Neutral colors are considered classic and timeless colors that can set the tone of any space and make it appear calm and cozy. Neutral colors for walls are very versatile in terms of usage and serve as an ideal color palette that not only provides visual relief but gives the space a sophisticated look. These colors blend in easily and can complement the textures, furnishing, décor and fabrics with their subtle nature.

In the context of interior design, neutral technically means without color but these colors possess slight undertones that make them distinguishable and play a critical role in defining the type of space they are used in.

Here’s a list of 20 neutral colors that can be used for interiors:

1. Accessible beige | Neutral colors for walls

20 Neutral colors to use for interiors - Sheet1
Accessible beige ©Sherwin Williams

Accessible Beige is a neutral beige color with a grey undertone. Unlike normal beige colors, accessible beige lacks a yellow undertone and has more of a taupe undertone which gives the color its warmth. 

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Accessible beige used in a living room ©Sherwin Williams

It is a soft neutral with just the right amount of saturation that helps it complement a wide selection of color palettes. It is a versatile and flexible shade that goes well with both modern and traditional décor styles.

2. Agreeable grey

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Agreeable grey ©Sherwin Williams
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Agreeable grey ©Kylie m interiors

Agreeable grey is the inverse of accessible beige since it’s a soft, warm grey with a hint of beige. It is a very popular neutral that works well with most of the colors in any interior space. The tone of the room can be changed to cool or warm depending on the type of colors it is paired with. Pairing it with dusty blue colors makes the space look airy and cool whereas pairing it with terracotta accents radiates warmth and light.

3. Peignoir, Farrow & Ball | Neutral colors for walls

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Peignoir ©Farrow&Balls
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Peignoir walls ©pinterest

Peignoir is a greyish pink color that is created by giving soft pink undertones to grey. It possesses a unique depth which makes the walls look lively. It is a subtle and contemporary shade which contrasts beautifully against hardwood textures.

4. Sterling by Benjamin Moore

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Sterling ©Elledecor
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Sterling used in a bedroom with shades of blue and white ©ArchitecturalDigest

Sterling is a beautiful darker shade of warm grey with a glossy finish that reflects light and makes the room appear larger. It possesses a soft, cool undertone that complements both modern and contemporary settings.

5. White Dove, Benjamin Moore | Neutral colors for walls

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White Dove, Benjamin Moore ©ElleDecor
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White dove used in a bathroom ©Julie Blanner

It is a rich and creamy white shade with very subtle hints of yellow. It is a versatile color that is widely used in interior works to give a minimalistic look. The color is very steady and does not appear yellow or peach in abundant light. It adds depth to the walls and gives the space a clean edge.

6. Lake placid, Benjamin Moore

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Wall painted with Lake Placid ©Houseofturquoise

Lake placid is a mid-tone of blue with a slight deviation towards the shade of purple that makes the space look tranquil and serene. The color combines the abundance of blue with the warm undertones of red color.

7. Mocha foam by Behr

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It is a darker shade of beige with a taupe undertone. The perfect balance of undertone makes it a beautiful and versatile warm paint color. Mocha foam adds depth to any room without making it appear too dark. It can be paired with tones like dark greens and white to give it an earthy look or with muted blues and creamy whites for a beachy look.

8. Pale powder, Farrow & Ball | Neutral colors for walls

Pale powder used in a bedroom ©Farrow &Ball

A shade of blue, this color has become popular as the new white with a hint of aqua. The color has a slight undertone of green that prevents the color from looking too cold or grey. The pale powder blends seamlessly with the surroundings since it turns green or blue in different lights.

9. Off the grid, Behr

This is a warm, earthy beige-taupe that is complex and sophisticated in nature. If you want the look at the space to look a bit bolder and sufficiently dark, this is the best option. Its rich and rustic texture with a sandy undertone makes it easy to incorporate in any room as it adds depth and warmth easily.

10. Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore | Neutral colors for walls

Revere Pewter used in a transitional wall ©pinterest

A mid-tone grey with warm undertones, it is a wonderful neutral that plays well with almost anything that is placed next to it. It comes under the greige category as it can be read as a grey but has enough warmth to make it look earthy and rustic. The color is perfect for larger open spaces and can be paired with both, neutral colors as well as dark and vivid colors like turquoise and scarlet.

11. Extra White by Sherwin Williams

Neutral colors for walls
Extra White ©Sherwin Williams
Neutral colors for walls
Extra white used in a living room ©Gardenista

Extra white is a true white color, that neither contains warm nor cool undertones, hence, gives any space a clean and bright appearance. It reflects natural light and makes the room appear larger. It works extremely well with contrasting colors and can be used for interior walls, ceilings and trims.

12. Grey Neutral

Neutral colors for walls
Grey Neutral ©Benjamin Moore
Neutral colors for walls
Grey neutral used in a bathroom ©Benjamin Moore

It is a saturated shade of grey which reads as black but has a softer touch to it. It also has a luscious feel to it that makes the space appear mysterious and luxurious.

13. Decorator’s White, Benjamin Moore | Neutral colors for walls

Neutral colors for walls

Decorator’s white used in a living room ©pinterest

A timeless classic, decorator’s white is a popular choice amongst designers as it can be easily integrated with a variety of styles and décor. With a cool undertone of off-white, it can easily enhance the mood and atmosphere of any space.

14. Grant Beige, Benjamin Moore

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Grant beige used in a living room ©pinterest

Although it comes under the category of beige, grant beige is more of a soft neutral shade of tan. The color is extremely versatile and can be a great choice for both traditional and contemporary settings.

15. Charcoal Neutral | Neutral colors for walls

Charcoal grey used in a workspace ©Benjamin Moore

A warm shade of grey with a blue undertone, charcoal neutral is the perfect combination of dark, moody and comfortable.

16. Stone Neutral

Stone neutral ©Farrow&Ball
Stone neutral used in dining area ©pinterest

It is a versatile color that can be read as a grey, taupe or green depending on the light quality. A classic stone color, it has a rich texture and pairs well with lighter shades of white to give a more cohesive look.

17. Lilac neutral

Lilac Neutral ©housebeautiful.com

A soft neutral, this shade has the perfect balance of tone and saturation. It pairs well with strong, deep colors as well as light colors to give a peaceful and balanced look.

18. Mauve Neutral | Neutral colors for walls

Mauve Neutral ©Benjamin Moore

It is a soft brown color which can also be considered as a rich taupe. It can be paired with ivory, grey or chocolate for contrast.

19. Breakfast room green, Farrow & Ball

Neutral colors for walls
Breakfast room green ©Farrow&Ball
Neutral colors for walls
Breakfast room green used with white and wooden textures ©Farrow&Ball

A neutral shade of green which gives any space a fresh and lively look. When paired with white and wooden textures, the room appears beautifully striking and attractive.

20. Campfire Ash, Behr | Neutral colors for walls

Neutral colors for walls
Campfire Ash, Behr ©elledecor
Campfire ash used in a transitional wall ©pinterest

A greige color, campfire ash is an easy and soft color that blends well with any style of décor. It makes the space look casual and rich at the same time, by the effect of contrast.

References | Neutral colors for walls

  • https://www.homedit.com/neutral-colors-in-home-interiors/
  • https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g181/paint-colors-0907/?slide=2
  • https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/g23711163/neutral-paint-colors/
  • https://www.veranda.com/home-decorators/advice-from-designers/g34714319/neutral-paint-colors/?slide=12
Author

Surabhi is a student of architecture and is trying to figure out how she can contribute to the field and society. She finds architectural writing as an escape to a world full of possibilities and hope. Her curiosity, zest to learn, explore and share, is what keeps her going.