The Best Paint Colors for Home Staging
Paint colors are a vital decision when staging a home, significantly influencing the impression the space makes on potential buyers.
First of all, freshly painted walls signal to buyers that the home is well maintained. What’s more, the right colors depersonalize the space while keeping it inviting, helping buyers imagine making it their own. They can optimize light and make smaller spaces feel bigger and oversized spaces feel cozier. They can draw attention to points of visual interest and unify the flow of the home.
In short, paint colors are perhaps more impactful than any other element of a staged home. The goal should be not to make buyers think “I like this color” but “I like this home.”
With all that in mind, which colors should you use? Read on for ideas and tips for finding the best colors for staging your home.
The Subtle Power of Neutral Tones
Staging is about mass appeal, and neutral paint colors cater to the widest range of tastes. This helps buyers focus on the home’s potential rather than the owner's distinctive style. Below are some excellent options to consider.
Soft Grays: A Modern Classic for Any Space
These light and versatile colors can provide a clean, modern backdrop that appeals to most buyers. Any of them can help create a fresh, move-in-ready feel without feeling cold or sterile.
A light, elegant gray with warm undertones that performs well in any lighting.
- classic-gray-1548-12x12
A perfectly balanced and universally appealing color with beige undertones.
- agreeable-gray-7029-12x12
A soft color with warm undertones that works beautifully in natural and artificial light.
- repose-gray-7015-12x12
A subtle and sophisticated gray that complements both cool and warm decor.
- crushed-ice-7647-12x12
A crisp and clean gray that works best in well-lit rooms.
- gray-owl-2137-60-12x12
A warm color that feels both upscale and cozy, blending well with wood tones.
- gossamer-veil-9165-12x12
Bright Whites for a Clean, Inviting Look
Another option is using a white color to create a clean, fresh backdrop that makes spaces feel bigger and brighter. Consider these possibilities.
One of the purest whites available, perfect for modern, clean interiors with lots of natural light.
- chantilly-lace-2121-70-12x12
A slightly cool white that works well for trim, ceilings, or walls in contemporary spaces.
- extra-white-7006-12x12
One of the brightest options, great for modern spaces with minimalist finishes.
- high-reflective-white-7757-12x12
A clean white with cool undertones, ideal for contrasting wood flooring or brass fixtures.
- super-white-oc-152-12x12
A soft but bright white that pairs well with other whites or soft neutrals.
- all-white-2005-12x12
With subtle coolness, this hue works beautifully for trim or walls in modern homes.
- decorators-white-cc-20-12x12
Subtle Blues: Adding Calm to Bedrooms and Bathrooms
These soft, muted tones can add just a hint of color while keeping the space calm, clean, and universally appealing. This makes them especially well suited for bedrooms, bathrooms, or accent walls in open-plan spaces. (More on accent walls below.)
A gentle blue that adds a cool, airy vibe, perfect for primary bedrooms or bathrooms.
- silver-mist-1619-12x12
A cool blue-gray that can create a spa-like effect in bathrooms and guest rooms.
- smoke-2122-40-12x12
A soft blue-green that changes with the light and works well in coastal homes.
- sea-salt-6204-12x12
A dusty blue that works beautifully paired with creamy whites and natural materials.
- light-blue-22-12x12
Accent Walls: Using Bold Colors Without Overwhelming
When used thoughtfully, accent walls can add character to a staged home without distracting potential buyers. Here are some tips on striking that balance.
1. Choose the Right Room
Accent walls are best in spaces where you want to create a focal point or subtly define an area. Consider using one in the primary bedroom on the wall behind the bed, in the living room, dining room, entryway, or hallway.
2. Choose a Buyer-Friendly Color
You’ll want a color that adds dimension without feeling too dramatic. Consider a slate blue, dusty green, soft charcoal, deep greige, or navy. In general, it’s best to steer clear of bright reds, purples, or yellows.
3. Keep the Rest of the Walls Neutral
An accent wall shouldn’t clash with any other colors in the space. Make sure the surrounding walls are in a soft neutral color, and sample the colors together to make sure they complement each other. (More on sampling colors below.)
4. Use It to Highlight Architecture or Features
Accent walls are most effective when they draw attention to a point of visual interest, such as a built-in bookcase, mantel, window seat, or piece of art.
5. Avoid Small or Busy Spaces
Accent walls can be powerful, so don’t use them in spaces where the effect might be overwhelming.
6. Coordinate with Decor
Repeat the accent wall color in a few small decor elements, such as throw pillows, a rug, or a vase. A little goes a long way.
Find Your Perfect Colors With Samplize
Sampling is vital to choosing the best colors for staging, and Samplize makes that simple with large-format peel-and-stick paint samples. Here’s how it works.
Step One: Choose Your Samples
Make selections from the colors we’ve recommended above or browse 1000s of others from leading brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball. Pick your favorites, place your order, and we’ll make sure your samples arrive on your doorstep the very next day.
Step Two: Peel and Stick
Your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint and tested to ensure 100% accuracy. Start by testing one sample in an inconspicuous spot that’s clean and free of debris. Once you’ve tried one sample, feel free to stick on various colors side by side.
Step Three: Pick Your Color
Don’t rush this step. Take note of what each color looks like at various times of day, with the lights switched on, off, and dimmed, etc. Ask friends and family what they think. Think about the overall effect you want to create in your staged space, and which colors will help you achieve that. After all that, if you’ve not found your perfect colors, simply repeat steps one and two until you do.
Ready to Start?
Staging a home well requires a long list of decisions, and finding the right colors can help guide the entire process. Start exploring the possibilities right here.
