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If your dream living room feels rich, cozy, and layered with character, then this article is for you. Deep hues feel timeless but bold, especially when paired with warm woods, vintage art, and neutral textiles. Whether you want to paint every wall, or use it as an accent on built-ins or fireplace mantle, here are my favorite Benjamin Moore paint colors for creating a moody transitional living room that feels inviting, elevated, and anything but basic.

1. Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss

HC-114 | Deep Olive Green

Ashwood Moss is one of those colors that immediately adds depth and heritage charm. It reads like a vintage olive in daylight and a cozy green-black in the evening, perfect for walls, built-ins, or even interior doors. Pair it with warm brass, linen drapes, and a soft ivory rug for a balanced, lived-in look.

Best for: Built-ins, fireplace, or a full enveloped room

2. Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron

2124-10 | Soft Black

A personal favorite of mine, this soft black has the richness of charcoal without feeling flat or too cool. Wrought Iron is ideal when you want drama without committing to a true black. It’s especially striking against crisp white trim and natural textures like oak or jute.

Best for: Fireplace surrounds, millwork, doors, or walls behind a creamy neutral furniture

Like BM Wrought Iron? You’ll love the Collected New England Paint Guide. Not only does it lay out the perfect palette for your whole home, but it gives specific instructions for where to use it!

3. Benjamin Moore Barista

AF-175 | Reddish Dark Brown

Benjamin Moore describes Barista as “a sumptuous dark brown with a touch of red”, and sumptuous it is! Dramatic and cozy, this color is great for those who want to experiment with dark red, without going too traditional.

Best for: Smaller living rooms or reading nooks where you want a cocooning feel

4. Benjamin Moore Mysterious

AF-565 | Moody Navy Blue

Mysterious is the perfect balance of deep navy and slate. It adds sophistication without feeling nautical and works beautifully with both traditional and modern elements. We love it paired with velvet pillows and gold-toned picture frames for that layered, transitional look.

Best for: Full-room paint or cabinetry

5. Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

HC-168 | Classic Warm Gray

A classic choice for transitional interiors, Chelsea Gray is warm, versatile, and beautifully moody without going too dark. It plays well with almost any color palette and adds instant polish to built-ins or paneling.

Best for: Walls with white trim, built-ins

6. Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown

HC-70 | Deep, Sophisticated Brown

Van Buren Brown is a warm, historical brown that adds depth and character. This rich brown feels earthy and grounded, perfect for classic spaces that lean transitional. Like the other colors on this list, Van Buren Brown shines in living rooms with ivory textiles and antique brass. Layer in dark wood tones for room that feels extra moody and welcoming.

Best for: Walls, cabinetry

Pulling it Off

The secret to a cozy transitional living room is contrast. Pair moody wall colors with light neutral furniture, layered lighting, and warm wood tones to keep the space feeling interesting and inviting.

Don’t forget the most important step in choosing paint colors, SAMPLE! Samplize removable paint samples are the way to go. You can move them from wall to wall, or room to room.

Looking for a ready-made whole house palette that includes moody accent colors?
Grab our Whole House Paint Guides here!

Favorite Benjamin Moore Colors for Moody Transitional Living Rooms