The Best Paint Colors for Every Room, According to Design Experts
Because no two rooms should ever feel the same.
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When it comes to home décor, few decisions carry as much weight as choosing the perfect paint color. It’s the first thing you see when you walk into a room, and the last thing your eye lingers on before leaving it. A well-chosen hue can set the tone, enhance natural light, and create an atmosphere that resonates with your personality and style. Whether you’re embarking on a full renovation or simply looking to refresh a space, the right paint color is more than just an aesthetic choice—it can completely transform your home.
Notwithstanding the ‘color or the year’ by all paint manufacturers, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to paint colors for every room in the house, that is as classic and timeless as elegant. From the rich, bold shades that make a statement to the soothing neutrals that create calm, this guide will ensure that your home looks chic, vibrant, and timeless—no matter the season.
The Living Room: Warm and Inviting
The living room is often the heart of the home, a space for both relaxation and socializing. Experts recommend colors that are inviting, versatile, and able to adapt to both casual afternoons and lively gatherings.
Go with: Soft Beige, Warm Taupe, and Muted Greens. These colors create an effortlessly sophisticated yet cozy vibe. Designers love tones like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter (a soft, warm gray) and Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle (a muted green) for their versatility and timelessness. A classic warm beige or taupe acts as a perfect backdrop, letting furniture and artwork pop without feeling overwhelming.
Pro tip: For a more personalized touch, consider adding an accent wall in a deeper shade like navy blue or deep charcoal to balance out the warmth of neutrals.
The Kitchen: Fresh and Clean
When selecting paint colors for the kitchen, think about clarity and freshness. The kitchen is a space meant for creativity and nourishment, so it’s essential to opt for hues that make it feel open, light, and airy.
Go with: Soft Whites, Crisp Blues, and Sage Greens. Experts suggest white or off-white shades such as Simply White by Benjamin Moore—fresh, clean, and endlessly chic. To bring in a little more color while maintaining a sense of serenity, we recommend muted blues like Wickham Gray by Benjamin Moore or soft sage greens. These hues can make your space feel expansive and calm, while subtly evoking the outdoors.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, a soft pastel like a pale mint or blush can add personality without overwhelming the space.
Image Credit: Wildfire Interiors
The Bedroom: Serene and Restful
The bedroom is your sanctuary—a space for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. When it comes to color, soft, soothing tones are the go-to for creating a peaceful retreat.
Go with: Cool Blues, Soft Grays, and Warm Whites. According to designers, shades like Pale Smoke by Sherwin Williams or Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams are perfect for creating an atmosphere of calm. Light gray tones, such as Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore, also create a serene backdrop that complements a variety of furniture styles. If you prefer a warmer feel, opt for soft whites like Alabaster by Sherwin Williams to make the room feel cozy without being too heavy.
Pro tip: Consider adding a pop of color with soft, muted hues like lavender or dusty rose on one wall to create a tranquil accent.
Credit: A Touch Of Color Painting
The Bathroom: Clean and Refreshing
Bathrooms deserve a color that feels fresh, clean, and calming—creating the ideal space to unwind after a long day. The ideal shades for bathrooms should feel fresh and light, evoking a sense of cleanliness and spaciousness.
Go with: Soft Blues, Seafoam Greens, and Crisp Whites. Blue is often the go-to for bathrooms, especially in calming shades like Pale Powder by Farrow & Ball or Hazy Skies by Benjamin Moore. Seafoam greens like Sea Salt (Sherwin Williams) work wonders in creating a spa-like feel, while soft whites like Cloud White by Benjamin Moore give the space a pristine, fresh look.
Pro tip: If you’re working with a small bathroom, consider using a high gloss finish in a light color—this will reflect more light and make the space feel larger.
Image Credit: Benjamin Moore Crazy Skies
The Dining Room: Bold and Inviting
Image Credit: Ben Pentreath Design using Hague Blue
For the dining room, where family and friends gather to break bread and make memories, it’s all about creating a welcoming and sophisticated ambiance. This is the place where color can be bold, rich, and dramatic without feeling oppressive.
Go with: Deep Blues, Rich Greens, and Warm Terracotta. Experts love the depth and drama of colors like Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball—a stunning, dark blue-green that instantly elevates the space. Another go-to color is Emerald Green, a deep and luxurious hue that makes a statement without being too overpowering. For a more earthy feel, warm terracotta or burnt orange shades bring a sense of richness and warmth.
Pro tip: Pair a deep shade on the walls with lighter furniture and accents for balance, or use gold or brass accents to add an extra touch of glamour.
The Office: Productive and Motivating
The home office is a space where focus and creativity need to flow freely. Color can influence productivity and mood, so choosing the right hue is crucial.
Go with: Soft Blues, Grays, and Charcoal. To promote concentration, opt for colors like Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore—an ultra-light gray with just a touch of blue. For a deeper, more focused vibe, shades like Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore or Charcoal Slate by Sherwin Williams can provide depth and create a grounded, calming atmosphere.
Pro tip: Consider pairing your walls with wood accents or metallic finishes for a more dynamic, inspirational workspace.
Image Credit: Claire Jefford Design using Gray Owl
The best paint colors for every room depend on your personal style, the room’s function, and the feeling you want to evoke. Whether you crave timeless neutrals or vibrant accents, the right shade can breathe new life into any space. The key is choosing colors that speak to you—ones that turn your home into a reflection of your personality and lifestyle.
