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  5. The Best Interior Paint Colors for a Foolproof Palette

The Best Interior Paint Colors for a Foolproof Palette

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By Jessica Bennett Updated November 29, 2021
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overhead view of blue pattern swatches and fabric with shades of paint on lids
Credit: Carson Downing

Start your search for the perfect paint color here. We've rounded up some of our favorite colors from a variety of paint brands, all organized by color family. Whether you prefer warm neutrals, soothing blues, or vibrant hues, browse our picks for the best interior paint colors to find your ideal match.

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Neutral Paint Colors

stony tone paint lids
Credit: Adam Albright

Neutral paint colors provide a calm, versatile foundation for any color scheme. If you're craving coziness, rich neutrals such as caramel and brown deliver warmth and comfort. On the cooler side of the spectrum, shades of gray and silver can provide a clean, contemporary feel. These are some of the best interior paint colors for inviting living rooms and relaxing bedrooms.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Whale Gray 2134-40, Benjamin Moore
  • Icicle SW 6238, Sherwin-Williams
  • School House White No. 291, Farrow & Ball
  • Art and Craft DET682, Dunn-Edwards
  • Thickened Cream M290-1, Behr

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Top Green Paint Colors

five shades of green paint surrounded by leaves
Credit: Carson Downing

Depending on the shade, green can be either invigorating or peaceful. Warmer versions like apple green feel bright and energizing, while cool eucalyptus and hunter green deliver soothing effects. These green paint colors look gorgeous in kitchens, entryways, living rooms, and more.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Meadow Wind 6005-7B, Valspar
  • Four Leaf Clover 573, Benjamin Moore
  • Houseplant SW 6727, Sherwin-Williams
  • Azalea Leaf S400-4, Behr
  • Emerald City PPG13-32, PPG

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Go-To Gray Paint Colors

stones and driftwood arranged around gray paint lids
Credit: Greg Scheidemann

Gray paint colors have the flexibility to complement nearly any accent hue. To guide your palette, consider the shade's undertone, which can be blue, green, yellow, purple, or brown. For a true neutral that goes with everything, look for a balanced gray that doesn't lean too far toward any color.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Winter Gates AC-30, Benjamin Moore
  • Fall Chill PPG1003-1, PPG
  • Seize the Gray, Clare
  • Light French Gray SW 0055, Sherwin-Williams
  • Silver Drop 790C-2, Behr

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Best Blue Paint Colors

overhead view of blue pattern swatches and fabric with shades of paint on lids
Credit: Carson Downing

Blues are some of the best interior paint colors to promote comfort and calm at home. This cool hue comes in a variety of shades, which means they can suit any style and color preference. Use these blue paint colors to create a sanctuary in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Blue Nose 1678, Benjamin Moore
  • Bright Cornflower Blue 45BB 22/347, PPG
  • Winterscape M480-2A, Behr
  • Rolling Sea 5001-10B, Valspar
  • Something Blue SW 6800, Sherwin-Williams

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Top Earth Tones

neutral amber colored paint lids
Credit: Adam Albright

Earth-tone paint colors borrow inspiration from nature for a warm, grounding effect. Shades including bold amber, stony gray, and sandy beige can help create a comforting, restorative atmosphere. Apply these earthy hues throughout living and dining spaces for inviting appeal.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Bakelite Gold SW 6368, Sherwin-Williams
  • Penthouse, Clare
  • White Veil OR-W14, Behr
  • Amber 168, Benjamin Moore
  • London Stone No. 6, Farrow & Ball

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Nature-Inspired Paint Colors

Green black and tan paint lids
Credit: Adam Albright

Look to the outdoors for a palette that rejuvenates and soothes. Nature-inspired paint colors can borrow from leafy plants, colorful flowers, rich soil, and more. Pair these invigorating hues with plenty of texture and greenery to enhance the natural look.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Bittersweet Chocolate 2114-10, Benjamin Moore
  • Eye Catching SW 6914, Sherwin-Williams
  • Do Not Disturb PPG1117-6, PPG
  • Potter's Clay Beige 40YY 38/107, Glidden
  • Chantilly Lace OC-65, Benjamin Moore

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Favorite Shades of White

paint lids and pearls
Credit: Adam Albright

With so many options to choose from, selecting the perfect white paint color can be a challenge. White can be tinged with blue, pink, yellow, or another color to lessen the starkness of this go-to neutral. Consider the kind of light your room receives, and opt for a shade that either brightens or softens the look.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Swiss Coffee 12, Behr
  • Pure White SW 7005, Sherwin-Williams
  • White Dove OC-17, Benjamin Moore
  • Birchwood White 7002-18, Valspar
  • Fresh Kicks, Clare

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Yellow Paint Colors

yellow paint chalk pencils
Credit: Adam Albright

Give your home a lift with this sunny hue. Yellow paint colors can range from the lightest of buttercreams to rich golds. Whether your chosen shade leans warm or cool, yellow can serve as a visual pick-me-up in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Buzz-In P300-6, Behr
  • Lemon Twist 3006-2B, Valspar
  • Citrus Punch PPG1212-5, PPG
  • Cheerful SW 6903, Sherwin-Williams

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Beige Interior Paint Colors

warm paint lids
Credit: Adam Albright

Beige is revered as one of the best interior paint colors for its warmth and ability to pair with a wide range of hues. Avoid a bland look by incorporating a variety of textures and finishes into the design. Materials including leather, silk, linen, and sisal add richness to a beige palette.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Interactive Cream SW SW 6113, Sherwin-Williams
  • Creamy Custard 1145, Benjamin Moore
  • Kabuki Clay 3003-8C, Valspar
  • Pearls And Lace PPG1074-1, PPG

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Pastel Paint Colors

paint lids coral pink orange
Credit: Adam Albright

Incorporate light, refreshing color with pastel paint colors. Pale shades of pink and orange offer a livelier alternative to white in bedrooms, bathrooms, and more. To avoid an overly sweet look, combine these favorite interior paint colors with bolder shades, such as turquoise, green, or even black.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Jovial SW 6611, Sherwin-Williams
  • Cupcake Pink M160-1, Behr
  • Subtle Peach 2003-8C, Valspar
  • Melon Popsicle 2016-50, Benjamin Moore
  • Lover's Knot PPG1186-1, PPG

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Black Interior Paint Colors

various black and white crafting material and white flowers
Credit: Dera Burreson

Black is a daring paint color choice that lends a modern look to any room. Try it in a bedroom for a cozy, enveloping feel, or use black as a moody accent in living rooms and kitchens. Like any paint color, shades of black have varying undertones, so pay attention to these underlying hues when making your selection.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Tricorn Black SW 6258, Sherwin-Williams
  • Raccoon Fur 2126-20, Benjamin Moore
  • Off-Black No. 57, Farrow & Ball
  • Black Suede S-H-790, Behr

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Popular Purple Paint Colors

orchids arranged around purple paint lids
Credit: Kim Cornelison

Add a regal air to your room with these popular purple paint colors. As a mix of red and blue, purple can lean warm or cool. Choose a vibrant pink-purple to energize the space, or select a pale, blue-toned shade for soothing sweetness.

Suggested paint colors:

  • Twilight Magenta 2074-30, Benjamin Moore
  • Pale Orchid 1003-6C, Valspar
  • Fresh Lavender PPG1170-5, PPG
  • Purple Odyssey DEA143, Dunn-Edwards
  • Free Spirit SW 6973, Sherwin-Williams

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    1 of 12 Neutral Paint Colors
    2 of 12 Top Green Paint Colors
    3 of 12 Go-To Gray Paint Colors
    4 of 12 Best Blue Paint Colors
    5 of 12 Top Earth Tones
    6 of 12 Nature-Inspired Paint Colors
    7 of 12 Favorite Shades of White
    8 of 12 Yellow Paint Colors
    9 of 12 Beige Interior Paint Colors
    10 of 12 Pastel Paint Colors
    11 of 12 Black Interior Paint Colors
    12 of 12 Popular Purple Paint Colors

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    The Best Interior Paint Colors for a Foolproof Palette
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