Best Paint Colors to Sell Your House (and Increase Its Value)

Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your home more attractive to buyers. Fresh, neatly painted walls create the feeling of a well-maintained space and set the tone the moment someone walks in.

According to Zillow: the right paint colors to sell your house can add $1,500–$4,000 to your final sale price and even shorten the time your home stays on the market. Neutral and inviting tones make it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there — and that means quicker offers.

Kitchen — The Heart of the Home

The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the most important spaces to update before selling. Choosing the right colors here can make a big difference.

What to do:

• Repaint tired walls in a soft greige or warm beige — classic neutral choices.

• If your cabinets are dated, repainting them in olive green or a light gray-white can make the kitchen look brand-new for a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

• Use darker colors like charcoal gray for lower cabinets or the island as an accent — this creates a high-end designer look.

Result: Kitchens with these shades sell for $1,500–$2,500 more and photograph better for listings.

Bedrooms — Creating a Calm Retreat

Buyers want bedrooms that feel calm and restful. The wrong color can turn them away — but the right one can boost your home’s value.

What to do:

• Use deep navy or gray-blue for one accent wall behind the bed.

• Keep the other walls light to maintain a spacious feel.

• In large, well-lit bedrooms, you can paint all walls dark but balance them with light trim and bedding.

Result: Homes with blue or green bedrooms sell for $1,500–$2,000 more on average.

Living Room & Open Spaces

The living room is where buyers spend the most time during a showing. It should highlight the home’s architecture and look great in listing photos.

What to do:

• Paint the main walls in warm neutral shades like beige or greige.

• Add depth with a charcoal or moody green accent wall behind a TV or fireplace.

• If the space is small or dark, stick to light colors to make it feel larger.

Result: These choices attract more online views and can add up to $2,500 to the sale price.

Bathrooms — Keeping It Fresh

Bathrooms can make or break a buyer’s impression. The right color here signals “clean” and “move-in ready.”

What to do:

• Paint walls in light blue or cool gray-blue.

• Go lighter for small bathrooms to make them look bigger.

• Avoid dull beige or overly dark colors that make the bathroom look dated.

Result: Zillow data shows homes with light blue bathrooms can sell for $4,000 more.

Colors to Avoid When Selling Your House

• Bright yellow (daisy yellow) — especially in kitchens and living rooms, can lower the sale price by several thousand dollars.

• Overly bold shades — fire-engine red, neon greens, or purples feel too personal.

• Cold, flat grays — can make rooms feel lifeless; choose greige or taupe for a warmer look.

Best Paint Colors to Sell Your House: Final Takeaway

Choosing the best paint colors to sell your house is one of the highest-ROI updates you can make before listing.Light neutrals are the safest base, while deep colors should be used as accents in large, well-lit rooms.If you’re on a budget, start with the kitchen and bathrooms — they deliver the most value and can help your home sell faster.

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Selling your home should be stress-free. Our Tools and Hands team transforms kitchens, bathrooms, and walls with flawless paint and repairs, so your home shines in photos and showings. Serving Chicago and the northern suburbs — with free estimates upfront.