The most timeless paint colors according to designers
If you want the color schemes throughout your home to retain appeal amid quickly passing color trends, then turning to the most timeless paint colors is the best way to go.
‘Timeless colors are rarely about making a statement but instead creating a foundation that allows other design elements to shine. They anchor a space, providing elegance without demanding attention,’ explains interior designer Melissa Read, creative director at Studio Burntwood.
But what are the most timeless paint colors? We asked interior designers for their top picks, which we’ve rounded up below. From warm neutrals to navy blue, these paint ideas will endure from season to season.
1. Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
‘Over the years, we’ve discovered that truly timeless colors are those that feel equally at home in a Georgian townhouse as they do in a modern penthouse,’ shares designer Melissa Read.
‘Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath is one of those colors. Its soft greige tone offers unparalleled versatility, shifting subtly in different lighting. We’ve used it in living spaces where it creates an inviting atmosphere that never feels overbearing. To add a sense of refinement, pair it with accents like antique brass or dark marble – these materials elevate the color’s natural warmth,’ Melissa adds.
2. Seapearl, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl is a white paint with gray undertones that give it a modern feel – a favorite timeless paint color for Illinois-based interior designer Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design: ‘It is perfect on walls and trim. Never gets old. Soothing and quiet.’
3. Alabaster, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Interior Design Glenna Stone Interiors, Photography John Bessler, Photo Styling Gabrielle Langdon)
‘One of our all-time favorite timeless paint colors is Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster,’ says interior designer Glenna Stone of Glenna Stone Interiors. ‘It’s a fresh, neutral white with a subtle flush of pink that brings a sense of light and airiness to any room.’
‘What we love most about it is its versatility. It works in contemporary spaces as well as more traditional ones, and it pairs beautifully with almost every color, from bold accents to muted neutrals. It’s a great choice for creating a calm, cohesive atmosphere, whether you’re designing a kitchen, bathroom, or living room,’ adds Glenna.
4. Greek Villa, Sherwin-Williams
(Image credit: Sherwin-Williams)
Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories is another interior designer who favors neutral paints when it comes to the most timeless:
‘You can’t go wrong with a classic neutral! Two of our favorite timeless neutrals are Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa for a bright warm white and Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige for a richer taupe moment. Both of these colors are versatile (they work with any design style) but are also timeless.’
5. Million Dollar Red, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
While light neutral paints seem to be the go-tos when it comes to thinking about the most timeless, that’s not to say that bolder hues can’t be just as enduring. Red, for example, is a classic color that makes a bold statement.
‘A classic red is like a perfect red lipstick – chic and timeless,’ says interior designer Emily Tucker of Emily Tucker Design. ‘Benjamin Moore’s Million Dollar Red is my favorite, as it brings energy and elegance when used appropriately.’
6. Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
For Denver-based interior designer Nadia Watts, Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy is a favorite timeless paint color. She explains: ‘It goes with everything, is the perfect dark blue – timeless and elegant. I can’t say enough good things about this blue.’
‘I love purples and pinks and Hale Navy is the perfect backdrop for pops of colors. It looks great with white, wood, and all sorts of other colors including hot pink, purple, red, and even yellow. If you are looking for a nice rich backdrop for modern or colorful art, Hale Navy is a great choice. It never goes out of style and it works with everything,’ Nadia adds.
7. Dead Salmon, Farrow & Ball
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon is an undeniably timeless paint color. A moody plaster pink, Dead Salmon feels refined and sophisticated while adding more interest than lighter neutrals.
‘We love using Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon in their Estate Eggshell finish. Don’t let the name scare you; not only is it a timeless beauty, but it gives every room a calming and serene feeling. Everyone feels and looks good in a room glowing with this paint,’ explains interior designer David Ries of Ries Hayes.
8. Dimity, Farrow & Ball
(Image credit: Cindy McKay Interiors, Kerri Torrey Photography)
Another paint color by Farrow & Ball regarded as timeless amongst designers is Dimity, a light taupe that was used in this living room.
‘I find Farrow & Ball’s Dimity to be such a timeless color. I love using it because it gives a wonderful warm and cozy feeling to a space without it being too yellow or beige. It’s a terrific neutral to use especially if you have some red tones in the space,’ says interior designer Cindy McKay of Cindy McKay Interiors.
9. Linen White, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Suzanne Tucker/Tucker & Marks, photography Roger Davies)
‘Linen White by Benjamin Moore is my favorite timeless hue because it looks good with everything, and vice versa,’ says designer Suzanne Tucker of Tucker & Marks. ‘I prefer a slightly warmer white versus a cooler one and Linen White hits the perfect balance between classic elegance and understated chic – not too cool, not too warm. It has a touch of cream which keeps it rich and balanced, subtle yet sophisticated. It effortlessly adapts to any canvas, classic or contemporary.’
10. White Dove, Benjamin Moore
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Lastly, if you’re looking for a timeless white paint color, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a go-to choice among designers.
‘Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, the quintessential white, and the reason being, it works with almost everything. We use it on millwork, cabinetry, and walls because I cannot think of an instance where it did not work with other colors,’ shares interior designer Beth Webb.
If you’re feeling inspired to refresh your home with any of these paint colors, make sure to sample the shades first so you can see how they look throughout the day as the lighting changes.
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