The Most Popular Paint Colors for NYC Apartments Right Now

Every year, different color trends take over apartments around the world. We've embraced bold accent walls and pops of color, but what's popular right now? If you're ready to spruce up your place, take a look at these tried and true paint shades. They're a mix of trendy tones and cult favorites – perfect for a New York City space.

Here are the most popular paint colors for city dwellers.

1. Soft Whites

For the most part, apartments tend to stick to neutral hues. That's no surprise because renters don't often stay put for too long. As a result, soft whites, like Benjamin Moore's China White and Snow Leopard by Portola Paints, remain excellent choices. When tenants move to a new apartment, bright neutrals allow them to style their new space as they wish. Plus, natural woods and metals work well with muted colors – and those elements are huge.

2. Dark Blues and Greens

Many higher-end apartments turn to bold shades to stand out from other residences. For example, designers love Club Navy by Ralph Lauren Paints because it exudes luxury and style. Everyone knows that affordable New York City apartments aren't humongous – and stark, deep shades can make those areas feel a lot larger than they appear on paper.

3. Fun Oranges

When companies remodel an apartment, several choose to emphasize the home's entryway. If you move to one of these newly renovated buildings, it's not unusual to see brightly painted front doors. A lot of people love orange, as it's a lively shade that complements contemporary features and makes dull areas pop. Apartment dwellers who prefer walk-up properties could add bursts of orange to their interiors instead.

Benjamin Moore's Orange Sky mixes orange and yellow to produce a gorgeous tone. Blood Orange by Sydney Harbour Paints would be a vibrant alternative.

4. Earthy Reds and Browns

A lot of apartments stay away from bold tones – but if you're a New Yorker, you know that brick accent walls aren't hard to find. As a result, red tends to be a trendy color. You could add removable wallpaper to mimic those rustic bricks, but red cabinets and other small touches work as well. Chocolate brown and red wine shades seem to be more on-trend than not this year.

These hues emphasize warmth and energy, which couldn't be more perfect for a cozy New York City apartment.

5. Bold Grays

Like dark blues and greens, plenty of apartment dwellers love bold gray accent walls. They're not overly obnoxious – which could be a turn-off for potential renters. Instead, they provide enough character and style for everyone. If you don't want to commit to navy blue, for example, Magnolia's Prairie Smoke leans toward blacks and browns. Therefore, it matches any aesthetic!

Plus, different shades of gray work together perfectly. One room can feature a dark accent wall, while another could use a lighter shade throughout. Like a soft white, gray remains popular for NYC apartments. When you choose to move out, your landlord may not even mind that you painted!

These Are the Best Shades for Any NYC Apartment

Everyone has their own specific style. That said, you can count on these shades to remain popular throughout 2020 and beyond.

2026 Update: What’s Trending in NYC Apartments Now

NYC’s paint palette has shifted since this list was written. Janovic, the city’s own paint retailer, reports apartment dwellers are leaning into grounded, saturated tones for 2026 — deep charcoal, bold green, and terracotta — balanced with warm neutral pastels for smaller, lower-light layouts. The major brands agree: Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year is Silhouette, a refined charcoal-umber, while Sherwin-Williams picked the warm, earthy Universal Khaki. The throughline is warm and grounded rather than stark and minimal, a shift from the brighter, punchier tones that dominated a few years ago.

FAQ: Painting Your NYC Apartment

What paint colors are trending in NYC apartments in 2026?

Deep charcoal, bold green, terracotta, and warm neutral pastels are leading in 2026, reflecting a broader move toward grounded, moody-but-livable tones over stark minimalism.

Do I need my landlord’s permission to paint my NYC apartment?

In a rental, yes — get sign-off first, since painting anything other than white often means restoring the original color before move-out. Co-op and condo owners generally don’t need board approval for ordinary wall painting, but it’s worth checking the proprietary lease or house rules.

What color makes a small NYC apartment look bigger?

Light, cool tones like soft blue and white tend to recede visually, and a glossier finish reflects more light. Painting walls, trim, and ceiling the same color can also blur the corners and make a small room feel larger.

What’s the best paint finish for NYC apartments?

Eggshell is the standard all-purpose choice for walls, since its low sheen hides older plaster imperfections. Satin holds up better in higher-traffic spots like kitchens, and semi-gloss is typically reserved for trim and doors.

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