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The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls for 2023

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex is our top choice

By

Theresa Holland

Theresa Holland

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and bedding. She shares her favorite life hacks on her blog The Taboo Textbook.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 02/10/23

Reviewed by

Deane Biermeier

Reviewed by Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Perhaps the biggest issue when selecting paints for interior walls is that there are simply so many choices. "Ask yourself what type of space it's for—residential, commercial, rentals, high-end, etc.—and what type of use the space will endure," says Louis DeCrosta, owner of L.A. Painting.

With expert tips from DeCrosta in mind, we researched and tested a range of paint brands, including options with various finishes, dry times, and cleaning requirements.

Frequently, you can find our selections at manufacturer retail outlets or at big-box stores. Many brands, however, are available only from one store.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex at Sherwin-williams.com

Best Budget:

Glidden Interior Paint at Home Depot

Best Splurge:

Backdrop Standard Finish Paint at Amazon

Best Paint-Primer:

Benjamin Moore Regal Select Paint and Primer at Ace Hardware

Best for High-Traffic Areas:

Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Interior Paint at Sherwin-williams. com

Best Stain-Resistant:

BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense Paint & Primer at Home Depot

Best for Dark Walls:

Valspar Signature Interior Paint + Primer at Lowe's

Best Single-Coat:

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Paint + Primer at Lowe's

Best Quick-Dry:

BEHR Dynasty Interior Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer at Home Depot

Best Chalk:

Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint at Amazon

In This Article

Sherwin-Williams

View On Sherwin-williams.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

The best paint for interior walls depends on your goals and preferences, but we believe Sherwin-Williams Cashmere is an all-around winner. This paint-primer combo boasts buttery-smooth application, automatically leveling out to a perfectly even layer. Which means you shouldn't have to worry about permanent brush strokes or roller marks.

This paint is available in five sheens and endless hues, as well as custom colors. It effortlessly hides existing colors and imperfections. Cashmere also dries to the touch in an hour. When it sets, you're left with an ultra-rich finish that looks great from every angle. It's super easy to scrub clean, too.

This wall paint can only be purchased directly from Sherwin-Williams, and at upwards of $50 per gallon, the price is slightly steep. Still, we think the stunning, durable results are well worth it.

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 1 hour

The Home Depot

View On Home Depot

What We Like

What We Don't Like

On a budget? At less than $20 per gallon, Glidden Essentials interior paint gets the job done without breaking the bank. Whether you're refreshing your living room, entryway, kitchen, or bathroom, you can count on excellent coverage, with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and an easy-to-clean finish with soap and water.

This wall paint is available in flat-matte, as well as eggshell and semi-gloss textures, and can be tinted into upwards of 1,000 colors. We also appreciate that this is a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) latex formula, with minimal odors.

We recommend this paint although we note that its budget price may come with some less-than-spectacular results, based on the surface or other factors. However, the manufacturer backs it with a 15-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $18

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, bathroom | Coverage Area: 350 square feet | Dry Time: 2–4 hours

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Backdrophome.com View On Urban Outfitters

“Curated and DIY”: Backdrop Paint

What We Like

What We Don't Like

"If we are aiming for a high-end look, we may want to look into . . . a design-forward paint brand with great color choices and strong pigments," says DeCrosta. Backdrop was a hit with our home tester, who liked the curated, on-trend color options and accurate adhesive samples you can stick to your wall.

"For the convenience of the curated color choices, self-adhesive sample, and the option to shop for paint supplies on the site, I loved the Backdrop experience," she said in her full product review. "However," she continued, "I paid about $20 per can more than I normally would and didn’t notice a huge difference in paint quality." 

About $70 a can is undoubtedly expensive, but the premium, water-based formula is conveniently self-priming. Based on where you purchase it, you can select from 74 colors with whimsical names such as "Night on Earth" (a bold olive green) and "Stromboli Chess Club" (a cornflower blue). It's also low-VOC, and thanks to the acrylic resin component, easy to apply and quick-drying, with minimal odors. But you need to wait 3 or 4 hours to apply a second coat, which you almost assuredly need.

Price at time of publish: $75

Intended Surface: Walls, trim | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 1 hour

ACE Hardware

View On Ace Hardware View On Benjaminmoore.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Anyone who has painted knows how much of a hassle it can be to apply primer before the main coat. We like Benjamin Moore Regal Select, which combines primer and paint. We especially appreciate that you can purchase it flat, matte, eggshell, pearlescent, or semi-gloss finishes and nearly 4,000 hues. The manufacturer notes that this paint adheres well to most surfaces, including wallboard, plaster, wood, and metal. It should apply well whether you use a brush, roller, or sprayer.

