House painting colours interior

10 Best Interior Paint Colors

Designers reveal their personal favorite paint colors for every interior room

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

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Updated on 02/20/21

The Spruce

There's an insurmountable number of popular interior paint colors you can choose. Deciding which shade is one thing, and figuring out what room to cover it in is a whole other beast. That is why we narrowed down your choices to a handful of tried and true shades favored by color experts for various rooms to help make your decision a little easier. Looking to paint your home soon? Determine how much paint you need with The Spruce's Paint Calculator.

Get Inspired by These Top Interior Paint Colors

Overview

Color Family: Neutrals ranging from creamy white to darker tones
Complementary Colors: Each color works with various complementary colors
Pairs Well With: All work with a broad range of interior styles
Mood: Cheerful, cozy, and refreshing light and mid-tones to energizing or comforting darker tones
Where to Use: Accent or all four walls

Here's our list of the 10 best designer-savvy interior paint colors for all rooms in your home.

01 of 09

The Spruce

Paintzen color expert Kristen Chuber shares her top paint color, which is a dusty Chalky Blue (PPG1153-5) by PPG Porter Paints. "Somewhere between blue and gray, this velvety shade can actually be used as a neutral. It looks beautiful with bright white trim, but maybe even more impactful with rich, black accents. We have also seen this shade used beautifully in a monochromatic palette, alongside other shades of blue-gray, both on the lighter and darker side of the spectrum." Try using this hue to paint your kitchen, one of your bathrooms, or the bedroom.
02 of 09

The Spruce

If you are looking for that perfect muted shade of green, interior designer Rebecca West from Seriously Happy Homes suggests Flora (AF 470) by Benjamin Moore. "The blue-green paint is rich without being too dark, and earthy without feeling too heavy. It pairs beautifully with medium and dark wood tones and works with a broad range of interior styles from traditional to modern." You can never go wrong with soft sage-colored paint, and it can instantly make any room feel more soothing and relaxing.
03 of 09

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"Red is a powerful and energetic hue," says PPG Paints color expert Dee Schlotter. "Red Delicious (00YR 08/409) by Glidden is a deep red that would serve as a bold and stimulating color for an accent wall." It looks particularly refreshing when paired with white-painted trim. While it's a bold hue like this apple red, it's a timeless version of red that will look beautifully rich for years to come.
Tip
Red is vibrant which means it's important to pair red with the right colors, such as blues, whites, and tans. Surprisingly, dark red also goes well with darker shades of red.
04 of 09

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"There are a small number of timeless and classic shades we always find ourselves coming back to when searching for the perfect neutral," says Alicia Weaver of Alicia Weaver Design. "Alaskan Husky (1479) by Benjamin Moore is one of them. It is a classic shade of gray that complements accent colors." Light silvery grays work beautifully in guest bedrooms and foyers.
05 of 09

The Spruce

Interior designer and color expert Moll Anderson, believes in the power of green paint. She says the color gives us a sense of balance that is both calming and relaxing. One paint color that is found to be particularly therapeutic is Card Room Green (No. 79) by Farrow & Ball. This dark green color harmonizes perfectly with tones of gray, mustard, and pebble.
06 of 09

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Susan Williams, an interior designer at Siren Betty Design, first used Gentleman's Gray (2062-20), a dark blue by Benjamin Moore when designing rooms for a local bed-and-breakfast. Shortly after, everyone at her company fell heads over heels for the shade. "We loved it so much that we painted our office wall the same color. We think it looks especially great in a gloss finish—the way the light reflects off it is gorgeous and gives any room a lot of character." A blueish gray this deep gives a serene, comforting vibe, which works well in a bedroom.
07 of 09

The Spruce

Nuanced neutrals, like this soft greige, can inspire comfort according to Dee Schlotter. Pale colors are also fueling a hot home trend thanks to the growing popular popularity of the "hygge" movement, a Danish concept that promotes happiness by focusing on creating cozy contentment and overall well-being. "One paint color that is representative of hygge is Whiskers (PPG1025-3) by PPG Paints. It is a subtle shade of greige, perfect for enveloping a room and making it feel like a cozy retreat," says Schlotter.
08 of 09

The Spruce

What is the perfect warm white paint color for homes with a north-facing view? Interior designer Claudia Leah says, "Alabaster (SW7008) by Sherwin-Williams is my go-to white to warm things up for a northern exposure." You can't go wrong with a lovely creamy white, no matter what room you choose.
09 of 09

The Spruce

Sherwin-Williams color trend expert Sue Wadden considers Poised Taupe (SW 6039) a gorgeous neutral paint color with timeless versatility and broad appeal. "It's a lovely color that people fall hard for because the shade is very easy to live with—it is stunning paired with white. It also works well with a palette of blues, especially denim and country blue colors."
Tip
The color taupe also works in homes inspired by retro colors including terra-cotta orange, avocado, pink, and mauve.

