14 Garage Wall Paint Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Space

If your garage walls could use an upgrade, keep in mind that there are a variety of popular paint colors to choose from to take them from drab to fab in no time. Just because your garage isn't the main living space within your home doesn't mean that it should be overlooked when it comes to design, after all.

We asked interior designers to give their best tips on how to choose a garage wall paint color and the effects various hues may have on the space. This way, you'll be well-informed as you prepare to design the garage of your dreams.

Below, we're sharing some of the best garage wall paint ideas to try in your own home today.

How to Choose a Garage Paint Wall Color

The color you select for your garage may differ depending on whether you simply wish to use the space for storage or if you plan to turn the space into a livable area, such as an exercise room or yoga studio, Karin Krinsky, a designer with New Age Interiors, says.

In instances where a garage serves a purely utilitarian function, Krinsky follows a standard approach when choosing a wall paint color.

"We take into consideration the color of the vehicle and any tools or equipment that accompanies it," she says, noting that in most instances, she will select a silver or bright white hue to make the space appear larger. "Make it light and bright to feel inviting and welcoming."

In situations where a garage is more of a multi-purpose space, Krinsky will opt for a warm gray or linen tone. That said, other designers encourage thinking outside of the box in garage spaces that will not be used to house vehicles.

Susan Klimala, the founder of TKS Design Group, recommends creating a bold statement if you're planning on using the garage for something other than for parking cars.

No matter what color you land upon, it is important to prime your garage walls before painting them.

"Primer provides a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to, ensuring better coverage and a more even finish," Skip Sroka, the founder of Sroka Design, says.

While out shopping, choose a primer that corresponds with your garage wall type, whether that is drywall, concrete, or something else entirely.

When it comes to selecting a paint finish, designers recommend going with satin. While flat paint can be ideal for camouflaging minor imperfections on garage walls, it can be difficult to clean.

"Satin paint is a much better option," Sroka says, noting that it's easier to maintain and is more durable. But the finish's benefits don't stop there. "Satin also reflects light better, which can make the garage feel brighter and more welcoming," the designer says.

Green Gray

Built-ins received a makeover in the form of green-gray paint that adds an artful yet not overwhelming pop of color to the inside of this garage. Sroka appreciates such hues in garages.

"Cool colors like blues and greens can also create a sense of openness," he says. "They tend to recede visually, making the walls appear farther away."

A small, portable stool painted in this peaceful color finishes out the garage nicely.

Light Gray

If you're drawn to the color gray but prefer a shade that is extra soft, a light gray like this one is for you. It's the perfect backdrop for the darker gray vehicle parked inside.

Black

A simple black is oftentimes a go-to color throughout the home and never goes out of style. Black is a classic shade and will complement any kind of decor and design style, so feel free to experiment with it in your space.

Light Blue

A soft light blue is also a nice option for those who crave a bit of color in the garage. The calming hue is pleasant and grounding, not distracting, and brings the outdoors in, even on the gloomiest of days.

Off-White

You can't go wrong with an off-white wall in any room of the home, the garage included. Sroka is a proponent of opting for a uniform shade for both the walls and the trim, as illustrated here. If you want to mix it up, you can also get creative with various wall and trim combos.

"It can make the space look more expansive, as there are fewer visual interruptions," he says.

Blue Gray

If you crave a color that isn't overpowering yet deviates from a standard white or gray, consider using a soft blue gray, as illustrated here.

Painting the door to the closet located within the garage ensures that the space appears more seamless and cohesive. You can still work pops of a bolder color into the mix in other ways—here, a bright blue door leads to the inside of the home.

Dark Gray

If you're drawn to classic gray, bring that hue into the garage. As a bonus, this shade may help to camouflage exposed electrical boxes, like the one shown here, which are often silver or gray.

Crisp White

A crisp white looks beautiful alongside a soft pink door that leads into the home. While we don't often think of garages as spaces that feature bright colors or pastels, there is no reason to steer clear of such hues in this area of the home. The hue is a designer favorite.

"The color white has reflective qualities that help open up a space, giving it a light and airy feel," Kate Duffy of Duffy Scott Interiors, says.

Gray

If you're drawn to the color gray but prefer something a bit softer in tone than dark gray, this hue is ideal for you. It pairs nicely with the nearby white shelving unit and black door.

Pale Blue

Closer to gray in tone than the aforementioned sky blue, pale blue is a sweet hue that isn't just for nurseries or powder bathrooms. This garage brings a sense of serenity and complements the adjoining gray floors. There's no reason this practical space can't contain a bit of charm.

Green White

With sage green undertones, this white is a bit unexpected in the best way possible. This is a great choice for anyone who is all about keeping it classic with a twist.

Bright Yellow

If you can't resist bright colors, work it into the garage—a hue like this sunny yellow will add plenty of pep and energy to the space. If you're nervous about going all in with such a bold shade, you can always opt for a two-toned look as seen here.

Paint the bottom half of your walls yellow and install a white organizer system on the top half, which will also bring in plenty of functionality.

Deep Blue

Deep blue adds a majorly sophisticated touch to this garage wall, as do the pops of gold over it. You can recreate this look by either installing wallpaper or painting your walls deep blue and stenciling over them for a layered look.

Painting the nearby wall shelves and table blue creates a built-in effect while ensuring that there is plenty of valuable space for storage.

Classic White

A classic white is a traditional, no-fail option that will complement truly any other accent colors present. Not ultra bright or too yellow in terms of its undertones, this shade is simple and stunning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should garage walls be flat or satin?

Flat paint is easy to touch up and therefore can be seen as beneficial in a frequently utilized space such as a garage, as it can easily hide small dings and scratches.

However, designers recommend using satin paint on garage walls, given that compared to flat paint, it is easier to clean, more durable, and reflects light better.

Do I need to prime garage walls before painting?

Designers advise priming garage walls before painting them to ensure that the color is applied consistently, resulting in a more even appearance. The primer you select should correspond with your garage wall type, whether that is drywall, concrete, or something else.

What colors make a garage look bigger?

Designers say that using white paint on a garage's walls will help to make the space appear larger in size. Other colors that have this effect include additional light neutrals, such as off-whites, silvers, and grays.

Read Next: 30 Clever Garage Conversion Ideas to Make Great Use of Space

Read the original article on The Spruce.