Behr Paint of the Year celebrates color innovation, performance, and style leadership in residential design. Each year, Behr identifies hues that reflect cultural shifts, material trends, and the way people experience home environments.
Color choices influence mood, perceived space, and curb appeal, making annual palettes a valuable reference for homeowners and pros. The following sections explore what defines Behr Paint of the Year, how it compares to previous years, and how you can apply it confidently.
| Year | Paint of the Year Color | Core Vibe | Key Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Naval | Deep, grounding confidence | Behr Premium Plus Ultra |
| 2022 | Marine Blue | Open-air optimism | Behr Marquee |
| 2023 | Blue Jay | Bright, joyful clarity | Behr Marquee OOPS! |
| 2024 | Rose Quartz | Warm, modern comfort | Behr Premium Plus Ultra |
Selecting The Perfect Finish
Finish choice affects durability, cleanability, and how color depth appears on walls. Matte hides imperfections but marks more easily, while satin and eggshell offer balanced scrubability.
For high-traffic zones such as hallways and kids’ rooms, semi-gloss or satin simplifies touch-ups and resists scuffs. In living areas and bedrooms, lower sheens create a softer, more intimate atmosphere.
Year Over Year Palette Evolution
From Naval To Rose Quartz
Behr Paint of the Year evolves by reading cultural moments, material innovations, and the way light interacts with new formulations. The shift from Naval to Rose Quartz illustrates a move toward warmth while maintaining sophisticated depth.
Earlier palettes emphasized strong, contemplative tones; recent selections balance serenity with approachability, reflecting how modern homes blend work, rest, and connection.
Application Best Practices
Primer And Surface Prep
Using a quality primer ensures uniform sheen, color accuracy, and adhesion, especially when switching from very dark to light shades. Clean, dry, and sound surfaces deliver the smoothest finished look.
Coat Strategy
Two thin coats typically outperform one heavy coat, yielding even color and smoother coverage. Allow proper drying time between coats and follow temperature and humidity guidelines on the label.
Sustainability And Performance
Low Odor, High Performance
Behr Paint of the Year formulations prioritize low VOC content and reduced odor, making color upgrades more accessible with less downtime. Advanced binders help resist fading, chalking, and yellowing over time.
Color accuracy is enhanced through rigorous lab and real-world testing, ensuring that hues remain consistent across batches and perform well on diverse materials like drywall, fiber-cement, and masonry.
Getting Started With Behr Paint Of The Year
- Confirm the exact Paint of the Year color and product line from Behr’s current catalog.
- Perform a patch test to evaluate undertones in your specific lighting at home.
- Use appropriate primer and select the right sheen based on room function and material.
- Follow label guidance on temperature, recoat windows, and clean-up for best results.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I choose between Behr Marquee and Behr Premium Plus Ultra for the annual palette?
Marquee is a high-performance synthetic option with excellent scrubability and hiding, while Premium Plus Ultra delivers ultra-low odor and faster touch-dry times, ideal for occupied spaces.
Can the Paint of the Year color work on both interior and exterior applications?
Yes, but confirm the specific product line is labeled for exterior use, since some annual hues are formulated primarily for indoor performance and may require a corresponding exterior finish.
What sheen should I use for trim and doors with Rose Quartz?
For trims and doors, semi-gloss or satin provides durable scrubbability and clearer color reflection, while flat or matte on walls delivers a soft, modern embrace.
Will Behr release a matching primer under the Paint of the Year banner?
Behr typically offers compatible primers, often labeled as part of the Paint of the Year system to optimize adhesion, hide, and true color development.