When preparing your home for sale, one of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make is repainting. The colors you choose can significantly influence a buyer’s perception of your home, affecting how welcoming, spacious, and calming it feels. A well-selected paint palette can help sell your home faster and for a higher price. Here’s a guide to understanding the psychology behind color and specific paint shades to use that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Soft Neutrals for a Clean Slate

Neutral colors create a blank canvas, allowing potential buyers to visualize their belongings in the space. These colors also make rooms feel larger, cleaner, and more versatile.

• Benjamin Moore – "Classic Gray" (OC-23): A light, warm gray with subtle beige undertones, this color feels cozy yet sophisticated. It’s perfect for living rooms and hallways where you want to make a space feel open and airy.

• Sherwin-Williams – "Alabaster" (SW 7008): This soft white is calming and works well in any room, making spaces feel fresh and bright without feeling too stark.

Light Blues for a Calming Atmosphere

Blue tones evoke feelings of calm, serenity, and stability, which can make a house feel like a peaceful retreat. These shades are ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, creating a spa-like feel.

• Benjamin Moore – "Palladian Blue" (HC-144): A soft, airy blue with a touch of green, this color adds a coastal vibe to any room, perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Sherwin-Williams – "Rainwashed" (SW 6211): A calming blend of blue and green, this shade works well in living rooms and bedrooms, giving the space a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Warm Beiges for Comfort and Warmth

Warm, earthy tones like beige can make a home feel more comfortable and welcoming. They work especially well in areas where people gather, such as kitchens, dining rooms, and family rooms.

• Behr – "Bungalow Beige" (PPU7-10): This beige shade has soft undertones that exude warmth, making spaces feel intimate without being too dark or overwhelming.

• Benjamin Moore – "Manchester Tan" (HC-81): This neutral color has a slight yellow undertone, adding warmth to living areas while maintaining a modern, clean look.

Sophisticated Grays for Modern Appeal

Gray is the go-to color for modern homes, offering versatility and elegance. It pairs well with almost any decor and creates a sophisticated backdrop, particularly in living areas or kitchens.

• Sherwin-Williams – "Repose Gray" (SW 7015): A light, cool gray with just enough warmth to prevent it from feeling too cold, perfect for kitchens or living rooms where you want a fresh yet neutral vibe.

• Benjamin Moore – "Stonington Gray" (HC-170): This true gray is sophisticated and crisp, making it a great choice for more contemporary spaces like dining rooms or home offices.

Earthy Greens for Balance and Tranquility

Green is associated with nature, growth, and balance, making it a soothing and grounding color. Use it in spaces where you want to evoke relaxation and renewal, such as bedrooms, sunrooms, or even entryways.

• Farrow & Ball – "Pigeon" (No. 25): A soft, muted green-gray that adds a vintage or cottage feel, it’s perfect for kitchens or as an accent wall in living areas.

• Behr – "Back to Nature" (S340-4): A refreshing and subtle green that works well in bedrooms or bathrooms, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside.

Classic Whites for a Timeless Look

White is always a safe bet when selling a home. It creates a sense of cleanliness, space, and simplicity. It also reflects light, making rooms appear larger and brighter, which can appeal to nearly all buyers.

• Benjamin Moore – "Simply White" (OC-117): A versatile and soft white with slight warmth, perfect for trim, ceilings, or entire rooms to create a timeless, clean look.

• Sherwin-Williams – "Extra White" (SW 7006): This cool, crisp white works wonders in modern homes, giving any room a sleek and polished finish.

Accent Colors for Personality

While keeping most walls neutral is a good strategy when selling, incorporating a few accent walls can add personality without overwhelming potential buyers. Deep tones like navy, charcoal, or forest green can provide depth and sophistication in home offices or dining rooms.

• Benjamin Moore – "Hale Navy" (HC-154): This deep, rich navy makes a striking accent wall in a dining room or home office, adding a touch of drama while still feeling classic.

• Sherwin-Williams – "Iron Ore" (SW 7069): A bold, charcoal gray, ideal for adding a modern touch to a feature wall in living rooms or bedrooms.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint colors is essential when preparing your home for sale. Neutral shades like soft grays, beiges, and whites help potential buyers imagine themselves in the space, while subtle pops of color can add warmth and character. These strategic color choices can make your home feel more appealing, help it stand out in the market, and potentially even increase its value.

If you're considering selling your home, consult your real estate agent for advice on which colors will work best in your space. A little paint can go a long way in creating the perfect atmosphere for potential buyers!