7 Paint Colors That Nail the Midcentury-Modern Look
From the cheerful hues of the 1950s to the softer, earthier shades that were popular in the 1960s, these paint colors will give your home the perfect splash of midcentury magic.
Whether you gravitate towards fun citrus tones or more mellow neutrals, midcentury-modern colors can jazz up any room in your home—even if it wasn't built in the ’50s or ’60s. We've rounded up some of the most popular shades of the era that still look current today—read on for our top picks!
Golden Yellow
In this midcentury prefab, bright closet doors provide storage space and a healthy dose of color.
Bob Coscarelli
Deep yellows can warm up any space. PPG Pittsburgh Paints' Wright Mustard (FLLW321) and Glidden’s Wheat Stalk (30YY 52/515) are two paint colors that complement contemporary midcentury-inspired interiors.
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Backdrop Pablo Honey Paint
Bright, cozy yellow. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Miami Parasol Paint
Soft, warm, pale yellow. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Tanlines Paint
Dark, assertive yellow. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopSerena Aqua
In the late Jens Risom's family retreat in Rhode Island, a no-frills kitchen features wooden shelves that mimic the home's beams. The kitchen island is finished with an aqua-painted section.
Photo: Floto + Warner
This shade has a levity about it that works well with both muted neutrals and darker colors. Benjamin Moore’s Blue Seafoam (2056-60) is a good example of a relaxing blue paint color that works well for interior and exterior walls.
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Backdrop Novelty Wave Paint
Warm, saturated, medium blue. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Sicily or Cyprus Paint
Bold, saturated blue-green. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Saturday On Sunday Paint
Dark blue-gray with a hint of green undertones. Depending the light, this color can skew blue or green. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopOlive Green and Wasabi
This shade works well with burnt orange, gold, or dark brown and can add extra character to foyers, lounge areas, accent walls, or children’s playrooms.
Courtesy of Caren Alpert
Deep, earthy greens like olive and wasabi were popular during the 1960s. Relentless Olive (SW 6425) from Sherwin Williams and Green Root (8334) from Jotun capture these shades well.
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Backdrop Saged Paint
Muted, olive-toned green. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Drive-Thru Safari Paint
Soft, warm, mid-tone green. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Natural Habitat Paint
Fresh, light green with a hint of yellow. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopPops of Red
This rejuvenated Austin hotel celebrates midcentury design with pops of red scattered throughout.
Photo: Nick Simonite
Reds are great for designers and homeowners who want to be courageous with color. In fact, Frank Lloyd Wright's favorite shade was Cherokee Red. He used it throughout his residential projects, often covering entire floors with it.
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Backdrop Lipstick On the Mirror Paint
Bright, rich, classic red. Perfect for an accent wall or your boldest mood. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Self-Portrait Paint
Deep, rich red-wine red. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopBackdrop Negroni Paint
Red with a hint of orange. Perfect for an accent wall or a small space. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopTangerine and Ochre
This door with space-age knobs is painted with Behr's Flaming Torch. The brass wall hanging above the landing is by C. Jeré.
Courtesy of Caren Alpert
Tangerine and ochre were a popular choice for many midcentury architects and interior designers. Those who want to make a bold design statement will love midcentury oranges shades such as Sherwin Williams’ Carnival (SW 6892) or Orange Fruit (2011-1) by Valspar. If you’re looking for a warm and fun—but more muted—orange, try Wright Ochre (FLLW325) from PPG Pittsburgh Paints.
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Backdrop Aperitivo Hour Paint
Warm, dark, peachy orange. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopKilz Bright Marigold Paint
This energizing orange can create a popping fresh feeling in your home, perfect for use as an accent on bookshelves and furniture Photo Courtesy of Build.com
ShopBackdrop Tanlines Paint
Dark, assertive yellow. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopPewter Gray
In this updated 1950s Portland home, a light gray Neo sofa by Bensen harmonizes with warm wooden walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as a red-and-mustard-yellow vintage rug.
Courtesy of Grant Harder
To balance out bright reds, oranges, or yellows, try pewter grays, which can add a cooling touch to warmer color schemes. If you’re thinking of gray for your walls or ceilings, Wright Soft Grey (FLLW872) from PPG Pittsburgh Paints is a versatile option.
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Backdrop After Hours Paint
A soft charcoal black. After Hours is a shade lighter than Dark Arts. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopKilz Motor Gray Paint
This solid gray adds sophistication when combined with natural lighting, perfect for use in modern style living spaces. Photo Courtesy of Build.com
ShopBackdrop No Curfew Paint
Perfect dark gray with mild cool undertones. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopSoft and Earthy Brown
Different shades of brown can bring a calm, earthy feel to living rooms and studies.
The Modern House
Warm, wood-toned shades of brown give spaces a grounded feel. Try Behr's Cocoa Shell (HDC-AC-05) or Wright Oak Bark (FLLW623) from PPG Pittsburgh Paints.
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Kilz Fawn Doe Paint
This charming brown recreates the English country home style, perfect for use with antiques and decorative accents. Photo Courtesy of Build.com
ShopBackdrop Sentimental Reasons Paint
Warm taupe with earthy and lilac undertones. Our premium interior water-based paint in Standard Finish is a highly desirable low-sheen, durable semi-matte. Standard Finish is made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability and optimized for self-priming, easy application, ultra-low odor, high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
ShopKilz Cobblestone Streets Paint
This vintage brown will transport you to the boulevards of London, Paris, and Rome, perfect for use in dining rooms or master bedrooms. Photo Courtesy of Build.com
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