How To Decorate A Beige Couch

A beige couch to a decorator is what a blank canvas is to an artist. This color sofa is a decor chameleon. The neutral tone allows you to pair almost any other color with it as long as you keep the style consistent (via SFGate). Selecting a beige couch for your living room is an open invitation to create a welcoming environment for you and your guests. 

Anyone can create a masterpiece by adding rich textures, bold patterns, and vibrant colors to the couch. Glance around the sofa and find what is missing. Start by deciding which elements to use to bring in that missing piece. Maybe it is pillows, or throws, or more furniture. The key to decorating a beige couch is to layer it with pieces that represent your style and build a feature-worthy sofa in the accents. Continue reading to find your inspiration to help you decorate your beige couch like a pro.

Add an accent chair with a pattern

If the rest of the room is toned down consider adding in some accent chairs with bold patterns to break up the solid color design scheme. While accent chairs complement existing large pieces of furniture they can quickly become the focal points in the room, according to Decorated Life. It's best to try to balance the beige couch with accent chairs that won't overwhelm the space. Having a beige couch in your living room allows you to be adventurous in your accent chair designs. You might consider a black and white buffalo plaid pattern, blue and white stripes, or a floral design for the accent chairs. How bold you want to be is up to you and your decor aesthetic.

If you decide accent chairs are what your space needs, keep size in mind as much as style. Making a final decision about what accent chairs will be in your room depends on your space and existing furniture. When all items are considered, you should try to decorate around the natural pathways created by the furniture. This makes it easy to navigate through the room in a comfortable way, and also lets you know where to put the accent chairs in relation to your couch. If the living space has a coffee table, make sure the accent chairs are within a reasonable distance, since you want to create a connected look and maximize functionality.

Add throw pillows to complement a neutral palette

Pillows are the ultimate decor love language. A gigantic pile of pillows arranged on a sofa creates the coziest vibes in the living area, perfect for movie nights and lounging with all your favorite people. When you have a beige couch, consider creating contrast with darker color pillows in shades of browns and tans (via Home Decor Bliss). Faux fur chinchilla material or bobble knitted pillows can add texture while still keeping to a neutral color palette. You can also create a cohesive look by layering in striped jute fabrics, windowpane patterns, velvety soft textures, and embroidered floral pillows that boldly add dimension. Introducing pillows to the sofa with varying textures and designs in similar shades of creams, taupes, and greiges helps break up the solid beige color of the sofa. Decorating within the same neutral color palette keeps the look unified while the shade differentiation creates interest.

If your space needs a pop of color, use the throw pillows as an opportunity to tie your accent color in. There are pillows of all colors that are suitable for any style preference and color choice. A beige couch can mesh with any range of color, from neon green to pale pink or navy blue. The variation of pillows makes them the ultimate transitional decor piece, great for those decorators who love to keep a look fresh without altering the entire space.

Bring texture to the space with an area rug

An effective way to accent a beige couch is to combine it with an area rug that's the right size for the space. Layering a rug into your decor takes up a lot of empty space and adds a massive visual element to the room. To avoid the rug looking plain and boring in your space, opt for one with some pattern and texture to add a rich visual experience (via Roomdsign.com). A beige couch will instantly become the focal point in a room when it's anchored by the perfect rug.

The elegant neutrality of a beige couch means it can go with light or dark colors (via Decorated Life). Once you choose the best shade for your living room and beige sofa, look for a pattern to elevate the decor scheme. You may consider a neutral Persian pattern, a fun animal print, or a brightly-colored abstract design. The accent rug is an ideal transitional decor item that can be swapped out to add texture, color, and dimension.

Use an ottoman to accent the beige couch

If you prefer the minimalist aesthetic and would rather not add a ton of pillowy fluff to layer on the couch, then you may want to think about how an ottoman could be just the design element you need to accentuate your decor. The option of displaying an ottoman in lieu of a coffee table is a structural change that still boasts a ton of functionality while still adding a touch of softness. It's often an underappreciated living room decor piece, according to Architectural Digest. You could consider swapping out the coffee table for a plush or tufted ottoman in a pale blue color or rich brown windowpane pattern. 

