When it comes to painting the interior walls of your home, choosing the right colour can be a daunting task. With so many paint colours to choose from, how do you know which shade will work best for your space? The most popular interior wall paint colours tend to be neutral hues that provide a versatile backdrop that can work with many different decor styles. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular interior wall paint colours and what makes them so universally appealing. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right shade for your needs.
The Most Popular Interior Wall Paint Colours
According to leading paint brands and interior designers, the most popular interior wall paint colours tend to be light neutrals that provide a clean, bright backdrop. Here are some of the top choices:
White
White is hands down the most popular interior wall colour. Crisp, clean white provides a fresh, open backdrop that makes any space look larger and brighter. From bright optic white to slightly warmer white dove, there are many white shades to choose from. White works in almost any room, but it really shines in spaces with plenty of natural light.
Grey
Grey has surged in popularity for interior walls over the past decade. Soft, muted greys like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter or Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray create an elegant, soothing backdrop. Deeper greys can feel rich and cozy. Greys pair well with many colour schemes from bold colours to pastels.
Beige
A warm, inviting neutral, beige is a perennial favourite for interior walls. It provides a calming, welcoming backdrop for any living space. Lighter beiges feel bright and airy, while deeper beiges create a cozier ambiance. Beige works well in traditional, rustic or farmhouse styles.
Blue
While bolder blues can feel energetic and lively, soft powder blues and pale sky blues are increasingly popular wall colours. These muted shades create a relaxed, serene environment. Blue-grey hues are also on the rise for their soothing qualities. Blues complement a wide range of decor styles.
| Colour | Popular Shades | Rooms It Works Well In |
|---|---|---|
| White | Optic White, White Dove, Alabaster | Living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens |
| Grey | Revere Pewter, Agreeable Gray, Gray Owl | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms |
| Beige | Khaki White, Shoji White, Sandstone | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms |
| Blue | Pale Sky, Powder Blue, Aegean Teal | Bedrooms, living rooms, offices |
What Makes These Colours So Popular?
There are a few key reasons why white, grey, beige and blue reign supreme when it comes to interior wall colours:
Versatility
These popular neutrals are endlessly versatile. They provide a clean backdrop that meshes well with any style from modern to traditional. Feel free to mix and match your finishes and decor.
Brightness
Light reflective colours like white and light grey can make any room feel more open and airy. Darker greys and beiges provide contrast while still feeling neutral.
Calming
Soft colours like powder blue and pale grey have an inherently soothing, relaxing effect. These hues create a calm oasis away from the busyness of life.
Inoffensive
You simply can’t go wrong with a subtly elegant grey or beige. Unlike bold reds or oranges, neutrals are unlikely to offend anyone’s design sensibilities.
Clean Backdrop
Neutral wall colours recede to the background, letting your furnishings, textiles and overall decor take center stage. You can always paint an accent wall in a bold hue.
Tranquil Environment
Neutrals promote a tranquil environment, which is why they are so popular for bedrooms. Set the stage for relaxation and restful sleep.
How to Choose the Right Neutral Paint Colour
If you’ve decided to jump on the neutral paint colour bandwagon, here are a few tips for choosing the perfect shade:
Lighting
Assess the room’s light exposure. North-facing rooms may need lighter hues like soft white or pale grey to combat gloominess. Southern exposures can handle deeper shades.
Mood
Lighter neutrals feel bright and airy, while darker hues create a cozier ambiance. Select a shade that matches your desired mood.
Colour Temperature
Do you prefer warm tones or cool tones? Greys, taupes and beiges all come in a range of undertones. Sample cards can help you find the right match.
Existing Features
Look at your existing furnishings and architectural details. Contrasting or complementary neutrals can work well.
Test Samples
Paint large swatches on the wall and view at different times/lighting. Make sure you love it before committing.
Additional Tips for Choosing Paint Colours
Here are a few more tips to ensure paint success:
– For smaller spaces, stick to lighter shades which visually expand the walls. Deeper hues can make rooms feel smaller.
– In general, ceilings should be painted a lighter neutral than the walls. This creates a cohesive flow.
– Trim and moulding is typically white or an accent colour that complements the walls.
– Only use semi-gloss or high-gloss paints in areas prone to moisture and frequent cleaning like kitchens and bathrooms. Eggshell or satin works for standard walls and ceilings.
– Always paint a large sample on the wall before committing to the colour. The swatch may look different on a full wall surface.
– Purchase the same brand/colour formula if you need more paint. Colours can vary slightly between manufacturers.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting a versatile interior wall colour that stands the test of time, it’s hard to go wrong with a neutral white, grey, beige or blue. These remain the most popular paint colours because they provide a clean, flexible backdrop. Before your next painting project, evaluate the room’s lighting, mood and existing elements to select the perfect neutral shade. Paint samples allow you to test drive colours before fully committing. With the right neutral paint colour, you can create a beautiful, inviting backdrop that works perfectly with your personal decor style.
