Experts Rank the 6 Worst Paint Colors for Your Home Office

Bright Yellow

With the right undertones, yellow walls can help you create a workspace that's cozy and sunny—but the wrong pick can leave you feeling stressed and anxious.

"Yellow can be welcoming, but it can also feel overwhelming," says interior designer Nadia Watts. "If you're set on it, choose a yellow with some green or gold, like a warm honey yellow, or a unique goldenrod. These yellows have more depth and warmth, and will pair well with an array of other colors."

Classic Orange

While orange boosts energy and productivity, it's another shade that requires careful thought. A true orange (like the one in your fruit basket) is often too bold—especially as a background on your video calls. "Orange is the most 'unprofessional' of all the colors," says interior designer Christina Boschetti. "Unless it's in your company logo, steer away from this color."

If you're determined to incorporate the hue into your space, Watts recommends a shade with warm, deep undertones. "Try an orange with some brown in it, such as rust, clay, or spice," she says. "If you want a lighter look, choose a more muted or yellowy orange, like apricot or honey."

Stark White

White plays a key role in home offices. "I like my office white," says Watts. "It provides a nice backdrop for laying out color palettes and working with textiles, wallpapers, and finishes."

However, if you spend your day sitting at your desk, then cold, white walls can make your office design feel unfinished. Instead, should try and create a curated aesthetic that shows off your personality—especially during Zoom calls. "White is too minimal and can be too bright," says Boschetti. "We suggest a warmer color that's neutral and welcoming."

Watts recommends neutrals with a soft undertone. "There are certainly more exciting colors to choose from that will still provide that neutral look," she says. "Try a warm cream, light yellow, or a pale blue."

Kelly Green

Most shades of green give your room a soothing, organic atmosphere that keeps you focused and productive. The exception? Bold, bright hues, like Kelly green. "Kelly green would not be my first choice for an office," says Watts. "I prefer an in-between green with some depth. I would lean towards jewel-tone greens, minty greens, or greens with blue in them."

Primary Blue

While avoiding primary shades of red and yellow, Watts also leans away from true, bright blues. "I prefer to create a sanctuary feeling in an office—a place to escape and focus," she says. "Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore is one of my favorite colors to use in an office. However, I would avoid a true royal blue in favor of a darker, richer blue or a pale blue."

If navy feels too somber, interior designer Stephanie Mahaney recommends creating a custom shade. "I would stick with classic tones—mixed with white if they feel a bit too strong," she says. "I love to add 25 percent or 50 percent white to colors that feel too bold."

True Red

A true, primary red—think fire engines, apples, cherries—keeps your brain on high alert, creates an unflattering background, and gives off a harsh impression. "Red is too bold, and can actually cause color reflections," says Boschetti. Instead, choose a shade with deep brown undertones, or a blush pink that hints at your favorite berry hue.