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These 18 Paint Colors Are Perfect for Rustic-Style Decorating

Rich in earth tones, this color palette has an understated elegance

Shelburne Buff painted walls in rustic-styled living living room

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Choosing rustic paint colors for your home’s design can create a natural, welcoming aesthetic that blends with styles from modern to farmhouse. Rustic decor is a simple yet elegant style that is refined but doesn't look overworked, stuffy, or stark. The most iconic features of rustic decorating are the use of natural materials and earthy colors. Furniture and architectural details are often unfinished and look like they were brought in from outside with little alteration.

By definition, rustic is "not urban," so rustic styles include a rustic cabin, country farmhouse, mountain ski lodge, Tuscan villa, and French countryside. Rustic colors are deep and natural, and many of the major paint companies, including Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr, all have a variety of rustic tones to choose from. The color palette swings heavily towards neutral, and rich earthy tones like greens, browns, and grays are common color choices. Combined with the right room elements, the room's vibe is warm, relaxed, and welcoming. And, whether you choose a vivid tone like the terracotta shade Persimmon by Sherwin-Williams or a dark, moody hue like Behr’s Cracked Pepper, rustic, earthy tones will always feel natural and in style.

  • Color Family: Earth tones
  • Complementary Colors: Neutral; works with most color families
  • Pairs Well With: Wood tones, stone hues, rust reds, metallic colors, and forest tones
  • Mood: Comfortable, welcoming
  • Where to Use: Every room

Here, find the 18 best ideas for rustic paint colors to use in your home.

  • 01 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Rockwood Red SW-2802

    Rockwood Red paint swatch from Sherwin-Williams

    The Spruce

    Deep, warm red colors are the cornerstone of many rustic color palettes because of their versatility with warm and cool colors. Sherwin-Williams Rockwood Red has a strong presence and can stand up to the boldest architectural details and natural elements. This rich tone pairs well with concrete gray, copper, and gold.

  • 02 of 18

    Benjamin Moore Shelburne Buff HC-28

    Shelburne Buff paint swatch from Benjamin Moore

    The Spruce

    In the quest to find the perfect gold, Shelburne Buff makes a compelling statement with this buff tone that has a hint of gold. The gold is toned down, making it a popular neutral that works with a variety of styles. This paint color is part of Benjamin Moore's historic collection of classic, timeless tones that work virtually anywhere in the house.

  • 03 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Warm Stone SW-7032

    Warm Stone paint swatch from Sherwin-Williams

    The Spruce

    Sherwin-Williams' Warm Stone is a warm brown with just a hint of gray. A greige, deep or light, works well with natural stone. Most natural stones appear to have gray and brown woven naturally, so a deep greige like Warm Stone can easily pick up those colors. When it pairs with white and a lot of natural light, this deeper tone warms the room instead of darkening it.

  • 04 of 18

    Behr Paints Hazelnut Cream 750C-2

    Hazelnut Cream paint swatch from Behr Paints

    The Spruce

    Not every color in your rustic palette needs to be deep and rich. A pale neutral, like Behr's Hazelnut Cream, creates a breathing space for your palette. Choose pale neutrals with a warm undertone to keep your colors working together beautifully. Hazelnut Cream is a warm off-white that looks gorgeous with rustic furniture and wood beams.

    Tip

    Don't make the classic mistake of ordering too much paint. While, generally, a gallon of paint covers 350 square feet; use a paint calculator to determine the exact amount.

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  • 05 of 18

    Benjamin Moore Rainy Afternoon 1575

    Rainy Afternoon paint swatch from Benjamin Moore

    The Spruce

    Not quite gray, not quite green, Benjamin Moore's Rainy Afternoon has just enough green to make it an excellent match with natural gray stone, but enough warmth to work with natural woods. The complex colors of Rainy Afternoon would be dramatic as an accent wall or front door. 

  • 06 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Antiquity SW-6402

    Antiquity paint swatch from Sherwin-Williams

    The Spruce

    Sherwin-Williams' Antiquity is a fresh color from the HGTV Home Rustic Refined palette. While less traditional than most rustic paint colors, Antiquity can give your rustic room a contemporary spin. When you choose an unexpected or quirky color, be sure to pick it carefully with consideration of your other colors to give your room a pulled-together look. Some colors it works well with include cream, brown, and soft white.

  • 07 of 18

    Behr Peruvian Violet 660F-6

    Peruvian Violet paint swatch from Behr Paints

    The Spruce

    Yes, even violet is a color in the rustic color palette. Paired with deep wood tones and golds, a brooding color like Behr's Peruvian Violet can round out a rustic color palette with style. A smokey violet works well in a rustic room with romantic features, like a crystal chandelier, soft white slipcovers, or traditionally rough-hewn details.

    To prepare a room for painting, clear the room as much as you can. If you can't move everything out, place the furniture in the middle of the room and cover it with a plastic sheet or canvas tarp to protect against paint droplets.

  • 08 of 18

    Behr Sequoia Dusk 700B-6

    Sequoia Dusk paint swatch from Behr Paints

    The Spruce

    Behr Sequoia Dusk's descriptive name paints a picture of a stand of trees as the sun goes down. This warm, rich maroon-infused taupe sets the mood for a relaxing study, den, or modern rustic living room. This paint color works well with violet accents, creamy white, or dark wood moldings.

