Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Experts say these classic interior paint colors never go out of style

Paint is a crucial element in your home’s interior design, setting the mood of the entire room. From classic paint colors to trendy hues, there’s a lot to consider when picking the perfect one for your space. While traditional paint colors never seem to go out of style, trendier spaces need constant remodeling to not look dated.

If you’re looking for paint colors that will outlast the ever-changing fashions, choosing classic colors is essential. Before you break ground remodeling your space, check out these classic hues that will stand the test of time.

Living room with neutral tones on walls
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Stay with neutral shades and low sheens

Neutral colors are the foundation in most peoples’ homes, as they won’t clash with the changing decor. Neutral, classic shades are more than just beige and white, though. This collection of colors can also include navy blues, deep reds, greys, and even emerald greens. With all these options, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Eugene Colberg, an expert on architecture and interior design from Colberg Architecture, shared, “When we recently repainted our home, we started by selecting a neutral base color which was not to be white. We wanted all of the crispness of white without its sterile starkness.” According to Colberg, a warm grey, like Benjamin Moore, OC27: Balboa Mist, can brighten up a room all while adding a soft, warm tone that bright whites can’t quite provide. He continues, “this is a great color which can look white if not next to a white but can make the white trim and ceilings of your home pop, defining your space in a subtle way.”

Next, it’s best to choose accent colors that pair well with the neutral grey on the walls. Colberg shares, “we complemented that selection with white trim, Iron Mountain on a number of walls, and Blue Hydrangea.”

In terms of brand, he recommends sticking with Benjamin Moore. “They have a great reputation as a manufacturer, great color palettes, good choices for sheen, and their products are widely available,” he said. His favorite Benjamin Moore shades include:

Blue or green undertones:

Deep, statement-making hues:

Dark and moody:

Bold accent colors:

Consider the mood you want to create in your home

Classic neutrals, like brown, taupe, beige, and grey, have been popular for centuries because they work with any style or color scheme, and can complement your decor regardless of material.

Brown, for instance, works well with aesthetics that include a lot of natural materials like the classic country style or bohemian chic. Taupe adds a romantic softness to powder rooms or other small, intimate spaces. Beige is a classic neutral that can reflect light in dimmer spaces like hallways and rooms with few windows. Last, grey has a cooler tone than beige making it a favorite of styles with an industrial or contemporary flair.

As previously mentioned, don’t be afraid to add more color with deep blues, greens, and reds, whether you paint the whole room with these hues or just stick to one accent wall.

Stick with one or two colors, and not more than three

As a general rule, it’s best to use no more than three main colors in the room. Adding more can cause a room to look too busy, especially once you add in decor, and it also increases the risk that the colors will clash. Accent colors in the pillows, wall art, rugs, and the like are welcome as long as they complement the dominating tones in the room.

Bright pink wall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Avoid bright colors

Remember that the name of the game here is choosing colors that are classic and not trendy. If you want to create a fun, contemporary theme, feel free to bring in bright reds, electric blues, and sunny yellows. However, if you’re looking for a style that will stand the test of time, keep it simple and neutral.

Have fun painting your interiors

Choosing suitable paint colors for your home can be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from, and it seems like every other day, there’s a new trend on social media. For those with a love of decor and the motivation to remodel every so often, try them out! For others, who are looking for classic, crowd-pleasing styles, keep it classic with neutral shades in low sheens.

Keep in mind that the colors you paint your walls set the tone of the space, so take some time to consider the purpose of the room before picking out those new color swatches. At the end of the day, if you decide the hue doesn’t quite do the room justice, you can always paint over it again!

Editors' Recommendations

Will Blesch
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Will Blesch is a copywriter, content writer, and someone passionate about anything that lets him discover more about this…
Sanding, primer, or both? This is how to prepare a wall for painting
Don't skip these important steps before you start your next paint job
Two people painting an interior wall

Painting is the easiest way to transform any room in your home. A simple coat of paint is all it takes to make a drab space become a vibrant, bright room that everyone will love hanging out in. However, when it comes to actually getting the painting job done, there are some preparation steps that you need to consider.

Painting requires a bit of prep work, regardless of what condition your walls are in. Walls with holes and dents may take longer to prep than walls that just need a coat of paint. Additionally, you may need to consider sanding, priming, and other prepping methods that'll help your painting project go smoothly and ultimately result in a stunning, finished look.

Read more
Satin vs. eggshell paint: How to choose the right finish for every room
Deciding between satin and eggshell paint? Read an expert's thoughts here
Pink and blue color blocking wall paint design

Repainting your home is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to transform your home. However, before you start poring over paint swatches and heading to your local hardware or paint store to buy your house paint primer and paint, there is one major decision you need to make: finish. Let's talk about what paint finish is, how it will impact your painting project, and which you should choose when it comes to satin vs. eggshell paint.

What is paint finish?
When we talk about paint finish, we're referring to the texture and appearance of a painted surface after the paint has dried. Basically, it's the final touch that determines the overall aesthetic and feel of the painted area. Paint finishes can vary in terms of sheen (glossiness), smoothness, and durability, and each type of finish has its own unique characteristics. Paint finish isn't a one-size-fits-all situation, and the finish of the paint can make a big difference in how it looks.

Read more
4 outstanding paint colors for your small laundry room upgrade
Don't settle with a dark and dreary laundry room. Try these paint colors to brighten and refresh the small space
Laundry room with shelving and cubbies

When styling a small laundry room, you've likely struggled to find a paint color that brightens the space. Even when opting for neutral tones, you find yourself entering a space that is cramped or dreary. The challenge with small laundry rooms is that they often appear dark, bleak, or dingy, making your already small area appear more cramped than it actually is. To prevent this from happening in your home, it's best to choose laundry room colors that help illuminate and expand the room's look.

While light neutrals and bright whites may seem like the obvious choice, we're here to prove that there are several fun color alternatives that will improve your space. Below, we've chosen four amazing paint colors perfect for opening up and brightening a small laundry room.

Read more