Neutral Paint Shade Ideas We Love: Beige, Taupe, Gray, Black, White and More

From white to black and every shade in between — give us all the neutral hues! These tried-and-true paints from HGTV Magazine might be on the subtle side, but they're anything but boring. Get inspired by these stunning and sophisticated designs, and learn how to use these editor-approved neutral paint colors in your home.

Coventry Gray, Benjamin Moore

At 138 square feet, it’s not the largest kitchen, but homeowner and designer Kerri Pilchik gave it major presence with two-toned cabinets. Having the uppers painted white opens up the small space, and the classic shade of gray on the lower cabinets adds contrast.

Stepping Stone, PPG

"Getting creative with molding in this master bedroom turned the wall behind the bed into a standout feature. Medium gray makes it seem even more luxe.”

— Leslie Cotter Dorazil, Leslie Cotter Interiors, Louisville, KY (Builder: Ramage Company)

Aloof Gray, Sherwin-Williams

Designer and homeowner Erin Wheeler (of Sunny Circle Studio) gave her dining room a refresh by changing the dated red walls to cozy gray. The green undertones make the space so inviting.

Rare Gray, Sherwin-Williams

A herringbone accent wall makes for a fun entrance (especially after walking through that purple front door). A pair of bold Basquiat prints make the patterned wall even more of a focal point.

Gray Huskie, Benjamin Moore

To lend this room a calm feeling, soft gray paint on the walls contrasts with snowy-white linens and touches of blue decor.

Puritan Gray, Benjamin Moore

“This ’60s love seat in our bedroom was on the sunporch of my mom’s house,” says homeowner Meegan Melgus. “It’s been reupholstered 10 times!" The current fabric, an abstract number by Kravet, pulls in the neutral tones in the space, like the gray trim and tan carpet.

Pigeon, Farrow & Ball

Paired with sleek herringbone backsplash tiles, white quartz counters and an absence of hardware, the earthy color of these Shaker-style cabinets is the star of this Brooklyn kitchen. Designer Danielle Fennoy nailed the serene feel her clients were after.

Historical Gray, Behr

“My dining room used to be painted white. I liked it, but something was missing. This gray with a hint of green gives it so much more personality.”

— Lauren Lane, @laurenlane, Nashville, TN

Softened Green, Sherwin-Williams

“An airy green works nicely in a family room where the homeowners were up for something unexpected. The chair-rail molding is the same color, but with a glossier finish than the matte on the walls. It creates a cool effect when the light hits it just right.”

— Byron Risdon, Byron Risdon LLC, Washington, DC

Highland, Portola Paints

“This forest green envelops low-light rooms in a lovely way, so sitting down to dinner feels like being in the back of a cozy restaurant. I ordered it in a plaster-like finish for an even warmer look.”

— Ryann Swan, @ryannswan, Greenwich, CT

Grays Harbor, Sherwin-Williams

Paired with charcoal gray walls, antique finds, like this oak side table, look more modern. This deep gray paint (with blue undertones) is also a perfect backdrop for a gallery wall. It makes the art pop!

Kendall Charcoal, Benjamin Moore

“Tons of people are doing light gray bedrooms these days. I liked a deeper hue because my room is kind of large, and I knew a charcoal would rein it in. Unlike many other shades of gray, it has great depth and warmth.”

— Lindsey Black, @lindseyblackinteriors, Memphis, TN

Caviar, Sherwin-Williams

“People are often surprised at the variation among black paint colors. This one has gray undertones, so looking at it doesn’t feel like staring into deep space. It’s actually very warm.”

— O. Stephanie Beverly, @twelve15_designstudio, Cincinnati, OH

Iron Ore, Sherwin-Williams

To appeal to her youngest child's sense of adventure, homeowner and designer Reem Hassaballa did a faux-shiplap wall that has a camp-bunk feel, painted it black like a road and even hung a “No Speed Limit” sign. The primary colors of the Pendleton blanket pop against the dark wall.

Steel Wool + Black, Benjamin Moore

Supersized built-ins painted charcoal gray with black trim are as ornamental as they are functional. “I love that our art and books have room to breathe,” says homeowner Sapna Mehta. They also totally pop against this moody backdrop.

Cyberspace, Sherwin-Williams

“Since I knew a dining room with windows on three walls and tall ceilings could handle a dark, dramatic color, I went all in. Alongside the touches of warm gold, it’s moody yet chic. Sitting in here is like being wrapped in a cocoon.”

— Kat Lawton, @katlawtoninteriors, Puyallup, WA

Temptation, Benjamin Moore

To give this wet bar a dramatic update, designer Carrie Miller of Lapis Ray Interior Design added smoky gray paint and two styles of hardware. The gray-and-cream wallpaper is by Ralph Lauren.

