18 Paint Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2018 — How to Choose + Test First

Color trends don’t arrive in a single flash. They reflect what people respond to in light, texture, and daily life. This year’s palette captures a mix of calm, warmth, and a touch of boldness that feels approachable for real homes.

Think of trends as inspiration rather than hard rules. Use the ideas to guide your choices and adapt them to your space, lighting, and personal style. The point is to translate the mood of the moment into colors that feel at home in your room.

Trend signals and what they mean for homeowners

Ever wondered why certain colors suddenly pop up everywhere? It’s not just luck or coincidence. Trends in interiors, fashion, and manufacturing push hues into popularity.

For instance, you might see a surge of greenery-inspired tones after a few years of urban gardening gaining traction. Or, warm metallics like brass and copper could rise due to increased use in industrial design and architecture.

As a homeowner, keep an eye on these trends. They’re not strict rules, but they can inspire your color choices. Just remember, trends come and go, so choose what feels right for you and your space.

When to follow trends and when to ignore them

So, should you always jump on the trend bandwagon? Not necessarily. It depends on your goals and personal style.

If you’re planning to sell soon, stick with timeless neutrals. They appeal to a wider range of buyers and make your home feel more spacious.

But if you’re staying put, trends can be fun! Just pick colors that speak to you. If you love the look, it’s worth investing in, even if it’s not ‘in’ right now.

Also, consider longevity. Some trends fade fast, while others stick around for years. It’s okay to follow a trend, but make sure it’s one you’ll still love next year – or even five years from now.

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We’ve organized the 18 colors into practical groupings to make choosing easier. Neutrals anchor rooms with versatility and lasting appeal. Blues and greens offer calm, nature-inspired vibes that work in multiple spaces.

Warm accents boost energy without shouting, while deep anchors provide grounding for traditional or modern schemes. Use these groupings as a quick-reference map when you’re planning color blocks, trims, or focal walls.

Neutrals and Greiges (Soft, Versatile Bases)

Warm greiges, creamier whites, and soft taupes are your foundation colors. They adapt to undertones and light, creating a flexible base for your space.

Greige, a mix of grey and beige, is a versatile neutral that works well in both modern and traditional homes. It’s like a chameleon, changing its appearance based on the lighting and adjacent colors.

Creamier whites, like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White or Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster, add a touch of warmth to your space without being too overwhelming. They’re great for ceilings, trim, and small rooms as they reflect light and make spaces feel larger.

Soft taupes are another excellent neutral choice. They have a slight grey undertone that keeps them from feeling too brown or yellow. Try Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige or Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite for a subtle, sophisticated look.

Blues and Greens (Calming to Dramatic)

From muted sage to deep navy, blues and greens offer a range of moods and uses. They can create a calming atmosphere or make a bold statement.

Muted sages and soft blues, like Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green or Sherwin-Williams’ Acacia Haze, are perfect for creating a serene environment. They work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces where relaxation is key.

For a more dramatic look, consider deeper shades like navy blue or hunter green. These colors can add depth and richness to a room. Try Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron or Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe for a sophisticated, moody feel. Remember, darker colors can make rooms feel smaller, so use them wisely.

Don’t forget about the emotional effects of these colors. Blues are often associated with calmness and stability, while greens can evoke feelings of growth, harmony, and balance. Choose your shades based on the mood you want to create.

Warm Accents and Terracotta Tones

Accent shades like terracotta, blush, and warm mustard add modern warmth when paired with neutrals. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to your space.

Terracotta, once popular in the ’70s, is making a comeback. It’s a warm, earthy red that works well in both interior and exterior spaces. Pair it with neutrals like greige or soft white for a balanced look. Try Sherwin-Williams’ Terra Cotta or Farrow & Ball’s Red Earth.

Blush, a soft pink with warm undertones, is another great accent color. It adds a touch of femininity and warmth to a space without being too overwhelming. Pair it with neutrals for a sophisticated look. Try Benjamin Moore’s Blush or Sherwin-Williams’ Rosewater.

Warm mustard is another trendy accent shade. It’s a bold, warm yellow that can add a pop of color to a neutral room. Use it sparingly – a little goes a long way. Try Farrow & Ball’s Yellowcake or Sherwin-Williams’ Mustard Seed.

