How Paint Colors Affect Home Value

Did you know the right paint colors can increase your home's value by up to 10%? A black front door, for example, can add $6,449 to your sale price, while a light blue bathroom might boost value by $5,000. On the flip side, a white kitchen could lower offers by $600, and a cement gray front door might cost you $3,365.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what works and what doesn’t:

• Best Interior Colors: Graphite gray kitchens (+$2,512), dark gray living rooms (+$1,755), light blue bathrooms (+$5,000), dark blue bedrooms (+$1,500).
• Best Exterior Colors: Black front doors (+$6,449), greige exteriors (+$3,496), soft white exteriors.
• Colors to Avoid: Bright red kitchens (-$1,500), cement gray front doors (-$3,365), lime green or outdated beige.

The takeaway? Neutral tones, darker grays, and calming blues attract buyers and increase offers, while bold or outdated colors can hurt your home’s value. Paint is a low-cost way to make a big impact, so choose wisely!

7 Paint Colors that INCREASE Your Home's VALUE!!

How Paint Colors Affect Home Value: Research Data

Recent studies have put numbers to the impact of paint choices on home values, revealing how certain colors can influence sale prices and buyer behavior. Zillow's Paint Color Analysis, one of the largest studies in this area, examined thousands of home sales to uncover the relationship between paint colors, buyer perceptions, and final sale prices.

The findings are clear: paint colors don't just affect aesthetics - they influence how buyers perceive value and how long a home stays on the market. And the best part? Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to make a big difference.

"Paint is a relatively affordable and easy change, yet it has an outsized impact on a buyer's perception of the home." – Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert

Paint Colors and Sale Prices

Zillow's 2024 analysis shows how specific paint colors can translate into actual dollars. From kitchens to bathrooms, the right shade can add thousands to a home's value, while the wrong one can have the opposite effect.

Kitchens are a prime example. A kitchen painted in graphite gray can increase a home's sale price by about $2,512, while a midtone pewter kitchen can add $2,553 to the final offer. According to color psychology expert Mehnaz Khan, darker tones like these give buyers the impression of a modern, well-maintained home:

"When a prospective home buyer looks at a picture or a house with a charcoal gray kitchen, subconsciously, they perceive the home as current."

Living rooms follow a similar trend. A dark gray living room can boost offers by $1,755, while even a softer jay blue adds $446 to the price. These darker, moodier tones align with buyers' growing preference for homes that feel like a retreat.

Bathrooms are another area where paint makes a big difference. Terra-cotta brown bathrooms can add $1,624 to a home's value, while light blue bathrooms have an even greater impact, increasing value by nearly $5,000 on a $290,000 home. Earth tones and soft blues are particularly popular, signaling tranquility and warmth.

Bedrooms painted in dark blue are also a hit with buyers, adding approximately $1,500 to the value of a $290,000 home. This preference aligns with the idea of bedrooms as calming, restful spaces.

On the flip side, some colors can hurt a home's value. A white kitchen, for example, might lower offers by more than $600, reflecting a shift away from the all-white trend. Bright red kitchens fare even worse, with offers dropping by nearly $1,500.

These interior trends pave the way for understanding how exterior paint choices, especially for key features like the front door, shape buyers' first impressions.

Exterior Paint Colors and First Impressions

The exterior of a home creates the all-important first impression, often determining whether buyers are even interested in stepping inside. Among exterior features, front door colors have an outsized impact on home value. Homes with strong curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more than those with less appealing exteriors.

For example, painting a front door black can add as much as $6,000 to a home's value, with some data suggesting increases up to $6,449. Even a midtone rosy brown door can lead to an extra $300 on the final offer.

However, not all exterior colors work in a home's favor. A midtone cement gray front door, for instance, can reduce the offer price by $3,365. This highlights the importance of choosing the right shade, even within popular color families.

When it comes to the overall exterior, softer whites with warm or cool undertones are a favorite among nearly half of home staging experts and designers. These shades feel inviting without being stark. Meanwhile, gray remains a popular choice for resale value, and bold black exteriors are gaining traction in urban areas with younger buyers.

