9 Interior Paint Colors Buyers Hate – And What to Use Instead

When prepping a home for resale, paint color plays a pivotal role in buyer appeal. An HGTV study highlights nine interior shades that tend to repel buyers—and provides safer, more attractive alternatives .

1. Bright White

Why avoid it:

Too stark and clinical—compares to “hospital walls”; highlights imperfections. Colors to avoid such as Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White (SW 7757).

Go instead for:

Benjamin Moore's White Dove and Swiss Coffee, and Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster – warm, soft, and welcoming.

2. Cool Gray

Why avoid it:

Blues or purples in gray create a cold, impersonal vibe, even with warm furnishings. Colors to avoid, Benjamin Moore Gray Owl.

Go instead for:

Soft beige or taupe—warmer neutrals that revive rooms with character. Such as Sherwin Williams Taupe of the Morning or Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe.

3. Bold Green (Lime or Neon)

Why avoid it: Too bright or harsh, it overwhelms and jarrs. Color to avoid, Sherwin-Williams' Center Stage.

Go instead for:

Deep, subdued greens (like sage or olive) or a rich forest green for sophistication.

Sage green “Quietude”—Sherwin‑Williams’ 2025 tone—invokes calm, curb-friendly charm .

4. Royal Blue

Why avoid it:

Intense tone creates a craft-like, juvenile feel. Colors to avoid; Sherwin-Williams Salty Dog or Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue.

Go instead for:

Cornflower blue—softer, mature, and more versatile. Such as Sherwin Williams Celestial or Benjamin Moore Dusty Cornflower

5. Pale Pastels

Why avoid it:

Can feel washed-out or feminine without substance or contrast.

Go instead for:

Crisp neutrals like Paper White or warm creams.

6. Bright Reds or Oranges

   

   Why avoid it:

   Can be overwhelming and visually tiring, potentially causing feelings of anxiety or restlessness when used excessively

   
   

   Go instead for:

   Use warm shades like golden caramel, terracotta or muted burgundy which offer the richness of red without the overwhelming impact. This creates a more relaxed, inviting atmosphere for your home’s exterior.

   
   

7. Jet Black

   
   

   

   Why avoid it:

   In contrast, jet black presents the opposite issue. The color absorbs light, creating a heavy, gloomy vibe that makes the exterior feel smaller and less open. This can overwhelm the rest of your home’s design elements, diminishing the overall sense of space.

   
   

   Go instead for:

   Colors such as deep charcoal gray or navy blue offer sophistication and depth without being overpowering. This keeps your home’s exterior stylish and more open, even with darker tones. Sherwin Williams Clove.

   
   

8. Bright Greens

   

   Why avoid it:

   Over-stimulation and potential for eye strain: Kelly green, with its high saturation and intensity, can be visually overwhelming, especially in large quantities or in rooms where you want to create a calming atmosphere.

   
   

   Go instead for:

   Dark yet calming, this cool green complements natural elements like wood and metal. Bring a down-to-earth elegance to your favorite room. Such as Sherwin Williams Pewter Green.

   
   

9. Brighter Yellow

   
   

   

   Why avoid it:

   Bright, intense yellows can be overstimulating and lead to feelings of frustration, anger, or nervousness.

   
   

   Go instead for:

   Warm yellow that adds a sense of optimism and vitality to a room. Such as Sherwin Williams Convivial Yellow

   
   

Tips for Choosing Buyer-Friendly Colors

Stick to warm neutrals – think beige, taupe, greige, soft white—broadly appealing .

Use bold shades sparingly—as accent cabinets, doors, or furniture—not full walls .

Account for lighting and room size—light hues open up small spaces; rich tones can overwhelm.

Download Buyer-Friendly Paint Guide PDF

~ Felicia