When it comes to interior wall colors, there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular interior wall color choices include neutral shades like off-white, beige, gray, and tan. More saturated colors like blue, green, and yellow have risen in popularity in recent years as well. So what is truly the most popular interior wall color?
Most Popular Interior Wall Colors
According to paint manufacturers and interior designers, the most popular interior wall colors tend to be light, neutral shades. Off-white, beige, gray, and tan lead the pack when it comes to home interiors. Here is a breakdown of some of the top interior wall color choices:
- Off-White – Clean, bright, and versatile, various shades of off-white and eggshell white are immensely popular for walls.
- Beige – Warm and welcoming, beige is a great neutral that works for nearly any room.
- Gray – Sophisticated grays have surged in popularity for interiors in recent years.
- Tan – As a warm neutral, tan offers a cozy and relaxed look.
These wall colors tend to suit a wide variety of home décor styles from traditional to contemporary. Neutrals like these can also act as a blank canvas to layer other colors and patterns over.
Most Popular Colors by Room
When looking at specific rooms, the most popular wall colors shift slightly depending on the purpose of the space.
Living Rooms
For living rooms, lighter neutrals still dominate. Beige and tan are very popular living room wall colors, as they promote relaxation. Grays are also widely used to create tranquil backdrops. Some other popular living room wall colors include:
- Sage green
- Sky blue
- Light yellow
Kitchens
In kitchens, off-white and beige remain go-to wall colors. White creates a clean, bright look that suits kitchens well. Some other popular kitchen wall color options:
- Light gray
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
Bedrooms
For restful bedrooms, neutral wall colors are also very popular. Grays, taupes, and light blues are commonly used. Here are some other favored bedroom wall colors:
- Lavender
- Sage green
- Soft peach
Most Popular Neutral Wall Colors
Looking specifically at neutral wall colors, whites, grays, beiges, and tans come out on top. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular neutral shades for interior walls:
Whites
- Swiss Coffee – A warm ivory white
- White Dove – A grayish white
- Extra White – A crisp, bright white
Grays
- Gray Owl – A light gray with brown undertones
- Silver Drop – A cool, sleek gray
- Worldly Gray – A sophisticated, medium-toned gray
Beiges
- Khaki Beige – A yellow-based tan
- Sandy Beige – A warm, inviting neutral
- Oyster White – A pale beige with gray undertones
Tans
- Toasted Almond – A darker beige-tan
- Camelback – A light tan
- Doeskin – A creamy, soft tan
Most Popular Saturated Wall Colors
While lighter neutrals dominate overall, saturated colors have become more popular for accent walls and in places like kids’ rooms, offices, and kitchens. Here are some of the most popular vivid wall color choices:
- Navy blue
- Forest green
- Charcoal gray
- Rich yellow
- Dark red
- Bold orange
- Vibrant turquoise
- Deep purple
These saturated hues can bring drama, sophistication, or fun when used well in interiors.
Most Popular Paint Brands
In terms of specific paint brands, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams consistently rank among the most popular. Here is a breakdown of the most popular interior paint brands:
| Paint Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Behr | One of the top-selling paint brands, known for quality and affordability |
| Benjamin Moore | A premium brand touting elegant colors and quality |
| Sherwin Williams | A trusted brand offering a huge selection of paints and colors |
| Valspar | A more budget-friendly brand sold at Lowe’s |
| Dutch Boy | A mid-range brand sold exclusively at Menards |
When selecting interior paint, homeowners will want to consider the color selection, quality, price, and availability offered by different brands.
Regional Differences
To some degree, popular interior wall colors also vary by region. In the southern United States, warm beiges and neutrals tend to dominate. Grays have become trendy nationwide but remain more popular on the coasts. White and bright walls suit the laidback beach aesthetic. In the southwest, terracotta and deep oranges see more use. Midwestern homes tend toward traditional color schemes. These regional differences reflect local architecture, climate, and lifestyle preferences.
Factors in Choosing Wall Color
When selecting interior paint colors, homeowners weigh many factors:
- Personal taste – Wall color should align with personal preferences for shades and moods.
- Room function – Consider how a space is used when selecting wall color.
- Lighting – The natural and artificial light in a room impacts how paint colors appear.
- Furnishings – Wall color can complement or contrast with furnishings.
- Architecture – Paint color can emphasize architectural details or create illusions.
- Trends – While personal style matters most, trends can offer inspiration.
Balancing all these factors helps homeowners narrow down choices and select interior wall colors that look beautiful, promote functionality, and create the desired ambiance.
Tips for Choosing Paint Colors
Here are some top tips for selecting interior wall colors:
- Decorate with color schemes – Monochromatic, analogous, complementary schemes simplify selection.
- Light colors visually expand small spaces.
- Darker colors bring coziness to large rooms.
- Test paint samples on walls to judge true colors.
- Select a neutral base color and use accents for pops of color.
- Choose colors that complete a desired style – modern, rustic, traditional, etc.
- Consider undertones so colors coordinate with furnishings.
- Be bold with accent walls and save neutrals for main walls.
Conclusion
When it comes to the most popular interior wall colors, off-whites, beiges, grays, and tans lead the way. But the range of favored colors also includes pastels like green, blue, and yellow alongside bold saturated hues. Neutrals prevail because they offer flexibility in home décor and design. But selecting any color that complements a home’s architecture, furnishings, and the homeowners’ preferences will contribute to stylish, functional interiors. With some planning and sampling, homeowners can confidently settle on interior wall colors to suit nearly any aesthetic.