You could also look for ottomans crafted from soft materials such as velvet and suede, as they invoke a luxurious coziness and bring texture into the living space, which might be just what your room needs if your couch has few to no pillows. Considering this design element offers a way to introduce contrasting yet complementary furniture pieces into the room. Ottomans are available in various styles and shapes, perfect for any shade of beige couch from light to dark.

End tables can help balance the look around the sofa

To maximize space and accent the beige sofa, consider adding accent tables to the living room. Whether your style is industrial, farmhouse, modern, or vintage there is an end table to fit your taste. If the aesthetic in the room is more modern, you may opt for a more chunky or ornate piece of furniture to create contrast. If the living room decor is dominated by bold patterns and vibrant colors, then you may find a streamlined, soft-edged upholstered piece more pleasing, adding a sense of balance to the room (via Ballard Designs).

The options are endless when it comes to accent table styles and materials. The beige tone of your sofa can match with a multitude of wood types: Pine, walnut, oak, and ash, to name a few. You can select any wood finish, metal, or upholstered material for your end table and tuck them alongside your sofa. When selecting this piece of furniture, be mindful of the shape of the couch and the layout of the living room before deciding on a final end table or set of tables. You want the furniture to balance the amount of negative space in the room, so choose the table shape best for your space.

Floor lamps set the tone for your beige couch

The right light can alter the mood a beige couch conveys in a living space. While natural lighting beautifully accents a room's decor, decorators still need to create an ambiance after the sun goes down, and this is where choosing the right floor lamp matters. These items are often overlooked, and shouldn't be, because if you choose the right one, it can completely change a room's decor scheme (via New York Magazine).

So, how do you choose the right one for your beige couch? As always, start with how much room you have for it! Where will the floor lamp go? Would a matching set complete the look? Ask yourself these questions to get started and then begin narrowing down style choices. You could choose a bronze or silver finish, opt for a cone-shaped shade, or go for a more architectural look with an arched lamp. One could even select an interesting fabric floor lamp as a way to add a classy touch of texture to the room (via Home Decor Bliss). Floor lamps are a differential height element, and do an exquisite job shaping a room.

Display a second sofa to create a focal point

If space allows, you could choose to add an additional, different style sofa to your home. This design idea may seem contradictory at first, but when you consider the depth that accent chairs bring to a space, the idea of adding another sofa becomes more acceptable. Try to look for furniture pieces that complement the beige couch but also create visual interest in your space. 

Mismatching furniture in the common areas is an evolving trend in today's modern living spaces. This decor choice drastically increases visual texture in a space, so don't hesitate to choose a completely different style of furniture. Choosing a sofa with a delicate lined pattern, unique legs, or complementary color scheme will contrast itself against the neutral tone of the beige couch. You can showcase your style by pairing a Victorian-age sofa with a modern one (via Decor Snob). The goal of this design technique is to try and create a focal point with your sofas by choosing pieces from different eras that complement yet contrast one another in a harmonious way.

Coffee tables fit for the sofa

If you prefer convenience and style, then adding a coffee table to complement your beige sofa seems like a perfect decor choice. Opting to add a coffee table to the living room maximizes the functionality in the space while being the ideal furniture piece to accent the beige tone of your couch. Before settling on the perfect coffee table for your room, consider proportions and choose a table that fits the sofa and the space. To ensure it is a comfortable setup, choose a table that is the same height of your sofa cushions or an inch or so below them, according to MyDomaine.

The material options are limitless, with wood, glass, metal, or stone tables being among the most popular choices. Keep the tone of your beige couch in mind, and try to choose a material that brings out the warmth of it. Wood-crafted tables can be used to layer in an earthy element around the sofa, or use a glass piece to project a more open landscape. If one table is not the right fit, look for two smaller ones to arrange in the room.

Create a statement look by choosing one standout accent color

If you are decorating your beige couch and it still feels like something is missing, it could be that the space is in need of an accent color. You could try to work the unexpected accent color into small areas in your living space, according to Homes & Gardens. This pop of color — any color, can be accentuated in the pillows, blankets, curtains, and picture frames that you place throughout the room.

Instantly add drama to the space with olive green tones, dusty pinks, or burnt oranges. You could opt to keep it neutral and layer in deep shades of black, light lavenders, or smoky browns (via Apartment Therapy). A beige-colored sofa is very versatile, and lends itself to be matched with most colors. Bring drama to the area and tie in other decor elements nearby by deciding on an accent color to decorate your beige couch with. Determining the right accent color will directly impact your space and add interest.

