You should never paint your living room this color, according to a psychologist

With an endless choice of paint ideas, the question of color remains a provocative discussion point amongst designers. Naturally, the debate of the perfect paint color changes with the seasons, and trending tones come and go – but according to color psychologists, some shades should be avoided. 

As the most sociable room in your home, your living room may be the first place you may look to experiment with the latest paint trends. 

However, Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant Lee Chambers warns against bringing one of the year's most sought-after hues into your living space. Here, Lee reveals his living room paint ideas – and what you need to avoid before picking up the paintbrush. 

The color you should never paint your room – according to psychology 

'Our living room often has multiple uses, and in my experience, the worst color to have emblazoned across your living room is crimson,' Lee begins. 

In all its vivid glory, red is easy to love. However, Lee suggests that increased exposure to this shade may be leaving you feeling more agitated – and less at ease. 

'While red as a color promotes energy and social interaction, being in such an intense color for long periods of time can make us irritable, more aggressive, less relaxed, and even increases your heart rate,' he says.

'As we look to cultivate a space for us to live and restore ourselves in, crimson can literally keep us on high alert and can leave us feeling unsettled, rather than being at peace and feeling restful.'

Plus, Lee is not exclusive in his observation. According to Color Psychologist from EZ Living, Helen O'Keeffe, 'deep red hues are associated with passion and energy, whereas cool blue shades are considered calming and serene.' 

Therefore, Helen suggests bringing this intense tone into your home office or another creative space, where it can 'raise the room's energy' and fuel productivity. 

So, which color should you look for instead? If you're looking to lick your living room walls, Martin Waller, Founder of design brand Andrew Martin, recommends looking towards more muted hues that will make the space feel more therapeutic. 

In his investigation of paint ideas for every room, Martin notes that he understands the attraction of a bold shade that 'adds excitement and fun,' but instead recommends choosing a classic white paint that will create an inviting space that will accentuate other elements in the room. 

'There's a sanctuary to be found in a pure white scheme. Do not underestimate the absence of color, too,' he says. 

Is the secret to a calming living room found in avoiding red and indulging in white? This is the easy paint idea we're getting behind as we speak.