Best House Painting Colours for Indian Homes: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Let’s be honest. Staring at paint swatches can make even the most decisive person question their entire existence. One minute you’re confidently reaching for “Whisper White,” the next you’re spiralling into an existential crisis about whether your walls should reflect your “authentic self” or just, you know, not look terrible. Here’s the thing about house painting colours that nobody tells you: it’s not just about picking something pretty.

The composition of your paint matters just as much as whether it matches your throw cushions. Each type of paint has its own personality. Some are drama queens that demand constant attention, others are low-maintenance legends that age gracefully.

We’ve organised this guide by paint composition rather than just throwing colours at you like confetti, because understanding what goes into your paint is the difference between walls that make you smile for years and walls that make you want to move house.

Top 5 trending house painting colours for Indian homes in 2025

Sage green: The Zen master of colours, perfect for bedrooms and studies. It’s like having a meditation app painted on your walls—instantly calming and surprisingly sophisticated.

Terracotta: Think Italian sunset meets modern minimalism. Brilliant for dining rooms and accent walls, especially in Mumbai’s humid climate, where earth tones feel naturally cooling.

Soft coral: The grown-up version of millennial pink. Works beautifully in living rooms and guest bedrooms, adding warmth without screaming “look at me!”

Cool grey: The Swiss Army knife of paint colours—works everywhere, with everything, and never goes out of style. Particularly stunning in Delhi’s bright light.

Creamy white: Not your builder’s basic white, but a warm, sophisticated neutral that makes every room feel more expensive. Essential for small Indian flats where you need to maximise light.

How to choose the best house painting colours for your home

Picking the best colour for the house is easier than you think. Here’s how you can do so.

#1: Choose your favourite colours

The easiest choice when it comes to home painting designs and colours is to go with your favourites. Whether you’re drawn to moody blues or sunshine yellows, your walls should spark joy, not regret. If you love a colour, there’s usually a way to make it work in your space.

Also Read: Discover 14 Different Types of Paints for Your Home

#2: Select the accent colour with the help of your existing furniture

Your furniture can help you choose your home interior colours. Got a gorgeous teal armchair? Use it as your starting point. That vintage wooden dining table? Its warm undertones can guide your entire colour palette.

#3: Select one that has a positive effect on your mood

Colours are sneaky mood manipulators. Soft blues and greens genuinely do make you feel calmer (there’s actual science behind this), while warm oranges and yellows can boost energy. Think about how you want to feel in each space.

#4: Keep your overall colour theme in mind

An important aspect of interior design is maintaining design continuity. Your home shouldn’t feel like a paint shop explosion. Maintain flow by ensuring your colours belong to the same family or complement each other. Think of your home as a story. Each room is a chapter, but they should all belong to the same book.

Also Read: 10 Features to Look Out for When You’re Choosing Wall Paint

#5: Consider room size and architecture

Small rooms love light colours that bounce light around, whilst high ceilings can handle darker, more dramatic shades. In typical Indian flats with modest ceiling heights, stick to lighter tones on the ceiling and save bold colours for accent walls.

#6: Factor in Vastu or cultural preferences

Many Indian families consider Vastu guidelines—south-west bedrooms favour warm earth tones, whilst north-facing rooms can handle cooler colours. Even if you’re not strictly following Vastu, these principles often align with good design sense.

#7: Test samples

This is non-negotiable. Paint looks completely different on your wall than on a tiny chip. Test colours in different lighting conditions—morning sun, afternoon light, and artificial evening lighting. Live with your samples for at least a week.

A summary of house paint prices

Type	Cost	Verdict
Distemper – Asian Paints	₹65 onwards/litre	Rustic finish on a budget
Emulsion – AP Tractor	₹135 onwards/litre	Very durable
Lustre – Asian Paints	₹420 onwards/litre	Smooth finish
Enamel – AP Tractor	₹220 onwards/litre	Add on for functionality
Textured – Asian Paints	₹400 onwards/litre	Accent walls

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates.

Best house painting colours in India

Home interior colour #1: Distemper

When it comes to house painting designs and colours, distemper home colour paint is historic because it has been used as far back as ancient Egypt. Despite being an old-school paint option, distemper is hardly archaic and can be the best-suited option for home interiors.

