Best Neutral Paint Colors to Update Your Home in 2025

Neutral colors are versatile, timeless shades that provide the perfect backdrop for any home interior. While they may seem simple, neutral tones have subtle undertones that can drastically impact the look and feel of a space. Common neutral colors include beige, greige, taupe, cream, and white.

Why Neutral Paint Colors Are a Timeless Choice

Neutral shades have remained a favorite for decades, and for a good reason. They create a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic, work with any decor style, and make spaces feel larger and more inviting. Whether you’re decorating a modern, rustic, or traditional home, neutrals provide a seamless canvas.

PRO TIP: Neutrals pair well with both warm and cool accents. Consider your lighting and furniture before selecting a shade.

Understanding Undertones in Neutral Paint Colors

Every neutral paint color has an undertone that can influence how it looks in different lighting. Undertones include:

• Warm Undertones: Yellow, orange, or red hints that create a cozy feel.
• Cool Undertones: Blue, green, or purple hints that create a crisp, airy effect.
• Balanced Undertones: A mix of warm and cool, creating a versatile hue.

The Best Neutral Paint Colors for Every Room

1. Best Neutral Colors for Living Rooms

The living room is the heart of the home. A soft, warm neutral like Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray or Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter can make the space feel cozy and inviting. These shades pair beautifully with natural wood tones, warm lighting, and soft textiles.

2. Neutral Paint Colors for Bedrooms

A neutral bedroom should feel tranquil and soothing. Consider Sherwin Williams’ Anew Gray for a relaxed ambiance or Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray for a subtle, airy atmosphere. These shades work well with soft bedding and natural textures.

3. Kitchen Neutral Paint Colors That Work Wonders

Neutral shades in the kitchen create a clean and elegant feel. Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail is a deep, rich greige that adds warmth to white cabinetry, while Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee offers a soft and creamy white that feels fresh and inviting.

4. Bathroom Neutral Paint Colors for a Spa-Like Feel

For a spa-like bathroom, opt for neutrals with cool undertones. Sherwin Williams’ Drift of Mist or Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist provide a relaxing backdrop that complements marble countertops and chrome fixtures beautifully.

5. Entryway & Hallway Neutrals That Set the Tone

The entryway sets the tone for your home. A neutral like Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White or Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray creates an inviting first impression and pairs well with wooden doors and statement lighting.

Sherwin Williams’ Best Neutral Paint Colors

6. Agreeable Gray – The Perfect Balance of Warm and Cool

Agreeable Gray is a soft greige that blends warm and cool undertones, making it one of the most versatile neutrals. It works well in open floor plans and complements both modern and traditional decor styles.

7. Dovetail – A Bold Yet Neutral Gray

Dovetail is a warm, deep gray with slight taupe undertones. It’s ideal for creating contrast against white trim or cabinetry, adding depth to any space.

8. Anew Gray – A Sophisticated Neutral with Depth

Anew Gray is a warm, medium-toned greige that pairs beautifully with blues and warm wood accents. It’s an excellent choice for both contemporary and rustic homes.

Benjamin Moore’s Best Neutral Paint Colors

9. Revere Pewter – The Ultimate Warm Greige

Revere Pewter is a classic warm greige with subtle beige undertones. It’s perfect for creating a soft, welcoming space that still feels elegant and refined.

10. Classic Gray – A Light, Airy Neutral

Classic Gray is a soft, off-white neutral with a hint of warmth, making it ideal for rooms that need a fresh, uplifting feel.

11. Balboa Mist – The Perfect Cool Greige

Balboa Mist is a light greige with cool undertones, making it a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and airy living spaces.

How Lighting Affects Neutral Paint Colors

12. South-Facing Rooms & Warm Neutrals

Rooms with ample natural light bring out the warmth in neutrals. Colors like Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige work beautifully in south-facing rooms.

13. North-Facing Rooms & Cool Neutrals

North-facing rooms tend to have cooler light, which can make warm neutrals appear less yellow. Opt for Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray for a balanced, cool look.

Coordinating Colors with Neutrals

14. Best Accent Colors for Warm Neutrals

Warm neutrals pair well with soft blues, deep greens, and rich browns. Try pairing Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige with SW Naval for a stunning contrast.

15. Cool Neutrals & Their Best Complementary Shades

Cool neutrals shine when paired with crisp whites, blacks, and muted pastels. Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist looks gorgeous next to navy blue or blush pink.

16. How to Choose the Right White Trim Color

White trim should complement your neutral walls. Sherwin Williams’ Pure White is a soft white that pairs well with warm tones, while Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is a crisp white that works with cool hues.

Sampling Neutral Paint Colors the Right Way

17. Why Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples Are a Game-Changer

Instead of buying multiple sample cans, use Samplize peel-and-stick samples. They’re mess-free and let you see how the color looks in different lighting conditions.

Pro Tips for Painting with Neutral Colors

18. How to Avoid the Wrong Undertone

Always test a sample in different lighting before committing. What looks like a soft beige in-store may appear pink or green in your home.

19. Using Neutrals to Make Small Spaces Look Bigger

Light neutrals like Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray reflect light, making small spaces feel more open and airy.

20. Mixing Textures to Enhance Neutral Walls

Neutrals don’t have to be boring! Add interest by incorporating wood, metal, and textiles to create depth and dimension.

FAQs About Neutral Paint Colors

Q: Can neutral colors work in modern homes?
A: Absolutely! Neutral shades like Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail add depth and sophistication to modern spaces.

Q: How do I make sure my neutral doesn’t look too dull?
A: Layer textures and use contrasting accent colors to keep the space visually interesting.

Q: What’s the best way to sample neutral paint colors?
A: Use peel-and-stick samples like Samplize to see how the color changes throughout the day.