The self-priming formula hides existing wall paint colors and imperfections, but bear in mind you likely need two coats. We also like that it has a mildew-resistant coating, plus stain-release technology that makes it incredibly easy to clean. The manufacturer notes this paint is VOC compliant in all areas but may not be available everywhere because of state VOC regulations.

Price at time of publish: $83

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, wood | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours

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Sherwin-Williams

View On Sherwin-williams.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

We recommend Sherwin-Williams Duration as the best interior paint for busy households and high-traffic areas. The combination paint and primer is available in all Sherwin-Williams colors, as well as textures that include flat, matte, satin and semi-gloss. ("If you are in a space that will have very high traffic and/or high humidity/moisture, I recommend a semi-gloss to a high-gloss," says DeCrosta. "The sheen provides a barrier.")

The manufacturer says its antimicrobial agents promise to inhibit mold and mildew, while stain-blocking technology hides old marks and helps new ones wipe clean. We have noted that it's possible to apply two coats (needed) in one regular day; expect 2 hours or so for a coat to dry enough for a second coat.

Though $80 is a lot for a gallon of paint, it's backed by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $81

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, bathrooms | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours

The 11 Best Paint Brushes of 2023

The Home Depot

View On Home Depot View On Behr.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

For a surface benefiting from a flat finish, such as a dining room or bedroom, BEHR Ultra Scuff Defense is a great option. It's so durable, it's virtually un-scuffable, making it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas and homes with kids and pets. Not only that, but it conceals existing imperfections and offers ongoing resistance to stains and mildew growth. While the manufacturer positions this paint as a combination paint and primer, we note that some surfaces may need priming first.

This is not a paint to use for a quick job. Generally, glossy surfaces need scuffing and sanding before applying a flat paint. The manufacturer specifies 2 hours drying time before applying a second coat, which we've found to be slightly longer than average. Dark colors may need more time. And this paint requires 30 days to fully cure. You also need 30 days for any new plaster to cure before painting. Also, this is sold exclusively at The Home Depot, but you can find a store in most communities of any size.

The price is comparable to many paints we've evaluated. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $43

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, bathrooms | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours

The 9 Best Paint Rollers of 2023

Lowe's

View On Lowe's View On Valspar.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

If you need to cover a darker existing wall color or stubborn stains, the best indoor paint is Valspar Signature. The 100 percent acrylic formula delivers rich color that goes on smooth and hides everything underneath. You can use it on many platforms, including drywall, plaster, wood, fiberglass, and metal. It's a combined paint and primer, and can be used as a primer before applying the main coat. However, the manufacturer recommends that you apply a primer for best results, and then paint two coats on "properly prepared" walls or ceilings.

You can purchase this paint in eggshell, flat, satin, or semi-gloss finishes. Its dry time, at 77 degrees Fahrenheit is 30 to 60 minutes to the touch, and 2 hours for a second coat. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it's also resistant to mildew, stains, scuffs, and fading. Once dry, this durable paint can be cleaned as needed with soap and water.

While you can order this paint online from the manufacturer, it's available for pickup only at Lowe's stores.

Price at time of publish: $40

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, wood, concrete | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 2 hours

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Lowe's

View On Lowe's

What We Like

What We Don't Like

No time for two coats? This one-and-done, self-priming wall paint promises ultra-smooth perfection in a single layer and can be tinted to pretty much any color imaginable. You can use it effectively on many surfaces besides drywall, including concrete and masonry, and wood. We like that unlike many self-priming paints, this paint is effective to be used on basement walls and doors, according to the manufacturer.

The high-performance acrylic formula repels stains, scuffs, scratches, and mildew, with a lifetime warranty to back up its durability. It's also a breeze to wash off with soap and water.

While we note that many users agree that one coat is enough to cover white or light-colored walls, darker surfaces may require additional coats. The manufacturer doesn't specify the dry time for additional coats, but we recommend at least 2 hours. This paint, with a limited lifetime warranty, is available only at Lowe's stores.

Price at time of publish: $66

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, bathroom, wood | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 30–60 minutes

The Home Depot

View On Home Depot View On Behr. com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

BEHR Dynasty is dry to the touch in an hour and not tacky whatsoever after 4 hours. For that reason, you can use it on doors and drawers. You can purchase this paint in matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes. it is available only at The Home Depot stores.

The manufacturer positions this brand as its most durable one-coat paint, resisting scuff marks such as shoe heels. If you're repainting existing light-colored surfaces, you can likely get away with a single coat. But the manufacturer agrees that darker colors might take a little longer to cure.

