TL;DR
A recent 2026 study by Zillow and Sherwin-Williams reveals that painting bedrooms in dark, warm hues, such as chocolate brown, can significantly increase a home’s resale value. The study analyzed buyer preferences and found that certain colors boost offer prices.
A 2026 study by Zillow and Sherwin-Williams has found that painting bedroom walls in dark, warm colors can increase a home’s value by over $2,000. The study analyzed buyer preferences across the country and identified specific hues that enhance a property’s appeal, making this a noteworthy finding for homeowners and sellers aiming to maximize their home’s market price.
The study, conducted in partnership with paint brand Sherwin-Williams, surveyed thousands of home buyers to assess how room colors influence their interest and offers. It revealed that buyers are most attracted to warm, grounded colors over stark, all-white interiors. Specifically, for bedrooms, the color Turkish Coffee, a deep chocolate brown, was identified as the top-performing hue, with homes painted this color potentially fetching an estimated $2,277 more than similar homes with white walls.
Additionally, the study found that sage green was the only color ranking in the top tier across all rooms, including bedrooms, and could raise a home’s value by approximately $1,000. Sherwin-Williams’ Tradewind, a pale blue hue, was also highly rated for bedrooms and living rooms, further emphasizing the appeal of soothing, natural tones.
Implications for Homeowners and Sellers
This study’s findings suggest that homeowners considering selling should think about updating bedroom paint colors to dark, warm tones like chocolate brown to potentially increase their property’s value. For buyers, it indicates a preference for cozy, grounded spaces, which could influence interior design choices. Overall, the research underscores the importance of color in real estate marketing and home staging, possibly leading to more widespread use of darker hues in bedrooms.
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Background on Color Preferences in Real Estate
Previous research has shown that interior paint choices can influence buyer perceptions and offers, but the 2026 study is among the first to provide concrete data linking specific colors to increased home value. The partnership between Zillow and Sherwin-Williams builds on ongoing trends favoring natural, earthy tones over stark whites, reflecting a broader shift toward creating warm, inviting living spaces. The findings may influence future home staging and renovation strategies as sellers seek to maximize appeal.
“Buyers respond positively to warm, grounded colors in bedrooms, which can lead to higher offer prices.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Unanswered Questions About Color Impact
While the study shows a correlation between dark, warm bedroom colors and increased home value, it is not yet clear how these preferences vary across different regions or demographic groups. Additionally, the long-term effects of such color choices on buyer satisfaction and home resale are still under investigation. Further research is needed to confirm whether these findings are universally applicable or context-dependent.
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Next Steps for Homeowners and Industry
Homeowners interested in applying these insights should consider testing darker, earthy tones in their bedrooms, ideally with professional guidance to ensure proper application. Real estate agents and home stagers may incorporate these findings into their marketing strategies. Future studies are expected to explore regional differences and the longevity of these color preferences, providing more tailored advice for homeowners and builders.
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Key Questions
Can painting my bedroom dark increase my home’s value?
According to the 2026 study by Zillow and Sherwin-Williams, painting bedrooms in dark, warm hues like chocolate brown can potentially increase your home’s value by over $2,000, especially when selling.
Are these color preferences the same everywhere?
The study indicates strong preferences for dark, warm tones overall, but regional and demographic variations may exist. Further research is needed to confirm universal applicability.
Should I repaint my bedroom if I plan to sell soon?
If the findings align with your local market and personal style, updating your bedroom with these colors could be beneficial. Consult with a real estate professional for tailored advice.
Are there any risks to choosing dark paint colors?
While dark colors can create cozy, attractive spaces, they may also make rooms appear smaller or darker if not applied carefully. Proper lighting and accenting can mitigate these issues.
Will I need to repaint after moving out?
Yes, if you’re renting or want to revert to neutral colors, you may need to repaint. Consider using removable or semi-permanent paint options for flexibility.
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