Selecting a sofa color is one of the most critical living room decisions you can make. To go bold with a bright color, or play it safe with a soft neutral?
Courteney Cox proves why the latter is an eternally popular choice, via a recent snap shared to her Instagram page. In it, we can see the Friends star lounging with her dogs on a greige couch, which serves as a gentle base for the rest of her space. It's giving us some fantastic neutral living room ideas that will always feel utterly timeless.
The light colored sofa is anything but boring, complementing her large-scale, framed artwork and contrasting with the vase of fresh-cut flowers and statues behind it. According to experts, the benefits of neutral living room furniture lie in its versatility.
Shop the neutral living room edit
This lush, velvet pillow comes with an ultra-soft, feathery insert. It's a chic way to tap into Courteney's living room look without the more sizeable investment.
Made with an engineered wood frame, this neutral loveseat offers long-lasting durability and support that feels quietly expensive. It's made from premium cotton fabric for a tactile feel and features two square throw pillows for added charm.
This loveseat by Goop is casual but sophisticated, with ample room for lounging. It's perfect for any neutral living space. If the color is good enough for Courteney (and Gwyneth), it's good enough for us.
First and foremost, design insiders say that decorating a living room with a greige, cream, or white sofa can expand even a small living room drastically.
'Light colours have an inherent ability to make a room feel more open and airier,' explains Danielle Mathews, co-owner of Reborn Renovations. 'These muted tones create a sense of calm and tranquillity, while still allowing the room to feel open and inviting.'
Keeping a neutral living space visually appealing, however, relies on experimenting with textural elements.
'Texture is the secret weapon in making neutrals pop,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'Consider plush velvet sofas, chunky knit throws, glossy ceramics, and matte walls. The interplay of different textures can create depth and intrigue, ensuring that even a neutral palette feels rich and engaging.'
Experimenting with furnishings is a great way to create a focal point in a living space.
'Introduce statement furniture or decor in neutral tones,' Nina suggests. 'A grand, tufted beige headboard, a sculptural white floor lamp, or an oversized tan leather armchair can command attention and anchor the room’s design.'
While Courteney has opted for a traditionally shaped sofa, a boucle sofa is a nice option for those looking to infuse some subtle texture and shape.
Finally, Nina says that hanging art, like Courteney has done, can accent a neutral living room beautifully.
'Incorporate artwork and accessories that highlight neutral tones but with a maximalist twist,' she says. 'Large-scale abstract paintings with splashes of white, taupe, and gray, or an array of ceramics in varying shades of off-white, can create a gallery-like feel.'