Urbane Bronze, Sherwin-Williams

“This accent wall is the focal point of the room, so the color had to be strong. A warm, dark option makes the room feel moody and intimate — and works well in any transitional, traditional setting.”

— Juliana Oliveira, @beyondinteriordesign, Dallas, TX

Caviar, Sherwin-Williams

Here's another endorsement of this true black shade! “To add drama without turning this client’s dining room into a cave, I used my go-to black paint — seriously, it’s all over my house — on the walls and painted the wainscoting bright white. Even though I used the darkest color possible, it feels light and airy.”

— Sallie Finney Kjos, GreyHunt Interiors, South Riding, VA

Fresh Kicks and Blackest, Clare

“My son wanted an all-black room, from the walls to his bedding. Scary! We literally met in the middle and did black-and-white. I painted them on a diagonal for an energetic boost, and a decal of a tree with gray tones softens the contrast.”

— Natalie Myers, Veneer Designs, Los Angeles, CA

London Clay, Farrow & Ball

“After living with a light bedroom for a while, we were ready for a change to something rich and romantic. This deep brown jumped out to us. Although it’s technically a neutral, it leans a little purple. Our beige bed and blue linens balance out the darkness.”

— Chris and Julia Marcum, Chris Loves Julia blog, Raleigh, NC

Swiss Coffee and Balboa Mist, Benjamin Moore

Pairing off white and beige paints on the walls and cabinets gives this small kitchen an airy brightness. Plus, these neutral colors let the natural walnut backsplash stand out. “It’s unexpected and makes this utilitarian space feel special,” says designer Tyler Karu.

Ivory Lace, Sherwin-Williams

When Help! I Wrecked My House host Jasmine Roth renovated her own California cabin, she brought in plenty of natural materials to hone in on the cozy vibes. This bright and creamy white blends well with the stone veneer fireplace and the reclaimed wood mantel, while keeping the small space feeling light and airy.

Daybreak, Valspar

Vaulted ceilings and tons of windows make this room a sunny spot to wake up in. Beige paint on the walls plays off the sandy colored floors and makes the high ceiling seem even brighter.

Ultra White, Valspar

“I tested a lot of shades in different lighting before settling on this true white. It doesn’t have any undertones, so it’s nice and crisp next to the inky-blue banquette, and the shiplap adds texture.”

— Ashley Mayes, Bigger Than the Three of Us, Springfield, MO

Decorator's White, Benjamin Moore

Sleek white walls and sheer linen drapes give this retreat the dreamy quality homeowner and designer Jaime Willey was after.

Spare White, Sherwin-Williams

“My girls’ room used to be a soft pink, but as they’ve gotten older, they’ve fallen for different colors. A soft, creamy white for the walls and white bunk beds keep the focus on their evolving styles — and won’t be something we’ll have to paint over every year!”

— Anita Yokota, Anita Yokota Interior Design, Irvine, CA

Simply White, Benjamin Moore

When their children gather in another room to watch TV, homeowner and designer Reem Hassaballa and her husband, Hesham, retreat to this zen space. The classic limestone fireplace paired with built-in shelves and warm white walls make the room ultra cozy.

Repose Gray, Sherwin-Williams + Chantily Lace, Benjamin Moore

“I wanted a light and fresh look for our kitchen that still fit our home’s historic roots. I added character to the new cabinets with a supersoft gray and went with my go-to white for the walls. It’s a cooler white, so it does a good job of balancing out the warm tones of the reclaimed wood.”

— Jackie Hempel, Finding Lovely, Wellesley, MA

Ultra Pure White, Behr

“When my client asked me to paint her brown piano and bench, I went with the whitest white I knew for a timeless look. It took two coats of stain-blocking primer and three coats of paint! I finished by slightly distressing some of the carved wood details for vintage vibes.”

— Danielle Wrishko, Just Paint it! by Dani, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Decorator's White, Benjamin Moore

Clean white walls in this entryway set a crisp backdrop for the stunning custom barn door. Black accents and a relaxed jute rug keep things neutral. "I was going for modern but natural," says designer and homeowner Jaime Willey.

Elephant Ear, Sherwin-Williams

"As someone who often bathes rooms in color, I surprised myself here," says designer Tiffany Brooks. "Years ago I stayed at the Wynn [in Las Vegas] and fell in love with the suites: They’re neutral but not boring." She channeled the same vibe in her own bedroom with greige paint on the walls and ceiling. Then she added panels of hand-painted wallpaper and a crystal chandelier to dial up the luxury.

Pashmina, Benjamin Moore