52 Best Neutral Paint Colors That Never Go Out of Style (2024)

Decorating

Experts say if versatility is what you want, these are the paints for you

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  Benjamin Moore Pale Oak

  

  Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak(OC-20) is a go-to paint color for any room where you want to add warmth and serenity. It’s a complex and layered color that can appear gray, oak/taupe, or off-white, depending on the time of day and other colors in the room. PaleOak lends the same quiet peacefulness that a thin layer of early morning fog bestows on an early morning valley.

  "This color is versatile with any design style—from coastal to contemporary to traditional," according to Noelle Micek Interiors."We have used it in bedrooms, dining rooms, and even bathrooms!"

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  Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

  

  Revere Pewter (HC-172) from Benjamin Moore is always at the top of the "Best Neutral Paint Colors" lists. According toCaroline Lizarraga, interior designer and decorativeartist, "My go-toneutral isBenjamin Moore Revere Pewter.I love using this color forseveral reasons. It is a warm gray and tends to look great with pops ofcolor, black, and of course white. I also find that it works in everylight, a room with tons of natural light or small windowless space. Lastly, it is a color that has a lot of depth, so it goes in a lovely direction, nomatter what you pair with it."

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  Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere

  

  Designers have recently coined the term "greige" to identify a marriage of gray and beige neutrals that combine the best qualities of both.

  "The new go-to neutral is GREIGE!" says Lisa Lorino, ofLJL designs. "Greiges have a wonderful softness to them with subtle undertones of beige, keeping them from falling flat. There are so many good greige colors out there but my go-to favorites areBenjamin Moore's Gray Cashmere (2136-60),Sherwin Williams' Repose Gray (SW 7015), andFarrow and Ball's Pavilion Gray (242)."

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  Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee

  

  Whites are a classic favorite neutral.There is a warm white paint color appropriate for every room."Every designer swears by white and while I've tested and sampled plenty of the classics, I still gravitate towards my favorite,Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee (DEW341)," says Irene Lovett, ofdesignstiles. "Its creamy undertones keep it from appearing too cold and flat. It adds the right amount of warmth while still feeling crisp and clean in a kitchen with modern appliances."

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  Benjamin Moore White Dove

  

  Elissa Morgante, a co-principal atMorgante Wilson, has a favorite pairing of a white and a cool neutral.

  "Benjamin Moore's White Dove (OC-17)is my favorite white. It seems to provide a gentle contrast and pop to any color your put with it, so it is my go-to trim color," she says. "My go-to cool neutral isBenjamin Moore's Balboa Mist (OC-27). The great quality about this color is that different tones come through at different times of day, or as you change the light source, so it works well with a variety of color palettes."

  Tip

  When painting baseboards and trim, beginners might find painter's tape useful to help prevent mistakes.

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  Benjamin Moore Cloud White

  

  Designer Bea Pila ofB. Pila Designloves incorporating dramatic colors in her projects. However, one of her go-to colors is Benjamin Moore's Cloud White (OC-130), whether for a full neutral look or to blend with vibrant hues. "It's interesting because of all the colors out there, I find the most difficult to choose is white," she says. "Either it's too grey and cold, too yellow, too pink, or picks up too much of some other hue. Cloud White is the perfect neutral. On a wall, it creates a beautiful airy effect, but it's also a great accent against other colors and I tend to use it on ceilings, trims, and molds as well."

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  Sherwin-Williams Alabaster White

  

  A fresh white paint color can be ideal for highlighting woodwork and stone features. As Morgan Farrow, senior designer atTatum Brown Interiorsobserves, "The benefit to finding a great, classic neutral is the flexibility it gives you. Essentially creating a blank canvas to work with. I loveSherwin-Williams' Alabaster White (SW 7008)—it really freshens up a room, while giving it a touch of warmth. Alabaster White helps create a warm and inviting feel, and provides a neutral base that art and furnishings can really pop against."

  Determine how much paint you need with The Spruce's Paint Calculator (below).

