How to Colour Drench a Living Room

Colour drenching is a design choice that involves painting an entire room – including the walls, ceiling, trim and sometimes architectural features – in the same colour or varying tones of the same hue. This technique creates a sophisticated and cohesive look that works well in any space, from kitchens to bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms.  

Unlike traditional decorating approaches, where you might choose one colour for walls and a different (often neutral) shade for ceilings and trim, colour drenching breaks conventional interior design rules. It celebrates the beauty of monochrome palettes, creating depth and interest through texture, lighting and subtle tonal variations rather than contrasting colours. 

While colour drenching may seem like a bold choice, you can go as bright as you like or opt for neutral paint colours – and we have plenty of ideas to inspire you. 

Discover our top tips for colour drenching living rooms, whether you want to paint the walls, ceiling and trim, or partially embrace this design.

The key to successful colour drenching starts with painting your walls and ceiling in the same shade. We're so accustomed to white or neutral ceilings that painting them can feel daring, but this is what makes colour drenching so impactful. 

When selecting your paint, consider using the same colour in different finishes. A matte finish on walls pairs well with an eggshell finish on the ceiling to add subtle dimension while maintaining the seamless look that colour drenching delivers. Don't worry about perfect colour matching between different surfaces – slight variations in hue and texture will enhance the overall effect.  

For more colourful ceiling paint ideas, check out our dedicated guide. 

Architectural features like radiators and fireplaces often get painted in standard white or left with their original finishes, but these elements can be included when colour drenching. 

Painting your radiator in the same colour as the rest of the room makes it stand out less, improving visual flow. Similarly, a fireplace painted in the same shade as your walls becomes a sophisticated focal point. If you have a working fireplace, make sure to use a suitable heat-resistant paint. 

We're conditioned to think skirting boards should be kept neutral, but painting them the same colour as the walls gives a seamless, luxurious look. 

Like radiators, colour-drenched skirting boards blend into the walls and ceiling, making your room feel larger, as the eye isn't interrupted by contrasting lines. This technique works particularly well with darker colours, where white skirting boards can be a stark contrast. 

We’ve pulled together the best shades for colour drenching a living room, from bold and dark shades to light neutrals.  

Dark colours are particularly effective for colour drenching because they give the space an enveloping feeling. They also provide stunning backdrops for artwork, mirrors and metallic accents.  

In living rooms with plenty of natural light, dark colours can feel surprisingly airy while maintaining their dramatic impact. Try these colours for a bold colour-drenched living room design: 

• Forest greens like Pine Needle.  
• Deep navy blues like Sapphire Salute. 
• Charcoal greys like Natural Slate. 
• Rich reds like Auburn Embers. 

Lighter shades might make less of a statement, but they’re a highly effective choice for colour-drenched schemes, and the ideal option if you’re trying out this painting technique for the first time. You can add interest and depth by layering textures, patterns and accessories later.  

Neutrals create a serene, spa-like atmosphere that feels both contemporary and timeless, and some of our favourite shades include:  

• Soft greys like Cornflower White. 
• Warm beiges like Knotted Twine. 
• Blush pinks like Sweet Embrace. 
• Creamy whites like Timeless. 

While dark colours can make some living rooms feel smaller, colour drenching often makes rooms feel larger because it removes any visual interruptions from the overall design. When there are no contrasting elements breaking up the space, your eye travels smoothly around the room, creating a sense of flow and continuity. Without stark white ceilings and trim, there are no harsh lines, which can make the space feel bigger. 

The key is choosing the right shade and considering how you want the space to feel. Lighter colours will brighten up your living room, while darker shades can make it feel more atmospheric.  

Looking for more colour drenching tips? Find out how to create a colour-drenched corner in our guide.