At Country Living, we spend a lot of time talking about paint. After all, we’ve featured thousands of homes—quaint cottages, modern farmhouses, historic properties—that beautifully incorporate paint in every nook and cranny, and after interviewing just as many homeowners and designers, we know that there are certain tried-and-true, no-fail favorites that get cited time and time again. (If it’s a dark exterior, there’s a good chance it’s Black Bean Soup by Benjamin Moore; if it’s a warm white, our money is on Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams.)
When we’re not interviewing homeowners or design experts, we’re likely referencing the trusty color decks on our desks to suss out the just-right shades to use in the sets we build in our studio—think backdrops for our antiquing stories, surfaces for seasonal shoots (every wreath needs a door in a complementary color!), and other aesthetically oriented endeavors, like that time we built the world’s cutest doghouse.
Still, despite all of this hard-earned know-how, choosing a paint is never easy, especially when it’s your own home. That’s why we decided it was high time we pared down the seemingly endless, slightly agonizing sea of options—so many options—to a much more manageable list of 100 editor- and designer-approved paint colors—a paint color hall of fame, so to speak. We did not take this task lightly. First, we mined forty-plus years of our home tours and expert interviews to suss out the time-tested standouts. We enlisted the expertise of longtime DIYers like Joanna Gaines and Jenni Yolo. We reached out to designers to find out the colors they just can’t quit. And we asked fellow Country Living staffers to share what colors made the cut for their own homes.
This obsessively compiled curation of colors that span the ROYGBIV spectrum should help you hone in on just the right paint color for your project. So, go ahead and bookmark this page now! More than a starting point, we hope this list is something you can print off and bring with you on your next trip to the paint or hardware store. (We’ve made that even easier with our downloadable PDF!) You’ll also find plenty of beautiful rooms to inspire ideas for embracing color in your own home. So get those brushes ready and dive in bristle-first. You really can’t go wrong.
Intimate White by Sherwin-Williams
Don't be fooled by its name—this is actually a very soft subtle pink. “I love this shade—it’s like being surrounded by a warm, Mississippi Delta sunset,” says singer-songwriter and serial renovator, Holly Audrey Williams, who has used it as a soft neutral in multiple projects.
First Light by Benjamin Moore
Nostalgists, take note: This pink hue evokes the retro pinks of the 1950s (the old-school Princess phone comes to mind). It would be sweet in a bathroom with black-and-white checkered floors, or a nursery.
Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball
You know how they say pink lightbulbs are more flattering? This warm pink serves up the same sort of effect. “This is the loveliest, most flattering color,” says design maven Annie Selke. “During the day, it washes out to a white, but at night it comes alive, making the room glow.”
Rosy Pink by Magnolia
“This color is inspired by my grandmother, Agnes Rose,” says designer and TV personality Joanna Gaines, who used it in a bedroom renovation featured on an episode of Fixer Upper: The Castle. “It’s a subtle pink with a vintage style.”
Siesta Rose by Glidden
More daring than dainty, this coral pink feels like it’s plucked from personal paint deck of designer Dorothy Draper (known for her vibrant transformation of The Greenbrier). Playfully pair it with chintzy draperies in a dining room, try it in a powder room, or follow the lead of Country Living’s Style & Market Editor Alison Allsopp who plans to use it in her daughter's bedroom.
Greenhow Vermillion by Benjamin Moore
“I have always loved red—it’s my favorite color. And this is an excellent one,” says New York-based designer Anthony Baratta, who, as the widely-agreed-upon king of East Coast chic, knows a thing or two about all-American style.
Whip Lash by Behr
This punchy shade by Behr evokes the iconic red hue of cola bottles. It would feel right at home in a lake house, or on a front door.
Classic Red by Valspar
The name says it all: This truly classic red has just enough blue in it to lend it historic house-worthy refinement.
Heritage Red by Benjamin Moore
“This color is so versatile–it’s not too sharp and not too maroon. It also has a warmth that makes it super inviting,” says designer Erick Espinoza, who has become synonymous with the “Bicentennial Millennial” design movement rooted in early American style.
