22 Best Neutral Paint Colors, According to Scouted Experts

Anyone who has tackled the feat of choosing interior paint colors knows how nuanced the decision can be. And when it comes to neutrals, choosing the perfect shade of white or subtle tint of gray, is anything but simple. Whether your definition of neutral is a bold black or a crisp white, we asked Scouted interior experts to weigh in on their top paint picks. Let the home refresh begin!

Benjamin Moore White Dove. Interior painting by Atlas Painting Contractors LLC. Photography courtesy of Atlas Painting Contractors LLC.

Rob Colardi, owner and operator of Atlas Painters and Contractors in Montclair, New Jersey

Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. “Classic gray gives you the best of both worlds with a mix of gray and beige undertones. This timeless color works with traditional and contemporary design. I love using it with a matte on walls because it hides any imperfections and imparts a clean look.”

Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. “This neutral has a very slight cream undertone, making a versatile shade that works in almost any room. It’s especially great in spaces with art and statement furniture because it acts as a backdrop, allowing the pieces to pop and tell their story.”

Vintage Pewter by Benjamin Moore. “Neutral does not have to be white. This bold shade reads as a mid-toned gray. This color works well with a modern farmhouse vibe.”

Simply White by Benjamin Moore. “This is my go-to color for trim, kitchen cabinets, built-ins, crown molding, coffered ceilings—pretty much anything. It’s clean, crisp and gives a silky, not stark white, look that’s warm and soothing. It’s fantastic in a satin finish which complements and gives a nice contrast to matte finish walls.”

Atlas Painters and Contractors appears in The Scout Guide Bergen County.

Farrow & Ball Railings. Interior design by Tara Felice. Photography by Sélvaie Photography.

Tara Engelberg, owner and creative director of Tara Felice Interiors in Memphis, Tennessee

Railings by Farrow & Ball. “Softer than black, this rich deep navy blue stands out in any environment. Depending on the light in the room, it can read black, but with enough natural light, the blue undertones really come through. This paint works in a powder room, sunroom, dining room, family room, and bedroom. Pair with a crisp white trim such as Snowfall White by Benjamin Moore.”

Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore. “In a room with tons of natural light, Classic Gray can read white, but in a space with less natural light, the warmer beige-y undertones come through. Pairing it with a crisp white allows you to really see the contrast and the wall color suddenly seems less white. You can use this for the trim and wall color to make a room feel more spacious. I wouldn’t hesitate to use it all over the house. It feels crisp and warm at the same time.” 

36 Hours in Marrakesh by Backdrop. “This is a soft, warm pink/terracotta color that goes with any style, both modern and traditional and is perfect for a modern living room, bedroom, or dining room. Backdrop’s standard finish has slightly more sheen to it than most eggshell finishes. This color is also great for smaller spaces to help reflect light around the room. For trim use a crisp white, like Snowfall White or Pure White by Benjamin Moore, to keep the color from feeling too muddy.”

Tara Felice Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Memphis.

Dunn Edwards Whisper. Interior design by Kelly Nutt. Photography courtesy of Kelly Nutt.

Kelly Nutt, owner and designer of Kelly Nutt Design in Corona Del Mar, California

Whisper by Dunn Edwards. “Whisper is a bright, warm white that looks great on millwork and cabinetry in a satin finish. When using it on any drywall, I use it in a flat finish.”

Strong White by Farrow & Ball. “This contemporary neutral has light gray undertones that’s become my go-to when you don’t want a stark white. I always opt for a matte finish for interior walls.”

Simply White by Benjamin Moore. “This classic white has a hint of warmth but is a crisp white favorite of ours. It’s an excellent choice if you’re wanting your walls, ceilings, and trim to be all the same color.”

Kelly Nutt Design appears in The Scout Guide Newport Beach.

Sherwin Williams Exclusive Plum. Interior design by Janna S. Collins of Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors. Photography by Evin Photography.

Janna Collins, principal and interior designer at Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors in Huntsville, Alabama

Exclusive Plum by Sherwin Williams. “We love plum shades and think we’ll see this color popping up in bedding and floor coverings. It’s a romantic color that would be a calming addition to a bedroom. Color complements include Sands of Time and Crushed Ice, both by Sherwin Williams.”

Grizzle Gray by Sherwin Williams. “I love a neutral slate hue, and used this as inspiration for a recent butler’s pantry. It’s brooding, dramatic, and perfect in a smaller space to create a big impact. The color complement is Oyster White by Sherwin Williams.”

Utaupeia by Sherwin Williams. “This classic tan feels rich and warm and looks beautiful on just about anything, but walls and built-ins are especially nice. The color complement is Wheat Penny by Sherwin Williams.”

Matheny Goldmon Architecture + Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Huntsville.

Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. Interior design by Ruggles Mabe Studio. Photography by Emily Minton Redfield.

Emily Lindemann, director of interior design at Ruggles Mabe Studio in Denver, Colorado

Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore. “This is bright white that has a slightly cooler undertone for those who like to lean away from warm tones. This color never reads yellow, even in different light, and  it does a great job of picking up colors around it, which is important to consider based on the furnishings in a room. With all of these colors, for a more updated look, I like to match the wall and the trim color for an understated and textural feel. ”

Alabaster by Benjamin Moore. “This color is a bright, fresh white that serves as the perfect canvas for a serene space. It has a slightly gray undertone that softens it from being stark. For walls, I always prefer a flat sheen because it creates a subtle texture that’s more organic.”

Cloud White by Benjamin Moore. “A true classic white, Cloud White is bright with slightly warmer undertones, which works well with a variety of design aesthetics. When it comes to trim, I usually opt for a satin sheen. It adds enough reflectivity to differentiate the trim from the walls, but doesn’t feel too shiny.”

Ruggles Mabe Studio appears in The Scout Guide Denver.

Farrow & Ball Pitch Black. Interior design by Charlotte Lucas Interior Design. Photography by Jeff Herr.

Britt Pillion, senior designer at Charlotte Lucas Interior Design in Charlotte, North Carolina

Pitch Black by Farrow & Ball. “A wonderful rich black that we regularly use for cabinets and trim, it’s the opposite of boring and truly a timeless color. In a semi-gloss or high gloss finish, it can be a perfect trim color to complement and ground a colorful wallpaper.”

Great White by Farrow & Ball. “At first glance this color looks like a soft white but on walls it has very subtle lilac undertones, it’s one of those chameleon colors that looks a little different throughout the day.”

Egret White by Sherwin Williams. “Often classified as an off-white, this is a perfect light taupe gray with warm undertones. It would pair well with a soft warm white trim color like Alabaster by Sherwin Williams for subtle contrast but can also stand on its own with a glossier finish on the walls, trim, and ceiling.”

Charlotte Lucas Interior Design appears in The Scout Guide Charlotte.

Farrow & Ball Cornforth White. Interior design by Hattie Sparks Interiors. Photography by Alison Gootee.

Hattie Sparks, owner and lead creative of Hattie Sparks Interiors in New Orleans, Louisiana

Pashmina by Benjamin Moore. “This is a soothing, mushroomy taupe that looks great on cabinets or in a bedroom. For trim, Pashmina pairs well with Ballet White by Benjamin Moore.”

Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball. “I love the subtleness of this gray. It’s not too cool or too warm, making it the perfect choice for larger rooms like a living or great room. Strong White by Farrow & Ball is a nice complement and looks great on trims.”

Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball. “This stony off-white looks clean and contemporary. I’d recommend using it in a bathroom or kitchen. Skimming Stone’s complementary colors and/or best trim is Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball.”

Hattie Sparks Interiors appears in The Scout Guide New Orleans.