You know that moment when you walk into someone’s home and everything just feels right? It’s not always the fancy furniture or the perfectly styled shelves. A lot of the magic is in the paint — the way the color wraps around the room, sets the tone, and quietly says, “Welcome. Come on in.”

Whether you’re reimagining your living room, giving your rental a little love, or finally painting over that off-white that reads more “dentist’s office” than “cozy haven,” this guide to the best interior paints of 2025 is here to help. Because the right paint color (and formula!) doesn’t just change your walls — it changes how you feel in your space.

I’ve rounded up tried-and-true favorites, standout newcomers, and a few secret weapons — all chosen with real life in mind: toddlers, tight budgets, tiny apartments, and bold color cravings included.

1. Benjamin Moore Regal Select

Best Overall Interior Paint

Why we love it: This one has been a designer favorite for years, and in 2025 it still reigns. The formula is thick, smooth, and somehow magically hides scuffs and old colors in one coat. Plus, the color retention is next level — no fading, even in sunny rooms.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and anywhere you want buttery-soft coverage and rich, lasting color.

Personal pick: I used Revere Pewter in my dining nook, and every guest asks what color it is. It’s warm without going yellow, neutral without feeling sterile.

Finish tip: Eggshell gives you just enough sheen to wipe down without highlighting every wall imperfection.

2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex

Best for Eco-Friendly Homes

Why we love it: This is their ultra-premium line, and it’s worth the splurge if you want zero-VOC, mold resistance, and luxe-feeling coverage. Great for nurseries, kitchens, and allergy-sensitive homes.

Best for: High-traffic areas, bathrooms, and kid zones.

Try this: Evergreen Fog — a dreamy sage-gray that makes any space feel calm but current.

Lived tip: I painted my toddler’s room with this in semi-gloss and it’s survived crayon murals, chocolate handprints, and a mysterious glitter incident.

3. Behr Marquee Interior Paint & Primer

Best Budget-Friendly One-Coat Wonder

Why we love it: Found at Home Depot, Behr Marquee punches way above its price point. It promises one-coat coverage — and surprisingly often delivers. The color range is broad and fresh for 2025, from chalky terracottas to moody ocean blues.

Best for: Accent walls, budget makeovers, rental refreshes.

Color to watch: Smoky White — not too warm, not too cool. Think gallery wall perfection.

Pro tip: Stick with a quality brush or roller. Cheap tools = streaks and frustration.

4. Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion

Best for Designer Looks (and Serious Color Depth)

Why we love it: Yes, it’s a splurge. But F&B’s Modern Emulsion finish gives walls a soft, velvety look that no dupe can quite mimic. Plus, the pigment depth makes every color feel custom and nuanced — even the neutrals.

Best for: Statement walls, sophisticated bedrooms, high-style homes.

Top pick: De Nimes — a muted blue-gray that changes subtly in every light.

Real talk: I used this in our guest room last year and now the room feels like a boutique hotel (and I’ve started sneaking in there to read in peace).

5. Clare Paint

Best Direct-to-Consumer Paint with Zero Fuss

Why we love it: Clare is made for people who don’t want to spend an entire Saturday wandering the paint aisle. Their curated color selection means you’re not overwhelmed, and the peel-and-stick swatches are genius.

Best for: First-time painters, apartment dwellers, anyone tired of decision fatigue.

Top shade: Current Mood — a cozy, complex green that feels bold but grounded.

Pro insight: It ships fast, and cleanup is easy. Plus, the finish is washable without being shiny — perfect for hallways and living spaces.

6. Valspar Signature Interior Paint + Primer

Best Affordable Pick for Big Jobs

Why we love it: Reliable and smooth, this Valspar line delivers surprisingly luxe coverage for the price. It’s not flashy, but it’s a solid workhorse.

Best for: Whole-home projects, fast flip jobs, or when your walls need serious love on a tight budget.

Real talk: I painted our hallway in one marathon day with this, and it covered every grubby handprint and weird scuff from our dog’s tail.

Try this shade: Filtered Shade — neutral enough for open-concept living, but not dull.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the primer step for darker colors. Even with “paint and primer,” deeper shades benefit from a real base coat.

7. Dunn-Edwards EVEREST

Best West Coast Eco Option

Why we love it: This brand has cult status in California — for good reason. Zero VOC, buttery application, and colors that feel sun-washed and modern.

Best for: Eco-conscious households, modern interiors, desert palettes.

Lived tip: We used this in our Palm Springs Airbnb, and it held up through renters, sun glare, and one spilled glass of rosé.

Shade to try: Whisper — the warm white designers swear by for ceilings and walls alike.

8. Backdrop Premium Interior Paint

Best Paint for Design-Lovers Who Hate Decisions

Why we love it: With fewer colors (and no cheesy names), Backdrop is perfect for the “just tell me what works” crowd. Also: their branding is gorgeous.

Best for: Stylish renters, first-time homeowners, color commitment issues.

Try this: Pablo Honey — it’s a warm, mustardy shade that feels happy but not chaotic.

Pro insight: The swatches are peel-and-stick — no mess, no commitment. Game-changer.

9. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase

Best Paint for Quick Refreshes

Why we love it: Affordable without feeling cheap, and conveniently found at Lowe’s. You’ll get dependable coverage and a solid color library.

Best for: Refreshing a room in a day, or staging a home to sell.

Real talk: I once painted a home office in Oyster Bay before a Zoom-heavy job started — looked calm and chic on camera, even when the desk was chaos.

Lived tip: This one dries fast. Have your second coat ready to go before you pour coffee.

