Neutral Paint Color Ideas & Combinations

Neutral paint colors are both versatile and timeless, making them a popular choice for both interiors and exteriors. Their subtle shades create a calming and cohesive backdrop that allows for easy coordination with various decor styles and color schemes. What’s more, they can make spaces feel larger and more open, enhancing natural light and relaxing the area’s atmosphere.

But which neutral colors should you use in your home? This guide will help you narrow down your choices.

What Is a Neutral Paint Color?

Let’s start with the essentials. Neutral colors are shades that lack intense or vibrant hues. Some examples include whites, grays, beiges, taupes, and soft browns. Neutrals can complement a wide range of other colors and can create a harmonious and calming backdrop in various settings.

Tips on Choosing Neutral Paint Colors

There’s a lot to consider when choosing among the many neutral paint color options. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Consider Undertones: Neutrals often have subtle undertones of pink, blue, yellow, or green. Determine whether you prefer warm (yellow, beige) or cool (blue, gray) undertones, based on the mood you want to create and the existing decor in your space.

Test Colors in Different Lighting: Neutrals can shift dramatically based on lighting conditions, so you’ll want to observe how each color actually behaves in your home. (More on the best way to test paint colors below.)

Match with Existing Elements: Make sure your paint colors complement the furniture, flooring, and other fixed elements in the space you’re going to paint.

Consider Room Size and Function: Lighter neutrals can make a small room feel larger and more open, while darker neutrals add depth and coziness, making them ideal for larger spaces or areas like bedrooms.

Create Contrast with Trim: Pairing your neutral wall color with a contrasting trim color, like a crisp white or a darker shade, can add dimension and interest to the room.

Think About Longevity: Choose a neutral color that will age well. Timeless neutrals like soft grays, beiges, or taupes are safer bets for long-term appeal.

Use Neutrals as a Backdrop: If you plan to introduce bolder accents through furniture, art, or decor, opt for a more subdued neutral that serves as a subtle backdrop.

8 Great Neutral Paint Colors to Consider

With all that in mind, here are eight neutral paint colors to consider for your home:

Revere Pewter from Benjamin Moore: A warm gray with beige undertones, Revere Pewter is a versatile and popular choice for creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.

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Agreeable Gray from Sherwin-Williams: This greige (gray-beige) is a perfect balance of warm and cool tones, making it adaptable to any room and decor style.

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Edgecomb Gray from Benjamin Moore: A light, warm greige, Edgecomb Gray offers a soft, welcoming feel, ideal for creating an inviting space.

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Cornforth White from Farrow & Ball: A soft, warm gray with subtle depth, Cornforth White works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings.

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Accessible Beige from Sherwin-Williams: A warm beige with a touch of gray, Accessible Beige is a reliable neutral that brings warmth without overwhelming a space.

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Classic Gray from Benjamin Moore: A light, airy gray with warm undertones, Classic Gray is an excellent choice for a clean, understated look that brightens up any room.

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Alabaster from Sherwin-Williams: A warm, soft white, Alabaster exudes tranquility and is ideal for spaces where you want to create a sense of calm and serenity.

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Elephant's Breath from Farrow & Ball: A warm gray with a hint of taupe, Elephant's Breath has a unique depth that adds character and elegance to any room.

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These neutrals are versatile and timeless, making them excellent choices for a wide range of interiors.

Neutral Color Pairings

Combining neutral colors can create a variety of aesthetic effects. Here are some neutral color combinations that work beautifully together:

Warm Gray and Soft White: Pairing a warm gray like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter with a soft white such as Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster creates a balanced and calming environment that’s ideal for living rooms or bedrooms.

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Greige and Cream: A greige like Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray combined with a creamy neutral like Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee results in a warm, inviting space that’s both modern and timeless.

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Taupe and Ivory: A taupe like Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath paired with an ivory like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove brings a cozy, elegant feel to a room, perfect for adding subtle contrast without overwhelming the space.

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Beige and Charcoal Gray: Accessible Beige from Sherwin-Williams with a deep charcoal like Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron offers a striking yet understated contrast, suitable for creating a sophisticated modern look.

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Pale Gray and Warm Beige: Combine Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray with a warm beige like Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige for a serene, balanced palette.

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Soft Blue-Gray and Crisp White: A soft blue-gray like Sherwin-Williams’ Misty paired with a crisp white like Farrow & Ball’s All White provides a fresh, airy combination that’s perfect for bathrooms or bedrooms.

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Light Taupe and Warm Gray: Pair Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone with a warm gray like Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray for a subtle, sophisticated look that adds depth without overpowering the space.

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Warm White and Light Beige: Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster combined with a light beige like Benjamin Moore’s Muslin creates a soft, harmonious palette that is perfect for an understated, elegant interior.

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How to Test Neutral Paint Colors

Samplize makes it easy to choose paint colors by sending you large-format, peel-&-stick paint samples overnight. Follow these steps to see for yourself.

Step One: Choose Your Samples

Start with the colors listed above or browse our huge selection of colors from leading brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball. Place your order, and we’ll make sure your samples arrive on your doorstep the very next day.

Step Two: Peel and Stick

Your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint. Start by testing one sample in an inconspicuous spot that’s clean and free of debris. Once you’ve tried one sample, feel free to stick on various colors side by side.

Step Three: Dream, Debate, Decide

Take your time, here. Notice what the colors look like at night, in the morning, at high noon, at dusk, with lights switched on, lights dimmed, etc. Ask friends and family what they think. After all that, if you’re not in love with one color, just repeat steps one and two until you find the perfect neutral colors for your project.

Ready to Sample?

Start finding your colors right here.