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  Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt

  

  Sherwin-Williams' Sea Salt (SW 6204) is one of the most beloved, classic neutrals available, largely because it has that tiny hint of color that can go in either a subtle green, blue, or gray direction depending on the light. It's more cool than warm which brightens up a room without making it feel stark. "Cooler colors recede and make the space feel larger," says Jessica Klein, interior designer in the New England area. Sea Salt is on Jessica's short list of favorite neutrals and she recommends using this color in a room that gets plenty of natural light to bring out its best hues.

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  Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

  

  White, the ultimate neutral, is a pretty tough nut to crack when it comes to choosing the perfect one. There's one white neutral that rises to the top of designer's lists just about every time, and that's Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace (OC-65). Erica Van Slyke, interior designer and blogger at Designing Vibes, says it best in her experience of trying to find the perfect neutral. "I was on a mission to find the best,bright/crisp white, free of any yellow undertones, which may translate into a mucky effect," she says. "Chantilly Laceis definitely more of a crisp white with grey and blue undertones, thankfully it never feels stark or sterile to me." Erica also suggests using plenty of textured earthy tones and warm neutrals in rooms painted with Chantilly Lace.

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  Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray

  

  At first glance, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015) and Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter will look alike. But there are definite differences that keep these two classic neutrals tops on most designers' lists. "Repose Gray is warm, but it is definitely not as warm as Revere Pewter," says Erica Van Slyke, interior designer and blogger at Designing Vibes, "As a result of its middle ground on the warmth spectrum, it never reads brown or muddy. Repose Gray has the least amount of undertones, just warm gray and beige, which creates its greige softness that pairs best with creamy whites.

  Tip

  Understanding a paint's undertones is half the battle to choosing the right neutral. An undertone is created from the tiny bits of color added to the base to create the hue. Some neutral paint undertones could make your entire room look dull and dingy or perfectly crisp and balanced. Sample, sample, and then sample more with paint choices on all walls of the room.

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  See Also

  4 Ways to Make Gray - wikiHowThe Neutral Paint Color Joanna Gaines Swears By Is Stunning - House DigestNeutral Paint Ideas | Benjamin MooreThese Are the 12 Best Light Gray Paint Colors for Any Room, According to Designers

  Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls

  

  A cheerful, warm white with a buttery yellow undertone, Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls is a great neutral for a kitchen, living room, or anywhere you're looking to create an inviting environment. It's slightly nostalgic, yet fresh, all at the same time.

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  Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin

  

  Slipper Satin from Farrow & Ball is a rich neutral that can look like a warm taupe or a pale gray chalk depending on the lighting. It is pigmented enough that it stands out against white trim, making it a favorite for those looking for an elegant neutral for more formal spaces.

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  Benjamin Moore Abalone

  

  Just like its namesake, the Abalone mollusk, Benjamin Moore Abalone is a natural, earthy gray that has hints of pink and mauve. It feels fresh and organic, and it warms up low light spaces.

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  Benjamin Moore Mt. Rainier Gray

  

  If you're looking for an icy neutral shade that is a sophisticated take on a light blue, then try out Benjamin Moore Mt. Rainier Gray. This blue meets gray neutral is stunning in spaces full of streaming natural light and it's particularly pretty in a bedroom, whether you choose to contrast it with white furniture or warm it up with wood.

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  Sherwin-Williams Playa Arenosa

  

  Orange may not be at the top of your list when you're thinking of neutrals, but Sherwin-Williams Playa Arenosa is a perfectly neutral shade that reads both beachy and elegant. It's somewhere in between sand, blush, and peach, and it glows in a color drenched room.

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  Benjamin Moore White Diamond

  

  Sometimes the exact color you need is a pure, pristine white. Benjamin Moore White Diamond is that color. With just a touch of blue to keep it crisp, this white is sparkling, especially when it's used in a room full of natural light.

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  Clare Turbinado

  

  Inspired by the sweet, warm color of honey-colored sugar crystals, Clare Turbinado is a deep beige that brings a rich glow to a room. While it is a neutral, it holds its own. You can use it as the backdrop to autumnal shades of rust orange or teal, or you can layer it with other monochromatic neutrals.

