The 5 colors that will make a living room look more expensive
When it comes to colors that make a living room look more expensive, your mind likely goes straight to neutrals. White, beige, and gray all have a reputation for making rooms look and feel more elegant and luxurious. But they aren’t the only options, say interior designers. In fact, when I asked what expensive-looking colors they rely on, I was pleasantly surprised to find the list was not restricted to neutrals.
When it comes to creating a living room color scheme that’s elegant and elevated, right now, designers are in fact turning to bolder, richer shades. Far more exciting than the much-used gray and actually far more effective at making a living room feel expensive.
From rich, earthy tones to warmer versions of the ever-popular neutrals, these are the top five colors that will make a living room look luxurious and high-end, according to designers who have long been using them.
1. Rich rust
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
One of the big fall color trends of 2025, a luxurious color idea that’s bound to give your living room a high-end vibe, is rust. Falling somewhere between terracotta and red, rust is the perfect shade for creating warmth, depth, and that all-important expensive feel in a living room.
Striking fiery tones often come to mind when I think of living rooms decorated with red; however, rust proves that there’s far more to the red color spectrum. With orange terracotta notes, it’s an earthy red shade that creates a cozy but equally contemporary feel.
Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore, explains, ‘Color is one of the easiest ways to ensure you achieve a living room scheme that feels designed and expensive, rather than thrown together. Rich tones, such as rust, are a great choice for an elevated feel. It’s a shade that has high levels of color saturation, making it dynamic and instantly offering a feeling of polish and luxury.’
Despite being a timeless paint color, you don’t have to drench your living room from head to toe in rust; in fact, a simple velvet armchair or throw cushion can give your space that warm, rich feel that exudes luxury.
Joss & Main
Magdaline Hand Loomed Wool Rust Area Rug
A rich, rust-colored rug will create depth and warmth that’s unbeatable. Pair it with some neutral accents like a cream sofa and a taupe cushion for a luxurious arrangement.
Pooky
Wee Scoon Cordless Table Lamp
in Rust
For a subtle dose of rust, place this cordless lamp on a bookshelf or side table for color that quietly shines without overwhelming. For an even more accomplished scheme, add in some other small doses of rust for cohesion.
Rejuvenation
Plaid Wool Throw Rosewood and Rust
Woven with rusts and deep reds, this cozy plaid throw is the perfect living room accessory for the fall season. Place it on an armchair or sofa for an instant hit of color and texture.
2. Deep browns and greens
(Image credit: Future)
When it comes to colors that make a living room look more expensive, you can’t go wrong with nature-inspired hues.
Interior designer Nadia Watts explains, ‘A living room instantly feels more elevated and expensive when the colors carry a sense of richness and depth. I suggest using shades of brown and green for this reason – they are naturally elegant and versatile. Pair those hues with luxurious textures like mohair or velvet, and they take on even more dimension, catching the light in a way that makes the space feel truly refined. A fabric you want to reach out and touch.’
The beauty of these dark and unctuous shades is their versatility; many colors go with green and brown, making them easy additions to your living room. Whether it’s a green accent wall or a chocolate brown sofa, these classic colors pair beautifully with other neutral shades and bring an accomplished, thoughtful feel.
Net-a-Porter
Large Resin Bowl
Elevate your coffee table with this abstract resin bowl. Unique in design, it’ll give your living room unbeatable character and a sense of tasteful curation.
Crate & Barrel
Small Black Earthenware Clay Vase
A deep, dark brown is a fail-safe way to make your living room look high-end, so what better way to decorate with the timeless shade than with this rustic vase?
Deep greens will create a sophisticated edge in your living room. If you’re not ready to commit to a forest green wall, this luxurious marble bowl will elevate any surface you place it on.
3. Taupe
(Image credit: R. Brad Knipstein Photography, LLC)
Falling somewhere between beige and brown, taupe is one of those timeless neutrals that provides a living room with the perfect amount of warmth. When styled well, it can feel oh-so expensive and luxurious, particularly when you consider the many colors that go with taupe.
Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein says, ‘Taupe’s versatility makes it an interior designer’s secret weapon. In a living room, it wraps the space in understated elegance and allows art, books, and layered textiles to shine. Add tonal variations through throw pillows and rugs for dimension without distraction.’
Interior designer Sabah Mansoor agrees, explaining, ‘I recommend warm neutrals from white to taupe. To create an expensive and luxurious look, I suggest styling the living room with layers of warm neutral textiles to create depth and visual interest. Incorporating natural elements like oak, marble, and brass introduces rich textures and dimension to the room.’
