Color Palettes Through the Decades

The Roaring Twenties was a time of immense prosperity, as well as cultural exploration and celebration. Women's fashion was front and center, and the emergence of jazz led to nights of crazy dance parties. There was a feeling of lightness during most of the decade, which is reflected in this blue-and-green color palette. To get a similar look, try (from L to R), Glidden Bright Bay Blue (13BB 17/399), Behr Mown Grass (M370-7) and Valspar Crafted White (3007-6C).

The stock market crash of 1929 led to The Great Depression throughout the '30s. Many lost their fortunes and were struggling to make ends meet, so movies like Gone With the Wind, with its dramatic sets and sweeping love story, made quite a splash. Rich colors, like this palette of gold, deep Scarlett and elegant black represent the luxe life that most people during that time could only dream of. For a similar look, try (from L to R), Behr Bear Rug (S-G-790), Sherwin-Williams Black of Night (SW 6993) and Valspar Heirloom Red (1010-3).

The 1940s was a scary and uncertain time for many around the world due to WWII. Casablanca was one of the most popular movies of the decade. It managed to intelligently address the challenges of war while reaffirming the idea that each of us hopes is true - love conquers all. This color palette expresses the rumblings of hope that started to bubble up in the '40s as many envisioned the end of the war. An elegant light blue, a deep, rusty orange, and a honeysuckle yellow feel graceful and unexpected. For a similar look, try (from L to R), Valspar Gloaming Green (6001-6A), Sherwin-Williams Hearty Orange (SW 6622) and Glidden Wheat Stalk (30YY 52/515).

Marilyn Monroe is tthe poster girl of the 1950s. The cultural upheaval during the '60s were already developing during this decade, with movements such as the beat poets and writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The '50s were a bit more reserved and cautious, and Leave It to Beaver was one of the most popular TV shows of the decade. The decade's color palette feels staid and thoughtful. To get a similar look, try (from L to R), Sherwin-Williams Cooled Blue (SW 6759), Behr French Rose (HDC-CL-04) and Valspar Savoury Beige (3002-10C).