Use houseplants to accentuate an already calm environment

A beige sofa evokes a sense of calmness on its own, so naturally, adding lush greenery to surround it will only elevate the serenity in the space. The large green leaves, natural vibes, and earthy elements houseplants bring all play nicely against a beige couch. Consider adding some large and small plants or flowers to complete the look around your room.

Before you go buying all the greenery you can get your hands on, evaluate which plants are best suited for the amount of sunlight in your room. If your space has a ton of natural light, try fiddle-leaf figs and bird of paradise, according to MyDomaine. For a darker room with less sunlight throughout the day, consider potting a dragon tree for a low-maintenance option, or using faux greenery for no maintenance at all. A faux tall olive tree or snake plant can be ideal for the space, but make sure to pot them in a woven basket or cement planter for a finished look. If you have sofa tables behind your couch, consider adding flowers in vases or smaller potted plants that are perfect for adorning the table top. Create a tranquil oasis of plants that blend effortlessly with your beige sofa.

Add interest to the space with window coverings

Being that beige is such a versatile color, try to tap into its uniqueness and find window coverings that complement the couch. The options are endless when it comes to adding the right curtains to the space. If opting to keep the beige sofa as the centerpiece in the room, you could stick to a monochromatic palette and layer in a very neutral, similarly-colored shade of beige curtain to the windows. This blend of neutrals keeps to a muted color tone and mimics the beige couch, creating a cohesive look. Layering in beige works so well and creates an ultra-chic vibe.

If you are trying to bring about a bold change in the living area, hang a set of patterned curtains in a complementary shade of blue, gray, orange, or black (via Organized Apartment). Using window coverings to add color in the space is like adding a gigantic piece of art to a wall. Curtains take up quite a bit of vertical space, and can instantly draw the eye upward and in with a bright floral pattern or detailed lace trim.

Stick the neutrals for a harmonized look

If you already have a beige couch or you are considering adding one to your living room, you probably love neutral colors and shades. It's simple to stick to those beige tones and undertones, since they're commonly found in everyday home decor. These lovely taupe shades and cream colors are often in the materials of blankets, pillows, lamps, and baskets. Items in neutral colors are easily located, can be pleasing to look at, and are pleasant to live amongst every day.

Opting to stick to an all-neutral color palette will make the space feel lighter and bigger, according to Homenish. This is a great decor tip to keep in mind if your living space is small and you want to maximize your furniture's overall appearance. If you are sticking to the neutrals for your space, consider adding floral arrangements, vases, and photo prints in similarly soft hues. Pairing creams and whites together is a classic style favorite. Using neutral colors to decorate around your beige couch harmonizes the look in your space.

Hang wall art behind the sofa

If your beige couch backs up to a wall, then consider pairing it with some aesthetically pleasing framed prints or a canvas art piece. Choosing to display wall art can bring a sense of balance to a space and pull a look together. A gallery wall is a great option for adding interest to a wall above a sofa, according to The Spruce.

No color is off-limits when it comes to accentuating a beige couch, so you could choose to go bold and find some artistic elements that add a touch of color to the environment. Look for boldly-colored geometric art, abstract paintings, or vivacious outdoor landscapes as some pieces for consideration. Having art on your walls serves as a great transitional decor item. Prints can easily be swapped out and art can be changed entirely or reframed, making styling the beige couch a breeze when inspiration strikes.

Add texture with a throw, but keep it light

A calming palette and mixture of textural layers brings a space to life and highlights the room's surroundings. You can stick to a calming palette of whites, taupes, browns, creams, and off-white hues to invoke warmth and light in your space. Beige is a warm hue that complements rich shades, so choose warm blankets in warm-toned light colors to add to your beige couch. 

You could try to create a cozy look for your sofa by layering it with plush cream blankets or super soft merino wool throws. Draping a natural faux fur or cotton blanket over a sofa is great for warming up a space (via Elle Decor). Make the most of the texture in the blankets by choosing pieces with stitchwork or unique designs that express your individuality. Beige is far from boring, and works with just about every style. A beige sofa is the ultimate blank canvas for a decorator to create a neutral masterpiece.