12 Designer-Loved Ways to Style a Beige Living Room (That Aren’t Boring)

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Rebecca Deczynski

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Published on October 8, 2024

“Beige” has — rather unfairly — become shorthand for any number of less-than-stellar descriptors: bland, boring, or altogether uninspiring. But that’s a discredit to this versatile hue. After all, a beige living room can actually be the most exciting interior in your home.

That’s because, with a neutral color that can be styled in a seemingly infinite number of ways, you can design a space that appeals directly to your own style preferences. With natural textures and a few earth-toned accents, you can create a beige living room that suits your bohemian style, or with clean, understated silhouettes, you can make a more modern, Scandi-inspired space. The shades of beige you choose — whether you lean closer to a true white or opt for a warm, buttery hue — also have a significant impact on the tone and feel of your interior.

One thing is certain: There is no shortage of ways to style a beige living room that’s far from yawn-inducing. Havenly designer Kelsey Fischer is here with 12 of her favorites to get the wheels turning.

1. Beige Living Room: Simple Eclecticism 

Beige living room

Here’s one way to make a space feel exciting without straying from a neutral color palette: Bring together design elements that don’t seem like natural pairs. The molding in this living room skews traditional, while a chrome chandelier makes a sharp, modern contrast. The furniture in this space, like a tufted sofa from Interior Define, a rounded light wood coffee table, and an angular accent chair, are unlikely complements that work surprisingly well together.

2. Beige Living Room: Sweet Cream

Beige living room

One of the best ways to make your space feel bright and open is to opt for an all-over-beige look; but to prevent your room from looking too clinical, opt for warm-toned creams and rich taupes. Topped with textured throw pillows and arranged with a wooden coffee table, this large white sectional from Interior Define makes for a serene sitting area.

3. Beige Living Room: Subtle Contrasts

Beige living room

In a living room with all-over off-white elements, a bit of contrast can be beneficial. Here, a sculptural black side table pops when set against a white sectional, and it complements the room’s black window frames. Subtler contrasts are helpful, too: Beige-colored drapes add a buttery softness to the room’s white walls.

4. Beige Living Room: Natural Elements

Beige living room

If you love the idea of a beige living room but want to ensure your space feels welcoming and cozy, then organic modern style might be right for you. Rounded furniture, natural textures, and bits of foliage give just about any interior an elevated yet approachable feel.

5. Beige Living Room: Welcome Whimsy

Beige living room

Never underestimate the power of a good armchair — or two — to totally shift the tone of a space. The Inside’s Bun Foot Accent Chair makes this beige living room feel instantly more playful. A few colorful accents, like patterned throw pillows and light blue drapes, enhance their whimsical effect. 

6. Beige Living Room: Ultra-Plush

Beige living room

Ever dream of living in a cloud? Here’s the next best thing: A deep-seated, low-to-the-ground cream-colored sectional atop a plush white rug. A few bright accents, like a hot-pink throw pillow, bring this room back to earth in a cheeky way.

7. Beige Living Room: Touch of Gray

Beige living room

Beige and gray might be an unexpected match, but this dreamy space proves just how well it can work. Opt for light gray accents that don’t lean too cool-toned — like the throw pillows in this living room — and you’ll bring some welcome contrast to a neutral-paletted space.

8. Beige Living Room: Earthy Accents

Beige living room

Earth tones like coppery rust and bluish slate can richness to a beige living room, especially in a space that favors natural textures like warm woods and rattan. The eclectic textiles in this room lend it a bohemian appeal while streamlined silhouettes keep it feeling contemporary.

9. Beige Living Room: Sunset Hues

Beige living room

Terracotta, burgundy, and deep orange accents look especially lush when they contrast with the beige foundation of this space. Just a few pops of color — which are echoed in warm wooden ceiling beams of this space — prove to be transformative. 

10. Beige Living Room: Understated Elegance

Beige living room

In a living room with architecture as stunning as this historical space, opting for simple, streamlined furniture can be the best approach. Clean, modern pieces, like a beige sofa from Interior Define make a cool stylistic contrast without distracting from that stunning crown molding. 

11. Beige Living Room: Buttery Bliss

Beige living room

The mix of warm beige tones in this living room makes it look especially cozy and warm. The floor-to-ceiling drapes lend it some dramatic flair and texture, while a velvet sofa from Interior Define offers both comfort and style.

12. Beige Living Room: Pattern Play

Beige living room

A bold, geometric patterned rug with shades of brown and beige creates a dynamic foundation for this living room. Not only does it establish a warm, earthy color palette that’s continued through the room’s textiles and artwork — it also makes a high-impact contrast against simpler elements, like beige walls and an off-white sofa.

Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.   

Words by Rebecca Deczynski