We appreciate that this paint has an antimicrobial finish that repels stains and wipes clean with minimal elbow grease. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: $60

Intended Surface: Walls, trim, doors, wood, concrete | Coverage Area: 400 square feet | Dry Time: 1 hour

How to Choose Paint at Home Depot

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Walmart

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Chalk paint, which has been around since 1990, is good for quick jobs, or for leaving a matte, perhaps intentionally distressed appearance. You can use it right out of the can with no priming. Besides painting your walls, you can use it to transform wood furniture, metal fixtures, and ceramic items. (Note this type of paint should not be confused with chalkboard paint, which creates a chalkboard-like surface when applied.)

While the original chalk paint was created by the Annie Sloan brand, there are many versions now. But we recommend Rust-Oleum Chalked as the best chalk paint. The ultra-matte formula creates a semi-distressed look, ideal for rustic and vintage-inspired interior design schemes. This low-odor latex paint is easy to apply, effortlessly adhering to most surfaces, and is dry to the touch within 30 minutes.

The manufacturer claims that one coat is enough for most surfaces, but applying a topcoat 8 hours after the first coat has dried adds extra protection. Just bear in mind the flat finish is more prone to scuffs and stains than glossier sheens.

While many paint brands are available only through manufacturer retail stores or selected big-box stores, you can buy Rust-Oleum at many places. We also note that this brand costs considerably less than other types of paint. But the look is not for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $32

Intended Surface: Walls, furniture, fixtures | Coverage Area: 150 square feet (1 quart)| Dry Time: 30 minutes

Final Verdict

Overall, for most uses, we like Sherwin-Williams Cashmere Interior Acrylic Latex. This interior paint boasts buttery-smooth application, effortlessly hiding existing wall colors and drying perfectly even. If you're on a budget, consider Glidden Essentials Interior Paint. And if you're looking for a single-coat, high-coverage formula, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Infinity Advanced Performance Paint + Primer is your best bet.

Intended Surface

When buying interior paint, first consider whether you plan to use it on drywall only or the trim and doors as well. Louis DeCrosta, owner of L. A. Painting, recommends thinking about your overall goal and what type of use the space will endure. "For example, if the paint is for a rental, we would want something low- maintenance (easy touch-ups and durable)," he says. "If it's a space that will endure humidity or moisture, we want to use a paint that is rated for these areas."

Color

The color you pick is likely your second biggest consideration when selecting interior paint. Even if you already know which color interior paint you want, there are many shade choices. Most major paint manufacturers offer an extensive selection of color chips. Use them to narrow down your options, then consider purchasing a pint-sized paint tester to try out the color at home. Note that colors appear differently depending on the room light. So make sure to examine the color under the most prevalent lighting conditions.

If you can’t find an exact match in the color swatches, typically, you can have a custom color mixed at your local paint store. Bring in a sample of the shade you’re imagining—it can be anything, even a pillow or a favorite sweater—and a color code machine called a spectrophotometer scans and deciphers the color. The machines aren’t perfect, so visually check the color to see if it’s on target with what you were imagining. The paint mixer should be able to tweak it further, if necessary.

Another option is a small device, the Color Muse (view on Amazon), which can scan a wall, counter, or other object and find you the closest color match among top paint brands. The device reads the RGB (red, green, blue) values of the color and identifies paint choices that match. If no matching shade is found, the device provides you with the RGB code to create a custom paint shade. Paint color options are limitless. The bigger task is selecting your top choice for your space, style, and furnishings.

Finish

The finish you choose depends on where you are painting and how resilient you want the surface to appear. You have three basic finish categories to choose from, and sometimes paint is categorized by these finish types. Select from a flat finish, low-luster (which can include "eggshell" and "satin"), or glossy finish. High gloss finishes add drama, while flatter finishes might play into calmer surroundings.

Flat paint, also called a matte finish, is exactly as it sounds—the resulting finish doesn’t reflect much light. This type of interior paint is good for surfaces that won’t see much action, like ceilings. It’s usually the least expensive type of interior paint, but it can be difficult to keep clean and look fresh. Only use flat paint if you’re on a tight budget and using it on an out-of-the-way location. On the plus side, matte paint hides imperfections better than shinier finishes.

The next type of finish is low-luster, which reflects light only slightly. Low-luster paints include eggshell and satin finishes. Of the two, eggshell is slightly flatter. But compared to a true flat finish this one is versatile, and offers increased durability and ability to keep clean. Satin or eggshell finish is appropriate for most walls of your home, including the living room, bedroom, hallways, bathrooms, and more.

Finally, paints with glossy finishes offer a high amount of sheen or light reflection and a harder finish than flat paints. This category includes semi-gloss paints that are slightly flatter than their glossy counterparts. Glossy paint is best used on windowsills or handrails, while semi-gloss paints are popular in higher-humidity areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. Glossy paints look beautiful but magnify any imperfections in their surfaces.