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  • 09 of 18

    Glidden Spiced Cinnamon PPG1069-7

    Spiced Cinnamon paint swatch from Glidden Paints

    The Spruce

    If you have a room with lots of windows or tons of lighting, it can sometimes get challenging to warm the room's mood. One way to give a room depth and steep it in richness is to go darker with the paint color. Glidden's Spiced Cinnamon is a comfortable brown with a splash of red undertones. White trim pops with this color in the room. For homes with brick walls in bedrooms or dining rooms, or if you have a brick-framed fireplace in the living room, this color fits in perfectly.

  • 10 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Latte SW-6108

    Latte paint swatch from Sherwin-Williams

    The Spruce

    Sherwin-Williams Latte is a perfect warm neutral beige that instantly adds comfort to any room. The color is reminiscent of your morning or evening coffee with foamed milk. This hue is a smooth color with orange and brownish undertones, giving the sense of a thick creamy texture. It's a bold color, so careful because it can dwarf a room if you don't have ample light or ceiling height. South-facing walls may appear more yellow and beige, whereas north-facing rooms may appear crisp darker beige.

  • 11 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Persimmon SW-6339

    Sherwin-Williams Persimmon SW-6339

    The Spruce

    Sherwin-Williams Persimmon is a creamy shade of orange that is reminiscent of a Southwestern clay. It's neither too vibrant nor too muted, and it's incredibly versatile. Paired with crisp white trim, it could look striking in a historic dining room, but it also feels organic enough to look right at home in a desert setting. Try it with a monochromatic palette of lighter and darker oranges, or pair it with rich greens and browns.

  • 12 of 18

    Behr Cracked Pepper PPU18-1

    Behr Cracked Pepper

    The Spruce

    If you're looking for a dramatic dark color, but want it to have a softer edge, try Behr Cracked Pepper. This dark charcoal meets black provides depth without looking too high contrast. It's stunning in a room where you add gold or brass accents, lighter ivory and taupe tones, or go bold by adding other dark rustic tones like a hunter green or wine-inspired red.

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  • 13 of 18

    Behr Civara T18-02

    Behr Civara T18-02

    The Spruce

    For the perfect pumpkin orange, Behr Civara is a stunning color that looks perfectly autumnal. It can hold its own against dark coffee brown, charcoal gray, or even navy blue, and adds a warmth to rooms that get minimal natural sunlight. This is a cozy color that can read modern or traditional depending on your decor or setting.

  • 14 of 18

    PPG Pale Pine PPG1030-2

    PPG Pale Pine

    The Spruce

    If you're a fan of a refreshing bite of pistachio ice cream, then PPG Pale Pine is the color for you. This light green feels like a spring day, but with a subtly muted undertone that keeps it feeling organic. Try it on a front door or in vintage-inspired kitchen. Add a darker sage green, light blue, or plum to the color palette for something that feels natural and rustic.

  • 15 of 18

    Glidden Totally Teal 30BG 16/133

    Glidden Totally Teal 30BG 16/133

    The Spruce

    While some teals read vibrant and bold, Glidden Totally Teal is a more subtle shade. This dark blue-green feels both rustic and modern, like it could be the perfect backdrop to a living room full of cognac leather, wood, and brass accents. Try it in a low light space for a cozy feel.

  • 16 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Auric SW-6692

    Sherwin-Williams Auric SW-6692

    The Spruce

    Sherwin-Williams is a deep golden yellow that makes a statement in a room. This warm shade is beautiful in a cottage living room with teal or plum accents. It is a bold statement color that can give a space depth and light, and it can also hold its own against black.

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  • 17 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Spicy Hue SW-6342

    Sherwin-Williams Spicy Hue SW-6342

    The Spruce

    Sherwin-Williams Spicy Hue is a dark red-orange that looks like it came straight from a Southwestern print blanket. This rich hue is reminiscent of the sunset colors you'd see in the desert, and it pairs well with turquoise, golden yellow, and tones like dark gray or ivory. Use it in a living room or even a kitchen.

  • 18 of 18

    Sherwin-Williams Basque Green SW-6426

    Sherwin-Williams Basque Green

    The Spruce

    This perfect vegetable green is an organic, deep color that looks right at home in everything from traditional rooms to midcentury spaces. Try Sherwin-Williams Basque Green with warm woods, ivory, navy blue, or even orange or yellow. It's a lovely color in a living room, dining room, or in a foyer where guests will feel instantly relaxed, as if they're out in nature.

FAQ
  • What are modern rustic colors?

    Modern rustic colors pair nicely with open floor plans, exposed brick, beams, light wood, and other elements of modern design. Think of a dark teal, plum, or green that feel crisp when used with these rustic accents.

  • What does modern rustic look like?

    Modern rustic feels more sleek and updated than traditional rustic decor, which can feel cluttered or dated. You'll see high ceilings, open floor plans, and other modern elements in addition to the warm, rustic colors.

  • What is the difference between rustic and farmhouse?

    Rustic design focuses on natural elements and bringing the outside in to create a warm, cozy space, while farmhouse relies on traditional accents like beadboard and painted furniture.

  • What are the colors for timeless farmhouse paint?

    Timeless farmhouse paint colors include white, gray, and blue.