UK Paint Colour Trends Analysed 

The UK's colour cravings have transformed. From 2020 to 2025, Tikkurila's deep dive into Google Trends paint data reveals a dramatic, undeniable shift in what shades we're searching for.

Summary

This data-led study of Google trends data shines a light on how our colour preferences have evolved over the past five years. The key trend that has been revealed in this research is that we are moving away from cooler shades in preference to warmer tones. 

Key Takeaways 

Grey: Steady decline. Anthracite grey is the only shade beating this trend. 

Blue: Many shades of blue are in decline. Lighter shades of blue are fairing better. 

Yellow: Steady with slight growth over the past few years. 

Green: Consistent growth. Olive green and sage green have performed exceptionally well.

White: Continues to perform well. White living rooms and bedrooms down.

Orange: Consistent, steady growth over the past few years

Brown: Slight growth. Light and dark browns both have steadily increasing interest.

Beige: Impressive growth over the past five years.

Pink: Steady growth overall. Blush and rose pink in sharp decline.

Black: Steady and consistent.

Red: Steady with a slight upward trajectory.

Purple: Slight decline.

Trends: Interest in feature walls in falling, wall panelling is on the rise.

Grey Paint Colours

After a defining decade of widespread dominance, grey paint's reign in UK homes is now clearly receding.

Our data reveals a sustained and significant decline in search interest from late 2021 onwards, with its once towering peaks diminishing and its baseline popularity steadily eroding, signalling a profound shift from being the go-to choice.

Grey Shades

Grey's declining popularity is keenly felt across specific shades of grey. 

One shade has managed to remain consistent over this time, anthracite grey. Its stability is a notable exception in the otherwise receding grey palette.

Blue Paint Colours

UK homeowners are cooling on blue. Google Search Console data clearly shows a steady and sustained decline in interest for "blue paint colours" over the past five years.

This consistent downward trend indicates a significant shift in preference towards warmer hues.

Blue Shades

Darker blues saw a more notable fall in popularity compared to lighter blue shades.

Light blue and sky blue have both managed to remain relatively consistent over this period, highlighting a continued strength and preference for these softer, airier tones.

Yellow Paint Colours

Search interest in yellow paint colours has shown slight growth over the past few years. While it still experiences seasonal peaks and fluctuations as expected, the general trend indicates a subtle but positive increase in its appeal.

Yellow Shades

Most yellow tones are experiencing a welcome increase in popularity, including light yellow, dark yellow, bright yellow, pale yellow, and lemon paint, indicating a broader embrace of these cheerful shades.

Green Paint Colours

Green paint colours have seen a very positive trend over the past five years, with consistent and steady growth in overall search interest. This indicates a strong and growing preference for green hues.

Green Shades

Several shades are driving this impressive growth. Olive green and sage green both stood out as top performers over this period. Additionally, light green and dark green have also experienced steady growth.

Not all greens are on the rise though, teal, mint, and emerald green have all seen their popularity fall. 

Red Paint Colours

Overall search interest for red has grown gradually over the past few years. While this trend is influenced by seasonal peaks, it still supports the idea that warmer hues are doing well.

Shades of Red

Most red shades show positive trends, either holding steady or experiencing growth over the past few years. The same cannot be said for red + rooms, with red living rooms and kitchens both seeing a decline.

White Paint Colours

As a staple of any interior, white paint has remained relatively consistent over the past five years, maintaining a high level of appeal.

White Shades

While brilliant white and pure white are still popular options we've observed off-whites increasing in popularity. This shows people are still interested in the open, spacious vibe that white offers, but with a touch of something else. 

White living rooms and bedrooms have seen a notable decline in popularity. 

Orange Paint Colours

Popularity of orange paint colours has remained relatively steady, with seasonal dips. This consistent level of interest suggests a solid, if stable, appreciation for these warm and vibrant hues.

Orange Shades

Within the spectrum of orange shades, the data reveals a broad and notable increase in popularity. Light orange, dark orange, bright orange, burnt orange, and deep orange are all showing strong positive trends.

Brown Paint Colours

Brown paint colours are experiencing a boost in popularity over the past few years. This widespread growth across various brown tones highlights a collective embrace of earthy, warm, and rich colours in home design.

Brown Shades

Within the spectrum of brown shades, the trend is overwhelmingly positive. There's a clear and notable increase in popularity for terracotta paint, chocolate brown, dark brown, light brown, and tan paint. 

Beige Paint Colours

Beige paint colours are on an impressive run for the past five years. Data reveals a consistent and significant upward trend.

Beige Shades

Within the broader neutral palette, several beige-related shades are driving this upward trend. There's a clear increase in popularity for neutral paint and greige paint.

Black Paint Colours

Black paint colours have been solid over the past few years, with seasonal fluctuations. This upward trajectory suggests a growing confidence and desire for bold, sophisticated statements in home design.

Black Shades

Within the diverse range of black shades, several key trends are emerging. Notably, there is a clear increase in popularity for jet black, charcoal black, and deep black.

Purple Paint Colours

While interest remained consistent, purple paint colours fell in popularity during this period. 

Purple Shades

It is challenging to see which areas of purple have been letting it down as both light and dark purple have held their own over this period. Interest in purple in living rooms and kitchens did fall over this period though. 

Pink Paint Colours

Pink paint colours have experienced consistent gradual growth over the past few years, challenging traditional colour schemes.  

Pink Shades

While the overall trend for pink is overwhelmingly positive we have found a few notable exceptions.Both blush pink and rose pink have seen their search interest wane over this period, standing out against the general growth of other pink hues.

Trends

Wall Panelling

Wall panelling has seen a steady surge in popularity. This once-traditional feature is being embraced for its ability to add depth, character, and a touch of timeless elegance to modern interiors.

Feature Walls

Feature walls, while still popular, are showing a downward trend. They have lost some of their former lustre, but remain a choice for introducing bold colour, texture, or pattern, creating a focal point in any room.

Data Sources

All data was gathered from Google Trends June 2025.