The Best Office Paint Colors, According to Interior Designers

A little paint can go a long way in an office. Along with instantly energizing the look and feel of a workspace, studies suggest that certain paint colors can actually boost productivity and maybe even reduce stress levels. 

Want to know which paint shades create positive visual and psychological effects in an office? We asked some of our favorite interior designers to share what they feel are the best office paint colors.

Classic navy blue wall paint can make a big impact in an office. “The color blue is believed to stimulate the mind but also conjure feelings of peace—think blue skies and ocean waves,” says designer Marika Meyer. “A deep blue like Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore will get your wheels turning but also keep you from getting too stressed out!” Before you commit to a deep, dark color though, be sure you have enough lighting, either natural from windows or artificial with lamps and overhead lights, to pull it off.

When it comes to picking a paint color for your office, remember that fortune favors the bold. “For a lively and vibrant office space, opt for a deep purple like Crocus Petal Purple from Benjamin Moore,” says designer Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48. “It’s impossible to not feel energized when sitting down to work.”

You can always count on a coat of warm white paint to create a soothing work atmosphere. “I love using serene, understated neutral shades to create a sense of instant calm in a space,” says interior designer Nicole Gibbons, founder of Clare Paint. “A warm white, like Whipped by Clare Paint, can feel especially tranquil and give your eyes a place to rest when they need a break from your screen.” 

Deep shades of wall paint aren’t just for dens and bedrooms. “While workspaces can benefit from ultra bright colors, we find that a darker setting avoids pulling attention from the work—and screens—at hand,” says Chris Stout-Hazard of Roger + Chris. “Plus, darker colors, like Loyal Blue by Sherwin-Williams, can make for a cozier space during the long winter months.” 

Believe it or not, our experts say earthy brown office walls provide a warm and comforting backdrop for powering through your daily to-do list. “Chocolate brown walls, in a shade like Rural Earth by Benjamin Moore, can create a protective atmosphere that’s conducive to concentration,” says designer Lee Ledbetter. Painting your office walls brown is kind of like the modern answer to the dark, wood paneled reading rooms of the past, Ledbetter adds.

If you’re having trouble focusing in your office, consider a coat of pale gray paint—this shade is classic, clean, and elegant. “A cool light gray, like Benjamin Moore’s Graystone, lends subtle sophistication to an office,” says designer Marie Flanigan.

Searching for an office paint color that’s chill but also invigorating at the same time? Sky blue might be your answer. “Pale sky blue, like Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light, is a calming color that invokes a peaceful, sunny day,” says designer Ariel Okin. “A soft blue is perfect for an office or even just the ceiling of one.” 

If you’re a fan of colorful offices but not ready to commit to a bold shade, then a cool, purple-y gray, like Paris Grey by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, is the right hue for you. “You want a study to allow you the space to think,” says artist and designer Annie Sloan. “Grays are like a blank canvas for your mind, especially cooler toned ones.”