Paint Colours That Sell Homes in 2026 (And the Ones Buyers Are Over)
Paint is one of the easiest ways to refresh a home… and also one of the easiest places to overspend if the colour choice misses the mark.
In today’s Calgary and Airdrie real estate market, buyer preferences have shifted. In 2026, we’re seeing a clear pattern in what helps homes feel move-in ready… and what quietly turns buyers off.
The right paint doesn’t just improve appearance — it influences emotion, perception, and buyer confidence.
Paint Colours Buyers Love Right Now
Across Calgary and Airdrie homes, buyers are gravitating toward palettes that feel warm, calm, and effortless.
Top-performing choices include:
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Warm off-whites instead of stark, cool white
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Soft greiges that adapt well to changing natural light
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Calm, neutral backdrops that feel intentional and timeless
These shades photograph beautifully, feel welcoming during showings, and work across a wide range of home styles — from family homes to condos and townhomes.
Paint Colours Buyers Are Quietly Over
Not every popular colour from the past few years is aging well.
Colours that often hold homes back include:
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Heavy greys with cool blue undertones
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Bold feature walls that dominate the room
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Ultra-dark colours in spaces with limited natural light
This doesn’t mean homes need to feel bland… it simply means balance now matters more than boldness.
The Detail Most Homeowners Miss… Light Exposure
One of the biggest paint mistakes happens when colour is chosen without considering light.
A north-facing Calgary home will read paint very differently than a bright, south-facing Airdrie property. Seasonal light, window placement, and room orientation all influence how a colour actually looks once it’s on the wall.
There is no universal “best” paint colour — the right choice depends on the home itself.
Smart Takeaway
Paint should support the home… not compete with it.
When done well, paint is one of the highest-impact, lowest-stress ways to prepare a property — whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply updating with intention and foresight.
Thinking about painting before you sell… or wondering if you even need to?
Sometimes a quick conversation is all it takes to know your next best step. I’m always happy to offer clarity on what will help — and what you can confidently skip.
Buyer-Approved Paint Colour Palette (2026)
Real brands • real colour names • resale-safe
Warm Off-Whites (Buyer Favourite)
Best for: Main living areas, kitchens, hallways, open concepts
These feel clean and bright without the harshness of pure white.
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Benjamin Moore
• White Dove
• Swiss Coffee
• Simply White -
Sherwin-Williams
• Alabaster
• Creamy
• Greek Villa -
Behr
• Swiss Coffee
• Blank Canvas
• Almond Wisp
Why buyers love these: They reflect light beautifully and work in every season.
Soft Greiges (The Safest Neutral)
Best for: Open-concept spaces, primary bedrooms, main floors
The perfect balance between grey and beige… adaptable and timeless.
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Benjamin Moore
• Edgecomb Gray
• Revere Pewter
• Pale Oak -
Sherwin-Williams
• Agreeable Gray
• Accessible Beige
• Anew Gray -
Behr
• Wheat Bread
• Campfire Ash
• Silver Drop
Why buyers love these: They work with almost any flooring, cabinetry, or furniture.
Light Warm Beiges (Especially Great for Lower Light)
Best for: Family rooms, secondary bedrooms, basements
These bring warmth without feeling yellow or dated.
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Benjamin Moore
• Natural Cream
• Manchester Tan
• Muslin -
Sherwin-Williams
• Balanced Beige
• Natural Linen
• Sandbar -
Behr
• Toasty Gray
• Almond Latte
• Wheat Bread
Why buyers love these: Cozy, welcoming, and very forgiving in darker spaces.
Soft Neutral Taupes (Quietly Elevated)
Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, transition spaces
Sophisticated without being trendy.
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Benjamin Moore
• Pashmina
• Feather Down
• Stone Hearth -
Sherwin-Williams
• Perfect Greige
• Useful Gray
• Dorian Gray (light-filled rooms only) -
Behr
• Natural Almond
• Sandstone Cove
• Cocoa Crumb (sparingly)
Why buyers love these: Calm, grounding, and ideal for rest spaces.
Pale Natural Neutrals (Airy & Light)
Best for: Homes with strong natural light, south-facing rooms
These almost disappear… in the best way.
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Benjamin Moore
• Balboa Mist
• Classic Gray
• Seapearl -
Sherwin-Williams
• Drift of Mist
• Shoji White
• City Loft -
Behr
• Polar Bear
• Painter’s White
• Soft Focus
Why buyers love these: Fresh, modern, and easy to personalize.
Colours Buyers Are Less Responsive To Right Now
Across showings and buyer feedback, homes tend to struggle with:
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Cool, blue-based greys (especially darker ones)
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High-contrast feature walls
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Very dark colours in low-light rooms
These can feel overly personal or visually heavy.
Pro Tip (Very Important)
A north-facing Calgary home will read paint very differently than a bright, south-facing Airdrie property. Always test samples on multiple walls and view them throughout the day before committing.
Smart Takeaway
The goal isn’t choosing your favourite colour… it’s choosing a buyer-approved backdrop.
When paint feels calm and intentional, buyers feel confident moving forward.
Choosing the right paint colours when selling a home in Calgary, Airdrie, and surrounding communities can significantly influence buyer perception and overall market response. Neutral, well-chosen paint colours help homes feel brighter, more spacious, and easier for buyers to visualize themselves living in.
Understanding current buyer preferences, natural light exposure, and when repainting is truly worthwhile allows homeowners to prepare strategically — without unnecessary cost or stress. Whether you’re selling soon or planning ahead, thoughtful paint choices remain one of the most effective ways to support a successful sale in today’s market.