Creating a cozy space isn’t just about decor; it’s about creating a feeling. A room that welcomes and relaxes, inviting you to snuggle in and escape. And what influences how a room makes you feel more than color?
So, what are the best colors for creating a cozy living room? We consulted the experts at Benjamin Moore, who revealed the coziest paint colors for turning your living room into a snug retreat.
An earthy theme runs throughout the palette, but not all of these shades are dark and cocooning, as you might expect. Yes, there’s a rich dark brown and a moody gray, but warm, light neutrals can create just as much of a cozy atmosphere.
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A cozy living room offers a space to retreat to at the end of each day, and the right paint colors can go a long way in boosting its snug feel.
But what are the best paint colors to help create a restful and inviting living room? We’re turning to the expertise of Benjamin Moore, who recently took to Instagram to share go-to paint shades for a cozy feel, ranging from light neutrals to much richer, moody hues.
An earthy theme runs throughout the palette of living room paint ideas, so while each Benjamin Moore paint color offers warmth and relaxation, they also feel timeless and versatile thanks to their natural-world association.
1. Steam AF-15
In this living room Steam is used across the walls, with Gloucester Sage on the trim and Natural Linen on the fireplace.
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Cozy colors naturally tend to lean darker and more cocooning, but a warm white paint can be just as inviting. Benjamin Moore’s Steam is the perfect cozy color: a soft warm-toned white that allows a quiet and calming feel throughout a space.
‘Understated and refined, Steam is an innately calming hue that’s perfect for a living room scheme where relaxation is key,’ says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. ‘It acts as a soft base color to layer other neutrals such as Natural Linen and Gloucester Sage. Elevate with layers of texture – rattan accessories, fluffy textiles, and brick surfaces to complete the look.’
2. Sparrow AF-720
Benjamin Moore’s Sparrow is the ideal balance of gray and brown that feels soft and warming.
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
If you want to go slightly darker but still air on the side of a neutral, Benjamin Moore’s Sparrow is a dark gray-brown paint that feels warming and earthy without being too dramatic.
‘Sparrow is a unique dark gray with earthy brown undertones,’ explains Helen. ‘This rich hue reflects less light, making a room less active and therefore more restful.’
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‘Pair it with dark brown wood accents to bring rustic warmth to any living room,’ advises Helen. While this neutral paint is versatile to use in many spaces, Helen notes that it may be best placed in those that benefit from plenty of daylight so it doesn’t lean too dark: ‘This works particularly well in large, well-lit spaces where there is plenty of natural light to avoid it becoming closeting and confined.’
3. Lush AF-475
Benjamin Moore’s Lush is the most colorful paint in the brand’s coziest colors.
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
As comforting as a green paint comes, Benjamin Moore’s Lush is ideal for creating a comforting living room that still feels uplifting and colorful. This soothing hue feels reminiscent of the natural world and would look great paired with crisp white to freshen it up or a soft brown to lean into a more muted scheme.
‘The subtle blue undertones of Lush create a rich, comforting green that evokes a feeling of the rainforest after a strong summer rain,’ says Helen. ‘This jewel-tone shade works particularly well in north-facing rooms to create a moody and dramatic look that still feels inviting.’
4. Hearthstone Brown 2109-20
Benjamin Moore’s Hearthstone Brown makes this small living room feel like a snug.
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
The darkest of Benjamin Moore’s cozy living room colors, Benjamin Moore’s Hearthstone Brown feels incredibly stylish right now. It’s that perfect deep, warm, almost glossy brown we’ve been seeing everywhere in recent months and continues to be a color trend into 2026. Benjamin Moore’s Hearthstone Brown feel incredibly stylish right now.
‘A go-to dark brown for setting a comfortable, welcoming ambiance, Hearthstone Brown has a strong connection to the natural world, offering a sense of security, comfort, and peace,’ Helen explains. ‘Its earthy richness is also associated with being grounded, giving good reason for its popularity when designing a cozy space.’
The Cozy Living Room Colors Edit
Inspired to bring these wonderfully cozy Benjamin Moore shades into your home? These buys will add warmth and comfort without the need to pick up a paint brush.
From light neutrals to much darker tones, your choice of paint color is the first step in creating a stylish and inviting living room, but don’t forget to add plenty of textures and warm furnishings to complete the cozyscheme.
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