Need Peace and Quiet? Muted Colors Tone Things Down

Subtle hues can be perfect for large rooms and to balance out bolder colors in a home

Kelly PorterAugust 23, 2016

Houzz Contributor

There’s a misconception that muted colors are only for people who are afraid of color. On many occasions, I’ve specified softer hues for clients who were nervous about choosing colors, but I’ve also suggested more subtle hues for homeowners who have a “bolder is better” mentality when it comes to color. Muted colors can be right for anyone, and it just depends on the room and the mood you want to create. Often, understated colors are a welcome addition to a home that already has a lot of vibrant paint colors. Muted hues may also be the best choice for a house that has an open floor plan. As with any type of colors, it’s important to balance these quieter types with the right amount of white, so that your room has a pleasing appearance and good visual weight. Take a look at these examples.

CertaPro Painters of North Central Dallas

Aquamarine. A large room with tall ceilings calls for a beautiful, calming hue that won’t feel overwhelming. In my opinion, the perfect remedy is a color that represents the sea. By using a deep shade of soft blue-green, you’ll create the feeling of being immersed in a pool. That could be just what you need if your room is south-facing and receives an abundance of sun. It’s also a great color choice for a beach house. For balance, use a warm white for the trim, furniture and window treatments. (Shutters are a stylish choice.) At the end of a long day, this serene space will be just what you need.

Paint colors to try: Marina Isle and Luster White by Behr

LUX Design | Interior Design Build

Mocha. Coffee colors are naturally muted because of their earthy undertones. These hues make a nice backdrop for artwork and furnishings of any color. For a look that’s tranquil, introduce an upholstered piece in a contrasting color, but make sure the fabric is also in a muted tone. Mocha can be a little boring for some, so one great trick is to add an area rug that has a big, dramatic pattern. Also, make sure you’re including pops of white so the eye has a place to rest.

Paint colors to try: Balanced Beige and High Reflective White by Sherwin-Williams

Encore Construction

Rose. Rose can be an unlikely choice for homeowners because of the bad reputation it’s garnered over the years. This color, as well as mauve, was extremely popular in the 1970s and ’80s—but these days, not so much. However, rose can look chic if used with an abundance of white. It’s a very relaxing color and it’s also on the warm spectrum, so you can have a cozy space that feels serene. And it’s a color that looks very romantic in the bedroom.

Paint colors to try: Fresh Peonies and Swan White by Glidden

Barnard & Speziale | The Interior Design Company

Taupe. Taupe may not be a very interesting color, but it does have the ability to create elegance in a space. To achieve a look that’s classic, use a soft taupe wall color with white, traditional furniture and formal draperies. Then add a beautiful light fixture in a whitewash finish. Who knew taupe could look so charming?

The wall color used here is Smokey Taupe by Benjamin Moore. A coordinating white to try: Ice Mist by Benjamin Moore.

Vani Sayeed Studios

Ivory. I always recommend off-white colors when clients don’t want stark white walls but want a light and airy space that feels warm. In these instances, ivory, cream and linen are excellent choices. Look for undertones that are slightly yellow and use a crisp white for the trim. For a casual setting, keep the window treatments simple and clean, such as flat Roman shades or roller shades. To add a bit of drama, opt for darker accent colors.

The wall color used here is Linen White by Benjamin Moore. A coordinating white to try: White Opulence by Benjamin Moore.

Oliver Burns Studio

Misty Blue. This muted sea-blue wall color is the perfect choice for this nautical-themed bathroom. Combined with bright white wainscoting and natural wood flooring, it creates a fun, beachy look. I think this would also be a wonderful combination for a bedroom because it looks so tranquil.

The wall color used here is Dufour by Zoffany. A coordinating white to try: Architects White by Zoffany.

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Peach. A soft peach wall color is not only flattering to all skin tones, it’s also a very stylish choice for a modern space. Many people don’t think of peach when creating a contemporary look, but this hue can add a ton of style, especially when used with black and white accessories and furnishings. In this bedroom, I love how white was used for the bottom portion of the walls and the peach was used to fill in the rest, right up to the ceiling. This is a great way to visually create wainscoting.

The wall color used here is Pink Beige by Pratt & Lambert. A coordinating white to try: Designer White by Pratt & Lambert.

Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc.

Sage Green. This organic green is probably one of the easiest colors to live with. It looks super with white accents, but it also makes a great neutral, so it works with a variety of hues. Sage green tends to look cool, so if you’re using it in a north-facing room or a space without a good amount of natural light, be sure to test the color first to make sure it doesn’t look too gray.

Paint colors to try: Prairie Willow and Bistro White by Valspar

Tell us: How have you used muted colors in your home? Let us know in the Comments.

Read more about using color in decor