10 Home Office Colour Ideas You’ll Love: From bold moods to calming minimalism, my top 10 home office colour inspirations from real projects.Elena GrantSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Soft Sage Green2. Warm Terracotta3. Classic Navy4. Crisp White5. Muted Mustard6. Charcoal Grey7. Blush Pink8. Sky Blue9. Olive Green10. Soft TaupeFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEA few years ago, I had a client who insisted his home office must look like a 1980s detective show — dark wood, green desk lamps, and walls so brown they almost swallowed the light. Halfway through painting, he decided it was “too depressing” and we had to rethink the palette entirely. That chaos taught me something: colour in a home office can completely change your mood and productivity. Small spaces are especially exciting to play with, because every colour choice feels amplified. Today, I’ll share 10 home office colour ideas I’ve used in real projects to inspire you.1. Soft Sage GreenThere’s a reason sage green keeps trending — it feels natural, calm, and uncluttered. In tighter workspaces, it doesn’t overwhelm. Pair it with light wood desks for a fresh, airy feel. I once mapped this in a room planner before committing, just to nail the exact shade.save pin2. Warm TerracottaTerracotta adds a grounding warmth, perfect for creative studios. It can make the space more inviting but be sure to balance it with plenty of neutral furniture, so it won’t feel heavy.save pin3. Classic NavyNavy walls give off a timeless, confident vibe. Perfect for video calls when you want a strong backdrop. Just watch your lighting — you’ll need a good desk lamp to avoid feeling like you’re in a cave.save pin4. Crisp WhiteWhite might seem safe, but with the right textures, it becomes a clean, energising base. Add a pop of colour with art or shelving. I’ve used this trick in tiny loft offices to make them feel larger.save pin5. Muted MustardThis shade can warm up even the gloomiest afternoons. Works especially well if your space has lots of sunlight. The only catch — choose a muted tone to avoid overwhelming the senses. You can always preview with a free floor plan creator to see how it plays with your furniture.save pin6. Charcoal GreyProfessional yet cosy, charcoal makes a great main colour in a modern home office. Light wood shelves and soft lighting keep it from feeling too stiff.save pin7. Blush PinkNot just for bedrooms — blush can create a soft, creative workspace. I’ve paired it with brass accents for a chic, magazine-worthy look.save pin8. Sky BlueSky blue walls brighten any space and bring a sense of calm. Great for those who thrive in peaceful environments. Just make sure to avoid overly vibrant shades, which can feel juvenile.save pin9. Olive GreenOlive green combines sophistication with nature-inspired calm. It pairs beautifully with tan leather chairs. I once tested this in a office layout planner before redoing a client’s study — saved me from picking a too-dark tone.save pin10. Soft TaupeA versatile neutral, taupe works with almost any style. It’s great when you want flexibility to switch decor without repainting. Perfect for renters who need a timeless backdrop.save pinFAQ1. What is the best colour for productivity in a home office?Blue tones, especially softer blues, are known to improve focus and reduce stress according to a study from the University of British Columbia.2. Which colours make a small home office look bigger?Lighter shades like white, soft grey, and pale blue reflect light, creating the illusion of more space.3. Is it okay to paint a home office dark?Yes, darker colours like navy can add depth, but you’ll need good lighting to keep the space comfortable.4. Should I match my office colour to the rest of my home?It’s a personal choice — matching can create flow, but contrasting colours can help mentally separate work from home life.5. Can colour affect my mood while working?Absolutely. Warm tones energise, cool tones calm, and neutrals create balance.6. How can I test a colour before painting?Paint sample swatches on the wall or use digital planning tools to visualise the result.7. What sheen should I choose for a home office?Eggshell or satin finishes are popular — they’re easy to clean and offer a subtle sheen without too much glare.8. How often should I repaint my home office?On average every 5–7 years, or sooner if the colour feels outdated or you want a mood change.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE