Create a soothing space with these expert-adored calming paint colorsranging from subtle neutrals to sea-inspired blues.
“Color can help shape our day-to-day environments andimpact our mood,” she says.
Wadden suggests veering towardscalming bluesandgreens, which she describes as “soothing and grounding colors that encourage well-being.
Designer Cecily Mendell’s bedroom painted with Caspian from Portola Paints.Credit: Erin Kunkel
Nicole Gibbons, founder ofClare Paint, also uses blues and neutrals to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Blue-greens and soft grays can feel especially tranquil and instantly put you at ease.”
Favorite Blue-Green Paint Colors
Blends of blue and green draw on nature’s relaxing properties.
Headspace wall color by Clare Paint.Credit: Courtesy of Clare Paint
Gibbons has two go-to shades she recommends forrelaxing spaces, and they’re both hazy and ethereal.
It’s a “soft, cool, barely-there gray with a slightly green undertone,” says Gibbons.
“It’s light, airy, and calming: an excellent antidote to a long day.”
Primary bathroom featuring Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams.Credit: Courtesy of Molly Culver Photography
Gibbons also lovesHeadspaceby Clare Paint, which she says is a universal favorite.
Its a soft, light color, which evokes a sense of peacefulness, he says.
Houston-based interior designerJennifer Barronsays it’s the ideal bathroom color.
Kitchen walls painted with Feather Down by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Mary Craven Photography
Feather Down by Benjamin Moore
Nashville interior designerKatie Gibsonloves Benjamin Moore’sFeather Down.
“It is a perfect neutral, not too dark but not stark white,” she says.
It’s a relaxing choice for large,open-concept living spaceswith a centraldining roomand kitchen.
Kitchen cabinets painted with Drop Cloth by Farrow & Ball.Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Shields Photography
Indianapolis-based interior designerWhittney Parkinsonfeatured Farrow & Ball’sDrop Clothin a space that lacked ample natural light.
She wanted to create a warm environment without using bright whites, and taupe did the trick.
“It is one of my most consistently usedpaint colors, and it never disappoints,” she says.
Living room shiplap wall featuring Cloud White by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Julie Soefer
This guest house project was designed to bring tranquility to visitors the moment they step through the door.
Interior designerMarika Meyeroften recommends the shade to clients.
Iceberg by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’sIcebergalso makes Meyer’s list of favoritecalming paint colors for bedrooms.
Bathroom walls painted with Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Angie Seckinger
“It’s both serene and crisp at the same time.”
“Painting a soft blueon the ceilingof this sitting room brings such warmth,” she says.
“It created a sense of coziness and allowed the gilded chandelier to really pop.”
Primary bedroom featuring Iceberg by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Angie Seckinger
Restful Gray Paint Colors
Don’t forget about gray!
Her go-to choice is Farrow & Ball’sPavilion Gray.
She describes this color as warm and sophisticated and says it makes her feel “completely serene.”
Primary bedroom walls painted with Oyster Shell by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Konxy Knox
London Fog by Benjamin Moore
DesignerBecky Shearecommends Benjamin Moore’sLondon Fogfor open, modern living spaces.
Pair dark trim with light wall color for a pleasing contrast.
Interior designerJennifer Barronsuggests the shade as a calming color for bedrooms that envelops guests and creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Sitting room ceiling featuring Lookout Point by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Anna Routh Barzin
“Naval is tied to the seas and the skies, making it an incredibly grounding color.
Does the color work with your decor, and does it hold up against the existingtrim color?
These are all important questions to ask before buying cans and rollers.
Walls painted with Seize the Gray by Clare Paint.Credit: Courtesy of Clare Paint
If you’re still not sold on a single shade, choose a few and compare them side-by-side.
Less reflective finishes can be more calming because they’ll produce less glare in sunlight.
They’ll also show fewer imperfections on the wall’s surface.
Neutral bedroom walls painted with Pavilion Gray by Farrow & Ball.Credit: Courtesy of Julia Robbs
Look for warm neutrals likeOpalfrom Benjamin Moore, which features peachy undertones, or the raw sugar-huedTurbinadoby Clare.
Add depth to soft, neutral paint colors by layering different shades of your chosen color throughout the space.
Dining room walls painted with London Fog by Benjamin Moore.Credit: Courtesy of Sean Litchfield
Bathroom cabinets painted Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball.Credit: Courtesy of Alise O’Brien
Bedroom featuring Naval by Sherwin-Williams.Credit: Courtesy of Sherwin Williams