VOCs

If you've ever experienced a headache, nausea, or nasal irritation during or after painting a small, enclosed space, it's likely the result of inhaling volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines VOCs as "any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions. " These gases are emitted in some quantity by paint along with many household liquids. In sufficient quantities and prolonged exposure, they can be harmful to health.

The EPA has established a limit of 2.1 pounds of VOC per gallon. You should examine the paint can label and ask your seller about how much VOC is contained in each gallon.

As a general rule, when painting indoors, allow yourself the best ventilation possible.

Additives

Some interior paints have additives to enhance the application or finish of the paint. Consider what you’re trying to achieve with your painting project to determine which—if any—additives are necessary for your purposes.

Enamel is one of the most common additives found in interior paint. The addition of enamel to the paint formula results in a harder, more durable finish. This could be important for high-traffic areas where dirt might infiltrate the paint, or if the finish is subjected to lots of touching and bumping.

Coverage and Dry Time

Interior wall paints are often dry to the touch and ready for a second coat within 1 to 2 hours. However, some paints take up to 4 hours to dry, and others take several days or more to fully cure—meaning the finish is no longer tacky. Darker colors may take longer to set than lighter colors. Also, if you need to apply more than one coat, you may have to wait longer before the first coat is dry enough. This can take 8 hours or longer.

Durability and Maintenance

Ideally, wall paint should resist stain and be easy to clean, especially when applied to high-traffic areas and homes with pets or kids. According to DeCrosta, something with at least a semi-gloss finish is easiest to clean. "People [often] ask for an eggshell finish because it isn't too shiny, and you can wipe fingerprints and dirt off the wall easily," he says.

FAQ

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer and product tester specializing in home improvement and decor. For this story, she interviewed Louis DeCrosta, owner of L.A. Painting, who provided insight into the varying finishes and maintenance requirements of interior wall paints. After considering dozens of options and notes from our home testers, she narrowed it down to the most user-friendly, easy-to-clean, high-performance formulas with stunning finishes.

The Best Exterior Paints of 2023

Updated by

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a DIY expert and writer focusing on cooking, crafting, and making home decor projects.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. The Latest Color Updates: Faster and Easier than Ever. PPG.com

  2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Minnesota Poison Control Agency.

  3. What is the definition of VOC? U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

  4. Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

  5. Architectural Coating Rule for Volatile Organic Compounds. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

35 Best House Painting Ideas for Every Room in Your Home 2023

PHOTO: FELIX FOREST; DESIGN: ARENT & PYKE

Choosing the right paint colors in your home can make all the difference in lifting your mood and setting a scene. It's the backdrop for all of your interiors, which is where you live, after all. So skip the do-overs and pick the perfect paint color the first time around by doing a little research and sussing out the options before you lay out your drop cloth and don your white overalls. The good news is you're in the right place for that. There are a million hard decisions to make when it comes to picking the perfect color, but no matter what space, shade, or aesthetic you're looking for, our guide to the best paint colors for every room in the house will point you in the right direction. We compiled all of our best paint color advice in one place and organized it by room to make it even easier. So take a virtual tour and go room-hopping to get inspired by the designer-approved paint colors below. Let's start in the entryway.

🏡Love knowing all the latest design trends? We've got you covered.

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1

Ultra-Light Mint

Shade Degges

Designer Jae Joo brightened up this old Boston Rowhouse with a fresh coat of ultra-light mint green paint. The warmth of the exposed brick accent wall, railing, artwork, and dresser fill the space with character and history for a smooth balance.

Shop this shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Cromarty, $110

2

Black Chalk Paint

Paul Raeside

This entryway designed by Garrow Kedigian is whimsical yet elegant, thanks to the drawn-on moldings. Matte black walk paint gives the space a moody, intimate atmosphere to contrast the more playful elements for a balanced whole.

BUY NOW Annie Sloan Black Chalk Paint, $43

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3

Neon Pink

Francesco Lagnese

Intense, eye-catching, and adventurous, the neon pink walls in this townhouse designed by Jonathan Berger make quite the first impression. Use it in a foyer for a warm, welcoming, impossible-to-forget entrance, or to embolden a lackluster hallway.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Peony, $45

4

High-Gloss Chartreuse

Johnny Valiant

These high-gloss green walls in a hallway designed by Christina Murphy are such a fun surprise and make an otherwise boring transitional space feel fun.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Behr High-Gloss Sparkling Apple, $34

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5

Gray-Brown

House Beautiful

Kim Alexandruik's motto is to "go for impact." Use it as an opportunity to play with unusual seating and colorful artwork that may be harder to integrate into other rooms. Her color of choice is a "putty-colored gray, with a hint of pink and lavender. Not too light, so it doesn't go vapid," says Aleandruik. Use this hallway designed by Mally Skok as inspiration.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath 229, $110

