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From off-white and pale beige to warm gray, the right shade of cream brightens and softens a space. Whether you're painting the living room, bedroom or kitchen, cream walls feel warm, inviting and airy. Not to mention, the neutral paint color is versatile enough to pair with any home style. But, not all creams are created equal and different undertones will determine how the interior paints presents in different spaces, making it difficult to track down the perfect hue. Luckily, a few of our favorite interior designers and color experts have shared their go-to cream paint colors, so you can begin to narrow down your search.
When selecting a cream paint color, pay attention to undertones of yellow, green, pink or even gray or blue. There's Benjamin Moore's Cream Silk with hints of lemon-lime, Sherwin-Williams' Mushroom that's a mix of beige and gray and Farrow & Ball's Tallow that's popular for its pink and yellow undertones — among many more. As for determining the right shade? Sondra Zabroske, architect at Four Brothers Design + Build, says it's best to rely on paint samples.
"Color is so dynamic and so unique to the space and surrounding architecture that you must put samples on the wall, and study it a couple different times of day." Ensure you like how the color looks on your walls morning, afternoon and night before painting the entire room. "When looking at swatches, it's helpful to place it next to a solid forgiving white — like Benjamin Moore's Simply White — to compare the vibrancy and to make sure it’s the right tone you're going for," adds Zabroske.
Regardless of the shade you choose, "cream creates a sense of comfort, coziness and warmth," says Zabroske. "It's a great color choice if you're looking for this feeling, but also want your room to be light and open." You may even want to use these cream paint colors on doors and trim — or the exterior of your house. The best part is most colors pair beautifully with cream walls (interior designer Caroline Kopp loves cream with soft stone blue, pale sage, taupe, dove and earthy tones).
1
Lancaster Whitewash by Benjamin Moore
Add a soft glow to any space with this yellow-tinged neutral. "It's a bit of a historic cream, but it bounces light extremely well," says Sondra Zabroske, architect at Four Brothers Design + Build. "Lancaster Whitewash is light and happy but somehow cozy and moody at the same time."
2
Tallow by Farrow & Ball
Lift a dark space with Farrow & Ball's Tallow, a pale cream with slight hints of yellow and pink. "Tallow is my favorite cream tone, as it's not too deep or too yellow," says designer Julia Chasman. "It's complementary white is Wimborne White, which is my nomination for the best all-purpose warm white."
3
White Flour by Sherwin-Williams
If you're hunting for a shade that's more white, but still feels creamy and warm, try Sherwin-Williams' White Flour. "It's such a pretty, slightly creamy white — perfect if you want a white that's in between a bright white and a true cream," says designer Emily Henderson.
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4
Pearls and Lace by Glidden
Whether on walls or trim, this soft cream adds a touch of refinement to modern or traditional interiors. "The gentle warmth of the beige undertones adds depth and richness, making it an ideal choice for creating a serene and inviting atmosphere," says Ashley McCollum, Glidden color expert.
5
Vanillin by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Vanillin, a white hue with warm undertones, makes it easy to cultivate a cozy interior. "It provides the perfect amount of pigment while still remaining a subtle backdrop for any aesthetic," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. "Vanillin pairs well with both warm and cool colors."
6
Mushroom by Sherwin-Williams
Opt for a rich hue like Mushroom, a warm beige with gray undertones. "It's a beautiful color to carry throughout the home while adding bold pops of color or pairing with darker beiges and browns for an earthy vibe," says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. "This hue is especially well-suited for a bedroom thanks to its light neutral quality that provides an airy yet cozy getaway."
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7
Pointing by Farrow & Ball
Named after the color of lime pointing used in traditional brickwork, this fresh cream brightens and softens interiors. "I use Pointing in almost every project," says Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors. "It's a perfect ivory tone that doesn't go too yellow and looks good in nearly every space."
8
Painted Sands by Benjamin Moore
For a more intense cream, try Benjamin Moore's Painted Sands. "This paint color features a soft orange undertone, providing a warm and comforting feel without overpowering," says Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors. It pairs beautifully with white or black accents.
9
Shoelace by Behr
This creamy, off-white is a versatile choice for living spaces. "With a dusty yellow and brown undertone, Shoelace pairs well with dark wood furniture, metallic decor, knitted textures and earth tones from plants and greenery," says Erika Woelfel, Behr's VP of color and creative services.
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10
Cashmere by Dunn-Edwards
With subtle undertones of peach and pink, this light creamy neutral feels versatile and timeless. "The hues of Cashmere strike a perfect balance between warmth and neutrality," says Lauren Hoferkamp, head of color and design at Dunn-Edwards. "Its gentle, soothing qualities make it particularly well-suited for spaces where relaxation and comfort are paramount, such as living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas."
11
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
With just the right amount of warmth, White Dove is a clean and classic white. "We tend to use creams that have a gray or beige undertone, rather than a strong yellow undertone," says Julia Lauve of Workshop Studio. "White Dove pairs nicely with a charcoal black, as well a rich navy, sage or cedar green."
12
Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball
Taking its name from the delicate color of silk used in traditional ballet slippers, this chalky off-white is a timeless neutral. "Slipper Satin has long been a favorite of ours — it keeps the right balance between white, off-white and gray," says designer Lucinda Sanford.
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13
Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore
If you're searching for a brighter shade with creamy and yellow undertones, try Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee. "Swiss Coffee is my go-to neutral white," says Giana Castelli Garrigan, founder of Garrigan Design Group. "It works with both warm or cool color palettes and serves as a perfect base for layering colors and textures."
14
Shadow White by Farrow & Ball
Soft white with a hint of gray, Shadow White takes its name from the soft tone created when whites are used in shaded areas. This timeless color "suits those who feel more comfortable drifting seamlessly around their home — those quieter in personality who prefer not to be challenged," says Joa Studholme, colour curator for Farrow & Ball.
15
Creamy by Sherwin-Williams
With soft yellow undertones, this bright white is a great choice for older homes. "It's what I'd refer to as a chameleon color," says Emily Winters Posselt for Peabody's Interiors. "It changes in intensity and warmth, as it relates to the colors it's placed with, making it look spectacular with both warm and cool tones, dark and light tones."
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16
Cream Silk by Benjamin Moore
With hints of lemon and lime, this breezy pale shade brightens any interior. "It adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming, making it an ideal choice for spaces that need a subtle yet uplifting boost," says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore. Keep in mind, lemon-lime undertones pair beautifully with blue and lavender hues.
17
Natural Choice by Sherwin-Williams
Try this creamy, yet cool shade on interior walls or as a welcoming exterior color. "Natural Choice is a neutral white with a welcoming warmth that is creamy and not at all too stark," says Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. "It's a great way to add just a dash of color and warmth into a space."
18
Techno Gray by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Can't decide on gray or cream for your walls? Find a neutral shade, like Techno Gray, that blends warm and cool tones. This paint color feels inviting, yet moody — depending on your home style.
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Seapearl by Benjamin Moore
With cool gray undertones, this fresh white feels cozy and timeless. "I love Seapearl by Benjamin Moore," says interior designer Caroline Kopp. "Cream walls are soft and relaxing and look amazing in an all-neutral color scheme."
20
Heavy Cream by Behr
Inspired by homemade vanilla ice cream, this luscious white is bright and inviting. The neutral off-white has umber undertones, giving it a deeper shade.
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
