone can find one that they gravitate towards, while incorporating a nod to biophilic design into their home.
‘Green is not a neutral colour in the traditional sense,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi. ‘However, green can behave like a neutral in interior design, depending on the shade and how it’s used. This makes it incredible in a living room as a colour that breathes life into a space, offering versatility across various shades.’
Green living room ideas
‘Green is associated with nature, bringing a sense of tranquility and freshness into a space,’ says Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn.
Another benefit of this soothing colour, whether you implement it as a living room paint idea or through pieces of furniture, is its versatility which makes it work in any type of room, no matter the size or lighting conditions. ‘Green also works well in various lighting conditions, making it a great option for different room sizes and styles,’ says Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS.
But if you want to make the most of green, our interior expert-approved top tips on how to use it in your lounge will help you do just that.
1. Go for sage green for a timeless look
Sage is a popular choice both for kitchen and green bedroom ideas. But this light, timeless shade also works in living rooms – especially if you want to create an airy feel.
‘Lighter greens such as sage reflect more light so work to create an airy, open feel – making a living room appear larger,’ says Sara D’Souza, content strategist and creator at Frenchic Paint.
2. Opt for grown-up, on-trend olive green
On the other hand, if you want to create more of an impact with a darker shade of green that also looks sophisticated and grown-up at the same time, olive green is the one to go for. Especially as it’s currently one of the most trending green shades in the interior space.
‘Olive greens work well for a cosy, earthy feel,’ Victoria at ScS adds.
If you want to coat your walls or ceiling - as per the latest paint trends - in olive green, Little Greene's Olive Colour is the truest olive green there is.
Cool and sophisticated lighting is having a moment. So why not adorn a side table or a console table with an olive green table lamp like this Habitat number?
Incorporating a velvet cushion like this chic M&S number doesn't only provide a pop of olive green, but it brings an extra texture to the space which is always welcome.
3. Create a luxurious feel with jewel shades
Jewel tones are back this year – this living room trend has given rise to the unexpected purple colour trend. But also deep, rich greens like emerald are popular once again.
‘Deep emeralds or jewel-toned greens are more of a bold, accent or statement colour which need a different approach within a living room. These colours work well for fans of the maximalism trend, and an accent colour, but not the more popular aesthetic approaches of wellbeing and colour drenching,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.
4. Pair green with neutrals
Even though green is not exactly a neutral shade, it does, however, pair especially well with neutrals. Especially if you go for a light and airy shade like sage green.
‘Neutrals like white, cream, and beige soften green’s vibrancy, making the space feel airy and balanced,’ Victoria at ScS says.
Lucy at Arighi Bianchi continues, ‘Softer greens, like sage or pistachio, blend seamlessly with neutrals, lending an air of tranquillity and spaciousness – perfect for creating a calm sanctuary at the heart of your home. We’re almost seeing it as the new “boho” shade replacing cream and beige to bring a Scandi vibe to the home mixed with rustic wood finishes and natural fibres like sisal and jute.’
5. Colour drench with green
Colour drenching is one of the biggest home decor trends that’s come out from the last couple of years in interiors. And while you can colour drench with pretty much any colour you like, a living room drenched in green looks especially stylish.
‘Colour drenching a living room in a deep green shade will bring the outside inside, linking the room to the natural world. Dark tones will create a cosy, cocooning effect, ideal for a relaxing living room. Pair with wooden furniture, décor in earthy tones and fresh blooms for a truly nature-inspired design scheme,’ Bailey at Earthborn says.
6. Reflect nature with an earthy green
Use an earthy-toned green to invite in an element of the greenery from the garden and beyond.
'For anyone looking to makeover their living room, adapting the colour to co-exist with existing furniture and furnishings, then I would say the more nature-based and earthy greens work well,' Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.
7. Let deep green accents enrich without commandeering
Take your living room to dreamy depths without overwhelming your space in overly dramatic effect, with a few cleverly considered accent pieces.