6

Plum

Sarah Shields Photography

The plum cabinetry in this mudroom designed by Whittney Parkinson gives the area a calming presence. When paired with wicker baskets and brown tiled flooring, it's even more earthy and homey.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Brinjal 222, $110

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7

Red and Lavender

David A. Land

If you're feeling adventurous, color-block with two bold shades. Follow this living room by Katie Brown as an example, using the fresh color combination of fire engine red and violet in this space. And see how the pillows tie everything together so nicely? That's another great way to approach the living room design process: Start with a fun pair of throw pillows and then pull out your two favorite colors to highlight on the walls and ceiling.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Exotic Fuschia, $80

8

Dutch Blue

JESSIE PREZA

Game rooms should be fun, so don't shy away from color! Designer and homeowner Fitz Pullins opted for a bold blue that's perfect for both daytime fun and dressier evenings. That neon light in the corner is a nice touch, too.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Washington Blue, $47

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9

Pale Green

Tamsin Johnson

When you want a light neutral but find white too stark and beige too boring, opt for a super pale shade of green. Green-infused grays will feel like a breath of fresh air and adds just the right touch of intrigue as a backdrop for the gallery wall in this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Mizzle, $110

10

Sky Blue

Barbara Corsico

The artwork in this living room designed by Kingston Lafferty truly comes to life when paired with the color-blocked ceiling, walls, and fireplace, the sputnik light, and patterned chairs. In fact, the space itself is like a work of art. To replicate this look, opt for a lighter shade of blue on the largest section of the wall and then a more saturated shade of blue on a small piece, like a fireplace.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Waterloo, $80

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11

Sage Green

MALI AZIMA

No color creates a soothing atmosphere quite like sage green. Use it in your living room or in a library, as designer Melanie Turner did here in a historic Atlanta home's scrapbook-filled study. Paired with cozy seating of a similar color and a fireplace, the space makes for an ideal nook to sit down and get lost in a book.

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Calke Green, $110

12

Violet

House Beautiful

Hand-painted murals can mimic the effect of wallpaper by introducing a story and pattern. But it's also safer inn splash zones like the kitchen, where wallpaper may feel a little more risky for some. Here, the lavender swirls of paint on a buttercream backdrop complement the elaborate blue chandelier, too. Then the classic, neutral cabinets and island ground the space.

Shop a similar shade of purple paint below:

BUY NOW Glidden Violet Shimmer, $23

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13

Flat Black

GRT Architects

In this midcentury Hudson Valley home, GRT Architects painted all the walls and windows a low gloss black to foreground the view and accentuate the large windows. The inky tone also helps contemporize and dress up the family kitchen.

Shop a similar shade:

BUY NOW Portola Paints Utlra Flat Acrylic Sample, $10

14

Kelly Green

Anna Spiro Design

Verdant and fresh, there's a reason green works in every room. Pick between lime, pea, and clover for a nature-inspired space. If you aren't sure about covering the whole room in something so wild, just paint the trims and/or doors. In this energizing kitchen designed by Anna Spiro, the pops of high-gloss Kelly green do the trick.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Peppermint Leaf, $80

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15

Classic Gray

Heidi Caillier Design

Avoid ho-hum neutrals. These go-to basics feature a few surprises, like a smoky lavender, moss green, and chocolate brown. In this galley kitchen designed by Heidi Caillier, the smoky paint brings some polish and formality.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Plummett, $110

16

Marigold

James Merrell

Even kitchens can have a little fun—every color of the rainbow is fair game. We love this goldenrod yellow that picks up on some of the colors in the wallpaper of this Rita Konig-designed kitchen.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Dutch Orange, $110

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17

Rich Green

Dustin Halleck

A vivid green scheme instantly commands attention, making it the perfect choice for a kitchen conceived for entertaining. Take note of this one designed by SuzAnn Kletzien. The cabinets, crown and base moldings, and window trim are all painted in Benjamin Moore's Hunter Green in a satin finish. "It's a very appetizing color," Kletzien says.

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Hunter Green 2041-10, $47

18

Bright Orange

STEPHEN KARLISCH

Don't neglect your pantry—it could use a fresh coat of paint, too. Consider covering exposed shelving in a bright orange hue for an unexpected and playful pop in a room that's often fairly dull. In this pantry, Pulp Design Studio used Sherwin-Williams Daredevil in a satin finish.