As Mehnaz Khan explains, the appeal of darker tones, like charcoal gray, goes beyond trends:

"Buyers have been exposed to dark gray spaces through home improvement TV shows and their social media feeds, but they're likely drawn to charcoal on a psychological level. Buyers want home to be a refuge."

Christie Cannon, a Zillow Premier Agent, agrees:

"These color trends, especially the charcoal gray, add a richness and a depth to a home that you don't see with those white walls."

That said, not all bold choices pay off. Lime green is considered the most off-putting color for buyers heading into 2025, and red interiors remain the least popular overall. These findings underscore the importance of knowing not just which colors add value, but which ones can actively deter potential buyers.

Paint Colors That Increase Home Value

Research has shown that the right paint colors can do more than just freshen up a space - they can actually increase a home's value. By tapping into buyer psychology and staying in line with modern trends, strategic color choices can translate into real financial gains.

Best Interior Paint Colors

When it comes to interiors, certain shades can make a big difference. For instance, painting your bathroom a light blue shade could increase your home's value by as much as 1.6%, which translates to an average of $5,440 in additional value. Similarly, dark blue bedrooms have been linked to an increase of about $1,500 on a typical $290,000 home, while light gray living rooms can add roughly $200 to the final sale price.

Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative at Behr, explains why these colors work so well:

"Color can evoke a strong emotional response to a space. Blues, grays, greens, and whites are timeless, calming colors that allow potential buyers to see a home as a fresh, clean slate. They can then picture themselves, and their personal furnishings, filling the space to make memories in years to come."

The right hues don't just make a home look more appealing - they help potential buyers imagine themselves living there, which can make all the difference when it comes to closing a deal.

Best Exterior Paint Colors

Exterior paint choices can be just as impactful, especially when it comes to curb appeal. A professional paint job on a home's exterior can deliver a return on investment (ROI) of 51–55% and boost overall home value by 2–5%.

One standout choice is greige, a stylish blend of light gray and beige. According to Zillow's 2017 Paint Color Analysis, which reviewed 32,000 home photos from 2010 to 2017, homes painted in greige sold for an average of $3,496 more than homes with other exterior colors. Soft white exteriors are also a crowd favorite, but experts recommend choosing a shade with warm or cool undertones to avoid a stark, institutional look. Gray remains another top choice, with 30% of buyers favoring it over beige, which comes in at 26%. In urban areas, darker shades like sleek grays and charcoal are especially popular for their modern and sophisticated vibe.

Regional preferences also play a role. In warmer climates, lighter shades such as soft pastels or whites are preferred because they reflect sunlight and help keep interiors cooler. In contrast, cooler regions often lean toward warmer tones like taupe, cream, and earthy greens, which create a cozy, inviting feel.

Amanda Pendleton, a home trends expert at Zillow, emphasizes the importance of thoughtful color choices:

"Homeowners will get the biggest bang for their buck if they're strategic about the colors they select in their kitchen and living room."

For those considering a full exterior refresh, companies like Bayshore Exteriors combine carefully chosen paint colors with other upgrades, such as siding and remodeling, to maximize both curb appeal and home value.

Finally, sticking with neutral tones remains a safe bet. Bill Golden, a seasoned realtor and associate broker at Keller Williams Realty Intown Atlanta, shares this timeless advice:

"If you want one tried-and-true color rule based on 35 years selling real estate, I'd say that neutral sells."

Neutral palettes give buyers a blank canvas, helping them imagine their own style in a space that feels modern, welcoming, and ready for their personal touch.

sbb-itb-85e0110

Paint Colors That Lower Home Value

Choosing the wrong paint colors can do more harm than good when it comes to your home's value. Research has pinpointed certain hues that consistently lower offers, making it essential to know which colors to steer clear of.