King’s Red by Benjamin Moore
Part of Benjamin Moore’s Colonial Williamsburg-inspired paint collection, this regal shade is rooted in historic vermillion pigments.
Barn Red by Valspar
Farmers used to seal barn wood with a protective mix of oil and rust to prevent decay, which resulted in the iconic red barn coloring we know today.
Crabby Apple by Sherwin-Williams
You’ll find this deep, rusty red on the floors of poet Robert Frost’s historic home in Derry, New Hampshire.
Grape Juice by Benjamin Moore
With just a hint of gray, this stately shade is a more relaxed, country house-appropriate take on bold and beautiful jewel tones.
Brassica by Farrow & Ball
Ladylike lavender gets a more masculine twist thanks to the touch of gray in this nuanced shade.
Gin Blossoms by Backdrop
“I love the idea of using this in a powder bath, where your paint choices can be a little more design-forward,” says Country Living’s Design Director Maribeth Jones.
RELATED: Everything You Wanted to Know About Decorating with Jewel Tones
Icy Lemonade by Sherwin-Williams
Great for a gender-neutral nursery, this refreshing, on-the-cooler-side shade pairs particularly well with cornflower blue or navy.
Vintage Yellow by Glidden
Calling all collectors: If you love the buttery shade of McCoy pottery, you’ll love this kitchen-worthy color.
Lightning Bug by Benjamin Moore
“I once painted my bedroom in this electric shade and have such fond memories of that cheerful space,” says Anna Logan, Country Living Senior Homes & Style Editor. It would also be ideal for a happy mudroom or vibrant front door.
Classical Yellow by Sherwin-Williams
Whether it’s featured on a charming Colonial or a stately Georgian, this sunny yellow is at home in a historical property.
Grass Daisy by Glidden
This retro chartreuse-y shade reminds us of the book spines of faded Nancy Drew detective novels. We love the idea of using it on floors in an otherwise-white room.
Sudbury Yellow by Farrow & Ball
“This shade reminds me of the warm, golden light of a just-setting sun. It’s cheerful but still grounded and soft,” says Country Living Design Director Maribeth Jones, who coated her own kitchen in the color.
Damask Gold by Benjamin Moore
Mustard shades are having a moment, and they’re rooted in Colonial-period paints made of yellow ochre pigments mixed with iron oxide.
India Yellow by Farrow & Ball
“This muddy gold-yellow works great with wood tones and natural stone. It feels unexpected but not too cheery,” says Washington-based designer Heidi Caillier.
Tart Orange by Behr
Attention, bookworms: This orange reminds us of the spines of those beloved Penguin paperbacks. Try it on the back of bookshelves or use it to revive a seen-better-days set of chairs.
Cayenne by Sherwin-Williams
The exact terra-cotta color seen throughout the historic Biltmore Estate is a mix original to the home, but this orange-red shade delivers a very close match.
RELATED: Check Out Our Deep Dive on Yellow Paint Colors
Lichen by Farrow & Ball
“I love to use this shade on kitchen cabinets because it adds a jolt that can still read neutral,” says Texas-based designer Claire Zinnecker, whose own farmhouse transformation features quite a few colors from this list.
Vert de Terre by Farrow & Ball
“This shade nicely mimics the natural setting of a country house and gives the feeling that you are both inside and outside,” says designer Shana Sherwood.
Cooking Apple Green by Farrow & Ball
“This quiet shade looks stunning in a kitchen or bathroom,” say John Loecke and Jason Oliver Nixon of color-loving design firm Madcap Cottage.
Acadia Green by Benjamin Moore
“A green like this brings a botanical element to a kitchen that I think is really romantic,” says designer and host of HGTV’s One of a Kind Grace Mitchell. It would also be pretty on a floor in a sunroom.
Oh Pistachio by Sherwin-Williams
A bright and vibrant shade, this happy green—with just the right hint of yellow—is a perfect front door paint color.
