Edwardian Paint Colours

Edwardian decor is often confused with design approaches from the Victorian era. However, this pivotal period in British history created some truly enduring trends that remain popular today. 

Living rooms in an affluent Edwardian home embraced the eclectic decor and exotic finishing touches found in Victorian ones, but there was a renewed focus on daring new colours and intricate wallpapers. 

The Edwardian era brought with it a whole new colour card, doing away with many of the darker tones synonymous with the 1800s. The colour palettes of the early 20th century benefited from the arrival of a new family of pastels, while more luxurious shades became readily available. 

While the art deco period would bring all manner of new design choices, the timeless colours of the Edwardian period remained beloved by many. At Tikkurila, you'll find a huge range of authentic paint colours that will help you achieve Edwardian elegance in any space. 

What Colours Are Found in Edwardian Design?

Looking for sophisticated shades to perfect an Edwardian interior? We've picked out some of our best paint colours that will look right at home in a property calling out for some period character. 

Yellows became increasingly sought-after during the Edwardian era. An easy way to bring a little sunshine to any room, these soft and cheery hues amplify natural light and work well with other Edwardian staples like light grey and pastel blue. 

A refreshing yellow like Parmesan F302 is a good choice if you're looking to brighten up a drab interior. With its creamy character, it won't fail to elevate your interiors. 

If you're searching for something closer to white, go with Gardenia F309. You can use this to cover entire walls or reserve it for cornices, ceiling roses and other decorative details. 

Thinking about using pastels? Go with something like Sorbet F306. It's muted enough that you can use it liberally, but it also works incredibly well alongside more golden hues. 

The right shade of green reinvigorates any space. While pea greens were popular throughout the Regency era, it wasn't until the Edwardian period that more vibrant shades became available. 

Wasabi N388 is a terrific choice if you're looking to create a tranquil space that's not lacking in sophistication. Perfect coordinated with off-whites, light greys or earthy tones. 

Unsure of whether you want to deck the walls with green or blue? Enjoy the best of both worlds with Menthol J442. 

No Edwardian interior would be complete without a few pastel colours. These subdued hues are an easy choice if you want to elevate your interior aesthetics, without distracting too much from hardwood floors, ornate details and designer furniture. 

Understated oranges are always a good choice if you're searching for something era-appropriate. Riviera Y406 has an unmistakable citrus character, with delicate pink undertones bringing extra warmth. 

A pastel blue is another classic option. Forget Me Not H353 is one of the best in our collection. Use this one to bring a light and airy feeling to any room of the home. 

Thinking of going with green? Muse G385 won't disappoint. This subtle shade brings the perfect balance of serenity and sophistication. 

If sky-blue hues aren't your thing, there are plenty of dusky shades for you to consider. Darker blues are a staple of Edwardian interiors and work wonders in living rooms and hallways. 

Make a statement with something like Nocturne N348. This dark and dusky blue pairs beautifully with dark wood flooring, marble and monochromatic tiles alike. 

If you'd prefer something a shade lighter, there's Sandman V431. This medium blue is a more versatile choice, although it's still a dusky and dramatic option. 

Finally, there's Tide L491. Although this is technically a sea green, there's plenty of blue pigment on show here. 

Light greys are a safe bet if you want a decor scheme that can be gradually adapted as your tastes change. They also serve as a first-rate foundation for an Edwardian colour palette. 

Start with something like Necklace F428 if you're after a low-key wall colour. This pale light grey will leave your spaces feeling bright and open, while the versatile pigment makes creating tonal interiors incredibly simple. 

If you're looking for a grey with more depth to it, choose Bungalow G500. A subtle hint of blue makes it a soothing choice, while also broadening your horizons as far as secondary colours are concerned. 

Interested in a more subtle take on grey? Tuft H495 is one of our most delicate grey hues. Use it alongside darker shades for a refined tonal decor scheme. 

The Key Features of Edwardian Design

Most Edwardian homes benefited from high ceilings. As such, period properties tend to boast plenty of ornate coving and intricate cornices. If your space has existing features, take the time to restore them and repaint them in a creamy hue. 

If your room is missing these architectural details, you can also introduce them. Coving and moulding are incredibly affordable and, provided you've got some basic DIY knowledge, easy enough to install. For maximum impact, think about investing in a decorative ceiling rose. 

Flooring is also important in Edwardian decor. If you're decorating a hallway, choose monochrome tiles with intricate designs. If you're overhauling a living room, dark hardwood is the way to go. If your budget allows, premium parquetry is another worthwhile option. 

While Victorian furniture tended to be bulky and rich in ornate details, Edwardian pieces were typically more low-key. Although darker woods remained popular well into the 20th century, the Edwardians began to appreciate the allure of lighter varieties. Slimline silhouettes and lightweight designs also became more commonplace. 

Thinking about a gallery wall for your new Edwardian interior? During this period, art tastes changed. Rather than reach for static portraits and landscapes, the Edwardians began to embrace narrative artworks that told a story.