Essentially, two types of distemper paint colours: dry distemper (water-based paint) and oil-based distemper. Dry distemper is an ideal option for rental properties as it gives a smoother finish than normal whitewash but is not as durable as emulsion paints. Oil-based distemper is more durable than its water-based variant but reeks of solvent. It is more suitable for industrial use.

Cost: ₹65 onwards/litre (Asian Paints)

Verdict

Distemper is among the best house painting colours for your space if you want a rustic finish on a budget. It is also the most cost-effective way to get a coat of paint on your walls.

Hall home colour idea #2: Emulsion

Emulsion is among the most popular house paint colours that you can use. It is essentially water-based, so it does not have the problem of having any odour. Moreover, it is much more durable than distemper because it comprises acrylic or vinyl to make it long-lasting, making it the best paint for interior walls.

Another useful feature of emulsion paint colours for home interiors is that you can clean stains on walls (at least to a certain extent) with a wet cloth. Additionally, it is available in a number of finishes like satin, silk, eggshell and matte.

Cost: ₹135 onwards/litre (Asian Paints Tractor)

Verdict

If you are moving into your own home or getting your home repainted, emulsion is among the best types of house painting designs and colours for you. It is more expensive than distemper, but worth the money as it lasts longer and is more durable.

House painting colours #3: Lustre

Lustre is a solvent-based paint that has a sheen or gleam. Its high durability makes it the best paint for interior walls in India. Another positive feature of this paint is that it is stain-resistant (to varying degrees depending on what variant of the paint you use). But on the flip side, it has a strong odour that might take weeks to subside.

However, to counter this problem, water-based lustre house painting colours that are both durable and odourless are also available.

Cost: ₹420 onwards/litre (Asian Paints)

Verdict

If cost is not a constraint, lustre paints give the smoothest finish to the walls in your home. It makes sense for families with young children to use this paint because it’s stain-resistant. However, lustre paints are not exactly eco-friendly and do not give a natural look to your walls.

Home painting designs and colours #4: Enamel

Enamel is among the best house painting colours in the market. Enamel paint has a hard, glossy and opaque finish that is a result of its chemical composition. This home paint colour is usually used to coat metallic surfaces. However, it can also be used to paint walls in spaces of rough use. For example, kitchen walls can be painted with enamel paint because it is resistant to heat, water and stains.

It also makes sense to paint the wall of the balcony in your home with enamel paint colours so that it doesn’t fade with exposure to sunlight and rain. Moreover, enamel is also a good option for your moisture-exposed bathroom doors. Traditionally, this is a solvent-based paint, but you can also find water-based variants now.

Cost: ₹220 onwards/litre (Asian Paints Tractor)

Verdict

Enamel paint is often an add-on option and rarely used as the only paint for walls. Moreover, it has a very specific purpose and is chosen for its functionality instead of aesthetics. 

Home wall colour #5: Textured

Textured house painting designs and colours are quite a rage these days. Moreover, they are the best wall paint colours if you want to turn a surface into a work of art. Textured paint removes the need to add any artwork, as the wall itself can add an artistic look to the space.

These house painting colours are different from the normal/flat paints by virtue of their composition; they are denser and have more molecules of colour. You can achieve unique wall textures by using these house painting designs and colours with tools such as brushes, sponges, spatulas etc. These water-based paints can last long if you maintain them properly.

Cost: ₹400 onwards/litre (Asian Paints)

Verdict

Textured paint is the best wall paint for highlighting certain walls in the house. These wall design colours and paints can change the entire look and feel of your home, especially when used in combination with the right kind of lighting.

Best home colours for your hall/living room

The living room is the first space that guests see when they visit your home. While deciding the colour and design for the walls in your living room interiors, keep in mind that this area should have a positive, warm and welcoming ambience. Neutral shades are a good choice for your living room.