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In kitchens, look for durable, easy-to-clean options that still read warm. Bathrooms benefit from lighter neutrals or soft blues that read clean in moisture-rich spaces. Living rooms gain their mood from mid-tones that pair well with furniture, rugs, and metals.

Bedrooms often benefit from softer, soothing tones, while exteriors require colors that handle natural light and weather without fading. For each space, match the color’s feel to how you plan to use the room and how much daily maintenance you’re willing to manage.

Kitchens and high-moisture areas

In kitchens, durability is key. Go for semi-gloss or satin finishes to resist stains and clean easily.

Neutrals like ‘Agreeable Gray’ (SW 7029) or ‘Accessible Beige’ (SW 7036) work well with cabinets and countertops. For a pop of color, try ‘Retreat’ (SW 6211), a soft blue-green.

In bathrooms, opt for moisture-resistant paints or those labeled as ‘bathroom & kitchen’ friendly. ‘Stardew’ (SW 9081), a warm gray, is a great choice. For a bold look, consider ‘Anchors Aweigh’ (SW 6234), a deep navy.

Bedrooms and relaxation spaces

For restful sleep, stick to calmer hues. ‘Serenity’ (SW 6470), a soft blue, is perfect for bedrooms. It pairs well with warm undertones in bedding and lighting.

‘Mindful Gray’ (SW 7016) is another great choice. Its neutral base makes it versatile, while its subtle green undertone promotes tranquility.

To balance undertones, consider your lighting. Warmer lights can bring out red or orange undertones, while cooler lights enhance blue or green ones.

Living areas and statement walls

In open-plan living spaces, use deeper, more saturated colors sparingly to avoid overwhelming the room. Consider using them on a single wall or as an accent color.

‘Deep Plum’ (SW 2019), a rich purple, can make a bold statement when used on a feature wall. Pair it with neutrals like ‘Alabaster’ (SW 7008) to keep the space balanced.

For a more subtle but still dramatic look, try ‘Acacia Haze’ (SW 6154), a warm, earthy green. It works well in living rooms and pairs nicely with natural wood tones.

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Natural light direction can dramatically shift how a color appears. Observe how sun moves through the room at different times of day. Consider the room’s size and how reflective the surface is to judge whether a shade will feel airy or cozy.

Account for artificial lighting as well, since bulbs can skew color. Before you commit, test a few options on the actual wall and note how they read in the combined light setup.

Reading natural and artificial light

Understanding how natural and artificial light affects color perception is crucial when choosing a paint shade for your space.

North-facing rooms have cool, soft light. Paint colors may appear cooler and less vibrant here. Consider warm-toned paints to counteract this effect.

South-facing rooms receive bright, direct sunlight. Colors can look more vibrant and intense in these spaces. Opt for lighter or neutral shades if you prefer a subtle look.

East- and west-facing rooms experience changing light throughout the day. Test your paint colors at different times to see how they adapt to varying lighting conditions.

Artificial light also plays a significant role. Incandescent bulbs cast warm, yellowish light, while fluorescent or LED bulbs emit cooler, whiter light. Choose bulbs that complement your desired color scheme and provide adequate illumination for the space.

Identifying and compensating for undertones

Undertones in paint colors can significantly impact how a shade looks in your space. Learning to spot cool or warm undertones will help you choose harmonious colors that complement fixed elements like flooring, countertops, and furniture.

Cool undertones are typically blue, green, or purple-based. Warm undertones have yellow, orange, or red bases. To identify undertones, look at the color’s most prominent hue when viewed under different lighting conditions.

When selecting a paint shade, consider the undertones of fixed elements in your room. For example, if you have cool-toned flooring, choose warm-toned paint to create balance and harmony. Conversely, pair cool-toned paint with warm-toned floors for a striking contrast.

Test patches are essential here as well. Apply them on different walls at various times of day to see how undertones interact with natural and artificial light in your space.

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Start with small sample pots on inexpensive boards or drywall patches. Place them in areas that see typical light and traffic to compare how they change. Create a few credible mockups before full commitment.

