12 Retro Paint Shades Making a Comeback, as Recommended by Color Specialists

With countless paint brands and evolving trends, selecting the perfect hue to refresh your home can be overwhelming. However, some shades have proven timeless, especially for older homes or newer spaces seeking added charm. We consulted color experts to highlight vintage paint colors that remain stylish, ensuring you won’t feel the need to repaint frequently. 

Timeless Green Paint Options

Kristine Teno, an interior designer and paint color specialist, highlights green as the only neutral that remains a genuine color. “Green’s presence in interiors can evoke wealth, fertility, nature, and growth, yet its impact varies—some shades may unsettle, while others calm,” Teno notes. “It harmonizes with every hue on the color wheel, thanks to its deep connection to the natural world.”

Teno emphasizes that green has remained a timeless choice across all shades and eras. Below are some vintage green paint colors that capture that enduring, classic charm.

Louisburg Green

Louisburg Green (HC-113), a medium-toned muted sage from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, is ideal for spaces featuring natural, unpainted historic woodwork, as noted by Teno.

Erin Cavanaugh, a color and design expert, highlights sage green paint colors such as Louisburg Green as some of the most reliable and classic shades in the green palette. “Louisburg Green is perfect for exterior trim alongside traditional brick, or for walls in family rooms and studies to evoke warmth and comfort,” Cavanaugh states. 

Tate Olive

For those who embrace darker, moody paint colors, consider a rich, traditional green. Tate Olive (HC-112), a deep earthy green from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, is perfect for standout cabinetry and exterior siding, as suggested by Teno.

Nantucket Gray

Nantucket Gray (HC-111), a popular vintage neutral from Benjamin Moore, is described by Teno as a delicate and understated light gray-green. “This neutral tone beautifully complements spaces with natural woodwork and stone, adding a gentle touch,” she explains.

Timeless Blue Paint Colors 

Teno explains that blue paint colors have transformed into a highly adaptable choice suitable for any room. “In the past, blue was derived from the rare gemstone lapis lazuli and was primarily used to depict the Virgin Mary,” Teno notes. “However, as blue pigments became more accessible, the color gained widespread popularity.”

“Blue is particularly effective in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and bedrooms due to its soothing and purifying qualities,” Teno adds. Whether you need a timeless hue for your porch ceiling or a revitalizing shade for laundry room cabinets, here are some excellent options to explore.

Galt Blue

Teno is fond of blue shades that bring vibrant accents to various spaces in the home. Galt Blue (CW-560), a fresh and airy robin's egg blue from Benjamin Moore’s Colonial Williamsburg Collection, is ideal for front doors on white-painted houses, according to Teno.

Woodlawn Blue

One of the most beloved vintage blue paint colors is Woodlawn Blue (HC-147), a soft, muted blue-green from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection. Teno recommends it as an excellent choice for guest rooms.

Wedgewood Gray

Neutrals can be found across every section of the color wheel. Wedgewood Gray (HC-146), a timeless and serene blue-gray from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, is perfect for guest half baths, as Teno suggests.

Oval Room Blue

For timeless paint colors, Farrow & Ball is a go-to brand. Their Oval Room Blue No. 85 is a charming dusty blue with subtle green undertones. “This shade pairs beautifully with rich cherry furniture or antique woods in a dining room, complemented by soft white trim,” Cavanaugh suggests. 

Neutral Creamy White Paint Colors

Have you noticed that many vintage white paint colors carry a yellow undertone? This is partly due to the oil used in older paints. Teno explains that, unlike today’s water-based coatings, historic oil-based paints tended to yellow over time.

“Historically, white paint didn’t provide great coverage—hence the term ‘whitewash,’” she says. “It wasn’t until the 1920s that more effective white paints became widely available.”

“White is often seen as neutral and versatile, making it suitable for ceilings, walls, trim, and cabinetry. The amount used in a space can influence how light or dark the room feels,” Teno explains. For a classic white reminiscent of a century ago, here are some vintage paint colors to consider. 

Bone White

Bone White (OC-143) is a rich, elegant cream tone that Teno notes has been a favorite among Benjamin Moore's paint colors for more than five decades. This inviting neutral hue is perfect for crafting a cozy, hospitable vibe in your living space, whether applied to walls, trim, or cabinetry. 

Lime White

Stacy Grinsfelder, a DIY enthusiast and podcast presenter, is a big fan of Benjamin Moore's Lime White CW-95. She describes it as a versatile shade that appears as a warm white in spacious areas but transforms into a soft, creamy vintage yellow when combined with Carerra marble. "It’s incredibly adaptable and brings a sense of cleanliness and warmth to any room," she explains.

Linen White

Linen White (912) by Benjamin Moore is a softer, lighter alternative to Bone White, yet it maintains a timeless light cream appearance. According to Teno, this shade has been a staple in the company’s collection for over 50 years, earning it a genuine vintage reputation. It’s an excellent choice for accentuating architectural features, whether inside or outside your home. 

Classic Light Buff 

Cavanaugh’s top pick for a creamy white is Sherwin Williams’ Classic Light Buff SW0055. She notes, "This versatile shade works beautifully on walls, trim, ceilings, or even all three simultaneously. It’s also an ideal choice for creating a timeless 'black and white' exterior when used on the body of a home."

Mascarpone

Benjamin Moore’s Mascarpone (AF-20) is a timeless white paint color launched in the past two decades. Teno describes it as having an exceptionally delicate and soft creamy undertone. Warmer than Linen White, Mascarpone is often regarded as a historically authentic choice for trim and cabinetry.