Here are eight of the best wood stain colors according to interior designers, color experts and DIYers.
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Best Wood Stain Colors For Interior And Exterior Surfaces
Updated on Feb. 24, 2025
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Yellow (Interior)
Color isn’t just for textiles anymore. Designers are expanding the bold color trend to wood furniture. Lemon by Minwax is a penetrating interior water-based stain with a sunny hue that covers well.
“Color is definitely continuing to return to homes and the all-white look is returning to the sidelines,” says KFD Product Studio founder Kevin Francis O’Gara, who frequently incorporates bold colors into his own work.
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Black (Interior)
Black interiors are always popular, and deep, neutral stains are a great way to create that look. Classic Black by Varathane is a top-selling indoor wood stain used by DIYers and professionals.
Danielle Guerrero, the DIY Influencer behind Our Nest on Powell, used classic black on her recent arched cabinet build. “I was inspired by the black cabinets I was seeing online,” she says.
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White (Exterior)
Lighter colors are commonly used for exterior finishes on outdoor furniture and decks. One prime example of this: Maritime White in the semi-solid opacity, a popular color in Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat exterior stain line.
 “White and light hues are synonymous with summer, and we’re seeing more of those stain colors being used inside and outside of the home on multiple surfaces,” says Benjamin Moore Color Specialist Nivara Xaykao. “The look of bleached wood and pale driftwood has a relaxed, eye-pleasing effect.”
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Blue (Interior)
The list of uses for colored stains continues to expand, and Vintage Blue, the Minwax 2021 Color of the Year, brings the colors of nature indoors. This oil-based stain provides one-coat coverage for various interior wood projects.
Sue Kim, color marketing manager for Valspar and Minwax, notes that people are “adding warming elements with touches of color to cabinets, wooden furniture, floors and more. Vintage blue is an organic color that balances nurturing green and renewing blue with subtle gray undertones.”
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Greige (Interior)
Grays are trending as accent colors for 2021, and these work well for furniture, cabinets and floors. Interior designer KD Reid is seeing more gray tones in accent pieces as well.
“Gray tones have been on trend but are now being introduced in lighter washes that provide depth and contrast,” Reid says. “With their neutral tone, gray hardwood floors are popular among modern homeowners as a way to bring calming effects and serenity into the room.”
One great choice: Rustic beige, which blends brown and gray to create a versatile, on-trend color.
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Flagstone Brown (Interior)
Varathane’s Flagstone is a warm stain color that pairs well with the light colors found in transitional home design. It’s a great stain for use on furniture projects or when replicating aged wood.
Interior home DIYer Nida Rehman used flagstone when aging a stool she purchased from a thrift store, featured on @lovenida_. “I think I’ve stumbled upon my favorite stain,” Rehman says. “The warm tones in the stain compliments the light color on my walls and it goes so well with other neutral tones.”
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Gray (Exterior)
Moody stain colors aren’t just for interiors in 2021. “Completing small projects with a unique or colorful finish is a way to make an outdoor space a reflection of personal style,” Kim says.
One example is Darkest Knight charcoal exterior wood stain, which Kim says is popular for use on decking, fencing and siding.
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White (Interior)
Although all-white rooms aren’t trending, light colored woods are popular indoors. “Lighter, matte-finished woods are big right now,” says O’Gara. “White oak and bleached looks are great on furniture and floors.”
The General Finishes oil-based gel stain in white is one of the top-selling stains on Amazon. It’s easy to apply and results in a white oak finish that provides an even appearance across a variety of wood types.
FAQ
How do I choose the right stain color?
Before starting your staining project, you need to identify which type of finish you need. Then, you can select a color. There is no “right” stain color because it’s your personal preference. The colors above stray away from traditional wood stains, so if you’re looking for something a little different, definitely give one a try. If you’re not fully confident in the color of the stain you picked, test a small spot in an inconspicuous area. Stains can look different when applied to different types of wood, so it’s always better to confirm you like the color with a small test spot before getting started.
How many layers of stain should I use?
Different types of wood can affect how stain is absorbed. Make sure to research the type of wood you’re staining and also read the instructions on the can before getting started. Typically, two coats of stain will be sufficient. If you want a light tint of the wood, just one coat will suffice. Or, if you’re looking for a more saturated or rich color, apply more than two coats. Keep in mind that wood can only absorb so much stain. Don’t overapply and create pools or drips of stain.
Does stain protect wood from moisture?
Wood stain penetrates into wood fibers, forming a protective layer against moisture. Stain also helps seal the wood surface from outside elements like rain and snow. However, stain alone will not waterproof wood. Only the addition of a wood sealant like varathane, polyurethane or lacquer will provide waterproof protection.
