Sherwin-Williams' Most Underused Paint Color Of 2025 Mixes Tradition With Unconventional Style

Selecting the perfect paint shade for your home is often a popularity contest. While some design enthusiasts play it safe by choosing uncontroversial colors that can make their space look bigger, others will look through every 2025 color of the year. With that said, have you ever wondered about the color wheel's least popular pigments? The shades that, for whatever reason, don't make the grade? According to Sherwin-Williams, for them, that overlooked shade is Radiant Lilac. While the storied brand might make it simple for designers to pick the perfect shade of paint, it doesn't only celebrate its most popular pigments. Sherwin-Williams recently unveiled its Loneliest Color Archive, which highlights its least buzzy colors (via Sherwin-Williams). "Creative expression through unconventional colors is more than an aesthetic choice," Sue Wadden, the company's director of color marketing, said. "By exploring overlooked hues, we challenge conformity, celebrate individuality, and contribute to a more exciting visual culture." 

Think of Sherwin-Williams' loneliest color of the year collection as the hidden gems of the color wheel. Though they might not be the most popular, they are rife with creativity. While last year's lonely hue was a sunny shade called Kingdom Gold,  2025's highlight is all about Radiant Lilac. When you think of a purple paint color, you might envision a barely-there lavender or even a rich, moody aubergine. However, Radiant Lilac follows the beat of its own drum. This medium-tone shade has both blue and gray undertones that give it a cool feel. While Radiant Lilac certainly makes a statement — and will definitely command attention in any room its in — the shade isn't so bright that it becomes an eyesore.

Radiant Lilac might seem like a difficult shade to incorporate into your home decor — which could be why it's Sherwin-Williams' loneliest 2025 shade. However, we promise it's a lot easier than it looks. Although this purple has a gem-like quality to it, it still pairs well with neutral tones, like light gray and charcoal. Or, if you're looking to keep your color palette a bit homier, pair the purple shade with a chocolate brown like Chateau Brown. 

Not only will Radiant Lilac look great with various colors, but it can also be used all over your room. Ease into the statement shade by painting a lilac arch to anchor your television or console table in your living room. (It's a beautiful accent wall idea to transform your basic home.) You can also kick things up a notch by painting an area's millwork Radiant Lilac or even adding wallpaper with a similar palette to the top part of your wall. Ready to go bold?  Paint all four walls — and, yes, even your ceiling — purple. No matter which idea piques your interest, it's safe to say Radiant Lilac won't be so lonely anymore.