Explaining her color rules for neutral schemes, Sabah adds, ‘Using a varied palette of neutral tones helps one to avoid a flat, monochromatic look. I also like to integrate subtle patterns and prints in neutral shades to add movement and character without overwhelming the interior.’
Crate & Barrel
Tour Taupe Oval Porcelain Platter
Pair this taupe platter with some vintage coffee table decor, such as a gold taper candle holder, a stack of old books, and a bud vase for a luxurious arrangement that feels quietly luxurious and considered.
Target
6 Wick Ceramic Scalloped Rim Jar Candle
No living room is complete without a candle, and this adorable scalloped one is a great place to start. Finished in a chic taupe, it’ll subtly bring a sense of warmth and luxury into your space.
Magnolia
Carlisle Ivory Taupe Rug
For a hit of taupe, opt for a larger size of the Carlisle rug. It’ll create warmth and delicacy in your living room with its luxurious color palette and elegant pattern.
4. Charcoal
(Image credit: Madeline Harper Photography)
An elegant color that will elevate any room, charcoal will give a living room an unbeatable richness that’s guaranteed to make the space feel expensive.
Charcoal is undoubtedly on the more dramatic end of the color spectrum, but adding the hue in small, punchy doses will ensure your scheme isn’t overwhelmed, but rather, intentional and curated. Nina says, ‘Almost-black charcoal has a grounding effect, making a living room feel substantial and anchored. Pair it with soft ivory textiles, brushed brass accents, and low, warm lighting to keep the room from feeling stark. A matte finish adds depth, while a satin sheen highlights architectural trim.’
Nothing feels chicer than a well-balanced living room. While minimalist spaces decorated in all-white can feel stylish, the key to an expensive-feeling space is the sensation you feel as soon as you enter it. A lounge decorated in rich, deep grays feels cocooning and snug, whether that be upholstered accents or more dramatic painted walls.
Walmart
Beautiful Drew Accent Chair by Drew Barrymore, Charcoal Boucle
Add a dose of deep gray into your living room with this boucle curved armchair. With its contemporary shape and sophisticated color, it’s a wow-factor piece that will make your lounge look elevated and high-end.
Perigold
Vera Wang Waffleweave 100% Cotton Blanket
Dark charcoal is best in small (but multiple) doses, so what better way to embrace the color trend than with a throw blanket? It couldn’t be easier to incorporate into your scheme, and it’ll make such an impact on a sofa.
McGee & Co.
Peterson Classic Upholstered Sofa (Charcoal)
If you’re looking to create a sense of luxury and depth, this elegant charcoal sofa is the one for you. With curved arms and plush cushions, it’s a classic choice that’s never going to date.
5. Warm white
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
There’s a reason decorating with white is so popular. While it sometimes gets a bad rep for its clinical associations, warm whites are the perfect way to give your living room a timeless, expensive-looking charm that’ll only improve with age.
Helen says, ‘If you’re using a neutral palette, an off-white such as Bone White as the base color will feel timeless, premium, and elegant, season after season. Consider using a contrasting color for woodwork and detailing to make the look feel modern. Accessorize the living room with textures such as stone, velvet, and dark woods for a truly elevated feel.’
Pay attention to paint finishes if you’re considering painting your living room walls in a warm white. Helen explains, ‘While choosing a color is important, choosing the right paint finish also plays a part. Matte paint is an easy way to elevate the look and feel of a living room, giving it an expensive look immediately.’
Warm white accents make all the difference to a living room, so don’t feel you have to opt for the best white paints to make your space feel expensive. In fact, a simple upholstered cream armchair can give a living room a sense of quiet luxury, as can a statement warm white pendant light. It’s about scattering these elegant colors around your living space and pairing them with complementary shades that exude a similar sense of lavishness.
Walmart
The Pioneer Woman Stoneware Scalloped Vase
Place this delicate cream vase on your coffee table or mantel for a sophisticated display reminiscent of some of the most luxurious interiors. For an even more elevated display, fill it with an array of vibrant flowers and luscious foliage.
Amazon
Bloomingville Marble Footed Pedestal Bowl
When it comes to elevating your living room, nothing beats marble. This footed bowl is small but surprisingly mighty; place it on a coffee table, mantel, or bookshelf for a high-end feel.
Pottery Barn
Custom Striped Roman Shade
Warm white furnishings will give your living room depth and character that’s timeless. These pinstripe blinds in ecru will do just that and more, guaranteed to stand proud for years.
When bringing these five colors into your living room, always consider what they pair best with to ensure they blend beautifully and seamlessly. Also acknowledge expensive color combinations for an even more high-end feel that’s reminiscent of some of the most luxurious living rooms out there.
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