Choosing a paint color for your walls can be an exciting yet daunting task. With thousands of options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. To make your decision a little easier, we’ve rounded up 12 of the most popular, tried-and-true paint colors that are guaranteed to look great in any room. Keep reading for an overview of foolproof paint colors, ideas and tips for using them in your home.
Neutral Tones
Neutral paint colors are versatile and easy to decorate around. They create a soothing, relaxing vibe and let your furniture and decor shine. Here are some of our favorite go-to neutral wall colors:
Beige
Beige is a light tan shade that works well in formal spaces like dining rooms and studies. It brings warmth while still feeling clean and bright. Pair beige walls with dark wood accents and brass fixtures for a classic look. Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray is a popular, soft beige.
Light Gray
Light grays are slightly cooler than beiges but still read as neutral. Shades like Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray and Valspar Rock Candy work in almost any room. Light grays create an airy, calming backdrop and coordinate with many color palettes.
White
Crisp white walls look fresh and bright in every room. White makes spaces feel more open and can really amplify natural light. It also allows colorful decor and furniture to pop. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and Sherwin-Williams Pure White are fail-safe options.
Greige
Greige is a mix between gray and beige, the perfect neutral for those who can’t choose between the two. It’s just warm enough without venturing into tan territory. Try Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter or Sherwin-Williams Gray Screen. Greige works well throughout the home.
Blues
From pale sky blue to dramatic navy, blue is associated with calm, relaxation and tranquility. It’s a great accent color or full wall color.
Light Blue
Soft, airy light blues create an inviting backdrop in bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms. They bring a subtle dose of color without overpowering a room. Opt for a barely-blue like Valspar Waterfront or Sherwin-Williams Rainfall.
Navy
Navy blue makes a dramatic, sophisticated statement. Use it in moderation on an accent wall or in a powder room. Pair navy walls with crisp white trim for contrast. Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue and Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy are upscale navy options.
Blue-Gray
Blue-gray is a chic neutral that feels calming, yet still has personality. It works in almost any room, depending on the intensity of the blue undertones. Benjamin Moore’s Wythe Blue and Sherwin-Williams Rain is popular blue-gray shades.
Greens
Green can represent renewal, freshness and nature. It brings the outdoors in and works in many styles of home decor.
Sage Green
Sage green has gray undertones that give it a softened look. It’s earthy while still feeling light and airy. Use sage green in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and studies. Try Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal or Sherwin-Williams Mega Greige.
Olive Green
Deeper olive greens add drama and sophistication. They pair well with brass accents and look great in libraries, studies and dining spaces. Farrow & Ball’s Vert de Terre is a luxurious olive green.
Mint
Mint green infuses rooms with energy and vibrancy. It’s especially rejuvenating in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. A shade like Behr’s Blueprint Slate adds subtle color without going too bright.
Warm Tones
Warm paint colors draw you in and create cozy, welcoming spaces. They include shades of red, orange, yellow and brown.
Cream
Cream has a warmer, more golden tone than white. It looks rich and slightly vintage, perfect for traditional homes. Try Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin or Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White. Use cream in formal living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.
Light Tan
Light tans like Benjamin Moore’s Classic Linen or Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige are fail-safe neutral wall colors. They work with a wide range of furniture styles and decor aesthetics. Use light tan in casual settings like family rooms and home offices.
Terracotta
For drama, opt for a darker terracotta tone like Farrow & Ball’s Charleston Gray. Terracottas look beautiful in dining rooms, studies and libraries. Pair with antique furnishings and brass hardware.
Conclusion
With so many gorgeous tried-and-true paint colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one perfect for your home. Stick to versatile neutrals if you want a safe bet, or bring in bold blues, greens and warm tones to make a statement. Test paint swatches in different lights before deciding, and don’t be afraid to get creative with accent walls in complementary colors. With the right prep work, you’ll end up with a personalized paint color scheme that enhances every space.