Agate Green by Sherwin-Williams
“Sage greens are wonderful for exteriors. They blend so well in to the natural landscape,” says Country Living Lifestyle Director Sarah Zlotnick.
Breakfast Room Green by Farrow & Ball
“I love this clean green so much I used it for my bedroom and closet,” says Country Living Managing Editor Amy Mitchell. “It’s happy during the day and calming at night.”
Leapfrog by Sherwin-Williams
Seeking creative inspiration? Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her first four Little House books in a stone cottage with windows trimmed in this olive-hued shade.
Oakmoss by Sherwin-Williams
“I used this green in the twin bedroom in my Mississippi farmhouse and it’s now in my ‘go-to’ pile,” says Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett. “It would also be so good in a den or library with a big leather Chesterfield.”
Pioneer by Portola Paints
Calling all camp style lovers. This true medium green would be right at home in a room filled with Hudson Bay blankets and rusty enameled lanterns.
Arugula by Sherwin-Williams
“Green is one of the most energizing yet calming colors,” says designer Mallory Mathison Glenn. “This bright hue lives happily with soft aqua blues or mossy greens.”
Espalier by Sherwin-Williams
In 1805, portraitist Gilbert Stuart suggested that Thomas Jefferson paint Monticello’s entrance hall floor a “true grass-green” that’s very similar to this refined shade.
Jasper by Sherwin-Williams
“A dark green that almost reads black, this color looks fabulous with everything from a perfect patinaed chest to industrial furniture,” says Country Living contributor Holly Audrey Williams.
Enchanted Forest by Benjamin Moore
A hint of blue-black takes this green shade in a slightly moody direction. Pair it with wood accents to amp up the cozy factor.
Hazel by Sherwin-Williams
Perfect for a porch ceiling or breezy bathroom, this soft minty shade has a hint of gray that helps tone down the sweetness.
Arsenic by Farrow & Ball
“It has a bit of a retro feel that reminds me of jadeite. I love that nostalgic association,” says Massachusetts-based designer Katie Rosenfeld.
Goodwin Green by Benjamin Moore
“Dark green is almost like a forgotten color, but a spruce-y green is very charming,” says New York-based designer Anthony Baratta.
De Nimes by Farrow & Ball
Designers love this down-to-earth slate blue for its understated elegance. Fun fact: The word “denim” comes from the French serge de Nimes meaning a sturdy fabric from (the French town of) Nimes. You’ll be able to tell this story any time someone asks “What paint color is that?!”
Hunt Club by Sherwin-Williams
“This rich jewel tone was a great choice for my kitchen cabinets,” says Country Living Associate Art Director Virginia England. “It looks especially lovely with brass hardware.”
Essex Green by Benjamin Moore
“This deep green can be played up with bright colors for a youthful look or paired with more serious blues for a sophisticated spin,” says designer Sara Noble.
RELATED: These Are Our Favorite Green Paint Colors for The Kitchen
Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball
“This is one of my favorites and really can be used in any room,” says design maven Annie Selke, who founded home furnishing brands Pine Cone Hill and Dash & Albert.
Mt. Rainier Gray by Benjamin Moore
“This icy blue is like a worn chambray shirt—it goes with everything and is a nice combination of blue and gray,” says interior and product designer Max Humphrey.
Favorite Jeans by Sherwin-Williams
With its slightly muddy undertones, this is a good medium blue that feels right at home in a historic house. It would also be beautiful on a cabinet filled with pewter or whiteware.
Van Courtland Blue by Benjamin Moore
“I have used this calming color in two guest rooms. It’s a strong blue but doesn’t overtake the space,” says serial old house renovator Holly Williams.
Delft by Sherwin-Williams
“This blue is so happy but still has a bit of that laid-back country feel. I love to pair it with deeper blues or an unexpected shade that allows it to really pop,” says North Carolina designer Trinity Holmes.
Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball
“I painted a fireplace this shade, a near match to American Girl doll Kirsten Larson’s bed. It’s an odd source of inspiration, but it makes me so happy,” says historic preservationist Lauren Northup.
