Today I am sharing the best neutral paint colors that we have used in our home.
One of the most asked questions that I get is ” What paint color did you use ( Insert Room)? I wanted to create a post that would be a guide for all the paint colors that I use in our home.
Of course, since I am a neutrals girl and have selected thousands of paint colors for clients, they are also going to be the best neutral paint colors out there. If you are on the hunt for a neutral paint color this is your post.
The Best Neutral Paint Colors
1. Sherwin Williams Alabaster
This is my absolute favorite white paint color ever. I recommend it to all my clients looking for a white paint color. It is a creamy white without showing any signs of yellow. It’s the perfect balance of cool and warm. It’s also the perfect white for shiplap. Our living room is painted this color and we recently used it on our DIY Shiplap Fireplace. It is seriously the coziest white paint. Perfect for any style.
Sample this paint color: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW7008
2. Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
Up next we have Agreeable Gray. We used this color in our dining room above our beadboard. It is the perfect balance of gray and beige. It is also the perfect balance of cool and warm making it a fail-proof color. This will work in basically any space and it is perfect when you are trying to match a color with your existing decor. When in doubt go with Agreeable Gray.
sample this paint color: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029
3. Benjamin Moore Cloud White
We used cloud white in our kitchen. It is a soft white with neutral undertones. We found it to be the perfect white to use next to bright white cabinets. It adds just enough contrast without looking too yellow or too blue. This color can be used for both walls, trim, and even your ceiling!
sample this paint color: Benjamin Moore Cloud White OC-130
4. Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
When you think of neutral you may not think of color. But muted colors can be the perfect neutral paint when they have just a hint of color. Sea Salt is one of those colors. We used this color in our den. It is so pretty and takes on a few different colors depending on the light. It has muted blue/green tones with a touch of gray. Sometimes it looks more blue/ green and sometimes it looks greyer.
sample this paint color: Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW6204
If you are looking for the perfect rug to go with this color this vintage one is the best!
5. Benjamin Moore Grey Owl
Our master bedroom is painted Grey Owl lighten this color by 50%. This is my absolute favorite gray color. It is the perfect soft light grey. Grey Owl is a cooler gray so in some spaces, you will notice a slight green/blue undertone. It all depends on your space. We lighten this color by 50% because I found that it became more neutral with less of the green/blue undertones.
sample this paint color: Benjamin Moore Grey Owl 2137-60
6. Benjamin Moore Simply White
Simply white more of a pure white. It may have the tiniest bit of warmth but that is what makes it one of the best. We used this color on the walls and shiplap in our bathroom. This color is so versatile and gives a nice fresh, clean look. If you are having a hard time deciding on a neutral white paint color this one is fail-proof.
Get this paint color: Benjamin Moore Simply White 2143-70
Trim Color
All the trim in our home is Glidden Satin Pure White GLN6211N.
Samples
I always recommend taking the time to sample these paint colors on your walls before you invest in a whole gallon. Paint can look so different depending on the light in your home.
One of my favorite resources is Samplize. They are an online retailer that offers peel-and-stick paint samples painted with the real paint color. This allows you to see what the actual color will look like without damaging your walls. This also allows you to move the paint color around your space. You can save on all those paint cans, making for no cleanup and no waste.
I hope that you found this paint guide helpful. I will be adding to it as we paint the rooms in our house so be sure to come back often.
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Laura says
Hi there. I’m painting my master bedroom and can’t decide between BM simply white, SW Alabaster, or BM white dove…I’m going for a fixer upper Joanna Gaines look btw. Any suggestions? I’ve even considered BM cloud white but seems super white.
michealadianedesigns says
They are all great whites, Alabaster is my favorite but I recommend sampling them all in your space. Based on the light in your room come may read more yellow or blue.
Laura says
Thank you ! I went with Alabaster after sampling so many on my walls lol! Based on my samples I liked how it’s still white and bright but warm and cozy at the same time. About to finish painting today and am hoping I like it once it’s all on the wall😊.
Lani Genzken says
My downstairs is pretty open concept, except for the oversized dining area. I painted my kitchen and living room Alabaster (it’s flows as one large space) and my dining room Agreeable Grey. I’m having my entry way and foyer painted next and was curious what you thought would be a good color. I would like to keep it light and bright to flow with the downstairs. I was thinking keep Alabaster throughout the foyer and leading into open kitchen/living, but curious on your thoughts?
michealadianedesigns says
I think you could keep Alabaster or if you would like to go with a brighter white I have white cloud mixed in with all of those colors on my first floor.
Rachel Grubb says
Hi there, we are working on renovating an older home built in 1945. I am working on picking paint colors for the house and found your blog. I love your house and colors!! I have a couple questions. What white paint color are you using for your ceilings? My master bedroom and kitchen will have shiplap ceilings. Would you use the same white paint you used for the regular ceilings or change it because they are shiplap? And finally, for my master bedroom I am looking to use a bluish gray color. I am wanting to keep it neutral and use bedding similar to yours. My problem is that my furniture is cherry wood. Any paint color recommendations? I really liked the room you did with Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, but am questioning if that color will be okay with cherry furniture.
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Rachel! All of my ceilings are a pure white flat paint. You can find this in any brand. For your master bedroom I would love to work with you. I do offer paint consultations If you are interested you can reach out through the contact button on my blog or email me at [email protected].
Katie says
We are building a classic/timeless farmhouse on 20 acres. We used Alabaster in our old house and loved it. But our builder is using Benjamin Moore paint and I am not sure what color is closest to Alabaster. What do you recommend? Also, what color do you recommend for kitchen cabinets/trim? We are probably going with painted white but are considering some stain, maybe stain the island. Help! Thanks
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Katie, Here is the post of my favorite whites https://michealadianedesigns.com/the-best-white-paint-colors/. I also offer paint consultation for a small fee. Feel free to email me.