BUY NOW Sherwin-Williams Daredevil 6882, $71

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19

Royal Blue

Cameron Ruppert Interiors

In a formal dining room, choose something regal, like a deep royal blue. In this space by Cameron Ruppert Interiors, the glossy, luxe paint dresses up the bohemian upholstery and light area rug for approachable fine dining.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Fine Paints of Europe Hollandac Brilliant (Price Upon Request)

20

Burnt Orange

Emil Sindlev

In a casual apartment dining nook designed by Emil Dervish, a pop of burnt orange spices up the entire area. The deep red and brown undertones keep things edgy and streamlined but make it just a touch more cheerful. The steel blue sconce adds a quirky touch while the concrete planter stays in line with the industrial vibe.

Shop a similar shade below:

BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Ravishing Red, $80

The largest auction houses in the world

Christie's
Company website - christies. com
The pioneer of commission trading, former naval officer James Christie Sr., was the first to capture the fine arts market. Arranging the first sale in 1766 in London, he soon owned a building with an auction room specially built for him. From the very beginning, Christis tried to keep the leading position. The aristocracy and members of the royal family sent their collections here. Even the values ​​of the British national heritage were often exhibited as lots. Christie's flourishing was due to the revolution of 1848, which marked the "epoch of great sales." It is believed that it was Christie who turned the antiques trade into art - the largest auctions of the 18th and 19th centuries were held here. And by the way, none other than James Christie himself acted as an intermediary in the deal to sell the collection of paintings by Sir Robert Walpole to the Russian Empress Catherine II. The purchased collection of works of art became the basis of the future Hermitage Museum.

Sotheby's
Company website - sothebys. com
The founder of Sotheby's was the bookseller Samuel Baker, who held his first auction in 1744 in London and published the first book catalog with fixed prices. In 1754, Baker opened a permanent auction room. For a century, Baker and his successors specialized exclusively in books and were the organizers of the auctions of all known libraries, including the libraries of Prince Talleyrand, the Dukes of York and Buckingham, and the library of Napoleon, which the emperor took with him in exile to St. Helena.
In 1778, the business passed to Baker's nephew John Sotheby, whose heirs led the firm for more than 80 years. Since 1778, the company became known as Sotheby's. During this period, the company expanded into the sale of prints, coins, medals and other antiques, but the book trade remained its main business.
There was an unspoken agreement that furniture and paintings were sent to Christie's, who conceded all the books to Sotheby's. It was violated in 1913 by the sale of the "Portrait of a Man" by Frans Hals, which was sold for a good price for that time of 9000 pounds sterling. And in 1917 there was a big sale, for the first time including paintings along with furniture and prints. In 1955, the company opened a New York office, and in 1964 made the even more forward-thinking decision to acquire Park Burnet, the largest art auction house in the United States. By becoming the property of Sotheby's, the Park-Burnet auction house has taken a key position in the rapidly growing North American market for Impressionist and Modernist paintings.
Sotheby's was a private "club" where only aristocrats could get jobs. By the beginning of the 80s of the twentieth century, Sotheby's was practically bankrupt. In 1983, Sotheby's was sold to the American entrepreneur A. Alfred Taubman, the owner of a large chain of stores. Today Sotheby's has more than 100 offices all over the world, including a branch in Moscow. In 2000, Sotheby's became the first international online art auction. Among the most curious lots sold online is the first print of the Declaration of Independence (more than $8 million).


Bonhams
Company website - bonhams. com
The third largest and most versatile auction house in the world, one of the few surviving Georgian auction houses in London. It was formed in 1793 by the famous engraving dealer Thomas Dodd and book antiquarian Walter Bonham and expanded by the middle of the 19th century. In 2000, Bonhams was bought by Brooks auction house and the company was named Bonhams & Brooks. Brooks was founded at 1989 by Robert Brooks, who specialized in the sale of classic and vintage cars. In 2001, Bonhams & Brooks merged with auction house Phillips Son & Neale. Today, Bonhams trades in 70 categories, including paintings, cars, musical instruments, wines, carpets and design objects. Auction House Bonhams has over 700 sales worldwide. Bonhams has auctions in the US (Bonhams & Butterfields), Australia (Bonhams & Goodmans), South Africa and Hong Kong.


Dorotheum
Company website - dorotheum. com
The largest and most respected auction house in the German-speaking countries. Founded in 1707 by Emperor Joseph I.
Dorotheum - one of the most famous cultural institutions in Vienna, an integral part of Austrian history. 80 years after its founding as a “Viennese pawnshop for issuing loans against mortgage of things”, the institution moved to the former monastery of the Dorothek sisters. From this came its name, which has survived to this day, “Dorotheum”. The construction of a luxurious palace (Palais) in the lane Doroteek (Dorotheergasse) on the site of an old monastery was completed in 1901 year.
Dorotheum averages about 600 auctions a year. In addition to Vienna, where the headquarters is located, it has representative offices in a number of Austrian cities (Salzburg), as well as in Milan and Prague.