Interior Colors That Hurt Value

The once-popular all-white interior is now falling out of favor. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, states, "All white walls are out". Bold colors like bright red or yellow are also problematic, with buyers often shying away from homes featuring a vibrant yellow kitchen. Environmental psychologist Lee Chambers explains, "Often, bold and vibrant colors can trigger adverse reactions, which when it comes to selling a home can have the potential buyer struggling to see how they would convert it to their preference".

Red tones, in particular, are a major turnoff. A survey of home stagers and designers found that 59% consider red the least appealing color for potential buyers. These choices make it harder for buyers to imagine their own style in the space, creating a psychological barrier. The same principle applies to exterior colors, where poor choices can significantly hurt curb appeal.

Exterior Colors That Turn Off Buyers

Just as with interiors, certain exterior colors can push buyers away. Yellow exteriors, for example, are notorious for reducing offers. Bold or outdated colors can also damage curb appeal and make a home less attractive to buyers.

Even stark white exteriors can be problematic if not handled carefully. Jodi Peterman of Elizabeth Erin Designs advises that white exteriors should harmonize with roofing, trim, and stone to avoid looking too harsh.

Another misstep is "builder's beige", a color that signals an outdated design and suggests the need for upgrades.

For homeowners planning exterior updates, consulting professionals who understand how to balance color and architectural features is a smart move. Experts like Bayshore Exteriors specialize in aligning paint choices with elements like siding and trim to enhance curb appeal and protect home value. Avoiding these problematic hues is just as important as selecting the right ones, ensuring your home makes a positive impression both inside and out.

How to Choose Paint Colors for Maximum Value

Choosing the perfect paint colors is more than just an aesthetic decision - it’s a strategic move that can significantly influence your home’s market value. With both interior and exterior paint offering impressive returns on investment, selecting the right shades is crucial. Here’s how to make choices that enhance your home’s appeal and value.

Tips for Picking Colors That Add Value

Focus on areas that make the biggest impact. Spaces like kitchens and living rooms are high-traffic zones and can dramatically affect resale value. Prioritize these over less prominent spaces, such as secondary bedrooms or utility areas.

When it comes to color, neutral tones are a safe bet, but trends have shifted. Instead of stark whites, warm neutrals and sophisticated grays are now in demand. Deeper shades like charcoal or dark gray add a modern, upscale feel that resonates with buyers looking for homes that feel move-in ready and stylish.

It’s also important to consider regional preferences. For instance:

• The South leans toward rich, dark hues.
• Coastal New England favors lighter, breezy shades.
• The Midwest sticks with classic neutrals.
• The West Coast embraces bold greens and vibrant accents.

Cristina Miguelez, a remodeling expert at Fixr.com, emphasizes the importance of aligning with local trends:

"By working with your region's popular colors, as well as the colors that work best on your home, you're going to get a more appealing result. This will help a home sell more quickly and is less likely to be off-putting to buyers".

To avoid costly mistakes, use digital tools to preview how colors look in your space. Apps like Sherwin-Williams Color Snap Visualizer or Zillow Digs App allow you to test shades virtually. For exterior projects, ensure the paint undertones complement roofing, brick, or stone for a cohesive appearance. Additionally, take note of neighborhood palettes to ensure your home blends seamlessly without clashing or standing out awkwardly.

Why Professional Help Makes a Difference

After narrowing down your color palette, consider hiring professionals to bring your vision to life. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring flawless execution. Professionals understand how light, landscaping, and architectural features interact with paint, helping you achieve a polished and cohesive look.

Exterior painting requires even more attention to detail. The colors need to harmonize with siding, trim, and roofing materials while complementing the surrounding landscape. Poorly coordinated colors can detract from even the most high-end features. Contractors like Bayshore Exteriors specialize in understanding how paint works with different materials and styles, ensuring your home’s exterior looks both inviting and well-planned.

Professionals also help you avoid common pitfalls that could hurt your home’s resale value. They know which color combinations photograph well for online listings, how finishes perform in various climates, and which trendy colors will stand the test of time. This expertise is especially critical for large-scale exterior updates, where factors like local building codes, HOA rules, and neighborhood standards come into play.