Andrea Caton says
Love this blog! So extremely helpful!! I’m curious, what paint color do you use for your kitchen cabinets and all your trim? I’m wanting to paint my walls Alabaster, but am curious if there’s a trim that is purer white to go with the Alabaster walls. In my kitchen I’m also playing around with using Agreeable Grey and then a white for the cabinets. Any thoughts? Thanks so much!:D
Andrea Caton says
Oh my goodness, I just found your blog about the trim colors! You’re the BEST!
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Andrea! Thank you for the sweet comment. My kitchen cabinets came with the house they are a pure/bright white but I do not know the exact color. I think Agreeable Grey would look great with a pure white cabinets. All of our trim is Glidden Satin Pure White GLN6211N. The pure white paint looks good with the alabaster.
Elizabeth Hustad says
FOUND IT!!! Just needed to look a little further on your website! Alabaster! Thanks!
Kayla Burkhardt says
I just wanted to inquire about your trim… I have decided to go with Alabaster white on the lower level of out home. I’m just not sure what to do with the trim. Any thoughts or help?
Thank you so much!!
michealadianedesigns says
You can paint the trim Alabaster in semi-gloss or go with a bright white.
Jennifer Stuber says
What is the paint color of your living room space? I love the neurtrals!
michealadianedesigns says
All my home paint colors are listed in the post.
Kristen says
Hi there! I love these paint color choices. We’re closing on a house in a few weeks with wood trim in the living and dining room, it took a little while for it to grow on me but I’m now deciding on a white paint color for the living room that won’t look too yellow next to the wood trim. Its more of a walnut color. What color white would you recommend on the walls? I was thinking Alabaster but wanted to get your opinion.
Thanks!!
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Kristen! Alabaster is a warmer white. I would recommend going with Simply White, but always get samples. I recommend using Sampalize. Best of luck!
Tabitha Goforth says
Do you recommend satin finish for your walls?
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Tabitha! I typically do eggshell on my walls but you can also use satin. It is slightly glossier than eggshell and easier to wipe down but not as glossy as semi-gloss. Hope that helps.
Debra Nicholas says
We are building a farmhouse, and I decided on alabaster for cabinets and trim, because it goes well with the granite we chose. We have not painted yet. Is this a mistake for trim? Seems like most are using it for wall color and going with brighter whiter white for trim and cabinets.
michealadianedesigns says
If you are doing the cabinets Alabaster I would also do the trim the same.
Ann says
I want to paint the interior of our home white…but I have found that most whites have a yellow
Tint to them…except chantilly lace by Benjamin moore, I am not a fan of yellow…but am wondering if chantilly lace is to bright white for walls….what are your thoughts…thank you!
michealadianedesigns says
Chantilly lace is a great option for walls.
Jamie Rudzinski says
I am looking at putting shiplap in our half bath on one wall and paint it Alabaster. Would you recommend painting all the walls alabaster or a different color? And what about the trim?
Thank you!
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Jamie! If you want the bathroom to be white I would paint all the walls the same color, but you could always have the shiplap be a feature and choose another color for the other walls. I would keep the trim white.
Holly Addison says
I’m painting a small bathroom with moderate light and I’d like to use Sea Salt but the sample I tried isn’t as soft as I’ve seen here. At what percentage would you suggest I use so it’s there but not so saturated?
michealadianedesigns says
I always start at 50%
Beth Davis says
You have two shades in the bathroom, one above the rail and one below, can you tell me what those two are?
Beth Davis says
I’m sorry bedroom, not bathroom
michealadianedesigns says
They are both the same color 🙂
Kayla says
I am doing white/gray marble tile on the floor and shower. Would Alabaster look good on the walls/ shiplap walls? Also what color for the vanity?
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Kayla I offer paint consultations and would be happy to help you select paint for your project. Here is a link to my services: https://michealadianedesigns.com/services/
Beth says
What color are the kitchen cabinets?
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Beth! The cabinets were painted when we moved in, so I do not have an exact color, they are however a pure white.
Cristiane says
Hi could you help me? We bought a house where we are renovating throughout, the house has open concept and the kitchen cabinets is white, I like cozy décor all clear with white furniture and shades of wood and gold, do you think the color alabaster would look good? And I do not like to paint the other rooms of other colors I can paint the whole house the same color?
michealadianedesigns says
Hi! Check out my design services page. I would love to work with you. https://michealadianedesigns.com/services/
Tara says
I resolved want to paint my office in sea salt and I absolutely love the vintage rug you have . Can you please tell me where you got it! Thanks for your help!
michealadianedesigns says
Here is the link: https://rstyle.me/+CiB-9UVOn9sdsKCbvsSWGw
Sydni says
I loveee all of these colors! Netural is the way to go! I recently bought a new home and am in the process of remodeling it. I would like to use Agreeable Gray on the walls throughout the whole house and Alabaster for the kitchen cabinet, but do you think that is too neutral and matchy? I guess I could add some contrasting color with decor, wall art, etc…
michealadianedesigns says
I think that would look great.
Mindy says
I painted my dining room in sea salt and I’m trying to find the exact color of curtains as you have. Can you please share the source?
michealadianedesigns says
Hi Mindy! They are DIY drop cloth curtains. Here is the tutorial : https://michealadianedesigns.com/diy-drop-cloth-curtains/
Dallas says
I have a shiplap fireplace and two alcoves surrounding it. Currently the alcoves are agreeable gray and the shiplap fireplace is sw pure white. Do you think if I change the shiplap fireplace to alabaster it would work with agreeable gray? thank you!