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  Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray

  

  It wouldn't be a list of neutrals without a shout out to Sherwin-Williams' most popular paint color, Agreeable Gray. This neutral is a brown-ish gray that is warm and cozy. It goes with nearly any decor, hence its name. Try it in a farmhouse living room, a city bedroom, or even a minimalist kitchen.

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  Sherwin-Williams Inkwell

  

  A dark near-black can be a neutral! Sherwin-Williams Inkwell has a touch of blue that gives it just enough approachability to be used in an everyday home. Try it with crisp white trim for a contrast, or lean in and go monochromatic for a dramatic look.

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  Portola Paints Table Linen

  

  Portola Paints took inspiration from vintage French linens for Table Linen, an exquisitely creamy off-white. This warm neutral is a delicious shade of ivory that simply looks expensive. It's just right in a hallway, a foyer, or even on kitchen cabinets.

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  Benjamin Moore Silver Satin

  

  It's always surprising when neutrals list lavender as one of their undertones, but you start to see it in Benjamin Moore Silver Satin, depending on the light. This crisp, sleek shade has just enough lavender to make it feel complex and interesting. With white trim, it's an elegant look.

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  Benjamin Moore Harbor Gray

  

  Think of misty mornings along a New England or Pacific Northwest harbor, and you'll understand where Harbor Gray got its name. This green-tinted neutral feels both moody and calming, perfect for a bedroom.

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  Farrow & Ball Ammonite

  

  A classic gray with a touch of warmth, Farrow & Ball Ammonite has a back story that gives it an interesting edge. This color is named after fossils found on England's Dorset coast —doesn't that make this classic neutral gray even more appealing when you think of archeologists digging through the sand? At home, this color is a goes-with-everything shade for kitchen cabinets, hallways, living rooms, and bathrooms.

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  Benjamin Moore Metropolitan

  

  A sleek, stylish gray, Benjamin Moore Metropolitan makes you think of high-rise city hotels and penthouses where everything is shiny and new. This cool neutral looks great with black or white, and it has every bit of sophistication that you'd expect from a modern gray.

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  Sherwin-Williams Pure White

  

  Despite its name, Sherwin-Williams Pure White isn't quite pure white. This crisp, fresh neutral has just a hint of yellow to it, which adds a tiny bit of warmth to keep it from feeling too sterile. It's striking in sunlit rooms where it's allowed to shine.

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  Sherwin Williams Wool Skein

  

  A true warm khaki color, Sherwin Williams Wool Skein reminds you of those trusty beige pants that never seem to go out of style. Its yellow undertones warm up a space, and it needs to be carefully paired with colors that complement its temperature rather than compete with it. Try it with olive green or brown.

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  Farrow & Ball Paean Black

  

  Farrow & Ball Paean Black reads nearly purple when you first see it. While it is technically black, its strong red overtones hit you with warmth. It doesn't feel cold or stark. Instead, it wraps you up in dark color. Try it in a living room or home office where you can embrace its cozy, moody feel.

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  Benjamin Moore Lost Locket

  

  A blush pink neutral, Benjamin Moore Lost Locket feels like a Victorian relic. It's a nostalgic color that immediately feels comforting and familiar. Maybe it's a color your grandmother would have loved or it's the color of a doll you had growing up. Either way, this color now translates into a lovely neutral, perfect in a powder room or guest bedroom.

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  Benjamin Moore Moonshine

  

  Whether you have a beach house or a farmhouse, Benjamin Moore Moonshine is a cool blue-green neutral that looks bright and airy on kitchen cabinets or on bedroom walls. It reads as a simple gray in low light, but as soon as the sun shines, you realize how complex and eye-catching it is.

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  Sherwin-Williams Iced Mocha

  

  While its name is Iced Mocha, this neutral from Sherwin-Williams has strong orange-peach undertones. It's a beige that has been infused with saturated warmth, giving it a glowy look. Perfect in a low light guest bedroom, this color feels vintage-inspired and approachable.

