10 ways to use Living Coral, Pantone's Colour of the Year 2019

Browse our pick of the best furniture and homeware inspired by Pantone Colour of the Year 2019: Living Coral

living room with large bookcase and sofa with living coral shade by ligne roset
(Image credit: Ligne Roset)

If (like us) you're obsessed with Pantone's recently released Colour of the Year 2019, Living Coral, you may be on the lookout for homewares and furniture that allow you to incorporate the trend into your home. 

While we expect to see lots more Living Coral inspired homewares in upcoming interiors collections, we couldn't resist the opportunity to put together our pick of the best pieces currently available.

Whether you're looking for paints and wallpapers to transform a space entirely or prints, lighting and other home accessories to add a taste of the interiors trend to your home, we've made it easy to shop the look.

Looking for more tips on incorporating trends into your home? Check out our design hub

1. Add an understated pop of Living Coral with subtle soft furnishings

If you love experimenting with interiors trends (we understand) and can guarantee that by next season you'll want to try something new, soft furnishings are an easily replaceable option that allow you to experiment with styles as they come and go. That said, our picks are so gorgeous you may not want to...

Something as simple as replacing the cushions in your bedroom or living room can give enough of a hint at an interiors trend without overwhelming a space or requiring a complete redesign just a few months later. 

We love the subtle use of coral shades in this Metallic-Woven Pommed Cushion from Anthropologie.

cushion in living coral shade by Anthropologie

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

This Khan Cotton Cushion Cover from Wayfair is another lovely option that would make the perfect addition to a space with a boho feel.

cushion in living coral by wayfair

(Image credit: Wayfair)

2. Or go all out with bold (and beautiful) furniture

We've seen a lot of mustard yellow, navy blue and inky black in the world of on-trend velvet sofas and armchairs, each bringing their own qualities to a contemporary scheme. 

With the dawn of Living Coral comes a new found desire for a gorgeous piece of velvet finish furniture in the tropics-inspired shade. This Doodler Snuggler, part of Loaf's collaboration with John Lewis & Partners, fits the bill entirely.

living coral armchair from john lewis & partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

As does this bestselling Alwinton 3-seater Sofa from Sofas & Stuff; the perfect option for those wishing to make their sofa a standout part of their scheme.  

sofa in living coral shade by sofas & stuff

(Image credit: Sofas & Stuff)

3. Give a small space a Living Coral inspired make-over

Got a cloakroom, downstairs loo or dressing room that's in need of a makeover? Patterned wallpapers can make the perfect addition to a small space, giving them a distinct (and often luxurious) feel that's not overwhelming.

We love the idea of incorporating Living Coral into these smaller spaces and think this Cole & Son Seafern Wallpaper would look perfect in a small bathroom. 

pink coral wallpaper form john lewis & partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

While this Wisteria in Coral Wallpaper from Woodchip & Magnolia would make the perfect addition to a dressing room with a distinctly feminine feel – only paper above the dado rail if you're concerned about the space feeling overwhelmed.

wisteria coral wallpaper from woodchip & magnolia

(Image credit: Woodchip & Magnolia)

4. Opt for pieces with simple silhouettes 

If your style is more stripped back and Scandi-inspired, don't assume that Living Coral is off limits. Opt for pieces with simple silhouettes and beautiful design that make the most of the colour trend. Find this Vari Coral Table Lamp at Oliver Bonas.

If you're feeling creative you could even have a go at DIYing a piece that you already own. This Gloss Spray Paint in pink from Wilko is a great colour match. 

light in living coral shade by oliver bonas

(Image credit: Oliver Bonas)

5. Use rugs to add a tropical, summery feel to a space

The thing we love most about Living Coral is its distinctly tropical feel. For maximum effect, pair the dynamic shade with a floral print. It'll add instant vibrance and energy to a space that's lacking.

We love the idea of pairing this Topanga Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Anthropologie with light woods for a laid back, beachy feel.

coral rug from Anthropologie

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

The coral-floral combination too much for you? Opt for something a little more pared back – like this Lustre Rug from John Lewis & Partners – it'll work perfectly as part of a neutral scheme. 

coral rug from john lewis & partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

6. Find the perfect Living Coral paint shade

Tired piece of furniture that could benefit from a coat of Living Coral? Create the perfect match by combining the shades Arles and Emperor's Silk, both from Annie Sloane.

Looking for tips on painting furniture? Our handy guide will talk you through the steps. 

room with living coral chair by furniture choice

(Image credit: Furniture Choice)

7. Even smart home tech lovers can embrace the Living Coral trend

So significant is the Living Coral colour trend that it's even taken on the world of smart home tech. 

Pick up a Google Home Mini in the illustrious shade to start (or expand) your smart home system.

google home mini from john lewis & partners

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

One of the main benefits of a gallery wall – aside from looking lovely – is how easily it will allow you to transform the feel of a space simply by changing a few images around.

With this in mind, incorporating prints with a coral colour palette into your gallery can be an easy way to work seasonal trends into a space (and has the added benefit of not costing the earth). Looking for tips on designing a gallery wall? Our guide has you covered.

We love the marble effect of this Coral Blush Marble Print from Fy!

living coral coloured print from Fy

(Image credit: Fy)

9. The perfect accessory for a cosy winter

While we'll admit that Living Coral will probably come into its own more during the summer months, that doesn't stop us seeking out winter-ready items that are making the most of the trend.

This gorgeous Simone Throw Blanket from Anthropologie is a great example. We're picturing winter evenings snuggled up beneath its pom-pommed perfection. 

coral striped throw by Anthropologie

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Just because we can't get enough of coral throws (or pom-poms, apparently) we thought we'd share another of our favourites. The Coral Pom Pom Blanket from Dunelm makes a lovely (and more affordable) alternative.

pom pom blanket in living coral from dunelm

(Image credit: Dunelm)

10. Opt for an alternative to plain, white shutters

If you're installing shutters, white may seem to be the go-to option. However, a coloured finish – why not Living Coral inspired – makes the perfect addition to a space with either colour scheme in a similar pinky hue or something more neutral.

Recreate this look with Shutterly Fabulous.

coral coloured shutters from shutterly fabulous

(Image credit: Shutterly Fabulous )

Looking for more on-trend decorating inspiration?

Emily Shaw

Emily first (temporarily) joined the Real Homes team while interning on her summer break from university. After graduating, she worked on several publications before joining Real Homes as Staff Writer full time in mid-2018. She left the brand in 2020 to pursue another career, but still loves a second-hand bargain and sourcing unique finds to make her rented flat reflect her personality.

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