Desiree Burns Interiors

Neutral colors are relaxing and soothing.

What Are Neutral Colors?

This makes them versatile and easy to pair with more assertive colors.

neutral colors

Desiree Burns Interiors

There are two main types of neutral colors: true neutrals and near-neutrals.

Want more design inspiration?

Creating a Neutral Color Palette

Neutral colors are easy to mix and match.

living room decorated with neutral colors

Design byMarie Flanigan Interiors/ Photo by Julie Soefer

Here are a few examples of how to put together an easy neutral color palette for any room.

Choose shades from pure white to cream, ivory, and beige to add variation.

Combine black walls with pale wood flooring and neutral furnishings and decor for a modern look.

neutral all-black living room

Sissy + Marley Interior Design/ Photo byMarco Ricca Studio

Use varying tones of wood and leather accents to add warmth to an off-white room.

Add Shine With Metallics

Add shine to a neutral space with metallics.

Pick up shades of green in accents like throw pillows for a cohesive design.

neutral black and white living room

Louis Duncan-He Designs

Introduce Subtle Patterns

Becca Interiors

Patterns in subtle color combinations will add interest to a neutral space.

Brighten With Color Accents

Brighten a neutral living room with vivid accents.

Paint both the walls and the ceilings for an enveloping atmosphere.

neutral beige and brown living room

Tyler Karu

Choose warm light bulbs and prioritize fabric lamp shades that will produce a soft filtered effect.

Cool With Coastal Blues

Light shades of bluewill complement a neutral interior for afresh coastal look.

What Neutral Colors Go With Anything?

traditional living room with both warm and cool neutral colors

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Black, white, cream, beige, gray, and tan will pair with any colors.

Brown, olive green, and navy are also versatile near-neutrals that play well with others.

Which Color Is More Neutral, Gray or Black?

neutral gray living room

Tyler Karu

Black is considered the ultimate neutral since it is characterized by the absence of color.

The most popular neutral color is undoubtedly white.

neutral living room colors

Desiree Burns Interiors

neutral room decorated with metallic finishes

Desiree Burns Interiors

rustic neutral living room with exposed beams and stone fireplace

Design byMarie Flanigan Interiors/ Photo by Julie Soefer

neutral living room decorated with natural greenery

Louis Duncan-He Designs

living room decorated with patterns in neutral colors

Becca Interiors

neutral living room with color accents

Louis Duncan-He Designs

neutral olive green family room

Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography

neutral living room with pink accents

Desiree Burns Interiors

neutral living room with warm lighting

Louis Duncan-He Designs

neutral living room with light blue accents

Desiree Burns Interiors