Natural neutrals are in, according to wood paint specialists Thorndown.
Analysis of sales of their 2.5-litres tins of eco wood paint reveal that natural shades are climbing the best-seller list, as the darker hues that previously dominated jostle for position.
Caroline Thornborough, Design Director of Thorndown, said: “Throughout 2023, our heritage colours and natural wood tones were the most popular, with blues, greens and greys filling the charts.
“What is incredibly interesting is the first three spots are taken by completely different shades, with our UV Clear in the top spot, followed by the stunning grey-green tone of Old Sage Green and then the rich intensity of Blackdown taking third position.
“Last year there was a plethora of darker, dramatic colours in the top 10, whereas this year we are seeing more natural neutrals climbing the ranks.”
Ash was the biggest climber, soaring from 16th in 2022 to fifth in 2023, while Sedge Green fell furthest, going from 8th in 2022 to 19th in 2023.
Caroline added: "In a turbulent and unsettled world people are being drawn to soft neutral tones to surround themselves, providing a sense of calm and comfort.
"The need for colour in these dark times is being fulfilled by the good old accent wall where a bolder paint colour or wall paper print is applied. The use of soft furnishings in bold bright colours and prints will be utilised, bridging the gap between the cold minimalist and warm uplifting maximalist styles.”
The top 20 in full
1. UV Clear
2. Old Sage Green
3. Blackdown
4. Mercury Grey
5. Ash
6. Cavepool Grey
7. Bishop Blue
8. Dormouse Grey
9. Zinc Grey
10. Cow Parsley White
11. Wetlands Green
12. Field Green
13. Swan White
14. Yew Green
15. Greylake
16. Grey Heron
17. Ebbor Stone
18. Launcherly Blue
19. Sedge Green
20. Wispy Willow
Thorndown’s wood paint is renowned for its use outside, bringing new life to tired outdoor furniture, planters and wooden structures and buildings. It is specially formulated so it is kind on the environment, using technically-excellent paint with minimal VOCs.
Thorndown's paint is available now from thorndown.co.uk, with prices starting at £5 for a 150ml pot.
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