12 Neutral Paint Colors That Will Look Beautiful in Every Room

Interior designers love these versatile, comforting shades.

Simply White in a Living Room
Credit:

BarnesVanze Architects

Decorating with a neutral palette doesn't mean you're limited to just white or gray. In fact, this color family is incredibly wide-ranging, and consists of beautiful, comforting hues that each have their own nuances. Some, for example, have surprising violet undertones, while others can resemble a light blush in the right lighting.

However, choosing the right neutral can often mean sifting through a seemingly endless library of similar (but slightly different) colors. Here, we asked interior designers for their favorites, to help you make your final decision.

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Heron Plume by Sherwin-Williams

SW Heron Plume in a living room
Credit:

GreyHunt Interiors / Stacy Zarin Goldberg

For a cool, approachable white with a slight violet undertone, try Sherwin-Williams' Heron Plume, a relaxing neutral that's as peaceful as its feathered namesake. "It's soft, and it opens up opportunities to add warmth to your space, without making the walls feel too saturated," says Sallie Lord, founder of GreyHunt Interiors.

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Svelte Sage by Sherwin-Williams

SW Svelte Sage in a bedroom
Credit:

Kelly Sutherland Designs / Caroline Sharpnack

Green can read as a neutral—especially when it has taupe or beige undertones. Svelte Sage is the perfect example, and is great for when you want a color that's a bit more nuanced and complex.

"We see sage green in nature, so it doesn't always read as a 'color' to the eye," says interior designer Kelly Sutherland. "The level of saturation it gives off is both calming and inviting."

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Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore

BM Silver Satin in a foyer
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Erika Bonnell Interiors / Angela Newton Roy

Benjamin Moore's Silver Satin can look white, but it can also appear a bit gray too, depending on the light. "It seamlessly blends into warm and cool spaces, creating a calming atmosphere that's easy on the eyes," says interior designer Erika Bonnell.

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Drift of Mist by Sherwin-Williams

SW Drift Mist in a music room
Credit:

Laura Fox Interior Design / Nova Soul Imagery

Drift of Mist is a warm gray neutral that adds color to a wall, without overwhelming it. "I use it in nearly every project," says interior designer Laura Fox. "It keeps the rooms bright, but not stark white. It’s not too gray or too beige—it's a perfect in-between, and lets the furniture really shine."

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Simply White by Benjamin Moore

BM Simply White in a living room
Credit:

BVA BarnesVanze Architects

Simply White has just a hint of warmth, so it looks crisp and clean in both bright and low-light spaces.

"It's the perfect neutral color," says Miriam Dillon, an associate at BarnesVanze Architects. "It doesn't have heavy undertones of gray or yellow, so it remains welcoming throughout the day."

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Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore

BM Chantilly Lace in a bathroom
Credit:

Four Brothers Design + Build / Steve Hershberger

Chantilly Lace is a classic white that feels like an approachable neutral, and can be used all throughout a project.

"It's a crisp color that looks great with a lot of other whites," says Kate Donahue, team leader and architect at Four Brothers Design + Build. "I'll use it on walls, trim, and ceilings in eggshell, semi-gloss, and flat sheens, respectively." 

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Great Barrington Green by Benjamin Moore

BM Barrinton Green in a bedroom
Credit:

Avery Cox Design / Lindsay Brown

Green can be a neutral, like in nature, where it's the backdrop for everything. Great Barrington Green, for example, is a rich, beautiful color that's reminiscent of a lush forest floor. Interior designer Avery Cox recommends it because it's "warm, earthy, and timeless."

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Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore

BM Pale Pak in a living room
Credit:

Collected Interiors / Nicole Dianne Photography

For a color that sits perfectly between beige and gray, try Pale Oak. This is a true neutral that can reflect warm or cool tones, depending on the surrounding décor.

"It allows artwork and furniture to have a color of substance to work off of, but it's not too rich that it competes with the forms and textile patterns," says Ashley Macuga, owner and principal designer of Collected Interiors.

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White Dove by Benjamin Moore

BM White Dove in a living room
Credit:

Niche Interiors / Brad Knipstein

Ask anyone their favorite neutral, and there's a good chance they'll tell you it's White Dove by Benjamin Moore. This creamy, welcoming white is beloved for its ability to work in nearly any space.

"It's our all-time favorite warm white," says Jennifer Jones, principal designer of Niche Interiors. "It's the perfect choice for a true white that doesn't feel too sterile or bright."

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Smokey Taupe by Benjamin Moore

BM Smokey Taupe in a bathroom
Credit:

Alexandra Peck Design / Sarah Voight

"Smokey Taupe is one of my favorite neutral paint colors," says interior designer Alexandra Peck. "It's lovely when applied to walls, but it's great for kitchen cabinets as well. It's soothing, and makes a room feel cozy."

This pretty, warm taupe can take on a calming look—especially in a bedroom or bathroom. Depending on the lighting, it can even take on a hint of blush.

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Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore

BM Swiss Coffee in a pantry
Credit:

Ginger Designs

This light neutral looks just like a cappuccino—with exactly the right amount of milk. Dubbed, aptly, Swiss Coffee, it's a warm, creamy white with a hint of tan.

"It's a beautiful white with a small amount of warmth," says Summerlyn Feckner, owner and interior designer at Ginger Designs. "It can turn any room into a cozy, inviting space."

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Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams

SW Alabaster in a foyer
Credit:

Kelly Neely Interiors / Hector Sanchez

Alabaster is a neutral that feels fresh and cozy, and that interior designers love. "It’s my go-to white and the first white I have found that doesn’t have a yellow undertone—but that still feels warm," says interior designer Kelly Neely.

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