Neutral Doesn't = Boring
An all-neutral palette has become a mainstay in interior design the last few years. Designers and homeowners are layering neutral paint colors, furniture, rugs and home accents, evoking a calm and cozy atmosphere or a cool, modern vibe. But neutral paints aren't just varying shades of white. They can range from icy grays and pastel blues to warm beiges, mushrooms and taupes. You need to know some basic guidelines to avoid creating a room that feels flat and lifeless. There are three different types of neutrals.
Pure Neutrals
Pure neutrals have no undertones and include black, white and gray. Once they're mixed with other colors, they can appear cool or warm.
Warm Neutrals
Warm neutrals have pink, red or yellow undertones. Some examples of warm neutrals include cream, off-white, tan, beige, mushroom, taupe or greige (a mix of gray and beige). Warm neutrals are often used in living and dining spaces.
Cool Neutrals
Cool neutrals have blue, green or violet undertones. Some examples of cool neutrals include bright whites, icy grays, very pale or pastel blues and greens. Cool neutrals work well in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Get Inspired
Need the perfect white paint? Follow these tips.
Prep for your paint job.
Follow these instructions to paint walls, trim and the ceiling.
If you’re unsure about the undertone of a color, hold a sheet of white paper next to the paint chip. You’ll start to see if the color has undertones of blue, green, yellow or red. For more tips and tricks, check out our guide on picking the perfect paint color.
Neutral Palettes That Will Inspire You
Are you ready to get started? Here are some ways to incorporate neutral paint colors into your kitchen, dining, bedroom and living spaces.
Rustic Charm
An otherwise plain white bathroom turns into a welcome respite with a paint and tile makeover. This pale coral subway tile is a subtle and sophisticated update. By painting the other walls in Valspar’s Snug As A Bug, it creates warmth and cohesiveness.
Light and Bright
It's all about balance when you're decorating a home. The walls throughout this home are painted a cool white by Valspar called Santa’s Beard and the sofa is a pale gray. But it's balanced out with warm woods and colorful pillows and artwork in brick red and mustard.
Going Neutral
If you're happy with your wall color, consider a change elsewhere. This soft griege called Silver Thistle Down by Valspar has been added to the door and moulding for an elegant update. Do you have an antique piece that could be spruced up? Cabinet and furniture paint can transform vintage pieces.
Simple and Sleek
If you like modern spaces, look no further than this sleek kitchen and dining space. An olive-painted wall is a nice contrast between rooms. The cabinets are painted in HGTV by Sherwin Williams’s Pediment. For a minimalist look, use magnetic cabinet latches instead of knobs or pulls.
Warm and Cozy
If you want a cozy place to snuggle up and read by the fire, try Valspar's Freshwater Pearls. When you're going with an all-neutral palette, it's imperative to bring texture into play. Creamy white walls blend nicely with linen drapes, white oak tables, boucle chairs and a wool-patterned rug.
Mocha Madness
Paint definitely brings the drama in this chic living room covered in Mocha from HGTV by Sherwin Williams. A chocolate suede chair, warm wood table and comfy sofa complete the look.
Put It in Neutral
While white cabinets are always a popular choice, cream kitchen cabinets are having a moment. Greek Villa by HGTV by Sherwin Williams works well with brass hardware and wood accents, like these sculptural barstools. Are you ready to remodel? Set up a free design consultation with Lowe's today.
Hot Chocolate
Neutrals don't have to be pale or light. A rich and masculine brown, like Brown Velvet by HGTV by Sherwin Williams, is the perfect backdrop in this living room. Color drenching blankets the room from the ceiling to the moulding in the same paint color. Get inspired with more color drenching ideas.
Peachy Keen
A peachy-pink called Pink Macarons from HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams creates a soft and feminine feel. Texture is key in this space. Rattan lighting and wicker seating, coupled with linen oversized chairs and a jute rug keep the room from feeling flat. Add plants to pull in color and dimension.
Stylish Slate
Carrying a dark and dramatic color from room to room creates a statement. This deep charcoal from HGTV by Sherwin Williams called Graphite works well due to the high ceilings. By pairing it with light furniture and deep brown flooring, it prevents it from feeling dreary and cave-like.
Tips for Using Cool and Warm Neutrals
If you're trying to figure out if you need a warm or cool neutral paint color, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Current Colors
What colors are already in the room? If it's more browns, yellows, oranges, pinks and reds, then a warm neutral color works well. If the colors are more blues, blacks, violets and greens, then a cool neutral paint is a good idea.
Light
Also consider the amount of light that's in the room and the direction it comes from. Southern light enhances warm tones, while northern light complements cooler tones. It can also vary geographically. In warm climates, people often gravitate towards cool whites and neutrals. In colder climates, homeowners might lean towards warmer whites and neutrals.
Balance
With all of that being said, it's always a good idea to create a sense of balance. If the paint, decor and flooring is all a cool color, the room is going to feel cold. Use small elements of warm tones to a cool room and vice versa.
Try Samples
Ultimately, the best way to see what works in your home is to test it. Purchase several samples and paint large squares on the wall or an extra piece of drywall. Let it sit for a few days and observe the colors at different times of day.
Find your perfect neutral paint with our Lowe’s Paint Configurator tool. With over 3,000 tinted paint colors to choose from, we know you'll find a color you'll love.
Let's Get Started
A neutral paint color can set the stage for your furnishings, artwork, lighting, rugs and more. And they can run the gamut from soft whites to deep chocolates and grays.
Here are some considerations when selecting a neutral paint color.
- Do you need a warm or cool neutral for your walls? Warm tones are browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Cool tones are blues, greens and violets. Once you discover the undertones in your room, it'll go a long way in selecting the right color.
- Consider the type of light you get in the room you're painting. Southern light enhances warm tones, while northern light complements cooler tones.
- If you have an all-neutral palette, be sure to incorporate texture. Layering textures like linen, boucle, wool, velvet and more prevent a room from feeling sterile.
If you're ready to select the best neutral paint color for your room, order paint samples online or visit your local Lowe's store.