Scale your testing by viewing at different times of day and across multiple walls. If possible, observe a full-wall test under the same lighting conditions you’ll have after painting.

Making and using painted sample boards

Painting multiple large boards allows you to move colors around your house, comparing them in different spaces and light conditions.

Use a brush or roller to apply paint evenly onto boards. Aim for a 12×12-inch size for easy maneuvering. Let dry completely before moving.

Pro tip: Label each board with the color name and number of coats applied for easy reference.

Move boards around your home, observing how colors interact with furniture, flooring, and other elements. Keep them up for at least a week to get a good sense of the color’s behavior throughout the day and night.

Live wall samples and temporary tests

Painting a sample directly onto the wall or using peel-and-stick swatches provides a more accurate representation of how the color will look in your space.

Choose a 3×3-foot area, preferably near a window for natural light exposure. Apply two coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between coats.

Observe the sample throughout an evening and morning light cycle to see how the color changes. Check if it complements your existing decor and creates the desired mood.

Temporary test: If you’re unsure about painting directly onto your wall, use peel-and-stick swatches. However, keep in mind that these may not provide as accurate a representation of the final color due to their smaller size and lack of texture.

Visual checkpoints to confirm your choice

Use this checklist once you’ve narrowed down your options to ensure you’ve made the best color choice for your space.

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Begin with basic sampling supplies: flat boards or poster sheets, brushes, and a small roller. Keep a notebook or notes app handy to record impressions and lighting conditions. Use painter’s tape to keep clean edges on test areas.

As you proceed, consider upgrading to higher-quality rollers, brush sets, and compatible primer if you see bleeding or poor coverage. Save the pro-grade tools for the final coats and larger surfaces, when accuracy matters most.

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Coordinate main color with trim and ceilings by balancing lightness and contrast. If the main color is light, trim can be crisper for definition; if deep, choose softer trim to prevent busy edges.

Sheen matters for each room: lower sheen in bedrooms and living areas for a calm look, higher sheen where easier cleaning is needed. Align finishes with the surface and use consistent undertones to avoid clashes.

Trim, ceiling, and baseboard strategies

When choosing your trim color, consider two main approaches: contrast or tone-on-tone.

Contrast creates a crisp, defined look. It’s perfect for highlighting architectural details. Think white trim against a dark wall.

Tonal treatment blends walls and trim together, creating a seamless, modern feel. Off-whites or colors close to your wall hue work best here.

Don’t forget about baseboards and ceilings. White is classic but consider painting them the same color as your walls for a cohesive look.

Choosing sheens for durability and appearance

The sheen you choose affects both how your paint looks and how easy it is to maintain. Here’s a quick guide:

Flat has no shine, hides imperfections, but shows dirt easily. Great for low-traffic areas like bedrooms.

Eggshell (low-luster) and Satin (semi-gloss) offer some durability and are easy to clean. Perfect for high-traffic rooms like living rooms and kids’ rooms.

Semi-Gloss is highly durable, reflects light, and resists moisture. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work.

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When buying, read label details and any millage notes to understand coverage. For color matches from brands, ask how close the match is to the original sample and what lighting the match assumes. Bring your own color references to discussions with pros.

Prepare a clear brief for painters: include room dimensions, surface types, and preferred sheen. Watch for red flags like inconsistent color swatches or vague timelines, and ask about warranty and touch-ups as part of the plan.

How to get accurate color matches and read paint chips

When you’re at the store, don’t rely on memory or quick glances. Take your time comparing swatches to your sampled walls.

Hold them up side by side, in different lights, to see how they change. The right match should look consistent throughout the day.

Ask for a sample pot. Paint a small area on your wall and let it dry. Check it at various times of day. If it’s a good match, ask the retailer to mix your paint based on that sample.

When to hire a pro and how to brief them

Knowing when to hire a painter can save you time and money. If your job involves high ceilings, complex color matching, or large areas, consider hiring a professional.

Before you hire, prepare a brief. Include photos of your space, the colors you’ve chosen (with paint chip numbers), and any specific sheens you want. Also, mention if you need them to provide coverage.

When you get estimates, verify timelines and expectations. Ask about their process, how many coats they’ll apply, and when they can start. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – it’s your project!

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