Who Names Paint Colors?

Have you ever walked into a paint store excited to pick a color, only to find yourself completely overwhelmed by hundreds of swatches with names like "Elephant’s Breath," "Revere Pewter," or "Ocean Breeze"? Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a color online, only to discover that it looks completely different on your walls. The world of paint colors can feel like a mystery, and for homeowners in Omaha looking to refresh their space, it can be frustrating trying to make sense of it all.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners navigate the world of paint colors since 1996. We’ve seen firsthand how confusing the process can be, and we know that understanding paint color names is more than just fun—it can actually help you make better decisions when selecting colors for your home.

In this article, we’re going to go over how paint colors are named, who’s responsible for naming them, and what those names really mean for your home. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to choose a paint color with confidence and how to work with a painting professional to get the results you want.

Who Comes Up With Paint Color Names?

You might assume there’s a single person in charge of naming every paint color, but in reality, it’s a team effort. Large paint manufacturers have marketing teams, color specialists, and designers who collaborate to come up with names that make paint colors appealing to homeowners.

These teams consider several factors when naming a color:

• Emotion & Mood: Names are chosen to evoke a certain feeling. A color called "Serene Sky" is meant to feel calming, while "Fired Brick" might suggest warmth and strength.
• Trends & Inspiration: Some colors are named based on trends in fashion, nature, or pop culture.
• Associations: Many names reference objects, places, or materials that help customers visualize the color, like "Cedar Chest" or "Silver Mist."

Paint names aren’t random, although some may seem like it, they are carefully crafted to influence purchasing decisions. Studies have shown that people are more likely to choose a paint color with an interesting or unique name compared to a basic descriptive name like "Light Gray."

Why Do Some Colors Have Such Strange Names?

Ever wonder how we ended up with paint colors like "Elephant’s Breath" or "Dead Salmon"? Some brands, like Farrow & Ball, use historical references or quirky descriptions to set themselves apart. Others use playful or luxurious names to create a sense of exclusivity.

While these names might seem odd, they serve a purpose: they make colors more memorable. A homeowner is more likely to remember and choose "Sea Salt" over "Pale Green #203."

Do Paint Color Names Mean Anything About the Color Itself?

Not always. While some names are fairly straightforward (like "Bright White" or "Forest Green"), others can be misleading. "Repose Gray" might not look gray at all in certain lighting, and "Accessible Beige" can appear more gray than beige. This is why it’s always important to test paint samples on the surface before committing to a color.

Here are a few examples of how paint names can be misleading:

• Colors can change based on lighting. A color named "Pale Blue" may look gray in a room with low lighting and bright blue in a room with natural sunlight.
• Names may be influenced by marketing. "Linen White" and "Antique White" may sound different, but they might be almost identical in tone.
• Different brands use different names for similar colors. One brand’s "Seafoam" might be nearly identical to another brand’s "Mint Whisper."

How Do Paint Companies Decide on New Colors?

Every year, major paint brands introduce new colors based on trends in interior design, fashion, and even technology. These trends are influenced by color forecasting companies, designers, and consumer behavior studies.

The process typically looks like this:

1. Trend Research: Paint companies analyze design trends, looking at everything from runway fashion to home decor styles.
2. Color Formulation: Chemists and designers develop new shades, ensuring they are unique and appealing.
3. Testing & Marketing: Potential colors are tested in different lighting and environments to see how they perform.
4. Naming & Branding: The marketing team assigns names that will resonate with homeowners.

This is why certain color families, like "greige" (a mix of gray and beige), gain popularity at certain times—because they fit the mood and style of the moment.

How To Pick the Best Paint Color

Since paint color names can sometimes be misleading, it’s important to approach the selection process carefully. Here’s how you can make sure you choose the right color for your home:

1. Don’t Choose a Color Based on Name Alone: A name might sound appealing, but it won’t tell you how the color will look in your space. When you use a color that you love, you likely won’t think twice about the name.
2. Test Paint Samples: Always test samples on your wall and observe them at different times of the day. You can either get a small sample of paint from your local paint store or get the peel-and-stick samples to place in different areas.
3. Consider the Undertones: Some colors have subtle undertones that might clash with your decor or furniture.
4. Work with a Professional Painter: A professional painting company, like Brush & Roll Painting, can help you navigate color choices and ensure the final result is exactly what you envisioned.

Painting in Omaha, NE

Choosing the perfect paint color is already challenging enough without confusing names getting in the way. By understanding how paint companies come up with names and how those names influence perception, homeowners can make more informed choices. Testing paint colors, looking at undertones, and consulting with professionals can all help ensure you pick a color that looks great in your home.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving Omaha homeowners since 1996, using high-quality paint and thorough prep work to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. If you’re ready to start your next painting project, click the button below to get a quote!

If you’re not ready to get a quote for a future painting project, click the button below to get your Paint Color and Design Guide. This guide will give you 7 tips to choosing the best paint color for your project.