If you’ve been searching for the perfect neutral paint in recent months, you’ve probably come across Dulux’s Egyptian Cotton colour that’s been trending on TikTok over the past year. But why, you might wonder.
It’s not uncommon for a particular color to quickly become a hot trend in the paint world – butter yellow and olive green are the latest examples. But it’s rarer for a particular paint color from a particular brand to become so viral that its sales increase by 33% in a single year. And no, Egyptian cotton’s sudden popularity isn’t due to its novelty factor, as it’s been part of the Dulux range for a while now.
Dulux Egyptian Cotton Matt Emulsion Paint 2.5L
Dulux Egyptian Cotton Paint is the perfect neutral that goes with everything in our books. And after watching several TikTok videos of its application, the coverage is great too.
This is because it is the perfect neutral color, as neutral goes with almost everything. But as many have discovered, the color has an almost magical ability to change color, leaving some customers disappointed that the color turns something close to green or gray on their walls.
This has sparked debate in many TikTok comment sections: some love it, while others are disappointed. Some TikTok users like @danispeaks have addressed the issue in their videos. So we asked Dulux why this is and how you should use Egyptian cotton to avoid disappointment.
@danispeaks ♬ Original sound – Dani Speaks
Why is Dulux Egyptian Cotton so popular?
“It’s a pale, visually soft neutral that embodies the essence of natural, undyed cotton,” describes Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.
“One of the oldest and most popular colors, Egyptian cotton has gained prominence for good reason. It’s simply the perfect neutral color that makes everything in your home look coordinated no matter your style. It’s soft and visually soothing, perfect for small north-facing rooms that need a little extra warmth but even in large open spaces.”
(Image credit: Dulux/@maria.manorfields)
Marianne goes on to explain what makes this neutral color change depending on the lighting in the room. “Egyptian cotton is a basic neutral color, which means it’s one of the basic building colors in design. It reflects and enhances the beloved and familiar raw materials we build and furnish our homes with, such as stone, weathered wood, clay, and plaster.
“As lighting conditions change throughout the day and evening, Egyptian cotton changes too. In warm natural and artificial daylight, it takes on a touch of luxurious raw cashmere, and in cool north-facing rooms or daylight, its soft grey tones are more pronounced.”
(Image credit: Dulux/@_homeatno05)
Where should you use Egyptian cotton?
Dulux Egyptian Cotton is a great color to use in almost any room, it’s a versatile color if you want to decorate with neutrals. But there are certain spaces that will benefit from a neutral color like this more than others.
“Egyptian cotton fits anywhere in the home, but one of the best places to use it is in the hallway, staircase and deck as a color that seamlessly ties together each room,” says Marianne.
(Image credit: Dulux/@zoes_little_home)
But whatever room you’re painting, just remember that the different levels of warmth in artificial lighting and the changing light during the day will change the look a little. So whatever you do, just go in prepared. You’ll love it.