Try these hall home colours:

• Warm grey: The ultimate neutral that plays well with both warm and cool accent colours
• Creamy white: Not stark white, but a warm, inviting shade that maximises natural light
• Soft beige: Timeless and warm, it creates a cosy atmosphere. Particularly lovely in homes with traditional Indian decor

Home interior colour for your kitchen

Kitchens face heat, humidity, grease, and the occasional turmeric explosion. Choose house painting colour combinations that can handle the chaos whilst looking gorgeous.

• Royal blue: Pairs beautifully with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops common in urban Indian homes
• Soft yellows: Cheerful and energising for morning routines, stimulates appetite and creates a sunny atmosphere even in windowless kitchens
• Sage green: Calming and natural, perfect for reducing cooking stress. Excellent at hiding minor splatters

These colours stay fresh-looking even with cooking stains and create an appetising atmosphere. Opt for semi-gloss or satin finishes that can be easily wiped clean.

Home painting designs and colours for your dining room

Before selecting home painting designs and colours for your dining room, decide on the ambience that you want. If you are looking for a cosy space where you can share meals with your loved ones, opt for warm home wall colours that stimulate appetite.

• Terracotta Earthy and warm, it creates an intimate atmosphere. Particularly stunning in homes with traditional Indian architectural elements
• Soft coral: Modern and welcoming, it makes everyone look good in candlelight
• Deep sage: Sophisticated and timeless, works beautifully with wooden dining furniture

House painting colours for the master bedroom

The master bedroom should be your retreat from the world. Colour psychology suggests that cooler tones promote better sleep, whilst warmer tones create intimacy. But remember, the best colour for the house should also reflect your taste.

• Soft lavender: Proven to reduce stress and promote better sleep quality
• Warm beige: Vastu-compliant for south-west bedrooms, creates a grounding effect
• Dusty pink: Sophisticated and calming, works well with both modern and traditional decor

Also Read: Make Your Dream Bedroom a Reality With These 25 Amazing Bedroom Paint Colours

Home interior colours for the bathroom

Bathrooms need paint that can handle steam, moisture, and frequent cleaning. Go for lighter shades that feel spa-like and use moisture-resistant formulations. Try these winning house painting colour combinations:

• Spa blue: Instantly calming and clean-feeling, it creates a resort-like atmosphere whilst hiding water spots brilliantly
• Soft greens: Fresh and energising for morning routines
• Warm greys with high-quality enamel or specialised bathroom paint
• Avoid flat finishes—they’ll look grimy within weeks

Home wall colours for the office

Home offices have become essential, and the right colour can genuinely impact your productivity and mood during long work sessions.

• Soft blue: Scientifically proven to enhance concentration and reduce eye strain during screen work
• Warm grey: Professional and calming, won’t distract during important calls
• Cream white: Maximises natural light, essential for mood and productivity

House painting colours for the study room

Study rooms need colours that promote concentration without being boring. Think library chic meets modern comfort.

• Soft mint: Refreshing and energising, perfect for long study sessions
• Light grey: Neutral and calming, won’t compete with books and study materials
• Pale yellow: Stimulates mental activity and creativity without being overwhelming

Home interior colours for kids’ room

Children’s rooms need to grow with them, so avoid character-based themes in paint colours. Instead, choose versatile shades that work for toddlers through teenagers.

• Soft peach: Gender-neutral, warm, and comforting
• Pale blue: Calming and timeless, works for any age
• Lavender grey: Sophisticated enough for teenagers, calming for younger children

Practical tip: Use washable paint finishes. Children and walls have a complicated relationship.

Also Read: Paint Colour for Walls: 60+ Single and Multiple Home Colour Combinations for Your Home

House painting colours for guest bedroom interiors

Guest bedrooms should feel like a boutique hotel. Welcoming, comfortable, and sophisticated enough for any visitor. Try these winning house painting colour combinations.

• Soft gold: Luxurious and welcoming, this home wall colour makes everyone feel special
• Dusty blue: Serene and sophisticated, promotes good sleep for travel-weary guests
• Cream: Classic and timeless, it creates a fresh, clean feeling

House painting colour combinations for the balcony

Balconies face harsh Indian weather conditions, requiring colours and paints that resist fading, moisture, and temperature fluctuations whilst creating an inviting outdoor retreat.