Tips for Choosing Interior Paint Colors

Watch Now: 4 Tips for Picking the Perfect Paint Color

20 Best Paint Colors - Interior Designers' Favorite Wall Paint Colors

Sarah Winchester

1 of 20

Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball

"I love this deep rich green color in powder rooms (I used it in my own!) and on millwork," says interior designer Erin Gates. "We've been using it a lot lately in libraries and dens. It has a nice amount of gray in it, which makes it subdued yet dramatic."

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Life Created

2 of 20

Forged Steel, Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams' Forged Steel is a go-to choice for Lauren Lerner of Living with Lolo. "I love that this color changes depending on the lighting and nearby hues," she says. "It is a warm gray with some brown tones and a great neutral to be used as a dramatic backdrop."

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Photo: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien; Stylist: Char Hatch Langos

3 of 20

Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore

When it comes to gray paint colors, Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray is the top pick for Kitchen Design Group's Caren Rideau. “It brings soft warmth to a room and does not distract from artwork or any bright colors in furniture. It is a nice backdrop in a room."

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Mike Van Tassell

4 of 20

Century Darjeeling, Benjamin Moore

Dark hues can make a big impact, and this project from interior designer Gail Davis is proof. "I had the opportunity to use this expressive color in a guest bedroom for a private residence in Princeton, New Jersey. This color did not disappoint, being the perfect backdrop for the headboard and artwork. It takes your breath away."

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Melinda Kelson O'Connor Design

5 of 20

Dimpse, Farrow & Ball

Gray paint colors, like Farrow & Ball's Dimpse, are beyond versatile, according to architect and designer Mindy O'Connor. "Dimpse is a cool pale gray that works as a terrific neutral in lieu of white in modern space. It is a perfect backdrop for kitchen cabinetry or against other natural wood and stone elements without overwhelming the design. While setting a more cool tone, it is not stark."

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Brianne Bishop Design

6 of 20

Gray, Benjamin Moore

"We love using a deep, moody color to give depth to a space and this color achieves that with the perfect balance of warm and cool," says Brianne Bishop.

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Travis Richardson

7 of 20

Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams

"When it comes to white paint, we like to use the same shades throughout for the walls, trim, cabinets and ceilings," says House of Jade Interiors' Kirsten Krason, noting that Sherwin-Williams' Snowbound is the perfect hue.

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Donna Dotan

8 of 20

Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore

Designer Ariel Okin likes this cool, crisp white from Benjamin Moore. "It automatically opens up a room and makes it feel airy and clean," she says. "We also love pairing it as a trim color with Simply White by Benjamin Moore on the walls for a nice warm-cool contrast."

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Ryan Garvin

9 of 20

Aegean Teal, Benjamin Moore

Teal is a no-fail choice for a bedroom, library, office or even cabinetry, according to designer and HGTV star Breegan Jane. Her favorite? Benjamin Moore's Aegean Teal. "Teal is reminiscent of the shimmering waters of Ibiza on a warm, sunny day," says Jane. "It's synonymous with serenity, and who couldn’t use a little more of that?"

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Amy Bartlam

10 of 20

Cavernous, Dunn Edwards

Look no further than Dunn-Edwards' Cavernous if you have an affinity for dark paint colors. "The contrast is amazing with a crisp white, but also has this ability that allows it to pair perfectly with the warmer neutrals that we are using more and more of these days as well," says Los Angeles-based interior designer Kate Lester.

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Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

11 of 20

Palladian Blue, Benjamin Moore

"My go-to paint colors are classic and easy to live with," says interior designer Lauri Ward. "This blue-gray-green shade can be used in almost any room. It's an especially good choice for cooling a very sunny room, or creating a tranquil bedroom."

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Ace Hardware

12 of 20

Garden Stone, Clark+Kensington

"I try to stay away from colors with heavy blue undertones, and I direct my clients toward warm grays that will stand the test of time," say Ace design expert Katie Reynolds. "This shade is a favorite."

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Courtesy of Ace Hardware

13 of 20

Compatible Cream, Sherwin Williams

"When I need a yellow that isn't too sunny, I choose this one," says Jill Hosking-Cartland of Hosking Interiors. "This creamy shade is warm, inviting and very flexible when it comes to coordinating with colors with adjoining rooms."

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Benjamin Moore

14 of 20

Intense White, Benjamin Moore

"Don't be fooled by its name — this color gives off a grayish tone." says Irene Lovett, founder of designstiles. "It's an ideal backdrop for those who aren't brave enough to go with a bold color, but still wish for a subtle contrast with white trim. I love pairing this modern hue with transitional furnishings for a more contemporary mix."

