A Guide to Style, Color, and Architectural Periods

This list provides guidance on usage and application of the Historic Colors of America paints and expands recommendations for selecting appropriate paint colors by architectural style and period.

Colors noted after the general listings are recommended for doors, window sash, and/or shutters only, not general application as an exterior body or trim color.

Popular Colors by Architectural Period

Find period-appropriate colors for houses of any era

Colonial, mid 1600-1780

Interior: Shaker Red, Redrock Canyon, Cogswell Cedar, Pumpkin, Georgian Yellow, Farmhouse Ochre, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Tailor’s Buff, Blonde Lace, Meetinghouse Blue, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Tory Blue, Bold Bolection, Hawthorne, Elise, Marrett Apple, Venetian Glass, Grassy Meadow, Phillips Green, Warren Tavern, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Nankeen, Ginger Root, Tankard Gray, Otis Madeira, Liberty, Burnt Umber, Portobello, Wooden Nutmeg, Rawhide, Chocolate, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Polished Pewter

Exterior: Shaker Red, Cogswell Cedar, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, English Bartlett, Tailor’s Buff, Blonde Lace, Warren Tavern, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Nankeen, Ginger Root, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Wooden Nutmeg, Rawhide, Chocolate, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven

Note: Brattle Spruce, Sayward Pine are for use on shutters and doors only.

Federal 1780-1830

Interior; Clementine, India Trade, Lady Banksia, Jonquil, Barrett Quince, York Bisque, Lyman Camellia, Woodstock Rose, Mountain Laurel, Rundlet Peach, Tudor Ice, Appleton, Lucinda, Bulfinch Blue, Citadel Blue, Meetinghouse Blue, Cottage Green, Coral Springs, Amelia, Hawthorne, Elise, Marrett Apple, Historic Morning Dew, Bristol Green, Longfellow, Viscaya, Wainscot Green, Phillips Green, Jewett White, Wild Oats, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven

Exterior: Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Rain Barrel, Pettingill Sage, Flaxen Field, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven

Note: Grassy Meadow, Amish Green, Brattle Spruce, Sayward Pine are for use on shutters, doors, and sash.

Greek Revival 1825-1855

Interior: Codman Claret, Redrock Canyon, Portsmouth Spice, Clementine,India Trade, English Bartlett, Mountain Laurel, Rundlet Peach, Blonde Lace, Bulfinch Blue, Citadel Blue, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Hawthorne, Elise, Marrett Apple, Melville, Green Bonnet, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven

Exterior: Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Danish Pine, Wainscot Green, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Milkweed, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone

Note: Grassy Meadow, Amish Green, Brattle Spruce, Sayward Pine are for use on shutters, doors, and sash.

Victorian 1840-1900 and Italianate 1845-1865

Interior: Madder, Alden Till, Flowering Chestnut, Roseland, Codman Claret, Lady Banksia, Jonquil, Blonde Lace, Mountain Laurel, Rundlet Peach, Lucinda, Bulfinch Blue, Citadel Blue, Standish Blue, Historic Morning Dew, Coral Springs, Bristol Green, Green Bonnet, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven

Exterior: Beetroot, Madder, Covered Bridge, Alden Till, Flowering Chestnut, Roseland, Richardson Brick, Jonquil, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, English Bartlett, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Bean Pot, Rawhide, Chocolate, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone

Note: Amish Green, Brattle Spruce, Sayward Pine are for use on shutters, doors, and sash.

Mansard/Second Empire 1855-1880

Interior: Flowering Chestnut, Roseland, Codman Claret, Stagecoach, Portsmouth Spice, India Trade, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Georgian Yellow, Farmhouse Ochre, English Bartlett, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Tailor’s Buff, Blonde Lace, Mountain Laurel, Rundlet Peach, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Portsmouth Blue, Winter Harbor, Muted Mulberry, Brookside, Whispering Willow, Wainscot Green, Boardman, Hazelwood, Newbury Moss, Picholine, Amish Green, Baize, Pointed Fir, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Maple, Bean Pot, Palomino, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Brownstone, Otis Madeira, Liberty, Burnt Umber, Hickory Nut, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray

Note: These colors can be used for Shingle, Queen Anne, and Stick Style interiors as well.

Exterior: Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Farmhouse Ochre, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Wainscot Green, Brookside, Boardman, Warren Tavern, Hazelwood, Newbury Moss, Picholine, Amish Green, Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Moss Glen, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Sturgis Gray, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Bean Pot, Palomino, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Brownstone, Otis Madeira, Liberty, Burnt Umber, Hickory Nut, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Bargeboard Brown, Rawhide, Chocolate, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray

Note: Beetroot, Covered Bridge, Alden Till, Shaker Red, Richardson Brick Brattle Spruce, Winter Balsam, Sayward Pine are for use on shutters, sash, and doors.

