1880 Homeowner Brochure Collection
20 Historically Documented Colors

A rare Sherwin-Williams homeowner brochure dated 1880—one of the earliest known residential paint publications in America. At this time, Sherwin-Williams was still a young company (founded 1866) beginning to formalize color for the American home.

Only one other copy is known to exist in the company’s archival collection, making this an exceptionally rare reference point in early paint history.

By 1880, American architecture had moved into the high Victorian era. Industrial pigment expansion introduced deeper, more complex color, while Queen Anne forms began to emerge alongside widespread Italianate design.

Color became structured.

This 20-color collection reflects that shift:

• Deep olive and bronze greens
• Terra cotta and oxidized reds
• Umber and complex drab browns
• Muted creams and warm buffs
• Charcoal, slate, and accent tones

Unlike earlier decades, exterior schemes were now composed with defined roles—body, trim, sash, and detail—creating layered architectural expression.

Suitable for:

• Authentic 1880-era restorations
• Late Italianate and early Queen Anne homes
• 1880s farmhouses and townhouses
• Later Victorians returning to period character
• Modern homes seeking historic depth

Organized by decade rather than style, this collection allows flexibility across architectural eras.

Drawn directly from period documentation, these colors reflect how paint was first marketed directly to homeowners at the beginning of national color standardization.

Not a reinterpretation of Victorian color—
but colors offered in 1880, as they were originally presented.

Color Matching & Sample Disclaimer

We define our historic color matches as precison-matched in hue to original manufacturer references. Each 8 oz sample is produced in our standard match grade to accurately represent the color.

Due to differences between paint products and finishes, the same color may vary slightly when produced in other grades or sheens.

Higher-grade paint options are available for final applications, just as with full home orders.

Upgrade for Best Results

Your sample represents the color. Your final paint determines the finish.

For full projects, we recommend upgrading to a higher-performance paint line for superior coverage, durability, and overall appearance—especially on exteriors and detailed trim.

Contact us for recommendations based on your specific project.