MacDougall's
Company website - macdougallauction. com
Relatively young, MacDougall's is the only auction house that specializes exclusively in Russian fine art. The MacDouglas auction house has been selling paintings and other works of art from the 18th century to the present day and has set several records for Soviet non-conformist art. In 2009held an auction of Orthodox icons. The head office is located in London, there are offices in Paris, Moscow and Kyiv. Auctions are held on average twice a year.


Stockholm Auction House
Company website - auktionsverket. se
The Stockholm Auction House, the oldest auction house in the world, was founded by Baron Claes Rålamb in 1674 in Stockholm. The auction house's clients were kings: Charles XI and Gustav III and the Swedish prose writer August Strindberg. Under 1993 auction house belonged to the city of Stockholm, is now in private hands. On average, it holds 75 auctions per year. Operates only in Sweden, has offices in Gothenburg and Malmö. Specialized Russian auctions are held at least once a year. Also, Russian things can often be found at auctions selling European fine and applied art of the 19th-20th centuries.


Uppsala (Uppsala Auktionskammare)
Company website - uppsalaauktion. se
The Uppsala auction was founded in 1731 and is the third largest auction in Sweden and the largest outside Stockholm. The Uppsala Auction House is headquartered in Uppsala with offices in Stockholm and Gothenburg and a presence in Södermanland. In 2009the company bought Crafoord Auktioner. Among the traditional sales of art of the XVIII-XIX centuries, Russian names are often found.


Bukowskis
Company website - bukowski. fi
The auction house Bukowskis was founded in 1870 in Sweden by an emigrated Polish nobleman Henryk Bukowski. Henryk Bukowski attached great importance to the sale of high-quality works of art and antiques. Between 1870 and 1940, he made several important sales of collections of royal origin, thanks to which the house gained a worldwide reputation. Auction house Bukovskis is the leading auction house in Scandinavia and has offices all over the world. Swedish Bukowskis holds four main auctions a year. Two of them, spring and autumn Bukowskis Modern Sales are dedicated to modernist and contemporary art, including design objects, furniture, silver, glass.
In 1979, an office was opened in Finland, which quickly became the leading auction house in that country, holding over 100 auctions a year. As acknowledged by the house itself, thanks to the common history of Finland and Russia, there are many Russian works of art in the catalogs of both auctions.


Drouot auction house
Company website - drouot. com
Drouot was first talked about in 1852, when the property of King Louis Philippe of France went under the hammer in the old Pinon de Quincy hotel, converted into auction rooms. Emperor Napoleon III personally visited Drouot and acquired two figurines for his collection. After the death of the artist Eugene Delacroix, the entire contents of his workshop were put up for auction, the same happened with the legacy of Ingres, the Goncourt brothers and Sarah Bernhardt. To date, Drouot is perhaps the most respectable auction house in France. It organizes approximately 2,000 auctions annually. Almost everything has been and is sold on Drouot: from sculptures to paintings, from houses to cars, from antiques to the stairs of the Eiffel Tower. Letters from Christopher Columbus and the autograph of Baudelaire's "Flowers of Evil" appeared here. Drouot went through the work of almost all the Impressionists. Moreover, Drouot has been selling the works of these artists since 1870 (before they were called Impressionists). At Drouot auctions, you can also find paintings by Russian artists, many of whom emigrated to France after the October Revolution.


Auction house Tayan
Company website - tajan. com
Tayan Auction House is one of the largest auction houses in France.
Covers many areas: painting and graphics by old masters, the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, impressionism and modernism.
At auctions you can buy works of decorative and applied art of the 18th-19th centuries and the 20th century, jewelry, ceramics, silver, objects of contemporary art.
Special auctions are devoted to Russian art, Islamic art, Jewish studies, as well as posters, books and manuscripts, photography, toys, comics and wines.


Auction house Duran Subastas
Company website - duran-subastas. com
Auction House Duran is the largest auction house in Madrid, Spain.
Since 1969 he has held more than 400 auctions of jewelry, books, manuscripts and art by Spanish and foreign artists.


Poly Auction (Poly)
Company website - polypm.com. cn
Ranks third in the list of the largest auction houses in the world. Poly Auction was founded on July 1, 2005 in Beijing. Currently recognized as the fastest growing auction house in China. Has its offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, France and the United States


Chyna Guardian (China Guardian)
Company website - cguardian. com
Ranked fourth in the list of the largest auction houses in the world. Chyna Guardian auction house founded on May 1993 years in Beijing.


Material prepared by the administration of the site Art Katalog

Auction houses of Moscow: art and painting

The instinct of collecting has an ancient origin and in modern times manifests itself in the form of collecting. It would not be an exaggeration to say that absolutely every person on this planet collects something. It can be purposeful or unconscious, it can be material or ideal (for example, impressions), or even good people, acquaintances. What are you collecting?