Investing in professional guidance often leads to better results and higher offers when it’s time to sell. Erika Woelfel from Behr highlights the emotional impact of color:

"Color can evoke a strong emotional and psychological response to a space. Blues, grays, greens, and whites are timeless, calming colors that allow potential buyers to see a home as a fresh, clean slate. They can then picture themselves, and their personal furnishings, filling the space to make memories in years to come".

Conclusion

The colors you choose for your home can have a measurable impact on its value, often adding thousands of dollars to the final sale price. Painting isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s a strategic investment that influences buyer perception and, ultimately, market performance.

The key lies in focusing on high-impact areas. Spaces like kitchens and living rooms benefit the most from thoughtful color updates, signaling to buyers that the home is modern, well-maintained, and ready to move in. These carefully chosen improvements create a lasting impression that can set your property apart.

Interestingly, all-white walls, once a popular choice, are now losing favor. Today’s buyers are drawn to darker neutrals, calming blues, and soft grays - colors that evoke emotion and make it easier for them to picture their own furniture and style in the space.

But success isn’t just about picking the right shade. Professional execution is critical. Experts ensure that your color choices work seamlessly with your home’s architectural details, lighting, and even the neighborhood’s overall aesthetic. This is especially vital for exterior projects, where paint must complement elements like siding, roofing, and landscaping. Companies like Bayshore Exteriors specialize in navigating these complexities, helping homeowners avoid costly missteps that could lower resale value.

Strategic color decisions go beyond just making your home look good - they boost its marketability and return on investment. Whether you’re gearing up to sell or simply want to elevate your home’s appeal, choosing the right colors and working with skilled professionals offers immediate visual benefits and long-term financial rewards.

FAQs

How do paint colors impact a home's value and buyer interest?

Paint colors can significantly influence how potential buyers perceive a home's value. Research indicates that selecting the right shades can potentially increase a home's sale price by several thousand dollars. For instance, neutral tones like light gray or greige for exteriors tend to appeal to most buyers, often leading to higher offers. On the other hand, bold colors like bright yellow might have the opposite effect, deterring interest. Inside the home, modern shades such as dark gray or charcoal can add a touch of sophistication, making the property more attractive to buyers.

Studies also show that buyers gravitate toward homes that feel well-maintained and up-to-date. Smart color choices not only boost curb appeal but also convey a sense of quality and attention to detail, helping your property stand out in a competitive market.

What are the biggest mistakes homeowners make when choosing paint colors to boost resale value?

One frequent misstep homeowners make is choosing paint colors without trying them out in their actual space. The way a color looks can change dramatically depending on the lighting and the room's surroundings. To avoid surprises, it's a smart move to test a sample directly on your walls before making a final decision. Another common oversight is neglecting to consider the paint's undertones, which can clash with your existing décor or finishes, leaving a less-than-desirable impression on potential buyers.

Another pitfall is chasing fleeting trends or opting for bold, dramatic colors. While these choices might feel fun and modern, they often limit your home's appeal to a broader audience, making it tougher to attract buyers. On the other hand, sticking to overly bland or lifeless colors can leave your space feeling dull and uninspired. If you're aiming to boost resale value, go for timeless, neutral shades like soft grays, warm beiges, or light blues. These colors not only create a welcoming vibe but also tend to resonate with more buyers, giving your home a fresh, appealing look.

Why should I hire a professional to choose paint colors for my home?

Choosing paint colors for your home might seem straightforward, but it often turns into a tricky task. That’s where a professional color consultant can make all the difference. With their knowledge of color theory, design principles, and current trends, they help you pick shades that complement your home’s architecture and style. They also factor in how lighting affects color, so you’re not caught off guard when the paint dries and looks different than expected.

Hiring a professional doesn’t just save time - it also reduces stress and helps you avoid expensive mistakes from picking the wrong colors. Their input can pull everything together, giving your home a polished, cohesive appearance. For exterior projects, they ensure your chosen colors harmonize with the neighborhood while emphasizing your home’s standout features, boosting both curb appeal and potentially its value.