The Impact of Color in Furniture: Bold vs. Neutral
Have you ever been asked, “Do you like bold, bright colors, or do you prefer neutrals”? You’re not alone if you weren’t sure how to answer. The question implies that there are only two camps, and as the person answering, you have to declare a position.
However, the experience can be a lot like this polarizing question when it comes to buying furniture. Furniture is a long-term commitment, and you may very well want to commit to a color scheme. If you’re thinking about redecorating a living room or dining room, furniture may make up as much as a third of the colors in the room.
The Baer’s Furniture Design Team knows all about the color dilemma, and they’re here to offer some useful tips to decide whether you want neutral, bold, or a combination.
The Advantages of Neutral Colors in Furniture
Neutral-colored furniture is popular for a reason. There are numerous advantages to choosing a neutral color palette:
It’s far easier to match neutrals than bold colors.
You can tie colors and themes together by choosing accessories that have two or more of the neutrals present. This is also possible with bright colors, but finding accessories that match perfectly is more difficult unless they’re included with the pieces.
There are nearly limitless options when it comes to neutral colors. For instance, most paint manufacturers have dozens of shades of white available.
This image featuring the Candace Transitional Curved Sofa with Nailhead Trim is an excellent example of how to create a gorgeous, warm living space using neutral colors. Note how the soft grayish-white color of the sofa establishes the color scheme of the entire room. It is a neutral among neutrals.
The Advantages of Bold Colors
On the other hand, bold colors also have their share of advantages:
It may be easier to adjust the color temperature of the room using cool and warm hues.
Colors can have an emotional impact on the room’s occupants that neutrals sometimes can’t.
If you like eclectic décor styles, it’s difficult to achieve without color.
Furniture makers have been offering more color options than in previous periods.
Bold colors allow you to make moves like incorporating the Stressless Large Opal Classic Chair into your decorative scheme. Don’t worry, though. If red is not your color, this model comes in neutrals as well.
Balancing Colors in Your Space
No matter where you fall on the color-to-neutral spectrum, you can overwhelm your space if you’re not careful. We advocate using the 60-30-10 rule when selecting colors. In other words:
60% of your space is your primary color
30% of your space is your secondary color
10% is your tertiary color
Naturally, with furniture being such a significant part of the landscape of any room, you will probably need it to match your primary or secondary color. For instance, if you have a large sectional sofa in a regular-sized living room, it will compete with your walls and floors for dominance. You may be better off making the sectional’s color your primary color.
When using an approach like the 60-30-10 rule, it’s often helpful to predetermine your color palette and bring paint cards with you on your shopping trip. If you have any questions about matching or contrasting your colors, ask one of our trained sales representatives.
Mixing Bold Colors and Neutrals
Neutrals can work with bold colors. It’s one of the greatest advantages of choosing a neutral base. If you want to add a brilliant pop of color to your space, there are numerous options. Consider how the bedding and lampshades in this bedroom, featuring the Tommy Bahama Home Bali Hai Island Breeze Rattan Bed, convert an otherwise neutral space into a colorful Florida bedroom.
Before You Start Shopping
Advance planning is the key difference between having a beautiful, artfully decorated home and feeling buyer’s remorse after your furniture is delivered. At Baer’s Furniture, we are always aiming for a superlative shopping experience, from the moment you walk into one of our Florida showrooms to the first time you see your furniture in your home. If you aren’t certain about what you want, we’re happy to help. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Create a vision board with the color schemes you like.
Stop by the paint store and pick up some paint cards to bring with you on your shopping trip.
Keep photos on your phone or tablet.
Use Pinterest to inspire ideas you might not think of on your own.
And always Shop Baer’s Furniture for high-quality bold and neutral pieces from top manufacturers and designers.