Accent Colors Only: Flowering Chestnut, Roseland, Codman Claret, Stagecoach, Redrock Canyon, Cogswell Cedar, Portsmouth Spice, Pumpkin, Gable Green, Volute, Asher Benjamin, Muted Mulberry, Concord Grape, Plum Island, Beauport Aubergine

Shingle Style 1880-1900

Interior: See Mansard/Second Empire colors, above.

Exterior (Siding/Shingle Colors): Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Winter Balsam, Moss Glen, Pettingill Sage, Burnished Pewter, Wooly Thyme, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Sturgis Gray, Britches, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Tyson Taupe, Bargeboard Brown, Rawhide, Chocolate, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray

Exterior (Trim,Sash, Doors, Shutters): Beetroot, Covered Bridge, Shaker Red, Richardson Brick, Saxon Blue, Seal Blue, Volute, Asher Benjamin, Beauport Aubergine, Concord Grape, Boardman, Warren Tavern, Hazelwood, Newbury Moss, Picholine, Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Brattle Spruce, Winter Balsam, Moss Glen, Sayward Pine, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Sturgis Gray, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Otis Madeira, Hickory Nut, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Bargeboard Brown, Rawhide, Chocolate, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Vermont Slate

Queen Anne/Stick Style 1875-1900

Interior: See Mansard/Second Empire colors, above.

Exterior (Siding/Shingle Colors): Alden Till, Covered Bridge, Shaker Red, Cogswell Cedar, Richardson Brick, Georgian Yellow, Farmhouse Ochre, English Bartlett, Gable Green, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Standish Blue, Portsmouth Blue, Winter Harbor, Saxon Blue, Volute, Asher Benjamin, Wainscot Green, Whispering Willow, Brookside, Boardman, Warren Tavern, Hazelwood, Newbury Moss, Picholine, Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Winter Balsam, Moss Glen, Langdon Dove, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Palomino, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Cummings Oak, Otis Madeira, Tyson Taupe, Rawhide, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Polished Pewter

Exterior (Trim Colors): Beetroot, Madder, Covered Bridge, Alden Till, Shaker Red, Richardson Brick, Cogswell Cedar, India Trade, Pumpkin, Jonquil, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Georgian Yellow, Goldenrod, Farmhouse Ochre, English Bartlett, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Citadel Blue, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Portsmouth Blue, Rocky Hill, Winter Harbor, Saxon Blue, Seal Blue, Volute, Asher Benjamin, Beauport Aubergine, Wainscot Green, Whispering Willow, Brookside, Grasshopper, Boardman, WarrenTavern, Hazelwood, Newbury Moss, Picholine, Amish Green, Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Winter Balsam, Moss Glen, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Sturgis Gray, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Palomino, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Otis Madeira, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Bargeboard Brown, Rawhide, Quincy Gray, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Polished Pewter

Exterior (Use for Sash, Doors, Shutters): Beetroot, Covered Bridge, Shaker Red, Richardson Brick, Saxon Blue, Seal Blue, Volute, Asher Benjamin, Beauport Aubergine, Concord Grape, Boardman, Warren Tavern, Hazelwood, Newbury Moss, Picholine, Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Brattle Spruce, Winter Balsam, Moss Glen, Sayward Pine, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Sturgis Gray, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Otis Madeira, Hickory Nut, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Bargeboard Brown, Rawhide, Chocolate, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Vermont Slate

Accent Color Only: Curry, Gable Green, Glacier Bay, China Aster, Bold Bolection, Concord Grape, Plum Island, Newport Indigo

Colonial Revival 1885-1915

Interior: Andover Cream, Pale Organza, Emma, Lady Banksia, Jonquil, Barrett Quince, York Bisque, Lyman Camellia, Woodstock Rose, Tailor’s Buff, Blonde Lace, Mountain Laurel, Rundlet Peach, Tudor Ice, Appleton, Lucinda, Bulfinch Blue, Emily, Amelia, Hawthorne, Elise, Cottage Green, Marrett Apple, Historic Morning Dew, Melville, Bristol Green, Longfellow, Viscaya, Venetian Glass, Green Bonnet, Wainscot Green, Jewett White, Plymouth Beiger, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Quincy Granite

Exterior (Siding/Shingle Colors): Jonquil, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Citadel Blue, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Portsmouth Blue, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Polished Pewter

Exterior (Trim and Sash Colors): Andover Cream, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty