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  Sherwin-Williams Roycroft Mist Gray SW2844

  

  Roycroft Mist Gray by Sherwin-Williams is a classic gray with a hint of a warm undertone. The warmth and fullness of this gray make it an elegant choice for dining rooms and primary bedrooms. Like many full-bodied grays, it can appear darker in a small space, so take that extra step to sample paint color before committing it to your walls.

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  Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173

  

  Can't decide between gray and beige? How about a stunning greige like Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray? In a lighter room, Edgecomb looks grayer while it appears more beige in a darker space. It's a rich gray with a slightly yellow undertone and looks best in larger spaces, giving a room a neutral monochromatic look without appearing too washed out or intense.

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  Behr Mocha Foam T15-17

  

  Behr's Mocha Foam is a great neutral color when you'd like more presence than a simple beige or off-white, but would still like to decorate in neutral colors. A deeper, darker color than a standard beige, Mocha Foam adds depth to a living room or bedroom without feeling too dark. Pair it with earthy colors such as greens and whites.

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  Glidden Powder Blush 70RR 65/053

  

  Who says neutrals have to be whites or grays? In the right light, lighter pastels like Glidden's Powder Blush can be the perfect neutral with a hint of color. This subtle mauve paint adds the perfect touch of pink in bedrooms and living rooms; it's still modern without feeling sterile. It has soft gray undertones and pairs well with cool whites and blues.

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  Farrow & Ball Pale Powder 204

  

  Farrow & Ball Pale Powder is another stunning neutral with a hint of color. Technically aqua, Pale Powder looks nearly white in large, bright spaces and more blue/green in smaller ones. The green undertones keep this color from feeling too gray or cold. Try it in a bedroom or even on a ceiling.

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  Magnolia Fine Black

  

  If you think black can't be neutral, think again. Because it pairs well with nearly any color palette, black is actually an extremely versatile paint color. We love Magnolia's Fine Black because it's creamy and full-bodied without feeling stark. If you're too shy to paint an entire room black, consider an accent wall in a bedroom or a kitchen.

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  Behr Off the Grid T18-08

  

  Behr Off the Grid is an earthy, warm beige-taupe that is endlessly classic and sophisticated. This rich color was actually Behr's color of the year back in 2018, but it's just as versatile today. Try it in living rooms and kitchens and pair with warm yellows or reds for a beautiful combo.

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  Benjamin Moore Bleeker Beige HC-80

  

  Benjamin Moore's Bleeker Beige is a highly versatile neutral paint color. Its undertones are balanced, meaning they work well with all types of accent colors and lighting. Plus, because it's a medium beige and not incredibly pale, it will still have some presence in the space, creating a warm and inviting feel. It's especially good as a neutral canvas for living spaces.

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  Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice SW 7647

  

  Pale gray is a safe color choice that can lean both modern and traditional. A soft neutral gray like Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice gives just a hint of color while allowing your decor to shine. And because it's neutral, you can pair it with accent colors that have either cool or warm undertones, giving you lots of flexibility as you decorate your new home.

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  Sherwin-Williams Realist Beige SW 6078

  

  Sherwin-Williams' Realist Beige is a smoky neutral with just enough gray to give it a cool undertone. Cool neutrals like this color look gorgeous with blues and greens, creating an overall calm and clean color palette.This color can work just as well in a bedroom as it can in living spaces and bathrooms. In living spaces, you can jazz it up with some bolder pops of color.

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  Behr Monet Moonrise 410-A1

  

  Greens can easily be considered neutrals as long as they are fairly muted. Behr's Monet Moonrise has just enough color to make it interesting but still stays on the neutral side. This pale green would work well with deep wood tones, crisp white, and rich gray, giving the space an overall natural and fresh vibe. And it will make any living space feel light and airy.

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  Behr Granite Boulder 790D-4

  

  If you don't love the idea of a traditional beige or a cold gray, a warm greige color like Behr's Granite Boulder could be the answer. This color is flexible enough to work with many decor styles. And even though it will add clearly defined color to a space, especially when there's white trim to contrast with it, it's still light enough to keep a room feeling open and bright. It's a perfect neutral for bedrooms to add a layer of coziness.

