Neutral Paint Colours

Explore a wide selection of timeless, versatile neutral paint colours that suit any style or era.

The Ultimate Guide to Neutral Paint Colours

Incredibly versatile and surprisingly complex, neutral paint colours are a homeowner favorite.

Relaxing and soothing, neutral colours — including white and grey — exude calm. Turn to our online inspiration or in-store advice as you consider the vast array of neutrals. And don’t forget to paint samples on your wall before buying: Seeing colour on the wall, no matter how subtle your choice, is the only way to ensure it’s perfect for your space.

Neutral colours, including whites and greys, are known for their calming, soothing qualities. When choosing neutral paint colours, it’s important to consider the undertones that align with your desired mood. For a cozy, inviting atmosphere, opt for warm neutrals with undertones of yellow, red, or orange. For a more open, airy feel, select cooler neutrals like white or grey with hints of green, blue, or purple.

Since lighting plays a key role in how colours are perceived, particularly with neutrals, testing each hue in different lighting conditions is essential. Versatile and surprisingly nuanced, neutral paint colours remain a favorite choice for homeowners.

How to Choose Neutral Paint Colours

When considering neutral paint colour, look at the undertone that aligns with your desired design outcome:

  • For a cozy feel in your room, consider a warm neutral paint colour with undertones of yellow, red or orange.

  • If you want a more open, airy vibe, consider neutrals such as white and grey that have cooler undertones like green, blue or purple.

Survey your room or floor for predominant colour direction. The room pictured here is rich with wood tones, so Jute AF-80, a warm beige, makes for a cohesive match.

Jute AF-80

Revere Pewter HC-172

Chelsea Gray HC-168

Focus on Lighting and Neutral Colours

Lighting always plays a critical role in colour perception, and neutrals are particularly sensitive. To select the best neutral paint colour for your home, test each hue in different lighting conditions.

Here, the near wall in Revere Pewter HC-172 is a classic ‘greige’ that can appear as beige, grey or off-white based on changing light at different times of the day.

The Best Neutral Paint Colours: Bedroom

Many homeowners want to know what hues are the most flattering in the bedroom to set a relaxing mood and create a “neutral territory” for those who share this intimate space. “Everyone looks and feels different based on the colours they’re surrounded by,” says Hannah Yeo, Colour & Design expert, “Look for a colour that flatters your personality.”

Want a shade as stylish as your wardrobe? Neutral colours in a bedroom can help you assess your clothing more easily. Favorites include luxurious Wish AF-680 and Pashmina AF-100, as well as Clay Beige OC-11, shown here.

Clay Beige OC-11

Ashen Tan 996

The Best Neutral Paint Colours: Living Room

When realtors stage a home, they commonly choose neutral paint colours because of their adaptability, inviting nature, and overall balance. If you frequently swap out accent pieces or have bright, colourful furniture, like the coffee table here in Marlboro Blue HC-153, neutral paint colours are a great option.

We love the barely-there hues of Ashen Tan 996, pictured, and silvery Halo OC-46. Want to go deeper? Earthy Saddle Soap 2110-30 offers colour saturation while remaining a sturdy, goes-with-anything neutral.

A Warm Welcome

A neutral colour palette for your home’s exterior offers a beautiful backdrop for flora and fauna, from evergreens to cacti. Here, Baby’s Breath OC-62 beckons a soft welcome. Other beigey neutrals that provide timeless curb appeal include Bleeker Beige HC-80 and Smokey Taupe 983.

Add some spark to neutral exteriors with a deep accent colour, as seen here with rich Baby Seal Black 2119-30 on trim. Be sure to take colour inspiration from stone, slate, wood and other materials from your home’s façade as well.

Baby's Breath OC-62

Get Advice & Complimentary Swatches

If you need help in choosing your colour, come by any of our stores today to see all our colours on display. Our colour experts will also be glad to assist you in choosing the shade that truly suits your space. Also, you get to bring home complimentary swatches which are true to colour for your consideration.

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All Neutral Colours

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular neutral paint colours?

Benjamin Moore’s most popular neutral paint colour is the iconic and versatile Revere Pewter HC-172. Other well-loved neutral options include Manchester Tan HC-81, a sophisticated beige, and Boothbay Gray HC-165, a timeless blue-grey.

What are some tips for pairing neutral paint colours with other colours throughout the home?

When pairing neutral paint colours with other colours throughout your home, consider opting for matching undertones. Since lighting impacts how colours appear to the eye, be sure to test each hue in different lighting conditions before purchasing your paint.

What are some other colours that pair well with neutral paint colours?

Neutral paint colours pair well with a variety of hues. When selecting your paint colour combination, consider the undertones of your paints to create a cohesive palette.