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Jonny Valiant

15 of 20

Salmon Peach, Benjamin Moore

You can't go wrong with pairings found in nature (hello peonies!). Amanda Lindroth choose this blush-like hue to contrast with the pops of green. "The palette is based on the apple painting, which I inherited from my mother," the designer told House Beautiful.

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Benjamin Moore

16 of 20

Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore

"This is my go-to color when working with an open floor plan," says Abbe Fenimore, founder/principal designer at Studio Ten 25. "A fail-safe neutral, it works with all styles, from traditional to modern, and both warm and cool color palettes. It's a great alternative to white, as it adds enough color to a room without overwhelming. "

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Courtesy of Brittany Zachos

17 of 20

Decorator's White, Benjamin Moore

"This shade has the most brilliant pure white undertones," says Brittany Zachos of Zachos Design Group. "It's perfect for bright ceilings, trim and even bathrooms when you want a crisp, clean feel."

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Courtesy of Arianne Bellizaire

18 of 20

Wool Skein, Sherwin Williams

"If you're looking for a great neutral that will play with the other colors you want to bring into your space, try this one," says interior designer Arianne Bellizaire. "I love this color because it won't turn 'pink' on you."

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Benjamin Moore

19 of 20

Manchester Tan, Benjamin Moore

"This shade is my go-to warm neutral," says Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Morgante-Wilson Architects. "What I love about Manchester Tan is that it changes with the light. It goes from a rich warm hue to light and fresh depending on the source of the light in the room. "

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Beatriz da Costa

20 of 20

Lavender Mist, Benjamin Moore

"People underestimate the power of lavender," Mary McGee told House Beautiful. Pale orchid livens up this entryway's walls while keeping rooms light and airy.

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What colors to paint the walls: tips and ideas

The choice of colors for the interior is one of the key points. It sets the mood and shapes our feelings. Therefore, the issue should be approached carefully. Our article will help, in which we give tips and ideas on what color to paint the walls in the house.

All about choosing wall paint colors

Tips

Best options

White
Black
Brown
Violet
Yellow
Blue
Green
Red

Not sure how to choose a wall paint color and afraid that the end result will not meet your expectations? Here are 5 tips to help you decide.

1. Trust your first instinct

It often happens that you plan to paint the walls in a certain color, but then, when you see a wide range of shades in the store, you start to doubt. In this case, designers advise not to change the original decision - a spontaneous choice is likely to be not the most successful. nine0003

It's best to have a detailed room design on paper. Color combinations will already be thought out in it, and the temptation to change your choice will become less.

Pixabay

2. Match the furniture

If we are talking about a full-fledged repair, it is first important to decide on most of the furniture, and only then, what color is better to paint the walls. The combination of shades in this case will be more balanced, besides, you can choose the tone, starting from the pattern on the upholstery of the sofa or chair. nine0003

Another argument in favor of this advice is that repainting the walls is cheaper than completely refurbishing the room.

3. Choose a paint with rich pigment

Regardless of the shade (it can even be very light), try to choose a paint with rich pigment. It is this finish that will ultimately give the room depth and look interesting in different lighting conditions.

This paint can be found in the assortment of foreign manufacturers Portola Paints and Farrow and Ball. nine0003

4. Don't give up on testing

Even if you fall in love with a certain tone in the store, don't buy it right away. Ask for a paint sample and test it at home under different lighting conditions. Light does wonders for color, so seeing how a particular tone looks in your room is very important.

5. Choose the right test site

When testing a paint sample, it is important to select the correct test site. Test paint next to other finishes and as far away from distracting elements in the room as possible. So you can accurately understand how the room will look after the repair. nine0003

And one last piece of advice. If you still can't wait to buy paint directly in the store, always give preference to a lighter palette. Sometimes you want to add more color to a space, but in a real room, the lightest shade will most likely look brighter than in the jar.

Pixabay

1. White

The most popular choice for painting large surfaces due to its versatility. White and its shades (beige, cream, ivory) visually enlarge the space, make it lighter. White is uplifting and calming, and also helps to focus. nine0003

Any furniture and floor finish can be combined with white. If it seems that the interior looks boring, feel free to add bright colors. It can be bright furniture or an accent wall.

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But in fact, this is one of the most stylish interior solutions, of course, with the right selection of proportions and combinations with the environment.

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An interior with a black wall becomes elegant. Its depth emphasizes the details, gives expressiveness. It becomes the perfect backdrop for artwork and vintage furniture. A classic combination: black walls and light furniture or floors.

