These Popular Neutral Paint Colors Are Anything But Boring
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When you think about neutral paint colors, you might think you’re limited to white, grey, and maybe beige, if you’re lucky. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth! The best neutral paint colors are dynamic, with different undertones, color temperatures, finishes, and light reflective values that turn boring, flat tones into designer-looking shades like Swiss Coffee (a creamy off-white by Benjamin Moore), INTERIOR MOTIVES (a warm greige taupe by Backdrop), and even rich, dark hues like Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette.
We spoke to paint experts Hannah Yeo (Senior Manager of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore) and Natalie Ebel (Co-Founder and Creative Director at Backdrop) to get their professional advice on how to choose a non-boring neutral, the best ways to make the paint colors feel fresh for your unique style, and the neutral paint colors they recommend to infuse your space with personality and make your home look chic and timeless.
You’ll soon be convinced that neutrals don’t have to be bland. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. “A neutral supports and elevates everything around it without demanding attention for itself. That can mean white, beige, a soft warm gray—even a muted peach or green. A neutral isn’t the absence of color; it’s the foundation that allows every other design decision in the room to shine,” Ebel says.
How to Pick a Non-Boring Neutral
Evaluate Undertones: “Neutrals are inherently nuanced,” Yeo says. “The key to choosing the ‘right’ one lies in recognizing their undertones. Before selecting a color, it’s helpful to take visual inventory of what will remain in the room. Whether it’s flooring, furnishings, or textiles, each of these items carries its own undertone, and selecting a neutral that harmonizes with these existing hues ensures a cohesive finished look.”
Ebel offers similar advice. “The biggest thing is paying attention to undertones and natural light,” she says. “A good rule of thumb is to look at what already exists in the room—from wood tones, flooring, stone, or fabrics —and choose a neutral that complements those colors rather than fighting them.”
Consider Natural Lighting: Because yes, it really matters! Yeo says, “It’s critical to test out the color in the space as the lighting conditions can vary greatly from one room to the next. The undertone that appears warm and creamy at midday might shift toward something cooler, or more muted under evening lighting. Observing the color throughout the day will clearly reveal whether the hue truly suits the space.”
“We also always recommend sampling on a few walls and living with the color for a day or two,” Ebel says. “Neutrals can shift a lot throughout the day, so seeing them in your actual space is the best way to find the one that feels just right.”
How to Make a Neutral Feel Fresh
Combine paint with a neutral wallpaper: Wallpaper and wall coverings are a great way to introduce subtle pattern, texture, and depth while keeping the palette calm and cohesive. Even a tone-on-tone design can create movement and architectural interest in a space. “I especially love textured wall coverings like GHOST RANCH, a grasscloth that adds nuance and tactile style to a painted room. Because it’s made from natural fibers, the slight color variations and irregularities give it a beautiful, organic quality,” Ebel says.
Layer in texture and mid-tone hues: “Layering a room with a mix of textures, materials and subtle patterns is one of the most effective ways to create depth and visual interest,” Yeo says. “Natural elements—such as warm wood flooring, a jute rug or a stone fireplace—introduce quiet, grounding neutrals that add both texture and color without overwhelming the space. A thoughtful balance of light, mid-tone, and darker hues enriches the room, creating dimension and a sense of curated sophistication.”
Trending Neutral Paint Colors
We all know trends come and go, and trending colors are no different—they evolve over time as new styles and design features become more popular. Currently, Ebel says, warm neutrals are having their moment. “The kind that feel lived-in and personal. We’re seeing a lot of earthy yellow-beiges like PALO SANTO, warm whites like HARVEST MOON, and a warm neutral like BROOKLYN COWBOY. These shades feel atmospheric and inviting, creating spaces that feel relaxed, layered, and warm rather than stark.”
Layering colors, textures, and patterns has a unique impact on interiors. And when done thoughtfully, the right combination can make a space feel more comforting and inviting. Yeo says, “Over the past several years, we saw a shift from cooler neutrals to warmer, more comforting hues like beige, taupe, and brown. Rich chocolate tones, refined caramels and cozy cocoa shades feel both inviting and sophisticated. These earth-anchored colors convey a sense of permanence and reassurance, qualities that homeowners continue to seek as they refresh their homes with hues that will stand the test of time.”
Expert Neutral Paint Color Recommendations
Along with their expertise on how to choose the best neutral for you, we also wanted to get Yeo and Ebel’s opinions on their most-reached-for neutral paint colors. Their answers gave us all the inspiration we need to break out of boring, stark white walls and dive into color in an approachable, chic way.
Hannah Yeo’s Neutral Paint Color Suggestions
“Rich neutral hues, like Silhouette AF-655 and Sherwood Tan 1054, bring comfort and depth, creating an inviting atmosphere. These classic colors work beautifully in small accents or in full— enveloping the backdrop for a cozy space. Pair with navy for a timeless combination and keep the space warm and welcoming with sandy neutrals, soft linens, and blush accents. Natural wood textures and tactile fabrics add subtle dimension. Versatile foundational colors, like Swiss Coffee OC-45, offers an essential off-white with a just-right touch of warmth. This true classic adapts effortlessly, whether for a clean, traditional space; a sleek modern design; or a blend of both.”
Natalie Ebel’s Neutral Paint Color Suggestions
“SUPERMOON is always my answer for someone looking for a pure, bright white. It doesn’t have warm undertones, so it brightens everything up and makes spaces feel brand-new. For something with more warmth, HARVEST MOON is beautiful. It still reads white but has a subtle, golden glow. MOJAVE GATHERING is my go-to when someone wants that perfect gray-beige that’s sophisticated but approachable.”
Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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