Colors of the Year 2025: Sweet Browns, Bold Shades

New year, new colors. Last year’s colors of the year focused on relaxation, including a calming sea of blues and a warm, refreshing peach tone. But this year’s are different, taking a bolder, deeper approach. Here are nine rising colors for 2025, including three browns that sound sweet enough to eat. 

1. Pantone – Mocha Mousse 

A warm and chocolatey brown, Pantone’s color for 2025 aims to evoke thoughtful indulgence, harmonious comfort and feelings of contentment (and maybe feelings of hunger). 

“Revel in your own special moments,” the company says. “Imbued with a sensorial richness, PANTONE 17-1320 Mocha Mousse inspires us to curate experiences that boost personal comfort and wellness. From sweet treats to nature walks, the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can also gift and share with others.” 

2. Sherwin-Williams – Color Capsule 

Sherwin-Williams didn’t announce a color of the year – they announced nine colors of the year. Their 2025 Color Capsule of the Year is a cohesive palette of neutral and muted shades, including Grounded, Sunbleached, Chartreuse, Bosc Pear, White Snow, Rain Cloud, Clove, Malabar and Mauve Finery.  

“Our Color Capsule of the Year can be curated to stand out with any style. We wanted a modern, fresh take on color, with a balanced and usable assortment of shades,” notes Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden. 

3. Benjamin Moore – Cinnamon Slate 

Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 is described as “a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown.” It aims to offer enduring style and modern sensibility, and Benjamin Moore recommends pairing this sweet hue with colors like Glacier White and Sea Salt. 

4. Behr – Rumors 

Rumor has it that rich, bold colors are making a comeback. Behr’s Rumors MQ1-15 is a statement color that’s deep ruby red, adding warmth and allure. The company suggests pairing the bold color with subtle shades like Even Better Beige and Blank Canvas. 

5. Glidden – Purple Basil 

“Purple isn’t just permitted, it’s encouraged,” says Glidden, showing off Purple Basil PPG1046-7, a deep shade of warm purple that encourages creative self-expression and discourages playing it safe. 

“This year, Glidden is supporting color chip daydreamers as we embrace the transformative power of color by naming Purple Basil the Color of the Year for 2025,” the company writes.  

6. Valspar – Encore 

Valspar is also making a statement this year with Encore 8002-45G, a rich, bold blue that stands out no matter where it is. It’s a saturated color with an undertone of violet that coordinates with Lavender Escape and Sprig of Sage. 

“As we seek a joy-filled life, this approachable and livable ultramarine creates a perfect backdrop for happiness in the home,” says Valspar Director of Color Marketing Sue Kim. 

7. Krylon – Hammered Black 

Krylon’s Hammered Black offers both color and texture, encouraging decorators to create visual interest and embrace the gothic design aesthetic. It can add a dark, moody feel to items like end tables, lamps, chairs, picture frames, cabinets and more. 

“A dark shade that creates an alluring surface dimension and texture, Krylon 2025 Color of the Year, Hammered Black, makes each and every project feel like one of a kind,” says Krylon Color Marketing Manager Ashley Banbury. 

8. STAINMASTER – Truffle 

Another sweet treat, STAINMASTER’s Truffle is a deep brown that can be bold and luxurious or subtle and timeless. 

“Truffle complements a wide range of styles, from modern minimalism to rustic chic, and layers beautifully with a broad palette of colors from soft neutral hues to deep bold palettes, truly elevating the style of any space,” notes Lowe’s Director of Trend and Style Monica Reese. 

9. Minwax – Violet 

Minwax felt the purple encouragement, announcing Violet as their 2025 Color of the Year. This cool-toned purple wood stain offers a modern whimsy to bookshelves, cabinets, trims and more, adding a unique touch to any room. 

“Violet is the perfect pick for those who want to showcase their individuality and go bold at home,” says Minwax Color Marketing Manager Lisbeth Parada. 

Feature photo credit: Pantone Media Kit