7 Garage Color Ideas That Will Elevate This Utilitarian Space

garage wall with tools — Photo:
Martha Stewart

Garages are often an afterthought when it comes to home design, but they should be celebrated just as much as your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. In addition to being a protected space to park your car, a garage can serve many purposes, such as being used as a workspace, a home gym, or a studio—and the opportunities are endless when it comes to how you can transform the space.

"In a garage space, you're not as limited by hard finish materials or fixtures and furniture like you are for a home's interior, so you can be freer when it comes to a paint palette," says Nancy Barnett of Nancy Lane Interiors—and Barnett isn’t the only one who thinks so.

We spoke with interior designers to gather their recommendations on their favorite colors to paint a garage, hopefully offering some inspiration for your next home renovation or DIY project.

01 of 07

White or Off-White

Although always classic, the popularity of all-white interiors has waned over the past few years, being traded for bright colors and bold patterns. However, Barnett believes going with white (or an off-white) is a stellar choice for brightening up a garage. "My standard for garages, and I think most builders and renovators would agree, is to use an all-white color scheme in the same color and finish for both walls and ceiling," says Barnett. "Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore's White Dove are two great off-white colors to consider, but beyond the actual color, remember that garage walls will get dinged or scuffed, so consider the paint finish as well. My personal preference for garages is eggshell or satin."

02 of 07

Gray With Green Undertones

For garages that have a storage component like built-in cabinets or serve as a multifunctional space like a yoga studio, workstation, or, like one of Barnett’s projects, a home bar that "rivaled Cheers," Barnett recommends showing off the owner’s personality through color. "For an exercise-type area, where homeowners may lay some type of mat or cushion on the ground, I might lean towards the all-white palette mentioned above, but if yoga is more your speed, a great green-gray like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore’s Pashmina, or Sherwin-Williams Ethereal Mood, I kid you not, would add a zen-like, ethereal mood to your garage space," she says.

03 of 07

Dark Charcoal

According to Barnett, if you use your garage space as a woodworking studio or a place to house your tools, opt for something a bit darker. "I could totally see a deeper color like Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal or Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore on the walls with a white ceiling to really make the warmth of the wood materials sing," says Barnett.

04 of 07

Mixed Neutrals

Jane Lockhart, BAAID and principal at Jane Lockhart Design, opts for a mixture of colors that can mask any wear and tear. "Garage floors used for car storage or in snowy climates are best treated with an epoxy that is in a speckled color palette as this hides dirt really well," says Lockhart. "A mix of black, light, and dark gray with white can create a good looking, maintainable surface."

05 of 07

Red or Navy Accents

According to Lockhart, many people prefer the modernism of a gray color palette with navy or red accents for a garage since this mimics the look and feel of automobiles. However, this color combination also works well if your garage doubles as a home gym. "If you use your garage as a workout space, walls in Benjamin Moore's Oxford White with an accent color can be very effective to both motivate and maintain a clean graphic feel," says Lockhart. "On top of your white base, add a darker neutral such as Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy and a stripe of Benjamin Moore's Currant Red to provide the accent. For a brighter palette, use a pale gray—like Benjamin Moore's Pebble Beach—as your base and accent with a bright color, such as Benjamin Moore's Oceanic Teal, which is both energetic and fresh, creating a vibrant atmosphere in your workout area."

06 of 07

Light Blues

Softer colors may be a better option if your garage doubles as some sort of studio space. "Consider a softer color accent wall, like Benjamin Moore's Cape Blue mixed with a hint of terracotta, such as Benjamin Moore's Montana Agate, which can be used to paint small details or incorporated in pieces hung on the wall," says Lockhart. "This will create both energy and a sense of calm at the same time."

07 of 07

Vibrant Reds

As with any room, if you’re looking to energize your space, opting for bold colors like red or orange will add an extra layer of energy to the room. "Additionally, harmonizing the chosen color scheme with both the interior and exterior hues of your home ensures a seamless flow of ambiance throughout," says Lanna Ali-Hassan, owner and principal designer of Beyond the Box Interiors. "Regardless of your color preference, opting for a satin finish promises easier maintenance compared to a flat finish, ensuring your garage remains pristine with minimal effort."

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