By Lucia Tonelli, ELLE DECOR
When it comes to neutral paint colors, the options are seemingly endless. The muted hues go far beyond pearls and beiges, with plenty of ways to stand out while blending in. Plus, neutral colors are timeless and work in virtually all spaces. We talked to top designers about their all-time favorite neutral shades, and the best ways to use them in your home.
1) Silvery Moon by Porter Paints
"I love that this color can pull cool tones as well as warm tones, depending on what’s put in the room with it. It’s so versatile, yet doesn’t fight other finishes, just enhances them. By far one of my all time go to neutrals, especially with a dove grey wood floor! Who wouldn’t want a silvery Moon 24/7!" - Kari Whitman
2) Penthouse by Clare
"I just painted my living room this color and it feels so airy and refined. I always opt for beautiful, pale neutrals as a go-to choice over whites, because they make a space feel clean and bright without feeling stark. Penthouse is an ultra-light gray that’s the perfect mix of warm and cool, with an understated vibe that brings a sophisticated look to any space."- Nicole Gibbons
3) White Dove by Benjamin Moore
"Benjamin Moore's 'White Dove' is a go-to for us. It works beautifully in both traditional and modern homes and has a lot more depth than some of the brighter whites."- Christine Markatos
4) Elephant's Breath by Farrow & Ball
"It's a gorgeous mid-grey that can either be paired with stronger dark colors to create an earthy vibe or a softer white to create a calm environment." - Liana Reid
5) Feather Down by Benjamin Moore
“I love this neutral color because it is subtle and warm and works beautifully with everything. It is my go-to neutral hue."- Shelley Johnstone
6) Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards
“Especially when working with a vintage or historic home, it’s important to select neural paint colors that fit within the home’s character. Dunn Edwards' 'Swiss Coffee' has been a favorite, as it’s clean and crisp, without feeling too stark. It picks up shadows beautifully and its reaction to light creates beautiful depth.” - Katie Hodges
7) Cloud Cover by Benjamin Moore
"When it comes to the best neutral color, I tend to stick with my tried and true, 'Cloud Cover OC-25' by Benjamin Moore. I've used it in several applications, including my own living space and it has the perfect feather-like hue without being too beige or too white. It's cool enough for a more contemporary space, but warm enough not to be sterile." - Bradley Odom
8) Amazing Gray by Sherwin Williams
"'Amazing Gray' is a timeless neutral that that is not too warm or too cool. It has more body and dimension than a builder beige and plays well off of other colors." - MA Allen
9) Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore
“This is my favorite neutral color because it has hints of both beige and grey to match anything and instantly warms up any space without feeling too dark. It’s my secret weapon to finish off the perfect room.”- Lauren Behfarin
10) Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
"'Chantilly Lace' from Benjamin Moore is a crisp, clean white that lends itself equally well in either a modern or traditional home. It picks up the tones in natural lighting and does not interfere with artificial light sources. Art looks amazing against this hue, but it is perfectly fine to be a naked wall." - Nancy Mayerfield
