Edwardian Paint Colours

Although the Edwardian period is often overshadowed by the Victorian era, the early 20th century was a particularly important time for interior design. Continuing many of the same trends established during the reign of Queen Victoria, a typical Edwardian interior was a treasure trove of exotic curios and elaborate wallpaper, with alluring pastels adoring Edwardian walls. 

During the early 1900s, colour palettes were bursting with more choice than ever before. Softer shades were the order of the day, with muted pigments making for an elegant aesthetic that has remained popular to this day. 

While pastels had been around for a while, it was during the Edwardian era that they became a key interior design trend. More sophisticated hues joined the ranks of barely-there blues and understated greens, with more choice allowing for rooms with luxuriously layered palettes. 

If you’re looking to revive a period property or want to overhaul an interior with an easygoing colour palette, Edwardian paint colours are the obvious choice. 

What was the Edwardian Era?

The Edwardian era is a fairly short snippet of time in British history. It refers to the reign of King Edward VII, who sat the throne for just nine years between 1901 and 1910. Despite being so brief, the Edwardian era is fondly remembered for its distinct architectural and interior design trends, although many elements were carried over from the Victorian period. 

While Victorian interiors were somewhat limited, the average Edwardian home was far better suited to everyday living. Rooms were generally larger, with higher ceilings and bigger windows to make optimal use of natural light. What’s more, Edwardian properties were rich in decorative elements, with ornate floor tiles, exposed timber beams, and intricate stained glass panels. 

Wall colours also played a key role in Edwardian interior design. Many hues that had been popular for centuries continued to prove popular, with muted pinks, cool blues, and soothing greens all staples of Edwardian decorating. However, these lighter shades were also joined by an ever-increasing selection of pastels. These low-key colours were the perfect addition to high-ceilinged spaces and spacious rooms, giving interiors a distinct identity while bringing a touch of tranquillity. 

Colours Found in Edwardian Design

Are you thinking about restoring a period property with authentic paint colours? Perhaps you’re keen to replicate the appeal of Edwardian interiors in a more contemporary space. In either case, you’ll need paint colours inspired by this important era in interior design. Need some inspiration? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular shades embraced by the Edwardians that you can put to good use today. 

Although Edwardian interiors have a reputation for being understated, you’ll find a few uplifting exceptions to invigorate your colour palettes. Bold greens make a vibrant addition to any Edwardian-inspired colour scheme, with this verdant hue pairing well with more muted shades. 

Whether you’re drenching every surface or merely want something for an accent wall, think about trying something like Spruce Shade. This aqua-green hue is infused with hints of blue, making it a soothing addition to any scheme. With plenty of blue and green pigment to work with, you can lean toward either colour family when assembling other hues for your palette. 

Alternatively, go with something a little more intense like Dwarf Spruce. Another alluring aqua-green, this shade has a neutral base that makes it an easy fit with any Edwardian interior. Low-key greens work particularly well alongside it, while neutrals with leafy undertones will bring balance to a simple scheme. 

Tall windows were a key design feature of the Edwardian era. If you’re looking to decorate a room that receives plenty of natural light, it makes sense to coat your surfaces with yellow-infused shades that will help illuminate your interiors. 

A sun-soaked dandelion yellow like Barely Butter is a good choice if you’re looking for an uplifting anchor for your next decorating project. It’s slightly more intense than other Edwardian colours, but a buttery pigment grants it a smooth quality that plays well alongside more muted tones. 

Looking for a more easygoing yellow to frame your palette around? Try Magnolia Blossom. This sepia-infused yellow is ideal for those low-key interiors, pairing well with sandy shades and neutrals with earthy undertones. While it might seem a bit too reserved for larger spaces, its umber undertones help ground this yellow shade, allowing it to make its mark in a room with larger dimensions. 

Soothing blues are a staple of Edwardian interior design. A popular choice for bedroom makeovers, understated blues are well worth considering if you’re eyeing up an Edwardian-inspired living room makeover or want to bring a tranquil energy to your dining spaces. 

Want something that will work with all types of furniture styles and room accents? How about Cavalry? This twilight blue shade is infused with plenty of grey, making it a good fit for spaces that are light on architectural details and veer more towards contemporary. 

Worried that icy blues are going to leave your space feeling cold and unwelcoming? How about trying something like Acceleration instead? This blue-purple shade is infused with a generous amount of lavender, while a neutral base makes it a versatile addition to more complex colour schemes. 

Pastels came into their own during the Edwardian era. If you’re serious about creating an authentic Edwardian interior, you’ll want to make room for at least a couple of these classic hues when putting together the perfect palette. 

Cool blues are a hallmark of Edwardian design, so think about including these when searching for pastels to build your scheme. A shade like Wild Bluebell is a good option. Light and airy, it’s perfect for smaller spaces, with this wedgewood blue working particularly well in bedrooms or laid-back living spaces. 

Searching for something more sophisticated? If you’re planning an elegant redesign of a reception room or master bedroom, try using a cornflower blue like Dynasty China. With more pigment than your average pastel, this beautiful blue will bring a sense of tranquillity to any room. 

If you can’t quite say goodbye to contemporary design, think about using something from the pale grey family when creating your Edwardian interior. Pale greys lend themselves well to traditional Edwardian palettes, but they still maintain a modern appeal that makes them suitable for spaces with contemporary architectural details. 

For a living room or bedroom, go with something like Arctic Cotton. Although this grey is fairly light, it’s a surprisingly warm choice that makes it more welcoming than its icy counterparts. A hint of purple ups the colour temperature of this classic grey, while giving you some inspiration for incorporating accent colours. 

If it’s a cooler tone you’re looking for, try Dash of Purple. This icy shade of grey will serve as a breath of fresh air in tired spaces in need of a spruce-up, with hints of mulberry adding some much-needed depth. If you’re thinking about a clash of Edwardian and contemporary styles, think about building on those mulberry undertones with a subtle splash of magenta.