Buxton Blue by Benjamin Moore
With just a hint of gray, this airy blue feels both timeless and timely. It makes a great choice for kitchens with historic flair.
Rhine River by Benjamin Moore
A calming green undertone pushes this watery shade of blue into coastal house territory.
Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball
This warm blue-gray shade gets its name from the indigo pigments that were commonly imported in lump form to Europe in the 18th century.
Clear Sailing by Glidden
“I used this crisp shade in my natural-light-lacking living room. It brings much-needed brightness to the space,” says Country Living Associate Art Director Virginia England.
Bluebell by Sherwin-Williams
Though not as purple-tinged as the flower that shares its name, this crisp shade feels equally lighthearted and whimsical.
Cook’s Blue by Farrow & Ball
This rich vibrant blue feels unabashedly bold against quieter white walls—making it a great option for contrasting millwork.
Azurite by Benjamin Moore
“It is the most gorgeous color and can really make an impact,” says New York-based designer Anthony Baratta.
Open Seas by Sherwin-Williams
Embrace a more coastal approach to painting the rooms in your home with this watery paint color that has a subtle teal undertone.
Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball
“There is something marvelously ambiguous about this color, and there’s something about dusty blues that feels so rustic,” says interior designer Christina Salway.
Kensington Blue by Benjamin Moore
It’s hard to beat a tried-and-true navy, which is why this paint color is part of Benjamin Moore’s Classics Collection.
Denim by Sherwin-Williams
Like that old pair of your favorite Levi’s, there is something so comforting about this delightfully worn-in blue.
Vintage Velvet by Behr
A hint of purple gives this dark navy a touch of mystery, making a great backdrop for similarly bold patterns.
Salty Dog by Sherwin-Williams
In a leather-filled study, this sea-brined navy blue brings a certain sophistication.
Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore
This moody historic shade was inspired by the Massachusetts port city, Newburyport, which gives it good street cred.
RELATED: Check Our Deep Dive on Blue-Gray Paint Colors
100 brown neutrals
Interactive Cream by Sherwin-Williams
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Missouri homestead, Rocky Ridge Farm, features this warm biscuit-y hue.
Hay by Farrow & Ball
“I love that this is the color of the wildflower, goldenrod. It’s also a nod to the Shakers, who filled their spaces with a similar shade,” says architect Greg Dutton, who used this for the exterior of his own farmhouse.
Acorn Yellow by Benjamin Moore
Toasty, tan-colored walls akin to this warm shade wrap the large primary bedroom of James Madison’s beloved Montpelier.
Cinnamon Spice by Glidden
“Browns are back, but as less chocolate and more warm cinnamon, cognac, and copper,” says Tennessee-based designer Stephanie Sabbe.
Dark Earth by Valspar
A true mid tone, this smoky brown shade is similar to the rich brown seen on antique tobacco baskets.
Shaded White by Farrow & Ball
“This looks great in a mudroom, and hides the dirt of everyday wear and tear. It also looks great paired with Sherwin-Williams’s Natural Linen,” says designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas.
Roosevelt Taupe by Benjamin Moore
“Deep and dark, this color is really forgiving of all the wear that comes from a high traffic space,” says Tennessee-based designer Tori Alexander.
Dark Chocolate by Benjamin Moore
If you’re looking for a real brown brown, this dreamy, moody shade is as sumptuous as the name suggests.
Coffee Date by Clare
“There is something about this brown paint that feels so rich and luxurious,” says Nicole Gibbons, founder of Clare Paint. (Nicole also notes the brand has seen a spike in brown paint sales as of late.)
Tarpley Brown by Benjamin Moore
Colonial Williamsburg’s oldest dwelling, the Nelson-Galt House, is home to this neutral with a hint of mossy green.
RELATED: Love Brown? Here Are Even More of Our Favorite Brown Hues
Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams
This soft, warm gray shade is the perfect trim color choice to add subtle contrast to white walls in a farmhouse.
Cumulus Cloud by Benjamin Moore
“It’s a perfect warm gray that makes a beautiful cabinet color,” says New York-based designer and author Thomas O’Brien.