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  Magnolia Carter Crème

  

  Pretty, warm, and light, Carter Crème from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines is a rich alternative to ordinary white wall colors.Most true white wall colors can look gray on cloudy days and too stark in bright lighting. So choosing a warm white paint for your new home will help to create a clean and crisp look, regardless of your lighting. This color is perfect for living spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

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  Valspar Distant Valley 5002-3A

  

  Neutral paint color doesn't always mean beige or taupe. A muted blue or green can feel every bit as neutral as a warm color. Valspar Distant Valley is a soothing blue-gray paint color that pairs well with warm neutrals, and creamy white wall trim. Charcoal gray furniture and accessories would be stunning with this color.

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  Behr Almond Wisp PPU5-12

  

  Almond Wisp from Behr is a beige with just enough gray undertones to prevent it from feeling too yellow. It adds an overall glow to your walls and works well even in rooms that don't get a lot of light. It willmake a living space look bright and airy, especially when paired with crisp white trim.

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  Behr Moth Gray N200-1

  

  Moth Gray from Behr is a neutral gray paint color that will never make your space feel cave-like. It has warm undertones and is bright enough to reflect plenty of light in any room of your home. This paint would look beautiful paired with rich, warm wood tones. And there’s just enough color to it to make white trim pop.

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  Benjamin Moore Bradstreet Beige

  

  Benjamin Moore’s Bradstreet Beigeis a warm neutral beige that leans toward taupe. As with any good neutral color, its ability to enhance a space while retaining its own style makes it a great choice for most rooms. Because Bradstreet Beige is a warm paint color, it's easiest to pairwith other warm colors. Cool blue accents look wonderful in a room painted in Bradstreet Beige. Warm beiges and taupes can work with other cool color accentsif they are crisp and not too muted.

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  Kelly-Moore Paints Rotunda White

  

  Kelly-Moore Paints' Rotunda White is a gorgeous warm white paint color. Choosing a white paint can be difficultas white can appear gray, yellow,or even pink. A warm white like Rotunda White is the perfect choice when you're adding warm color accents. It can also work with cool colors if they’re saturated, and not overly gray. Using a warm white in your color scheme can improve color harmonyand warmth.

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  Valspar Blue Arrow

  

  Valspar’s Blue Arrow is a favorite of designers. The color trend for blues has shifted to a very slight green undertone. The baby blue that was popular years ago has been made with green and gray.Blue Arrow makes the best of both of those trends. Depending on the lighting and other surfaces in your home, Valspar Blue Arrow can feel like a rich gray/blue, or a subtle blue/green.Blue Arrow looks great with both dark and medium wood.

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  C2 Greige

  

  C2 Greige is that elusive gray-beige paint color that can deliver neutral tones without becoming too warm or too cool.This soft gray paint is luminous, but not cold. C2 Greige is warm enough to use in a room with all shades of wood from light to dark, unlike many grays and beiges. Because it's so versatile, it can flow beautifully from room to room with grace.

  C2 Greige would look stunning with deep chocolate browns, black, or deep gray with warm undertones. As a warm gray, C2 Greige works well with yellow, orange, and other warm colors that are not usually suitable with gray.

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  Sherwin-Williams Filmy Green

  

  Sherwin-Williams Filmy Green has the muted quality of a sage green, but with a bit more saturated color and fewer blue undertones.Paired with black and white, Filmy Green has a classic and crisp look. Used in a bath or spa-themed room, Sherwin-Williams Filmy Green creates a misty beach vibe.In addition to a classic combination of black and white, other colors that could work well with Filmy Green include dark brown and darker shades of green from the same color swatch.

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  Sherwin-Williams Sensible Hue

  

  When you’re looking for the perfect neutral gray paint, Sherwin-Williams Sensible Hue should get the first look. Richer than pale gray but lighter than a charcoal gray, Sensible Hue could be used in a variety of rooms.If you’re looking for a true gray without a hint of beige, you’ll want to samplea cool gray like this. Sensible Hue works well as a neutral wall color, as it can match a variety of stone surfaces in your home. It could begorgeous with stone or ​solid surface countertops in a kitchen with white or very dark cabinets.