The biggest paint colors of 2021

It’s that time of year again when we begin to look forward to next year’s design trends—and that includes the next slew of official colors of the year. Everyone from Pantone to Sherwin-Williams spend countless hours researching and the colorways that will stick—based on the current zeitgeist and trend predictions and 2021 is set to be all about relaxation and creating sanctuaries.

Sherwin-Williams, alongside Farrow & Ball, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and other mainstream color experts have already announced their own “colors of the year” as 2020 finally draws to a close—with the overall mood remaining largely the universal: colorways that will help us feel grounded, reflect inward, and look toward the future.

“We started telling a story last year about using color to help us feel grounded as we were headed into a new decade,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Now, we are continuing that inward journey by exploring the past, examining the present and looking at what this all means for our future. The rhythm of color is examining where we’ve been to help inform where we’re going and to help us create that central hub that is so vital to our everyday living and working now.”

Here, we’ve pulled together a list of some of the biggest paint colors of the coming year—from pretty pastels to natural and neutral tones, these are going to be huge by 2021.

Hoping to enlist an expert to guide you through the right paint colors for your space? Consider booking a consultation with one of our interior designers at The Finish, who will help you navigate your options with confidence.

Urbane Bronze

Image: Sherwin-Williams

Equal parts bold and understated, Urbane Bronze by Sherwin-Williams is set to be a new neutral that will work just as well inside as it will outside. The comforting colorway can be used as a primary color or accent that will convey a sense of ease in bedrooms, dens, or home offices. “Complement the simplicity of Urbane Bronze with natural materials—like wood finishes, organic stone accents or woven textiles—and a variety of mixed metals to create a serene space grounded in nature,” Wadden said.

Aegean Teal

Image: Benjamin Moore

“Amid uncertainty, people yearn for stability,” Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore’s director of color marketing and development, told Dwell in a statement. “Aegean Teal and the corresponding color trends palette express a welcoming, lived-in quality that celebrates the connections and real moments that take place within a home.”

The blend of blue-green and grey, officially known as Aegean Teal 2136-40, offers an intriguing midtone that creates a surprising natural harmony ideal for bedroom accent walls, home offices, and any other room that requires a touch of calm.

Preference Red

Image: Farrow & Ball

“2021 is a bit of a landmark year for color trends and home trends in general,” Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s international brand ambassador, told Architectural Digest in a statement. “This is a year for turning back toward perennial favorites that have never failed us, a year for creating a sense of calm in the home—shades like Preference Red No. 297.”

The rich red hue comes as a warm neutral and can easily be paired with deep teals, light sandy hues, and warm grey colorways for a surprisingly relaxing color palette.

Sap Green

Image: Farrow & Ball

Alongside its Preference Red, Farrow & Ball's Sap Green has also been highlighted as a color of the year for 2021. The organic green offers a soft, nature-inspired atmosphere that can easily be used in smaller spaces to create a larger, more lived-in feel.

Almond Wisp

Image: Behr

Behr’s Almond Wisp comes as a warm and neutral shade that’s equally cozy and contemporary. The khaki colorway is non-invasive, inviting and can easily be used in more than one room without being overbearing or repetitive. It also offers an ideal calming effect that is very much welcomed as we head into the new year.

Broadway

Image: Behr
While it may be the darkest color on the list, Behr’s Broadway is one of the easiest ways to make a small space feel larger. The dramatic coal-inspired colorway is sophisticated and warm without feeling overly trendy—which makes it a great option for anyone hoping to freshen up their space without worrying about trend maintenance or looking dated in the near future.