Forget blue skies and green grass, grey was the key colour for gardens in 2022 according to new data* from eco wood paint specialists Thorndown.

Sales data shows that grey shades dominated the year with 35% of their exterior wood paint best sellers being variations on the shade. Up 5% on 2021.

Greens were a close second – accounting for 25% – with natural wood tones, including a clear UV finish, in third (15%).

Caroline Thornborough, Thorndown’s Design Director, said: “Colours influence our moods and everyday lives, uplifting our spirits, increasing creativity, or helping to create a sense of calm and spaces to relax in. Cool and contemporary tones definitely lead the way in the 2.5l chart where timber buildings tend to be painted to sit in with and compliment the natural palette of the garden.

“Grey is a gorgeous neutral that will act as a stunning backdrop, allowing all the natural shades of the garden shine, so it’s no surprise that it continues to perform well.

“The rise in greens and natural wood tones show there is a drive towards more biophilic influenced colours. Even in the garden, people are opting for natural colours to create relaxing retreats to unwind and recharge.”

Thorndown’s Top 20 Best-Selling Shades:

1. UV Clear
2. Bishop Blue
3. Cavepool Grey
4. Old Sage Green
5. Blackdown
6. Mercury Grey
7. Cow Parsley White
8. Sedge Green
9. Yew Green
10. Dulcote Stone
11. Zinc Grey
12. Dormouse Grey
13. Swan White
14. Ebbor Stone
15. Whispy Willow
16. Ash
17. Hawthorn
18. Bergamot Grey
19. Goddess Green
20. Grey Heron

*Based on analysis of sales of 2.5-litre tins of exterior wood paint.