Note: Shaker Red, Covered Bridge Saxon Blue, Seal Blue, Amish Green, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Brattle Spruce, Winter Balsam, Sayward Pine, Vermont Slate are for use on shutters and doors only.
Craftsman/Arts and Crafts 1895-1930

Interior: Covered Bridge, Alden Till, Codman Claret, Stagecoach, Richardson Brick, Redrock Canyon, Cogswell Cedar, Portsmouth Spice, India Trade, Pumpkin, Georgian Yellow, Goldenrod, Curry, Farmhouse Ochre, English Bartlett, Gable Green, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Rundlet Peach, Citadel Blue, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Rocky Hill, Muted Mulberry, Concord Grape, Plum Island, Beauport Aubergine, Cottage Green, Wainscot Green, Whispering Willow, Brookside, Picholine, Amish Green, Pointed Fir, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Langdon Dove, Bayberry Wax, Flaxen Field, Sandy Bluff, Rain Barrel, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Maple, Bean Pot, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Brownstone, Otis Madeira, Liberty, Burnt Umber, Hickory Nut, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Rawhide, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone

Exterior (Trim, Sash, Doors, and Shutters): Beetroot, Covered Bridge, Alden Till, Shaker Red, Codman Claret, Richardson Brick, Redrock Canyon, Cogswell Cedar, Asian Jute, Danish Pine, Canyon Gold, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Portsmouth Blue, Rocky Hill, Winter Harbor, Saxon Blue, Seal Blue, Volute, Asher Benjamin, Brookside, Boardman, Warren Tavern, Hazelwood. Newbury Moss, Picholine, Amish Green, Baize, Gedney Green, Pointed Fir, Brattle Spruce, Winter Balsam,Moss Glen, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Pettingill Sage, Wooly Thyme, Burnished Pewter, Milkweed, Pitch Pine, Sturgis Gray, Nankeen, Winter Meadow, Coastal Sand, Britches, Toffee, Ginger Root, Maple , Bean Pot, Palomino, Portobello, Tankard Gray, Hitching Post, Cummings Oak, Brownstone, Otis Madeira, Liberty, Burnt Umber, Hickory Nut, Tyson Taupe, Wooden Nutmeg, Bargeboard Brown, Rawhide, Chocolate, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Polished Pewter

Note: Sayward Pine for use on shutters, doors, and sash only.

Accent Colors Only: Saxon Blue, Seal Blue, China Aster, Bold Bolection, Concord Grape, Plum Island, Beauport Aubergine, Grasshopper, Blue Winged Teal,Vermont Slate

Colonial/Georgian Revival 1900-1940

Interior: Andover Cream, Pale Organza, Emma, Lady Banksia, Jonquil, Knightley Straw, Barrett Quince, York Bisque, Lyman Camellia, Woodstock Rose, Tailor’s Buff, Blonde Lace, Mountain Laurel, Rundlet Peach, Tudor Ice, Appleton, Lucinda, Bulfinch Blue, Emily, Citadel Blue, Robin’s Egg, Amelia, Hawthorne, Elise, Cottage Green, Marrett Apple, Historic Morning Dew, Melville, Coral Springs, Bristol Green, Longfellow, Viscaya, Venetian Glass, Green Bonnet, Wainscot Green, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Maple, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven

Exterior (Siding/Shingle Colors): Jonquil, Knightley Straw, Asian Jute, Citadel Blue, Lexington Blue, Standish Blue, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Langdon Dove, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty, Bayberry Wax, Sandy Bluff, Flaxen Field, Rain Barrel, Nankeen, Britches, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument Gray, Fieldstone

Exterior (Trim and Sash Colors): Andover Cream, Jewett White, Plymouth Beige, Wild Oats, Yarmouth Oyster, Parsnip, Jackson Antique, Phelps Putty

Note: Shaker Red, Codman Claret, Richardson Brick, Cogswell Cedar, Glacier Bay, China Aster, Tory Blue, Bold Bolection, Bowen Blue, Newport Indigo, Blue Winged Teal, Amish Green, Winter Balsam Sturgis Gray, Otis Madeira, Chocolate, Vermont Slate are for use on shutters and doors.

International Style 1935-1960

Redrock Canyon, Portsmouth Spice, Clementine, Georgian Yellow, Curry, Lyman Camellia, Robin’s Egg, Glacier Bay, Biloxi Blue, Bowen Blue, Coral Springs, Veranda Blue, Grassy Meadow, Phillips Green, Jewett White, Phelps Putty, Sturgis Gray, Maple, Chocolate, Quincy Granite, Vinal Haven, Monument, Fieldstone, Gropius Gray, Polished Pewter, Vermont Slate