Neutral paint colors are getting a well-deserved spotlight—and not just the usual shades of white. Interior designers are sharing their favorite non-white neutrals, including both warm and cool options that offer depth, softness, and timeless appeal.
If you're looking for a design element to magically transform a space, all you need is a coat of paint. But with so many colors on the spectrum that can tie a room together and create a beautifully cohesive space, why go with plain old white?
It seems this color (or lack thereof!) is falling out of favor, according to Ruth Mottershead, creative director of a heritage paint maker. "More than ever, we've seen that there is a greater need to surround ourselves with comforting, soothing colors that are not only easy to live with but provide warmth and serenity within our living environments," she says. "This has been reflected in the increasing popularity of warmer, natural neutrals, in a clear shift away from the cooler, blue-toned grays that have been so popular in recent years. Instead, consumers have been opting for earthier tones that have an inherent warmth."
Ready to take your walls to the next level? Here are a few neutral paint colors that aren't white.
4 Best Neutral Paint Colors
Light Grays
IMAGE: a soft balanced gray.
Mottershead says her favorite a heritage paint maker neutral is a soft balanced gray. "It is a fabulous alternative to white and can be used in almost any interior space. Containing a little blue and red, this neutral is what's known as a middle tint. It is neither too warm nor too cold and therefore very flexible in lots of different lights and spaces."
A warm mid-tone gray is another paint worth considering, according to interior designer Kate Dawson. Dawson says it's a great neutral with a little bit of warmth. A more cool-toned option is a soft cool neutral. "I like it when I'm working with a lot of blue," Dawson says.
Stone-Inspired Hues
IMAGE: a natural clay neutral.
Colors inspired by nature are another great alternative to white, says Mottershead. "Natural stone colors such as Portland Stone, Bath Stone, and Clay are becoming increasingly popular, as these warm neutrals are perfect for creating restful living spaces that bring comfort to the home throughout the seasons," she says.
In addition to this, Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for a traditional paint maker, says that stone-inspired colors, such as a grounded stone neutral, are a better choice than white, especially when it comes to painting trim. "One of our perennial classics, Stony Ground has an earthy quality that makes it a great choice for trim," he says.
O'Donnell suggests pairing this color with darker shades such as deep green or muted blue. "It is equally capable as a solo color for walls when an off-white won't do, bringing warmth and neutrality to any space," he says.
Light Pink
IMAGE: a muted plaster pink.
While pink has been a major trend in recent years, it's hardly a neutral hue. However, the right shade (such as a muted plaster pink) can be considered neutral, says O'Donnell. "This most elegant of pinks, with just a touch of brown to steer clear of any saccharine appearance, is a good decorating friend," he says. "It's a brilliant choice for bathrooms, flattering the complexion, whilst delivering a cozy charm to poorly lit spaces."
Pale Yellow
IMAGE: Tallow by a traditional paint maker.
While bright yellows aren't neutral, a creamy pale yellow, such as a creamy pale yellow, is a gorgeous neutral shade. "This pale, creamy yellow with a blush of pink is a glorious trim color. Often overlooked for more muted neutrals, Tallow brings a nostalgic charm to any space and works especially well when paired with yellow and terracotta tones," O'Donnell says.