5 Paint Colors That Can Increase Your Home's Value (And 2 To Avoid)

When you're putting your home on the market, there are several smart homeowner decisions you can make to make it look more appealing to buyers. Minor DIY fixes, decluttering, and clearing the yard or garden are top ways to encourage a quick or more profitable sale. But could something as simple as a coat of paint across a few rooms increase the value of your home?

The real estate specialists at Zillow say "yes." They surveyed thousands of homeowners and collaborated with Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing for Sherwin-Williams Paints, to determine which shades are most appealing to buyers.

Here are five colors that could help you sell your home for more, and two that you should definitely avoid.

Where to use it: Living room or office

A bold, dark gray, bordering on charcoal, could add depth and coziness to a living room. Buyers agree, with Zillow reporting that offers could rise by $2,600 for homes with dark gray living spaces.

The report also notes that dark gray can have a mixed impact in the kitchen. While fewer buyers chose homes with gray-toned kitchens, those that did were willing to pay up to $2,400 more.

Where to use it: Kitchen cabinets and fixtures

A coat of olive green across your kitchen cabinets can create a sense of warmth and welcome. Sue Wadden adds, "Olive green is a timeless, grounding color that evokes a sense of calm and sophistication."

This natural tone could even reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, according to color psychologists. That feeling of serenity could prompt a higher sale, with olive green helping homes potentially sell for $1,600 more.

Where to use it: Bathrooms

Medium browns are a non-traditional yet very popular choice for a bathroom. Shades like java and taupe evoke feelings of warmth, particularly when used for accent walls.

Buyers appreciate the sophistication of a brown bathroom, paying up to $680 more for homes with this feature. For increased feelings of calm and serenity, consider adding accents of cream and light brown, incorporating rugs, wall art, and even towels to enhance your space's decor.

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Where to use it: Bedrooms

Blue is associated with tranquility, making it a top color choice for bedrooms. It can even evoke feelings of trust, which is ideal when showing your home to buyers. But with so many shades available, what blue should you choose?

Expert Wadden says, "Navy blue is a classic that adds depth and elegance." Zillow's research confirmed that buyers were willing to pay an extra $1,815 for homes with a navy bedroom.

Where to use it: Walls and ceilings

Flat paints contain more pigment than other varieties, creating a solid, flat finish. They're ideal for covering blemishes such as scuffs or slight dents in the wall's surface.

Zillow's experts recommend using flat white for ceilings. Unfortunately, they don't state how much this impacts sale values. However, they also note that, in addition to hiding imperfections, white ceilings reflect light back into a room, making it appear larger.

There's a reason we associate the color red with danger. While red might be trendy and cool, it can put buyers off by making them feel uncomfortable or uneasy.

According to color psychologists, red induces feelings of hyperactivity, which is not ideal when you want buyers to enjoy your space. Properties with red bedrooms sold for as much as $1,987 less than their counterparts with more neutral colors.

While yellow is a cheerful, sunny color, it simply doesn't appeal to everyone. Yellow kitchens, in particular, are something many buyers seem to avoid, perhaps because too much yellow can feel intense.

It's fine if you love your yellow kitchen. You just need to remember that selling your home is about appealing to as many buyers as possible. Covering that yellow could prevent a value drop of $3,915.

Experts note that the finish and sheen of the paint you use have a big impact. Reflective gloss paint can make a room appear larger, but it will also accentuate any imperfections. Eggshell and satin are even more likely to show flaws.

Conversely, matte paint hides dents but could make the space seem duller. Use a combination of finishes for the best results, and finish trims off with gloss or semi-gloss paint for a crisp, new look.

A fresh coat of paint might seem like a small touch, but the right color can make a powerful impression on buyers. It's a good idea to use samples to get an idea of how a paint shade will work in your space before committing.

Whether you're preparing to list now or just thinking ahead, these smart color choices can help you tap into your home's equity and maximize your return when the time comes to sell.