We see colors competing for attention in the design world. With this competition, trends come and go as swiftly as the seasons. But, even in this competent world, one thing remains constant… Neutrals!
Neutral hues have their own timeless charm that’s here to stay. They’re always the silent champions of the design scene, without being bland or boring. Whether you’re looking for a serene backdrop for bold accents or the complete theme for a minimalist space, neutrals have your back.
And walls, taking up the most surface area in your space, are the best place to begin adding neutral colors. But, which neutral colors are the best for your home’s paint? Stick around for the best neutral paint colors professionals swear by—and are far from going out of trend. Let’s get started 🤍
Benjamin Moore Pale Oak
This is the majestic version of white oak. If you’re looking to add warmth and serenity to any room, this beautiful color will do the trick. It is a complex color with layers; from gray and oak/taupe to off-white, the eye can perceive it as many different shades depending on the hour of the day (or light level in the room). You know that quiet peacefulness early morning fog bestows on a valley? That’s the type of vibe you can expect with this Pale Oak.
Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin
This chalky off-white looks like pale gray. It has just the right amount of pigment to add depth to your interior—but without overpowering the look. We especially love this color for its versatility. Whether you use it in the dining room or your foyer, this color will make for a stunning base for decor.
Sherwin Williams Iced Mocha
If you’re looking for a fresh and modern neutral, Iced Mocha is just the color you need. We like to call it an aptly named color because it looks exactly like… well, an iced mocha. In addition to the contemporary look it offers to the space, the tint of pink in this color makes it soft and inviting. Plus, it’s good for a change if you prefer a neutral that’s not so light.
Benjamin Moore Mt. Rainier Gray
A regal neutral this is! Mt. Rainier Gray is an icy blue tone with touches of gray. It’s a color that resembles the sky—singlehandedly imbuing any space with a sense of calm. This is especially great for the bedroom, where a calm ambiance can help you rest better. We especially love it in rooms that flow with natural light. Pair it with white furniture or warm it up with wood; it’ll work well with both choices. In a nutshell: if you want your space to speak royalty, look no further than this sophisticated take on light blue ✨
Benjamin Moore White Diamond
Sometimes, all you need is a pure, pristine white. This shade by Benjamin Moore is just that. White Diamond has a slight tinge of blue undertones—allowing it to sparkle in your home. Use it in the rooms that receive the most sunlight, and watch it create its subtle statement in the background.
Farrow & Ball Paean Black
Neutrals don’t have to be boring, and this luxury shade tells us how. Paean Black is anything but boring. It can create a head-turning statement in any space, adding intimacy and sophistication. You can use it to create a feature wall—or downplay it by using it for the ceiling and crown moldings. In the kitchen, Paean Black makes for a great cabinetry color. You can even use it for your front door!
Portola Paints Table Linen
This bright and creamy white takes inspiration from vintage French linens and instantly makes your space look more expensive. It’s a delicious shade of ivory that adds a punch of warmth to the interior. From the hallway to the foyer to your kitchen cabinets, Table Linen can find many different applications across the home.
Benjamin Moore Silver Chain
All grays are cool, but Silver Chain is one of our favorites! This shade is a great middle ground between a warm and cool gray, so it’ll practically work with anything. Silver Chain is a green-tinted neutral that is both moody and calming. Perfect for modern and traditional interiors alike.
Benjamin Moore Lost Locket
Looking for a neutral for your little girl’s room? Lost Locket is a blush pink neutral that feels like a Victorian relic. This nostalgic color feels comforting and familiar. You know—perhaps the color your grandmother would have loved. Whatever it may be, Lost Locket now translates to the perfect pinkish neutral to use in your girl’s room, the guest bedroom, and more.
Farrow & Ball Pale Powder
Farrow & Ball is another one of our favorite neutrals with a hint of aqua. It plays differently in different-sized spaces. In a large room, you’d think Pale Powder is nearly white. In compact spaces, it looks more like a light blue/green. We like how its green undertones keep the color from feeling too sterile. If you’re in for something unique, try it for your ceiling.
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Tricorn Black is loved by designers for its versatility. It provides just the right contrast for silver and gold hardware finishes. So, when designing the space, you don’t have to worry about the hardware clashing with your hardware selections because of varying undertones.
Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige
Beige can be a tricky color to choose because it can hue pink, yellow, or even green as light levels change during the day. It can be really disappointing to choose beige for your walls, only for it to turn yellow in the afternoon light. Not with Bleeker Beige though; this color is subtle and approachable. And, best of all, it holds true in sunlight.
Behr Granite Boulder
If a traditional beige or cold gray isn’t for you, you might like this beautiful greige color. When paired with a white trim, it will add pronounced color to your space. But it’s still light enough to keep the space feeling open and light. Granite Boulder is a really flexible color and can work with many decor styles. You surely want to try it in the bedroom, where it’ll add an extra layer of coziness.
Final Words
That’s about it for our top picks for neutral paint colors. Before you get choosing, a quick tip to remember is—half the struggle to choosing the right neutral is understanding the undertones. They make a world of difference! In fact, some undertones can make your room look dull, while other undertones can give it a perfectly crisp look. The way to figure it out? Sample, sample, and sample your way through 😉