Paint industry pros predict diffused colors will take the place of last year's bright shades.

By Cyndy Aldred

Published on January 6, 2025

Photo:

Haneen Matt

Paint manufacturers have released their much-anticipated predictions for colors that are expected to trend in the year ahead. From “quietly colorful" hues to contrasting shades of charcoal to rich jewel tones, there’s an inspiring paint color for every design style. Here are the top paint color trends forecasted for 2025.

Photo: Nicole Franzen / Designer: Amy Knerr / Stylist: Brittany Albert

1. Quietly Colorful Hues

According to paint manufacturers, the biggest color story of 2025 is an expected consumer shift from popular neutrals to hues that are ‘‘quietly colorful.” These diffused, mellow shades are a fantastic way to introduce and layer color into a space. Not only can they bring harmony to a room, but they also complement any design style.

To find these quietly colorful hues, look for saturated paint color cards that are located next to and border neutrals at the paint store.  Some forecasted quiet colors to consider are Sherwin-Williams Carnelian, Benjamin Moore Leather Saddle Brown, and BEHR Colorful Leaves.

Paint Color: Muskoka Dusk CC-6 by Benjamin Moore

Margaret Rajic / Designer: Corey Lohmann

2. Earthy Neutrals

Earth tones are forecasted to play a strong role in color selection in 2025, especially when it comes to neutrals. Instead of the cooler undertones of the past five years, warmer neutrals with stronger earth-toned hues—the same mellow undertones that will make quietly colorful shades popular—are expected to resonate with consumers in the year ahead. 

Earth tones vary in saturation from pale hues like beige and clay to bold shades like deep, chocolatey browns. When mixed with creamy whites, the complex undertones in earthy paint colors instantly stand out and make a beautiful statement on walls and cabinetry alike. Other earthy neutrals to consider are Sherwin-Williams Thunderous, Benjamin Moore Ashwood Moss, and BEHR Wild Truffle.

Wall Panel Paint Color: Pigeon by Farrow & Ball

Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year Is a Toasty, Decadent Shade of Mocha

Haneen Matt

3. Contrasting Charcoals

Mixing contrasting colors in home design continues to be popular with designers and color forecasters. Layering an almost-black shade of charcoal with white or a lighter color is a beautiful way to make a statement and create a moody conversation area.

The beauty of charcoal paint colors is that they vary in coloration, with warm or cool undertones to complement other hues in the space. If you're looking for the perfect shade of charcoal, consider these favorites featured in 2025 color forecasts: Sherwin-Williams Sealskin and BEHR Cracked Pepper.

Wall Color: Jet Black by Benjamin Moore

Courtesy of The Creativity Exchange / Designer: Layered Home

4. Nurturing Greens

Paint manufacturers expect greens to continue to play a big role in consumer color selection in the year ahead. Forecasted for 2025 are organic, nurturing shades of green reminiscent of the forest. These fresh green colors contain the same mellow, muddied, earthy undertones as the quietly colorful hues. The restorative shades of green also have a calming effect when used on walls and cabinetry as they help bring the outdoors inside. Look to shades of green like sage, moss, and juniper for a tranquil connection with nature. 

Other nurturing green paint colors to consider in 2025 are Sherwin-Williams Gallery Green, Benjamin Moore Rosepine, and BEHR Boreal.

Cabinet Paint Color: Pewter Green by Sherwin-Williams

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

5. Deep Blues

In 2020, global color forecasters predicted that blue would be the color of the decade and blue continues to be popular in design and with consumers. However, expect to see some shifts in the trending undertones of blue paint colors.

This year, paint manufacturers anticipate that deeper, more complex blues, such as cerulean and Prussian blue, will trend. Forecasted blues to consider are Sherwin-Williams Outerspace and BEHR Black Sapphire.

Wall Color: Dark Night by Sherwin-Williams

Courtesy of BEHR

6. Moody Jewel Tones

Dark, moody colors continue to be popular with consumers and color forecasters again this year. Experts believe this trend will continue but expect to see a shift toward warmed-up jewel-tone hues. Think deep plums with muddy undertones, like BEHR’s 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors. Complex shades of dark green-blue and rich chestnut will also be top picks. 

A few favorite deep jewel-tone paint colors to inspire your next project include Sherwin-Williams Cascades, Sherwin-Williams French Roast, and Benjamin Moore Stained Glass.

Wall Color: Rumors by BEHR