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Once upon a time, the home office was an optional amenity in most residences. Despite being extremely convenient, the need for a personal office was eclipsed by co-working spaces and company headquarters. Then came 2020. Five years out, the home office has seen an arc from optional amenity to crucial to a little bit of both. And while remote work is increasingly a thing of the recent past, for many, the home office retains its prioritized status in the home.
The problem with the home office, however, remains the same: How to delineate it from the rest of the house. What says, “I’m at work” about a random corner in a room? Though privacy screens, glass block walls, and even curtains are part of the equation, a little paint can go a long way.
Choosing the right hue for your office is a big decision. You’ll want to find a shade that can not only spark inspiration during creativity lulls but also one that can soften the atmosphere. It’s also important to be able to stare at it all day long.
We tapped more than a dozen designers to share their go-to shades for any home office. From serene blues to moody blacks and everything in between, these office paint colors are so striking that you’ll be tempted to work overtime.
Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams
“Dark colors in smaller spaces can pack a punch and make a huge impact just through tone and depth of paint. In this case, we created a focal point by using Inkwell, a really dark but neutral paint color. The art and other details make for a contrast that is more noticeable than if they were hung on lighter walls.” —Zandy Gammons, Miretta Interiors
White Sail by Sherwin-Williams
“Choose paint colors that maximize and reflect any natural light you have in your home office space. Natural light energizes your body and mind! Try paint in beautiful whites and soft neutrals that seem to glow throughout the day as the light changes. If you want a bolder pop of color, layer in hints of calm blues and greens that reflect nature and bring the outside indoors!” —Phillip Thomas
Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams
“I love to use a rich green paint color like Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams to envelop the walls in an office. Green is both literally and aesthetically easy on the eyes and feels natural and harmonious in a workspace.” —Christina Kim
Fairview Taupe by Benjamin Moore
“Benjamin Moore’s Fairview Taupe is a rich, deep brown that pairs well with neutrals and blues and provides a cozy vibe without being too boring or expected.” —Erin Gates
Graphite by Benjamin Moore
“Our favorite workspaces incorporate bold color and pattern choices. We spend so much time working, why not be inspired by our surroundings? Benjamin Moore’s Graphite is both strong and contemplative so a natural fit for productivity.” —Emilie Munroe, Studio Munroe
Fort Pierce Green by Benjamin Moore
“A blue-green color is always a favorite in an office as it can help with anxiety while working. That’s why I like Benjamin Moore’s Fort Pierce Green for office walls or even a desk to paint [as shown here] for sprucing up.” —Linda Hayslett, LH. Designs
De Nimes by Farrow & Ball
“I love the sort of diluted richness of this color; it’s more soothing than it is bold.” —Hattie Sparks
Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball
“This color manages to feel warm, soothing, and grounding all at one time, which creates the optimal atmosphere for working at home. Despite being a green hue, it feels almost neutral to me while still adding interest and depth.” —Gillian Segal
Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore
“My home was built in 1915 and had a classic pent room, which I converted to my home office and sanctuary, as I call it. I chose a deep, saturated blue from Benjamin Moore when designing this space. I recently read that the blue spectrum of light activates and awakens our brains, making this a perfect color for an office space.” —Kendall Wilkinson
Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball
“We are loving Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball for home offices. The rich shade provides a warm and cozy vibe for the space you spend many hours in each day. It also provides a beautiful shade as a background for most skin tones—and with all the Zoom meetings, that is important!” —Kristen Peña, K Interiors
Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams
“Sherwin-Williams’s Repose Gray is a wonderful, neutral option to offset the pure white molding in an office. It allows the upholstery and furnishings to shine when clients yearn to use pops of color.” —Traci Connell
Onyx by Benjamin Moore
“For my personal home office, I opted for Benjamin Moore’s Onyx to bring in the drama. With enough natural light, this dark, moody color made the office feel modern and inspiring.” —Traci Connell
Butter Up by Sherwin-Williams
“When I designed my own home office, I wanted a color that would be happy and create warmth to inspire me as a designer, as well as delight my clients when I do Zoom meetings with them. Sherwin-Williams’s Butter Up is a great yellow that is bright and cheerful, yet not overwhelming. I find it acts like a neutral, so I can add elements of other colors in the space with window treatments, upholstery on furniture, pillows, and decor elements as it goes with everything.” —Grey Joyner
Delft by Sherwin-Williams
“For the ultimate Zoom-ready workspace, we love swathing the entire room in a single saturated hue. In various sheens, Sherwin-Williams’s Delft can create a serene and sophisticated office sanctuary.” —Monica Guarnaschelli, Indigomaven Interiors
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