I asked interior and paint experts what are the paint colours people most regret choosing – these are the 4 shades they warn to be careful with
‘Colours people regret are often the simplest’
Choosing paint colours for your home can be both fun and daunting. On one hand, you can truly put your stamp on your space and decorate it to your taste. But at the same time, the choice of paint colours is overwhelming – which is why many people choose a shade they later on end up regretting. I asked interior and paint experts what popular paint colours people regret going for most often.
The 4 popular paint ideas the experts came back with are a mix of expected and surprising shades. And while that doesn’t mean you should avoid these colours at all costs, it is recommended to be careful and considerate when using them in your home.
But this goes for any colour you choose for your home, whether it’s a timeless classic or a current colour trend. And the only way you can prevent later disappointment or falling out of love with your wall colours is by opting for those that you genuinely love and that work in your space.
‘We tend to find customers regret their colour choices when the decision was led by what was trending at the time, rather than something that truly reflects their personal style,’ says Cari Bateman, senior designer at Neville Johnson. ‘Be mindful of whether you're drawn to a colour because it's particularly trendy at that moment, or if it has longevity. It's also important to consider how your paint choice suits the room you are designing, how it complements any existing furniture or decor.’
Catherine Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn, shares her top tip on how to be sure about a paint colour ahead of covering your walls with it. ‘The safest approach is to test colours in the actual room before committing. Look at them in the morning, afternoon and evening, and consider the flooring, furniture, curtains and lighting. A colour that works with the room will always last longer than one chosen simply because it is fashionable.’
1. White
We’re starting off with perhaps the most surprising colour on the list – the (supposedly) timeless white. ‘Colours people regret are often the simplest, such as the wrong shade of white,’ Cari at Neville Johnson says.
It’s not necessarily all white in general as Cari hints at – but one room’s best white paint shade is different to another. And it’s largely based on the direction that room is facing and what kind of light it receives based on that.
But more often than not, it’s the cool white shades like brilliant white with blue and/or grey undertones that people most often regret, rather than the warm off-whites like Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White which are a safer bet.
‘White is probably the paint colour people regret most,’ says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘It's been hugely popular for years but often leaves the room feeling cold or clinical rather than calm and inviting. I think that's because we all buy into the aspirational aesthetic of crisp, minimalist interiors, but in reality, our homes aren't like that.’
2. Lilac
Meanwhile, I wasn’t surprised to see a shade like lilac on the list of colours people most often regret. Despite some brands trying to make it a home decor trend, it’s a divisive colour at the best of times. And it’s very difficult to make it work in UK homes due to the kind of natural light (or lack thereof) they receive throughout the year.
‘The resurgence of lilac is a popular shade I would avoid. When used thoughtfully it can be beautiful, but so many homes in the UK have east or north facing spaces that really don't lend themselves well to pale purple shades, as they end up looking cold and grey for most of the day,’ Anna at Fenwick & Tilbrook explains.
3. Blue
Blue is not only the world’s favourite colour. It’s also one of the biggest colour trends of 2026. So I was somewhat taken aback to hear people are often unhappy with their blue-painted walls. But it turns out that it’s a similar case as with white, in that it’s often the shade of blue that people get wrong and therefore end up regretting.
‘In terms of colours that people seem to regret most, I’d say blue,’ says Jo Lane, founder and designer at online interior design service See Your Place. ‘Funnily enough, it’s one of the most popular colours in interiors, but you need to know exactly which shade to use in your room, depending on the type of light you get in your space. It can easily read too cold, too saturated or too dark, so in my experience it’s the hardest colour to get right.’
In order to avoid this very situation when I was looking for the best blue shade for my home, I was picking solely between light, soft blues with warm undertones. Eventually, I landed on Lick's Blue 08, available at B&Q.
4. Bright bold shades
I know that ‘bright bold shades’ is not one colour per se. But this really applies to all highly saturated, often primary shades of colours which were trending at the height of the dopamine decorating trend. But as a collectibe, it's one we’re now slowly falling out of love with, in favour of more mature, elevated and earthier shades.
‘I would be cautious with very bright, trend-led colours across large areas – they can quickly become overwhelming on every wall. These colours are often better used on furniture, shelving, a door or a small feature area,’ Catherine at Earthborn says.
However, there are exceptions to this, of course. And if a bright, bold colour - or lilac - makes you happy and you absolutely love it, then go for it. Farrow & Ball's Charlotte Locks bright orange shade is a bold statement, yet many people go crazy for it. And Richard E. Grant's hot pink snug, painted in Little Greene's Leather, isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it is his.
Do you have any past (or present) paint colour regrets?