Today we will tell you where you can replenish your collections with art objects .

Auction (lat. auctio - public sale) is a specially created public trading platform where purchase and sale transactions are carried out through an organized price struggle between potential buyers. Holding an auction involves a preliminary exhibition of items, publication of a catalog, setting a starting price; the buyer is the one who offers the highest price during the auction.

As a form of art trade, auctions date back to ancient times. Active formation abroad takes place in the 18th century, simultaneously with the European art market. In the second half of the 18th century, auction houses were created in the largest capitals of Europe, some of which are still operating today.

The first art auctions in Russia take place in the late 1760s, mainly in St. Petersburg. Previously, works of art were purchased by domestic collectors at foreign auctions. The beginning of the 19th century, when, after the European revolutions, the trading floors of Russia were replenished with foreign artifacts, and also began to include works of domestic art, marked the development of auction activities. Auctions became more saturated and specialized, reflecting changes in the development of historical sciences and art history. By the beginning of the 20th century, there were several auction houses in St. Petersburg.

Since the beginning of the 1990s, auctions in Russia have been held regularly, mainly in Moscow. The leaders of the auction trade at that time were the auction houses "Alfa-Art" (1989) and "Gelos" (1988).

At present, the number of auction houses as places of residence of various works of human hand (books, coins, posters, sculptures, engravings, paintings, etc.) in Moscow and throughout Russia has increased markedly, which is why it is almost impossible to single out a market leader. Auction houses often combine several types of art at once (in the general sense of the word). The most famous auction houses, whose interests are mainly paintings and graphics, include: "Russian enamel" (1999), Sovkom (2000s), Kabinet (2006), Art Holding (2005), Three Centuries (early 2000s), Art Boulevard (2009 ), "Egorovs' Auction House" (2017), "Auction House No. 1" (2000s). In addition to those named, there are many other houses that are active. Let's take a closer look at some well-known auction houses.

Sovkom, st. Shchepkina, 28

The auction house and gallery of Soviet art Sovkom has been operating on the art market for over 15 years. The company specializes in sales of classical Russian, Soviet and contemporary art, and is the leader in sales of Russian and Soviet paintings and drawings by artists of the 20th century. However, it also holds secondhand, numismatic and other thematic exhibitions and auctions (including an auction of antique and rare frames, etc.). Sovkom works in two directions: as an auction house and an art gallery, holding pre-auction exhibitions and exhibitions of its own collections. The Sovkom Gallery's own collection contains more than a thousand reference samples of painting and graphics of the 20th century.

The founder of the gallery is Yuri Tyukhtin, a native of the city of Kazan, since 1998 the owner of the Kostroma Sovcombank, a collector of Russian socialist realism.

Magnum Ars Auction House

Magnum Ars Auction House was founded in 1990 and includes an art gallery, an auction house, a research and publishing division, a design studio and a design studio. Paintings by Russian and Western European artists of the 18th, 19th, 20th centuries (including such artists as Aivazovsky, Vasnetsov, Krymov, Kuindzhi, Levitan, Polenov, Udaltsova, etc.) are put up for auction. From 19For 95 years, the antiques association, together with the State Tretyakov Gallery, has been publishing scientific works on technical, technological and stylistic examinations of works of fine and decorative art. "Magnum Ars" also carries out professional restoration of paintings received for sale in an art gallery or auction. Trades are conducted in dollars.

ArtsLand Online Marketplace

ArtsLand Auction House is an online contemporary art auction that provides artists (artists, art dealers, art collectors) the opportunity to freely list their work and the work of other authors for sale and to showcase their work. The advantage of an online platform is to bypass additional fees and charges (transactions) and purchase an art object directly from the owner. The author sets the starting price on his own, then chooses a buyer among those who wish. The site ArtsLand.ru offers free placement of works for an open auction for up to 90 days (with the possibility of free extension without limits), comments of authors and sellers, portfolios of authors, "likes" of works, open comments from Facebook. Paid services are also offered.

"Auction House No. 1" st. Khamovnichesky val, 10

"Auction House No. 1" has been operating as an antique company for over 20 years, includes six departments: 1) fine arts (painting, drawing, engraving, poster, photography), 2 ) arts and crafts (porcelain, glass, bronze, silver, ornamental stone), 3) used books (old books, periodicals, autographs, manuscripts), 4) jewelry, 5) icons and 6) furniture. Currently, the auction house implements its activities in the following formats: full-time participation, correspondence, telephone auctions, online - participation on its own Internet site. The antique company also has its own expertise, cooperates with experts from leading museums and specialized research institutes.

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