Spring is one of the busiest seasons in the real estate market. If you’re planning to sell your home, giving it a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective way to make it stand out and attract buyers. But with countless color options available, how do you choose the perfect shades to maximize your home’s appeal? Three Bears Home Staging has rounded up a few of the best paint colors to refresh your home before the spring market to help you sell quickly and at top dollar.
Why Paint Colors Matter When Selling Your Home
Paint color is one of the first things buyers notice when they enter a home. The right colors can make a space feel larger, brighter, and more inviting, while outdated or bold shades might turn buyers away. Neutral tones are a safe bet, but there are other factors to consider, such as the latest trends and your home’s architectural style. Let’s explore a few of the best interior paint colors for selling a house and the best exterior house colors to sell that are sure to wow potential buyers.
Best Interior Paint Colors for Selling a House
When it comes to staging your home, interior paint colors play a crucial role in creating an inviting and cohesive look. Below are some tried-and-true shades that top the list this season:
1. Whites
White paints are classic and universally appealing. They create a blank canvas, allowing buyers to envision their own furniture and decor in the space. These shades add brightness and a sense of cleanliness to any room, making them an excellent choice for living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms. Consider these popular options:
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster 7008: A warm white that adds brightness without feeling sterile.
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45: A creamy off-white, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117: A versatile white with a slight hint of warmth, perfect for open spaces.
White can be one of the most challenging paint colors to choose. It’s highly reflective, heavily affected by lighting, and can conceal “hidden undertones” you may have noticed at first. Our Ultimate Guide to White Paint Colors: 18 of Our Favorites & How to Use Them is an instant-download PDF that will help you navigate the many shades of white. It comes complete with our expert tips and a handy paint testing checklist. You’ll also receive large, 8″ x 10″ paper swatches of all 18 white paint colors! We make it easy to see how each hue looks in your space—without the mess or cost of sample cans.
2. Soft, Warm Greiges and Beiges
Warm greiges and beiges are favorites for their ability to feel both modern and timeless. They complement most decor styles and provide a neutral backdrop. Try these shades:
- Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige 7036: A warm, muted beige with a touch of greige, delivering a balanced and inviting neutral perfect for modern and classic spaces alike.
- Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20: A soft, light greige with subtle warm undertones, creating an elegant and versatile backdrop for any room.
- Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen 9109: A warm, creamy beige with soft taupe tones, offering a cozy and inviting neutral perfect for any space.
3. Light Blues and Greens
These are not the best color choices for every home and should be used carefully. That said, the right near-neutral light blue or green can add a subtle pop of color in a coastal or farmhouse-style home. It can also create a calming, spa-like atmosphere in bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt 6204: A muted green-blue that’s both soothing and sophisticated.
- Sherwin-Williams Olympus White 6253: A cool, crisp light gray with subtle blue undertones, offering a fresh and airy feel to any room.
Need help finding the perfect neutral? Our Ultimate Guide to Neutral Paint Colors offers a comprehensive, easy-to-follow roadmap. From calming beiges to timeless greiges, our downloadable PDF includes expert guidance that will give you the confidence to select colors that enhance any space. It’s easy to use, whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want a fresh, elegant look.
In addition to the downloadable guide, we’ll send you 41 large 8″ x 10″ swatches from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. These high-quality swatches allow you to see each neutral in your own lighting, without the mess of sample cans. They also let you easily compare shades in different rooms, so you get the perfect look for every corner of your home.
Best Paint Colors for Staging Your Home’s Exterior
First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. The best exterior house colors to sell are those that enhance curb appeal and complement the surrounding environment.
1. Classic White with Contrasting Trim
White exteriors are timeless and versatile. Pairing white with black or navy trim adds a modern edge that buyers love.
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White: A crisp white that pairs beautifully with dark accents.
2. Warm Neutrals
Neutral tones like taupe, beige, and light gray are universally appealing. These colors blend well with various landscaping styles, as well as certain types of brick and stone finishes.
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter: A versatile, warm greige with subtle earthy tones, offering a classic and refined look for exterior spaces.
- Sherwin-Williams Balanced Beige 7037: A warm, earthy neutral with soft taupe tones, providing a timeless and sophisticated look for many exteriors.
3. Earthy Greens and Blues
Earthy shades like sage green or slate blue can make your home stand out without being overpowering.
- Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog 9130: A soft gray-green that works well with natural surroundings.
- Benjamin Moore Amsterdam AF-550: A smoky blue-gray that’s both bold and inviting.
Paint Colors That Go With Red Brick
When choosing a paint color to compliment red brick, you’ll need to evaluate its warmth, its darkness or lightness, and how it will complement the brick’s texture. Save yourself a little time and energy with Our Ultimate Guide to Paint Colors for Red Brick Exteriors: 7 Specially Curated Palettes & How to Use Them. This downloadable PDF provides seven expertly crafted color palettes, each designed to complement the timeless beauty of red brick. We’ll also ship you large, 8″ x 10″ real-life Sherwin-Wiliams paint swatches for each color. You’ll have everything you need to make confident exterior paint color choices without the hassle of messy sample cans!
What Exterior House Color Sells Best?
Some studies have shown that homes with bold, yet tasteful, front doors in colors like navy blue or black tend to attract more buyers. These accent colors can add character and charm to your home’s facade. To help you get started, check out Our Ultimate Guide to Front Door Paint Colors: 37 of Our Favorites & How to Use Them. This comprehensive digital guide is your one-stop resource for selecting the perfect front door color to make a lasting impression. Along with the instant PDF download, you’ll also receive large paper swatches of every Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paint color in the guide. Compare real-life samples without the mess or expense of sample cans!
How to Choose the Best Paint Colors for Your Home
Choosing the best paint colors to sell a house depends on several factors:
- Your Local Market: Visit open houses in your area to see what’s trending.
- Home Style: Match the paint color to your home’s architectural design.
- Natural Light: Test paint samples in different areas of your home to see how they look throughout the day.
- Professional Advice: Consult with a real estate agent or home staging expert for tailored recommendations.
Fortunately, choosing the perfect paint colors has never been easier! Our ready-made paint color palettes for home interiors and exteriors are expertly designed to help you create a cohesive, stunning look without the guesswork. Plus, each guide includes real-life 8″ x 10″ paint swatches. See exactly how the colors will look in your space before committing! Browse our collection now and find the perfect palette for your home!
FAQs About Paint Colors for Selling Your Home
What Is the Best Interior Paint Color for Selling a House?
Neutral shades like white, beige, and light gray are the best choices. They create a clean, fresh look and appeal to a wide range of buyers.
What Exterior House Color Sells Best?
White and neutral tones like beige and greige are top contenders, but earthy greens and blues are also gaining popularity. Adding a bold front door color can enhance curb appeal.
Are Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams Paints Worth It for Selling a House?
Yes! Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer high-quality paints. Both offer a wide range of neutral and trendy colors that are ideal for staging your home.
Refreshing Your Home Before the Spring Market
Painting your home is an investment that can pay off significantly during the spring market. Whether you’re refreshing the interior or boosting curb appeal with a stunning exterior, choosing the right shades can make all the difference. Be sure to test out your top picks, and get professional guidance from the staging and color experts at Three Bears Home Staging to ensure your home looks its best.
Vannessa Rhoades
Vannessa Rhoades is the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging and the founder of the award-winning firm, Three Bears Home Staging®. She specializes in providing positive, empowering virtual consultations that help homeowners and real estate agents all across the country sell more quickly and for more money.