Light French Gray by Sherwin-Williams
“This color is unbelievably timeless on a ceiling, whether low or vaulted with shiplap. I also love to pair it with a neutral floral-print wallpaper,” says Country Living contributor Holly Williams.
Celadon by Behr
“This dreamy, quiet shade adds just the right amount of color to unexpected places. I especially love using it on doors,” says DIY designer Jenni Yolo.
Silver Lining by Benjamin Moore
“Just a hint of dusty blue makes this soft gray the ideal backdrop for my ever-growing gallery wall of blue and white plates,” says Country Living Executive Editor Jennifer Kopf.
Brewster Gray by Benjamin Moore
“This neutral provides a rich-yet-soft backdrop to layer in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures,” says designer and television personality Thom Filicia.
Roycroft Pewter by Sherwin-Williams
“If you want the drama of black without going all in, this rich charcoal-y gray is a sure bet,” says Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett, who used this color in the foyer of her Mississippi farmhouse.
Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball
“It can go gray, green, or deep blue. It’s a chameleon that has found a home in many of our projects,” says Charleston designer Cortney Bishop.
Mopboard Black by Benjamin Moore
This historic black is a re-creation of a shade discovered on baseboards, also known as mopboards, in Colonial Williamsburg.
Manor House Gray by Farrow & Ball
Throughout England, the houses traditionally inhabited by the local lords were often painted a true gray akin to this stately shade.
Urbane Bronze by Sherwin-Williams
“This is such a versatile dark neutral. It’s a great color for exterior garden structures. For interiors, it brings a warm, deep coziness,” says architect Stan Dixon.
Black Bean Soup by Benjamin Moore
A popular choice for dark exteriors, this dreamy not-quite-black has strong brown undertones.
Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams
“This is the perfect pop of color for all the natural finishes we love to incorporate into a country house,” says designer Tami Ramsay.
Black Ink by Benjamin Moore
This moody black paint color perfectly mimics the Bakelite black of the original Magic 8 Ball.
Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams
A popular choice for doors and shutters, this pitch black serves up a beautifully crisp contrast to white. Country Living Contributor Holly Audrey Williams also loves to use it on a ceiling.
RELATED: These Are the Best Colors to Pair With Gray
Pure White by Glidden
“This is a great fit for rooms with a lot of windows and natural light,” says designer and host of HGTV’s Restored by the Fords Leanne Ford, who is known for her all-white interiors.
Delicate White by Glidden
If you are looking for that one bright white that goes with everything, this paint color is your answer.
Fleur de Sel by Sherwin-Williams
“With a hint of gray, this paint color is the ideal alternative to a house being painted all white. I slather ceilings, trim, and walls with it,” says frequent old-house renovator Holly Audrey Williams.
Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams
“This white is perfect for all seasons. It feels so good when it’s warm and sunny but brings a bit of cozy when it’s cold and rainy," says expert DIYer Victoria Ford.
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
“This is a foolproof shade. It’s just creamy enough and just crisp enough to work anywhere,” says designer Julie Holloway. It's also frequently cited by architects as a go-to.
Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
“Alabaster is great because it’s right in that zone between white and creamy. It’s not a bright, stark white, but it’s not really ‘off-white’ either,” says designer Stephen Shutts.
Snow on the Mountain by Benjamin Moore
“This light and glowy white makes a room feel really fresh and clean, yet still warm,” says designer and author Lauren Liess.
Swiss Coffee by Behr
“This has been my go-to white for years. It has just the right amount of warmth without going too yellow,” says Alabama-based designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas.
Natural Linen by Sherwin-Williams
“This beige hue is the perfect shade to bring a little depth to kitchen cabinetry,” says Country Living Senior Homes & Style Editor Anna Logan.
Gentle Cream by Benjamin Moore
“Artwork and antiques really pop off this deep shade of intense cream,” says South Carolina-based interior designer Melissa Ervin.
Download our printable Top 100 Paint Colors Chart (pictured below) here.
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