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3. Brown

Brown is the color of stability and reliability It is suitable for classic interiors, as it is considered quite conservative. Brown is also recommended to design a relaxation area, as it soothes. nine0003

In order not to make the interior too gloomy, it is recommended to combine brown with white and other light colors such as beige. This rule works both when choosing furniture and when choosing what colors to paint the walls in a room. Another good combination is brown trim and turquoise accessories in the interior.

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4.

Pastel

Pastel colors are very diverse and look great in any interior. Pistachio, mint, soft blue, pale yellow or pink can be the main background, making the room airy and delicate, or balance a bright and contrasting wall and furniture.

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5. Purple

Violet and its shades (lavender, mauve, lilac and violet) attract attention and set the tone for the interior. They also inspire a person and have a positive effect on brain activity.

When designing an interior, it is important not only to choose the right color, but also to determine its quantity. Violet rarely decorate large surfaces. As a rule, it is used as an accent and balanced by other elements.

Soft and calm shades of purple can be used in classic interiors. In pop art, minimalism and hi-tech, more saturated options will look good. Against a purple background, light-colored furniture looks the most advantageous. nine0002 Instagram benjamin_mooreru

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7. Blue

Blue creates a feeling of peace and tranquility. Despite the fact that it belongs to the cold palette, the right combinations with other shades and competent lighting ensure its harmonious existence in the interior.

For small rooms, a combination of blue and white is suitable. White will visually make the room wider, and blue will bring freshness. To keep the interior from being too cold, you can use shades of blue, close to blue and turquoise, in combination with beige. Furniture in a blue interior can be neutral, wood-like or, conversely, bright contrasting colors. nine0003

The variety of green tones is so great that it can be used in any interior. Light shades will visually enlarge the room, dark ones will make the interior elegant and deep.

Green and its shades blend well with each other and wood.

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0002 Red is associated with passion and luxury. It helps to become more active and energetic, excites and attracts attention. But in order to paint a large area red, or at least make it the main accent, you will need to pay attention to furniture and accessories.

The best complement to red is white. Light doorways, doors, window frames and furniture will balance the aggressiveness of red. Also, red walls will look harmoniously with red furniture and accessories. nine0003

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Alisa Shabelnikova.

Photo: Sergey Ananiev

Choose the right palette

Choose shades wisely, not based on fashion trends. Not all trendy shades are suitable specifically for your interior and lighting. Remember, your goal is a harmonious space where everything fits together.

TIP: blue green and yellow is a magical combination where each color complements the other. Especially in combination with natural wood and live plants! nine0003

The combination of cool blue-green and honey yellow, vintage and modern, gives this interior a spectacular dynamism.

Accent wall

One step from love to hate and vice versa! The accent wall is back - but this time in its classic form: not "pulling the blanket over itself", but creating a harmonious whole with the whole environment.

TIP: keep the white molding at the ceiling. It will beautifully accentuate the transition from color to white and at the same time visually increase the height of the ceiling. nine0003

Light salmon is perfect for an accent wall in the bedroom.

Paint the walls in different colors

Always imagine the big picture. It is not necessary to paint all the rooms in the house the same color. If the rooms are located in an enfilade or next to each other, and another is clearly visible from one room, you can paint them in close tones, or in colors that blend well with each other.

House of stylist Sophia Wood in Stockholm. The gray-blue color of the living room goes well with the light gray walls in the adjacent dining room. nine0003

Photo: JAMES STOKES

Apartment in Moscow. Project by Alisa Shabelnikova.

Photo: rom

Juicy colors

One of the most trendy colors of recent seasons is a deep lingonberry pink. It will work great in a small room or dressing room: the interior will gain depth and charisma. Looking to add some chic to your space without sacrificing tranquility? Work on the ceiling!

Lake Red, Farrow & Ball. nine0003

Paint everything!

Now it is fashionable to paint not only walls, but everything else - rosettes, moldings, ceiling mouldings, shelves and even the ceiling - in one color. The space is homogeneous and solid. This solution is especially well suited for small rooms (entrance hall or, say, dressing room).

TIP: in a small hallway, you can hang shelves above the door and paint them in the color of the walls, and if there is paint left, storage boxes.

The "rusty" color of the walls and ceiling is harmoniously complemented by natural wood on the floor. nine0003

The apartment of the designers Stina Lofgren and Matthias Krisander. In the hallway, the cabinets, the door, and even the IKEA shoe racks are all painted the same color. Paint Jotun Lady Supreme Finish 05 NCS S2010-Y50R.

Choose harmonious colors

We spend a lot of time in the bedroom, so it is especially important that nothing annoys you here. On the contrary, the palette should set you up for rest, relaxation and peace. Choose a color that will bring harmony and peace. Ideal for this are shades of gray or cool green, which both relieves stress and has a beneficial effect on the psyche.