12 Popular Neutral Paint Colors By Sherwin Williams
If you’ve been paying attention to paint trends lately, you’ve probably noticed that warm neutral paint colors are having a major moment.
But before you panic and start having flashbacks of the overly pinkish-beige walls of the 80s and 90s, let’s talk about what makes today’s warm neutrals different. Modern neutral paint colors strike a perfect balance - offering warmth without veering into the dreaded peachy-pink territory.
The key? A touch of gray to keep things grounded and sophisticated.
In This Article
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How To Choose Neutral Paint
Picking the perfect neutral paint color can feel like solving a mystery - one that only reveals its secrets once it’s up on your walls. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There are two key things to keep in mind when choosing a whole-house color palette:
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): This fancy-sounding number tells you how much light a color absorbs or reflects. Think of it like a brightness meter - 1 is the darkest (hello, black!) and 100 is the brightest (pure white). If your space needs a little extra light, go for a higher LRV.
- Undertones: These sneaky little guys can make or break your color choice. Some neutrals look warm in the store but turn pinkish once painted on your walls. That’s why testing your colors is a must!
Looking to test paint colors but don't want to paint? Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples from all major paint brands delivered to your door so you can put them up on the wall with no mess.
Beige Vs. Tan: What’s The Difference?
Before we dive into the best Sherwin Williams neutral paint colors, let’s clear up a common point of confusion: beige vs. tan.
Beige tends to have subtle pink or yellow undertones, making it feel slightly warmer, while tan leans more toward brown with earthy undertones. The trick to avoiding that dated pinkish-beige look is choosing shades that incorporate a hint of gray - sometimes called “greige” (a mix of gray and beige). This keeps the color modern, warm, and inviting without feeling like a time machine to the past.
Top Neutral Paint Colors
Now, let’s get to the fun part - 12 of the best Sherwin Williams neutral paint colors, organized from cool to balanced to warm.
Cool Neutral Paint Colors
If you prefer a softer, more subdued neutral, these cooler shades have just the right amount of gray to keep things fresh and airy.
1. On The Rocks SW 7671
A light, airy greige with subtle cool undertones, Sherwin Williams On The Rocks is perfect for creating a clean and sophisticated backdrop. It works beautifully in modern and transitional homes, especially when paired with crisp white trim. This shade is a great choice for interior walls, especially in open-concept spaces where you want a soft, neutral look.
2. Crushed Ice SW 7647
A delicate greige with a cool lean, SW Crushed Ice is an excellent choice for those who want a refined neutral with a contemporary feel. It works well in homes with cooler lighting conditions, preventing spaces from feeling too warm. Try it in a bedroom or bathroom for a calming, serene effect.
3. Gossamer Veil SW 9165
With an understated taupe-gray blend, Gossamer Veil by Sherwin Williams is a dreamy neutral that feels airy and soft. It pairs well with darker wood tones and modern decor, making it a great choice for open-concept homes or as an exterior paint color for a fresh, sophisticated look.
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Balanced Neutral Paint Colors
These shades land right in the middle - not too warm, not too cool - making them incredibly versatile.
4. Aesthetic White SW 7035
This barely-there greige is ideal for those who love a bright, neutral space with just a hint of warmth. Aesthetic White SW is perfect for an entire home interior, providing a cohesive and inviting look without overpowering the space.
5. City Loft SW 7631
With a light greige base and the softest touch of warmth, Sherwin Williams City Loft is a fantastic whole-house neutral. It adapts beautifully to different lighting, looking slightly warmer in rooms with natural light and cooler in spaces with artificial lighting. Great for transitional and modern homes alike.
6. Drift of Mist SW 9166
A light, airy greige with a balanced feel, Drift of Mist is a foolproof choice for homeowners who don’t want to commit to either warm or cool tones. It’s stunning as a primary wall color, especially in homes with a mix of wood tones and white trim.
Warm Neutral Paint Colors
These colors bring the warmth without the pink, making them perfect for cozy and inviting spaces.
7. Accessible Beige SW 7036
The ultimate warm greige, SW Accessible Beige has a perfect balance of beige and gray, making it feel inviting but not dated. It’s an excellent choice for traditional and farmhouse-style homes and works beautifully as a whole-house color.
8. Balanced Beige SW 7037
Slightly deeper than Accessible Beige, Balanced Beige by Sherwin Williams has a touch more warmth while still keeping that modern greige feel. It works well in living rooms and dining rooms, adding a cozy yet sophisticated vibe.
9. Jogging Path SW 7638
If you want a warm neutral with a bit more depth, Sherwin Williams Jogging Path is a fantastic option. It has a soft taupe-gray undertone that pairs beautifully with both warm wood and crisp white trim, making it an excellent choice for both interiors and exteriors.
10. Natural Linen SW 9109
A classic, soft beige with a hint of gray, Natural Linen SW is an elegant and timeless choice for interiors. It’s especially beautiful in traditional homes, offering a warm and inviting feel without looking dated
11. Neutral Ground SW 7568
This warm, creamy beige is fantastic for creating an inviting and cozy space. Neutral Ground works well in traditional and transitional homes, especially in living rooms and bedrooms where you want a soft and welcoming vibe.
12. Natural Choice SW 7011
A beautiful off-white with warm undertones, Natural Choice Sherwin Williams is perfect for trim, ceilings, and walls if you want a soft, light neutral. It’s a fantastic option for homes with lots of natural light, as it will keep the space feeling warm and bright without being too stark.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right neutral paint color can feel overwhelming, but the key is understanding undertones and how they interact with your space. Whether you prefer a cool, balanced, or warm neutral, Sherwin Williams has an option that will give your home that updated yet timeless look. By selecting a shade with just the right amount of gray, you can enjoy the warmth of beige without slipping into the outdated pink territory of the past.
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P.S. There's no better way to create a cohesive feel than with color, but in order to avoid mistakes and get an updated look you've got to understand color like a designer.
Inside my online course, Color Made Clear, I will teach you exactly what you need to know about selecting colors for your home in everything from paint colors, to flooring and carpet, to fabrics so you can make confident color decisions and get the exact look and feel you're going for. - Even if there are finishes in your home you can't change, I'll show you how to use color to distract from them for an updated look!
