Every year, paint companies release their selections color of the year, taking into account global trends in fashion, art, interior design, and even social issues and current events. This color is meant to reflect the anticipated mood or sentiment of the upcoming year.
For 2025, multiple paint companies have selected hues of a color that’s not found in many homes: purple. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use this surprising color in your home and which specific shades are predicted to become popular in the coming year.
(Please note that the photos on this page do not represent the actual paint colors discussed. To view the colors of the year, please visit the manufacturers’ websites, which are linked in the text.)
The Popularity of Purple Paint
If the colors of the year are anything to go by, 2025 is set to be dominated by dark, rich shades of purple and brown. Nearly every paint company chose a shade that fits this theme, with a couple outliers selecting bright blues or teals. But what does this mean?
The answer may lie within color psychology, which aims to identify the influence different colors have on mood and emotions and explore the cultural associations tied to them. Since purple dye used to be hard to come by, it has historically been associated with wealth and royalty.
We’re still experiencing the lingering effects of this today, with purple interiors often creating a sense of finery, sophistication, and rarity. Additionally, since it doesn’t occur often in nature, it often comes with an exotic or mysterious connotation.
Plus, it has some unique properties — it’s not a spectral color, which means it doesn’t exist anywhere along the spectrum of visible light. Instead, it’s created in our brains when our eyes see a mixture of blue and red light, which are located at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Maybe our society is craving wealth and intrigue, or maybe we just like purple. Whatever the reason, let’s take a closer look at the colors of the year and how to use them in your interior designs.
Mauve Finery by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams actually selected a palette of nine colors for 2025, Mauve Finery being one of them. It’s the lightest shade on this list, reminiscent of delicate flowers and breathtaking sunsets. It’s a more subdued option perfect for adding a pop of color without feeling overwhelming. Try this paint color anywhere you want to feel more spacious and tranquil.
Purple Basil by Glidden
Purple Basil is more saturated than most of the other shades on this list; however, it’s still dark enough to evoke images of grandeur rather than a crayon box. It’s perfect for homeowners who want to embrace purple, but in a more practical, mature way. Pair it with gold accents and rich textures for ultimate sophistication.
Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore describes Cinnamon Slate as “a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown” — basically a darker, more subdued shade of mauve. As far as purple goes, it’s relatively understated, yet still sophisticated and unexpected. In warm afternoon light, it appears more taupe, making it the perfect accent for homeowners who want to branch out a bit from the “sad beige” aesthetic without straying too far from neutral.
Raku by C2
This deep, warm shade by C2 is like a darker version of Cinnamon Slate and leans more brownish red than true purple. It oozes sophistication and timeless elegance, making it perfect for homes with traditional details like crown molding, millwork, wainscoting, or board-and-batten trim. Try drenching a room with this color to bring out its depth and see how different light conditions can bring out its purplish hue.
Violet by Minwax
If you’re looking for true purple, Violet by Minwax is it. As a semi-transparent wood finish, it’s a great way to add unique flair to your wood furniture without covering up its natural grain pattern.
Rumors by Behr
Behr’s Rumors lies between purple and red on the color wheel. Rich and earthy, it’s a more elevated version of the burgundy shades that dominated the 1990s. This shade will complement any neutral — beige, tan, brown, white, gray, or cream — and make them pop, breathing new life into your home.
Transform Your Home with a Fresh Coat of Paint
At Brush Brothers, we specialize in transforming homes with the power of paint. Whether you want to refresh a single room, add a pop of color, or update your whole home, we can help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started on your next home improvement project!