Weather-warrior palette:

• Teal blue: Cooling and calming, psychologically reduces heat whilst being excellent at hiding dust and pollution stains common in Indian cities
• Terracotta: Heat-resistant and earthy, complements natural materials whilst camouflaging the inevitable weathering and dust accumulation
• Warm stone: Practical and sophisticated, mimics natural stone whilst hiding weather damage and requiring minimal maintenance

Climate-smart tip: Always use high-quality enamel or exterior-grade paints. In coastal cities like Mumbai, anti-corrosive properties are essential.

Best colour for house exteriors

Indian exteriors need colours that reflect regional architecture whilst handling extreme weather, pollution, and the neighbours’ judgment. The right choice can make your home the talk of the colony (in a good way).

• Sandstone beige: Timeless and practical, it reflects heat whilst hiding dust and pollution beautifully. Complements traditional Indian architecture and modern designs equally
• Warm white: Classic and cooling, reflects maximum sunlight to keep interiors comfortable whilst maintaining a fresh appearance despite city grime
• Charcoal grey: Modern and striking, surprisingly practical for hiding pollution whilst creating a contemporary statement that photographs beautifully

City-specific paint colour ideas for Indian homes

Best colour for houses in Delhi

Delhi’s extreme temperature variations and dust require durable, fade-resistant paints. Light colours help reflect heat during scorching summers, whilst warm tones create cosiness during chilly winters.

Delhi-perfect palette: Cool greys, warm whites, and sage greens in premium emulsion paints. Avoid dark colours on exterior walls—they absorb heat and fade quickly.​

Home interior colours for Mumbai houses

Mumbai’s humidity and coastal air demand moisture-resistant paints with anti-fungal properties. Light, airy colours help combat the feeling of stuffiness in compact apartments.

Mumbai-smart choices: Soft blues, warm whites, and pale corals in high-quality emulsion or enamel paints. Ensure proper ventilation during application and drying.

Paint colours for Bangalore homes

Bangalore’s pleasant climate allows for more colour experimentation, though monsoon moisture still requires quality paint selection. Earth tones complement the city’s garden atmosphere beautifully.

Bangalore-inspired hues: Sage greens, cool blues, warm greys, and terracotta shades work wonderfully. The moderate climate means most quality emulsion paints will perform well.

Best colour for houses in Chennai

Chennai’s heat and humidity require light-coloured, high-quality paints that resist moisture and fading. Cool colours help create a psychological cooling effect.

Chennai-appropriate shades: Light blues, cool greys, and warm whites in moisture-resistant formulations. Avoid oil-based paints due to the extended drying time in humid conditions.

How often should you repaint interior walls?

Most interior walls need repainting every 5-7 years with quality emulsion paints, though high-traffic areas like children’s rooms might need attention every 3-4 years. Signs it’s time: visible wear, stains that won’t clean, or simply wanting a fresh look.

How to know which paint is suitable for you?

Consider your lifestyle, budget, and room usage. Busy families with children benefit from washable, durable paints like lustre or high-quality emulsion. Renters might prefer budget-friendly distemper for temporary colour changes. Factor in your local climate—humid areas need moisture-resistant formulations, whilst areas with extreme temperatures require fade-resistant options.

What is an evergreen wall colour for your home?

Warm whites and soft greys are truly evergreen—they work with any décor style, make rooms feel larger, and never go out of fashion. These colours provide a sophisticated backdrop that lets your furniture, art, and personality shine whilst maintaining timeless appeal that won’t feel dated in five years.

How can Livspace help you?

Understanding interior design costs is confusing. Lucky for you, our team of expert designers and project managers will make it simple. You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you definitely don’t need to make expensive mistakes that’ll haunt you every time you walk into your kitchen.

Looking for tailor-made costs for your home? Hit our Cost Calculator to jump into your financial planning.

Need inspiration beyond your current Pinterest spiral? Check out Design Ideas for professionally curated looks that actually translate to Indian homes and lifestyles.

Want to see what real people think? Browse through Livspace reviews from customers who’ve survived the renovation process and lived to tell the tale.

Ready to take the next step? Find an interior designer near you and let’s get started.

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.