10. ROMABIO Interior Mineral Paint

Best for a Soft, Textured Look

Why we love it: A dream for lovers of limewash and that soft, natural European look. Made from natural minerals, it’s breathable and beautiful.

Best for: Earthy, Mediterranean-inspired homes. Or just if you want your walls to look like they belong in Tuscany.

Try this: Avorio White — somewhere between plaster and stone.

Pro tip: You’ll need a special brush for this one. Don’t skip it — the right tool makes all the difference in texture.

11. Aura by Benjamin Moore

Best Splurge for Color Saturation

Why we love it: This is the “wow” paint. Deep, rich pigments. Smooth application. Less touch-up needed. If you’re going bold, Aura is your ride-or-die.

Best for: Dramatic spaces, feature walls, and anyone who actually loves painting.

Try this: Hale Navy — timeless, dignified, and works in every light.

Real talk: I used it in a tiny powder room, and somehow it made the room feel larger — not smaller. Magic.

12. ECOS Paints Interior Wall Paint

Best Non-Toxic Paint for Sensitive Noses

Why we love it: If you’re pregnant, prone to migraines, or just hate that “paint smell,” ECOS is a lifesaver. No fumes. No stress.

Best for: Bedrooms, nurseries, and sensitive folks who still want color.

Try this: Driftwood — calm, soft, and versatile.

Lived tip: I painted our guest room at 8 months pregnant with this and didn’t feel woozy once.

13. PPG Timeless Interior Paint and Primer

Best Paint for High Durability

Why we love it: Stain-resistant and fade-resistant, this paint works hard — even when your kids treat the walls like a whiteboard.

Best for: Hallways, kitchens, playrooms.

Try this: Blue Lava — bold, deep, and modern.

Pro insight: Go with a satin finish here — it holds up better and still looks polished.

14. Rust-Oleum Home Interior Wall Paint

Best Paint for Small Projects or Furniture

Why we love it: Affordable, highly adhesive, and surprisingly durable. Perfect for DIYers or weekend warriors.

Best for: Accent walls, cabinets, or random “hey let’s paint this thing” moments.

Try this: Serenity Blue — beachy but grown-up.

Real talk: I painted a Craigslist bookshelf with this and it totally changed the vibe. Instant upgrade.

15. Fine Paints of Europe Eurolux Interior Matte

Best European-Quality Finish

Why we love it: Rich, refined, and ridiculously smooth. This is the Rolls Royce of wall paint.

Best for: Sophisticated spaces where finish really matters.

Try this: Dutch Orange — punchy, high-end, and not for the faint of heart.

Lived tip: A little goes a long way. It’s pricey, but the payoff is designer-level polish.

16. Behr Ultra Scuff Defense

Best for Messy Households

Why we love it: Behr’s toughest line for when life gets messy. It holds up to toys, dogs, furniture dings — all of it.

Best for: Entryways, stairwells, play spaces.

Try this: White Mocha — cozy, forgiving, and not sterile.

Pro insight: Pair with a durable satin finish and your walls will survive anything short of a toddler with a Sharpie.

17. Portola Paints Roman Clay

Best for Textured, Limewash-Style Finishes

Why we love it: This one’s for texture lovers. It goes on thick and dries like plaster — soft movement, natural imperfections, and major character.

Best for: Bedrooms, accent walls, cozy corners.

Try this: Mineral — the perfect balance of moody and neutral.

Real talk: It’s more work, but it’s also a conversation piece. Guests always ask, “What is that wall?”

18. Kilz Tribute Interior Paint

Best Budget Paint with Bold Colors

Why we love it: Kilz is known for primer, but this line does bold color beautifully. Great for renters or one-room refreshes.

Best for: Statement walls, creative spaces, budget redos.

Try this: Artful Aqua — playful, bright, and somehow still elegant.

Lived tip: Goes on surprisingly smooth for the price. Don’t sleep on it.

19. Little Greene Intelligent Matt Emulsion

Best High-End British Import

Why we love it: For historic homes or anyone who loves that soft, refined British look, Little Greene delivers. Understated, elegant colors.

Best for: Living rooms, home libraries, calm bedrooms.

Try this: French Grey — nuanced and cozy without being bland.

Pro tip: Pair with matte trim for a tonal, layered look.

20. Graham & Brown Durable Matt Emulsion

Best Paint for Wallpaper Fans

Why we love it: Made to coordinate with their wallpaper, but strong enough to stand alone. The finish is luxe and easy to clean.

Best for: Feature walls, eclectic interiors, maximalist moments.

Try this: Botanical Noir — dramatic, lush, and slightly mysterious.

Real talk: If you’re bored of white walls but afraid of color, this is your gateway drug.

Paint Finishes: What’s Best for Each Room?

Quick cheat sheet:

• Matte/Flat: Beautiful in bedrooms and low-traffic areas. Hides flaws but isn’t washable.
• Eggshell: Soft sheen + wipeable = the most versatile choice.
• Satin: Slightly shinier, great for kitchens, bathrooms, and playrooms.
• Semi-Gloss: Best for trim, doors, and places that need regular scrubbing.
• High-Gloss: Showstopper level shine. Use sparingly (or bravely).

Final Takeaway: Your Paint Should Feel Like Home

With 20 of the best interior paints of 2025 on your radar, the only real challenge is choosing just one. But here’s the good news: there’s no wrong answer when you’re creating a space that feels like you.

Whether you’re drawn to earthy neutrals, daring blues, or velvety greens — the best paint is the one that makes you feel something every time you walk into the room.