The Best Neutral Wall Paint Colors for Your Home

Written by Ashley Knierim
Fact checked by Jillian Dara

There’s just something about a muted paint color that adds sophistication to a room. And while many assume “neutral” means beige, there are actually a lot of options that work in nearly any home and any setting. Whether you love clean, bright whites or deep, dark grays, a neutral wall paint color is timeless and provides the perfect backdrop for creative accents and pallets.

Overview

Color Family: It varies. Includes beiges, grays, taupes, shades of white, black, and even some pastels
Complementary Colors: Neutrals generally support all colors
Pairs Well With: Most colors
Mood: Calming
Where to Use: All rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and dining rooms

Best White: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is an incredibly popular white paint, especially among designers. This versatile shade works in nearly any room in your house, especially if you’re going for a minimalist look. A rich and creamy white with only slight hints of yellow, White Dove works not only on walls but also on trim and doors.

Best Gray: Sherwin-Williams Roycroft Mist Gray SW2844

Roycroft Mist Gray by Sherwin-Williams is a classic gray with a hint of a warm undertone. The warmth and fullness of this gray make it an elegant choice for dining rooms and primary bedrooms. Like many full-bodied grays, it can appear darker in a small space, so take that extra step to sample paint color before committing it to your walls.

Best Greige: Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173

Can’t decide between gray and beige? How about a stunning greige like Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray? In a lighter room, Edgecomb looks grayer while it appears more beige in a darker space. It’s a rich gray with a slightly yellow undertone and looks best in larger spaces, giving a room a neutral monochromatic look without appearing too washed out or intense.

Best Dark Beige: Behr Mocha Foam T15-17

Behr’s Mocha Foam is a great neutral color when you’d like more presence than a simple beige or off-white, but would still like to decorate in neutral colors. A deeper, darker color than a standard beige, Mocha Foam adds depth to a living room or bedroom without feeling too dark. Pair it with earthy colors such as greens and whites.

Best Pink Neutral: Glidden Powder Blush 70RR 65/053

Who says neutrals have to be whites or grays? In the right light, lighter pastels like Glidden’s Powder Blush can be the perfect neutral with a hint of color. This subtle mauve paint adds the perfect touch of pink in bedrooms and living rooms; it’s still modern without feeling sterile. It has soft gray undertones and pairs well with cool whites and blues.

Best Brown: The Spruce Best Home Cold Brew SPR-24

Deep, dark paint colors can actually be a bedroom’s best friend. Contrary to popular belief, rich colors can make a smaller room feel larger while maintaining a cozy feel. We love The Spruce Best Home Cold Brew. If you’re hunting for a rich, espresso paint that works well as either an accent wall or throughout the room, this is a great choice.