6 Rules to Follow When Choosing Colorful Furniture

If you’ve been thinking about ordering a large piece of colorful furniture for your home, whether it’s a sofa, table, or even an appliance, you may be wondering if there are key logistical steps you should take first.

The answer from professionals is a resounding yes—when using a lot of color, careful consideration is definitely needed. Here, interior designers share six practical tips to help you stay level-headed while making bold design choices.

1. Check Fabric Samples Before Ordering

If you’re considering purchasing a large piece of colorful upholstered furniture, it’s best to first order a fabric sample that matches the color you have in mind. Jennifer Jones, founder of Niche Interiors, suggests this can help you do some firsthand research before buying a non-returnable piece.

“Take the fabric home for a few days to see how it works with your other furniture and how the color changes throughout the day,” Jones explains.

Jodi Peterman, founder of Erin Elizabeth Designs, also stresses the importance of checking fabric samples and observing how a color presents itself throughout the day. She adds that having a fabric sample on hand is also an effective way to assess texture, as different textures can affect how the tone of a color appears.

“Matte finishes soften colors, while gloss or velvet can amplify them, making the same color feel completely different on different surfaces,” Peterman says.

2. Think About the Mood You Want to Evoke

Peterman explains that the colors you choose for a space play a major role in shaping the room’s overall atmosphere.

“Interior design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that fosters the feelings you need in your day-to-day life,” she says. “The key is selecting a color that fits your lifestyle and gives you the luxurious livability you deserve.”

Designers point out that blue and green hues create a more tranquil atmosphere, while bold reds and oranges inject energy into a space. You can decide the mood you want to create and select your tones accordingly.

3. A Statement Piece Shouldn’t Stand Alone

Kimberly Levin, founder of Bespokle LLC, advises that when incorporating a bold piece of colorful furniture into your space, it’s important to blend it with other complementary elements.

“Integrating signature colors subtly through textiles, artwork, or accessories helps create an overall cohesive design,” she says. “The goal is to let the color tell a story, while ensuring the overall design remains layered, refined, and thoughtfully designed.”

4. Don’t Forget About Balance

While complementary elements are important, you should also make sure to bring in some contrast with other colors or neutrals, Peterman shares, noting that this will keep your statement pieces from overwhelming the space.

5. Color Doesn’t Have to Be Permanent

It’s natural for your color preferences to evolve over time. Peterman offers some tips for those just starting to experiment with bright hues in their decor.

“If you love color but are concerned about future flexibility, try timeless shades with a twist—deep teal instead of neon green, mustard yellow instead of bright yellow,” she says.

Additionally, she points out that if you’re not happy with a bold decision later on, there are ways to reverse it. Peterman suggests reupholstering, changing out slipcovers, or adding soft textured throws to pillows and blankets to refresh the room.

6. Choose Pieces That Bring You Joy

Ultimately, when decorating your home with colorful furniture, it’s important to stay true to yourself, Peterman explains. This means celebrating your personal style and not being afraid to express what brings you joy.

“The only mistake you can make is choosing something because it’s trendy, rather than because it truly reflects your authenticity,” Peterman says.