Anchor green goddess style with a large hero piece of furniture, for example a sofa in a plush velvet upholstery, as seen in this white living room. Think exuberant peacock for inspiration. Then simply pepper your space with deep green pops – a task lamp here, a cushion there, all brought together with an abundance of trailing house plants (you can never have enough!).
Fresh white walls and natural living room flooring ideas provide contrast, allowing the verdant glory to really power through and enrich the look and feel.
8. Travel to the tropics without leaving your sofa
Take your space on an exotic, maximalist adventure with a quirky wallpaper design that will elevate, transport and transcend. Definitely one for the Indiana Jones and Lara Crofts of this world, an impressive repeat of jungle leaves in vibrant shades welcomes an extravagant and daring look.
Combine with quirky, gilded treasures for an eclectic feel, or dial down with a softer colourway and medley of rattan and woven textures.
This living room feature wall idea shows the imposing heights of the Cuban royal palm and impressively enormous leaves, translated in a generous pattern, completed with fine details.
9. Mix mineral shades with sky blue and mint
Embrace an optimistic forecast indoors with a nature-nourishing colour story derived from tranquil waters, buzzing meadows and uplifting blue skies. Grass-to-sky shades reveal new horizon gratitude with a deeper connection to nature and sense of ‘we’re all under the same sky’ community.
With a pause and reflect attitude, tonal shades blend breezily and calmly, reinventing classic pieces with a seasonal influence, shedding new, sunny light in every space.
This slim-armed beauty is just the ticket for tight spaces. An uber-comfy sofa that you can sit in rather than on.
10. Use green in oh-so-subtle ways
A little greenery can go a long way to capturing the optimism of spring in your home. Start by introducing it through fabrics (or wallpaper) and prints featuring frond and fern motifs that create a graceful, romantic look. Furniture in natural wood and elegant metal complete the look.
Lucy at Arighi Bianchi adds another tip, 'An area rug is a fantastic starting point when creating a green living room aesthetic because it sets the tone, anchors the space, and provides a flexible foundation for layering different shades and textures. Green, being a natural and calming colour, makes the space feel balanced from the ground up. If you’re unsure how much green you want in the room, starting with a rug lets you test the waters without committing to painted walls or large green furniture.'
The benefit of this blanket - apart from its gorgeously green colour named 'kale' which is giving us olive - is its large size that brings a lot of versatility with it. You can use it both as a regular throw but it's also big enough to cover your entire sofa with it and completely transform its look that way.
If you want to inject hints of green via botanicals, a cushion like this leafy tapestry design is the perfect way to do it. And for just £10, it's a bargain if you ask us.
As Lucy already explained, a green rug is the ideal way to add some green into your living space. Especially when it's as cool as this Next design, complete with a carved geometric pattern.
11. Unify furniture and walls in the same shade
Paint fitted furniture the same shade of green as the walls to create a continuation of space. Rather than highlight the frame of bench seating, this room has cleverly integrated it into the wall so it feels seamless and less imposing. The pretty pink cushions then become the hero of this welcoming seating area.
12. Start with a statement green sofa
Grey may go with anything and blush pink may be pretty. But if you're looking for a siren of a sofa that begs you to sit in it, then we suggest you be brave and go for deep green. This dark hue will draw you in and encourage you to sit and relax – no excuses!
For a snug setting, go equally dark on the walls – either with a matching green or an equally dark inky blue. Metallic accents bring flashes of brightness so the look is never gloomy. Copper is a great accent for a living room as it's glam but has a warm tone that makes a space feel cosy.
John Lewis' Border sofa is one of the best modular sofas on the market in our opinion. And it can be yours in just seven days if you opt for this chic green linen upholstery.
The Hendricks sofa is one of Habitat's most popular styles - and it can also be seen in the image above in emerald green velvet finish. Giving a retro edge, this cool design is also one of Habitat's made-to-order sofas.
If investing in a brand new sofa just to get your desired colour is too much then a more budget-friendly alternative is getting a set of sofa covers in the green shade of your choice - like these plush-finish ones from Nolan Interior in mint green.
