With the new release of Sherwin Williams’ 2021 Color Forecast, we are taking a look back at some of the popular colors that really defined the last several decades. What events influenced certain colors to become popular and how do color trends change over time? We’ll look at some interesting events that define each decade and the popular color choices of people at the time.

The 1950s

The end of World War II sparked a calm and soothing need for many Americans. This decade showed a love of pastel colors, an array of softer hues to appeal to the American housewife and teenagers. Pastels could be seen in the home, fashion, and even the automobile industry[2].

The 1960s

Many would define this decade through self-expression, love, and peace. Loud colors that gave people a sense of expression were very popular[3]. Vibrant colors were often paired with black and white geometric patterns to create a psychedelic effect.

The 1970s

Color screen TVs started to replace black and white, and this celebration of color could be seen everywhere, including fashion and throughout media[5]. Colors became more mellow in the home as people started to incorporate more earth tones[3].

The 1980s

Our economy was thriving and this leads to more vibrant colors! MTV started airing music videos on television[1] and computers and phones were becoming more prevalent[3]. Electric and neon colors reigned supreme during this decade, celebrating the new breakthroughs in technology.

The 1990s

After two decades of saturated and vibrant colors, the 90s grunge scene brought darker, subdued colors into style. Dark plum, forest green, dark brown, black, and deep red began to emerge as fashion turned towards flannel shirts, jeans, and combat boots[5].

The 2000s

A Minimalist movement began and brought a new sense of calm after the Y2K craze passed with the beginning of the new millennium. Relaxing colors such as light brown, tan, shades of white and blue, blue-grey, and blue-greens were very popular[3, 5].

The 2010s

This decade began the trend shift from warm neutrals to cool grays. Greige became a very popular color in the home, a mix between gray and beige, because of its versatility with many different palettes[3]. At the same time, vibrant and loud colors also became synonymous with digital advertising to appeal to the growing Millennial market[4].

The 2020s

So far the beginning of this new decade in 2020 has seen some nostalgic colors coming back in style. Fashion has seen a resurgence of some popular colors from the 90s and sophisticated muted tones of the 70s. Marketing and online advertising are still using very bright and vibrant colors to capture the attention of Millennials and Gen-Z. Interior design has turned to soft and calming hues, seen as a need for many anxious people during the COVID-19 pandemic. All colors have the possibility to come in and out of popularity depending on the current events that are taking place. It will be interesting to see what the next nine years have in store for us and how that will influence color trends.

Warm, sophisticated Urbane Bronze is Sherwin-Williams’s 2021 Color of the Year.