Interior historic paint colors have a unique charm that can bring a room to life. Not only do these colors provide visual interest, but they also connect a person to the past. When used strategically, historic paint colors can be used to evoke a certain era or style, and can even be used to help tell a story. Whether you’re restoring a vintage home, looking for a unique look for your own home, or just looking to learn more about historic paint colors, this article will provide an overview of their use and importance.
Types of Historic Paint Colors
Historic paint colors vary widely depending on the era and style of the home. Some of the most popular historic paint colors include:
- Victorian – Colors during this period tended to range from dark, muted hues to light pastels. Popular colors included deep forest greens, blues, and purples, as well as lighter shades of yellow and pink.
- Edwardian – This period saw the emergence of brighter and more vibrant colors. Popular colors included bold blues, greens, and reds.
- Art Deco – This style was characterized by bright and bold colors. Popular colors included bright blues, oranges, and yellows.
- Mid-Century Modern – This style featured a mix of bright and muted colors. Popular colors included pastel blues, greens, and pinks, as well as bold oranges and yellows.
Preserving Historic Paint Colors
When it comes to preserving the look of a vintage home, maintaining its original paint colors is key. To ensure that historic paint colors remain intact, there are a few steps that can be taken:
- Clean the walls – Dirt and dust can accumulate over time, which can dull the paint. Cleaning the walls with a wet cloth or mild soap and water can restore the original color of the paint.
- Protect the paint from sunlight – Sunlight can cause fading, so use window coverings to protect the paint.
- Avoid painting over the original colors – If the original paint is in good condition, it should not be painted over. If painting is necessary, use a paint color that closely matches the original.
Reproducing Historic Paint Colors
If you’re looking to recreate a historic paint color, you can find it at most home improvement stores. Many stores also offer custom color matching services, which can be used to match a paint color to a vintage sample. You may also be able to find historic paint colors online, as some paint manufacturers offer reproduction colors.
Using Historic Paint Colors in Your Home
Historic paint colors can be used to give a home a unique and timeless look. When used strategically, they can be used to create a period-specific look or to evoke a certain era. Additionally, historic paint colors can be used to tell a story, such as a home’s history or a family’s heritage. Whether you’re looking to restore a vintage home or just looking to give your own home a unique look, historic paint colors can be a great way to do it.