13. Encapsulate relaxed country style
Choose classic colours and heritage patterns to stop the look becoming dated or a bit twee. This timeless Morris & Co branch-print wallpaper adds subtle detail without dominating the room. Painting above the picture rail and matching the remaining walls in a matching shades helps to complete the look.
A country living room is the perfect home for a Chesterfield-style sofa. Keep it classic with wool-upholstered armchairs, tartan and lots of natural wood for timeless rustic chic.
14. Bring outdoors in for authentic botanical style
Breathe life into a white decorating scheme with mixed shades of green and displays of real (or fake) plants. An indoor living wall idea is very of the moment, ideal for introducing imaginative house plant ideas to our living spaces.
Our tip is to layer several shades of green for lush contrast – here, the blinds and a throw have been edged in a fresh lime fabric that stands out against the sofa's deeper hue.
15. Colour block with on-trend accent colours
If you're willing to be brave, colour blocking can reward you with a stunning and impactful new look. Here, dark sage green walls, a Millennial pink corner sofa and and a mustard yellow armchair and cushions work together. Creating a joyful and welcoming scheme that's never jarring.
16. Layer green on green
Shades of green work beautifully together, so don't be afraid to mix light and dark, and both blue- and yellow-based palettes. Here, a green statement cabinet has been set against a wall in a similar tone, to classy effect.
17. Add some zest with chartreuse
Bring in some zing to a darker living room with shots of bright chartreuse. Halfway between yellow and green, it's an uplifting colour that brings a scheme to life.
Don't shy away from using it on walls – this punchy floral-print wallpaper works well as an eye-catching backdrop. Ground the scheme with dark wooden flooring and seating in more muted shades, then add accessories in grey to keep the look fresh.
18. Use green as a backdrop to cottage style
This minty shade is on the green side of aquamarine, and is hugely versatile. It works brilliantly with punchy florals, letting them sing out alongside grey-painted furniture or aged oak – either will deliver a classic country style. Or you could give it a twist with deep amethyst accents.
19. Let blue and green be seen
'Blue and green should never be seen' the old adage goes, but we disagree! Mix just about any blues with any green (plus their sophisticated love child, teal) and you've got yourself an effortlessly harmonious blend for a characterful colour scheme.
In this blue living room, we can't decide if the star of the show is the amazing Arts and Crafts wallpaper, that electric blue sofa or the teal coffee table that stands around in the middle of things. The point is, each piece is strong enough to work its own magic within the ensemble.
FAQs
Is green a good colour for a living room?
In short, yes, green is an excellent colour choice for any kind of living room. But Sara D’Souza at Frenchic Paint further elaborates.
‘Associated with nature, green is the perfect colour for a living room, as it gives the feel of bringing the outdoors in and taps into the ongoing trend for biophilia. Dependent on what kind of atmosphere you want to create, green can bring a sense of calm, an inviting cosiness, vibrancy, or an elegant feel if you go for a darker hue,’ she explains.
What shades of green are trending in 2025 for living rooms?
Last summer, not one but four different shades of green defined the season. And green is still very much a trendy shade to go for in your living space with some particular favourite shades coming up again and again.
‘The current trending shades are definitely the more nature-inspired, earthy and muted variants,’ says Lucy Mather at Arighi Bianchi. ‘Olive, sage and moss green are big for 2025, alongside regal-green which is a shade that transcends trends, as it’s timeless in both traditional homes and modern settings.’
What colour skirting boards go with green walls in a living room?
We’ve already mentioned that colour drenching your living room in green looks especially chic and elegant, which of course includes the skirting boards. So instead of going for the traditional white glossy skirting boards, we’d recommend painting them the same colour as your walls.
‘I think painting skirting in the same colour as the walls is the best look around the home per se – rather than the typical white gloss,’ says Lucy Mather at Arighi Bianchi. ‘So I would colour match the walls and skirts.’
No one can argue that green makes for the perfect living room colour choice. But which one is your favourite?
