Designers' Favorite Paint Color Pairings for Every Style
Take inspiration from these expert-loved paint color matches.
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
Picking one paint color can be hard enough, so finding the perfect paint color pairing can be downright difficult. To take the guesswork out of the process, experts are sharing their current favorite paint color combinations.
A can of paint—or two—offers endless possibilities, and the right color pairing has the power to instantly elevate a room, convey a mood, and update a space. These paint color combinations include a monochromatic color scheme, a beach-inspired pairing, tried and true classics, and timeless exterior picks to boost curb appeal. Browse these expert-recommended paint color pairings to find the perfect match for your own home.
Related: How to Choose Flawless Wall and Trim Color Combinations
Creamy Neutral + Deep Blue-Gray
Courtesy of Glidden
"One of my favorite pairings is Limitless and Night Rendezvous," says Ashley McCollum, color expert for Glidden Paint by PPG. She says this paint color combination not only adds a touch of sophistication, but also creates a balanced and timeless aesthetic. In this modern dining room, Limitless is used on the walls for a big dose of warmth and Night Rendezvous on the cabinet for a striking pairing. "I love a creamy neutral that gains a sense of stability when paired with a deep, classic color," McCollum says.
Paint Colors: Limitless and Night Rendezvous by Glidden
Related: 27 Neutral Paint Colors and Tips from Experts On How to Use Them
Soft White + Modern Beige
Courtesy of Behr
To create a sense of balance and calm within the home, interior designer and Behr brand ambassador Cara Newhart recommends pairing Blank Canvas with a neutral, like Even Better Beige. The two have a soothing effect and maintain a neutral color palette while introducing color variation and contrast. Use this soft paint color pairing on built-in shelves and surrounding walls for a neutral backdrop for books and accessories, or to set a serene, retreat-like tone in a bedroom.
Paint Colors: Blank Canvas and Even Better Beige by Behr
Related: Beige Decor Is Officially Back—Here's How to Use It in Your Home
Calming Blue + Earthy Beige
Courtesy of Valspar
For a beach-inspired paint color combination, choose Valspar's Renew Blue and Perfect Backdrop. "The water quality of Renew Blue invites the sandy beige shade to its roots in nature and the pair is often seen in coastal areas," says Sue Kim, the brand's director of color marketing. When it comes to where to use the two colors, Kim suggests a coastal-inspired kitchen. "This calming blue with earthy beige works perfectly when a busy space, like a kitchen, needs to transition to moody and relaxing at night," she says.
Paint Colors: Renew Blue and Perfect Backdrop by Valspar
Related: 15 Best Coastal Paint Colors
Off-White + Gray-Green
Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
If you're looking for a monochromatic color palette for your home's exterior, look no further than French Canvas, Hazy Skies, and Copley Gray for a timeless look with a modern touch. "Layered off-whites and neutrals bring a more muted approach to this exterior while still creating an interesting color palette with major curb appeal," says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. Here, the siding is painted in French Canvas which is a soft off-white with a green-gray undertone which Barone points out works particularly well on exteriors. "Gray-greens work beautifully on exteriors and interiors as they adapt seamlessly with surrounding landscaping and design elements," she says.
Paint Colors: French Canvas, Hazy Skies, and Copley Gray by Benjamin Moore
Related: The 11 Best Exterior Paints of 2023 to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Blue + White
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
"One of my favorite color pairings is our 2024 Color of the year Upward and Snowbound—blues and whites are always the ideal go-to color pairing," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. A blue and white color combination works particularly well in a bedroom, paired with light wood tones, cozy layered linens, and organic textures.
Paint Colors: Upward and Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams
Related: 14 Ideas for Blue Paint Colors for Perfectly-Hued Walls
Earthy Green + Light Taupe
Courtesy of Valspar
Pair Valspar's popular light taupe shade, Villa Grey, with Gargoyle, an earthy green hue that works well to accentuate architectural details such as trim or crown molding. Kim explains that the pairing provides a nurturing space for studying, working, and relaxing, the deep green adding the perfect finishing touch to the room.
Paint Colors: Villa Grey and Gargoyle by Valspar
Related: Shades of Green: Best Paint Colors for Olive, Sage, Mint, and More
Cool White + Green-Gray
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
For a sophisticated color combination, go with Sherwin-Williams' Silver Strand and Snowbound. Wadden says this is one of her current favorite color pairings, describing the first shade as a lighter-than-air green-gray and the second as a versatile cool white that pairs beautifully with gray tones. "These two colors can make any space look like an elegant and bright sanctuary," she says.
Paint Colors: Silver Strand and Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams
Related: The 10 Best White Paint Colors That Experts Swear By
Deep Blue + Light Greige
Courtesy of Glidden
For a modern yet classic exterior paint color pairing, McCollum recommends Glidden's Cavalry and Whiskers. Here, the deep blue paint color on the garage door and beams pops against a cool, light greige color on the siding for a clean and elegant exterior that boasts beautiful curb appeal.
Paint Colors: Cavalry and Whiskers by Glidden
Related: 11 Best Paint Colors for Garage Doors
Cool Gray + Deep Navy + Crisp White
Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
Mix light and dark paint colors like a pro with this Benjamin Moore trio: Smoke, Hale Navy, and Decorator’s White. Smoke is a breezy, cool gray with a strong blue-green undertone that Barone says brings just the right amount of color to a space and pairs well with warm and cool colors alike. "I like to bring in statement-making hues, like Hale Navy, and bright, fresh white paint colors, like Decorator’s White, when creating combinations with Smoke," she says. She adds that the lighter and darker colors help bring additional contrast and ground Smoke so it doesn’t feel too crisp.
Paint Colors: Smoke, Hale Navy, and Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore
Related: 9 Blue-Gray Paint Colors the Experts Swear By
Moody Black + Warm Chestnut
Courtesy of Behr
"For a classic vibe with a moody feel that has lots of depth and dimension, pair Behr's Cracked Pepper with a semi-transparent stain in Chestnut to create a traditional and timeless look that feels balanced," Newhart says. The pairing adds a modern feel to this outdoor oasis while blending in with the neutral-toned surroundings.
Paint Colors: Cracked Pepper and Chestnut by Behr
Related: Behr’s Color of the Year 2024 Proves that Black Is the Perfect Neutral
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