20 Most Popular Paint Colors Readers Are Sampling

While there’s a wide range of ‘popular’ or ‘best ‘paint colors for walls, cabinets, and exteriors, there’s only a small handful (also what my hubby calls me) that I refer to constantly in my Online Paint Color Consulting.

Subtle, warm off-whites, the perfect blue-green blend, moody shades of greige – it runs the whole gamut. But just because these colors are the most popular with my clients and readers doesn’t mean they’re best for you and your home. This is why sampling and comparing a range is so important.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Rather than relying on what paint brands say are ‘this year’s/last year’s best color’, let’s look at what people are actually sampling, with real home images.

WHAT DOES ‘MOST SAMPLED’ MEAN?

Unlike drinking and mooning people, this isn’t just my hobby. As one of North America’s top paint color experts, here’s how I know these colors are popular.

Extensive data on my most popular, clicked-on blog post reviews
Samplize orders (as I have a close partnership with them and am their top referrer)
Completing 12,000+ consultations gives me great insights as to which colors are coming and going. Part of my questionnaire asks, ‘Are there any colors you’re curious about or have sampled already?‘
The comment sections of my YouTube channel, Instagram, and blog.

Below, you’ll find…

The most popular paint colors in the most popular color categories. This doesn’t make them the BEST color for a particular job, but it means they could be well-worth sampling.
For each color listed, you’ll get similar shades. Again, sampling and comparing are vital!
You’ll also find links to some of my pre-approved Samplize Color Collections, so you can sample a range of similar colors that I’ve already vetted.

So, as the Great Winnie the Pooh once said, ‘Let’s begin by beginning‘…

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EGRET WHITE 7570

Sure, many homeowners and renters are neck deep in the wild world of beige. However, others are less inclined. Instead, they want more of a happy medium between warm and cool.

That is where Egret White comes in. It’s hugely popular with my clients who want more warmth than gray, but are nervous about beige and cream. As for undertones, many fall in love with Egret White’s passive warmth and subtle approach to color.

Egret White is most commonly sampled for open-concept spaces and whole homes. However, it’s showing up for exteriors, too.

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

Sherwin Williams Modern Gray is another up-and-comer thanks to its beautiful, organic warmth.
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist is a touch grayer and has been hot for years.
Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White comes at things a bit lighter.

Rather than second-guessing, check out my Curated Color Collection of taupes to sample and compare.

Sherwin Williams Egret White Paint Color Review

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NATURAL LINEN 9109

While beige is obviously a hot topic, some of us don’t have the testicular fortitude to dive headfirst into the deep end of the warm pool. However, we still want the benefits of its warmth and softness. In this case, Natural Linen comes in handy.

Natural Linen suits a considerably wide range of interior finishes from the early 2000s while appealing to those with newer homes.

That said, those who love a traditionally warm beige look may find it duller than ditchwater. Remember, perception plays a huge part in choosing your best paint color. One person’s ‘best color ever’ could be your worst…

Sample and compare similar paint colors in your home’s natural environment.

SIMILAR COLORS TO SAMPLE (SHOWN ABOVE)

Benjamin Moore Maritime White, for a slightly lighter, brighter approach to beige.
Benjamin Moore Cedar Key offers an interesting, muted beige with a wink of taupe.
Sherwin Williams Moderate White has a pretty brightness and freshness
Sherwin Williams Natural Tan is a more moderate, muted look at things.

Just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable beige paint colors collection.

Sherwin Williams Natural Linen Paint Color Review

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS OYSTER BAY 6206

Green-gray is one of the most popular color groups on my blog, so it’s no surprise that Oyster Bay and its sage green-inspired hue is near the top of the list.

While you can find green, blue, and green-blue blends in almost any room, they’re most popular in bedrooms and bathrooms. This year, I’ve also seen more exterior requests, including front doors, shutters, and siding.

SIMILAR COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

Sherwin Williams Techno Gray is a green-gray with a more organic look.
Comparing Oyster Bay (bottom) to Sherwin Williams Chatroom (middle) shows that shift, whereas Oyster Bay offers a bit more color and more chance of some blue mixing with the green.

If you love Oyster Bay, sample and compare it to the best SIMILAR SHADES.

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS POPULAR GRAY 6071

Popular Gray has been waiting in the wings for its time in the sun, and based on the requests I receive, it should probably put on some sunscreen. While it has a slightly more purposeful approach to its taupe undertones, many find its gentle look calming and relaxing.

As shown in this next image, some rooms have a range of undertone needs. Notice how Modern Gray winks seductively at the bedding and a bit at the rug, while Popular Gray hits the graywashed wood of the bedframe and the rug a bit more…

As advised, my clients chose Popular Gray, and it’s absolutely perfect for a relaxing, soothing bedroom retreat…

The Best Relaxing, Calming Paint Colors

SIMILAR SHADES TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

There are a ton of colors that are worth comparing with Popular Gray. Here are a few of my favorites…

Benjamin Moore Collingwood is a classic color
Sherwin Williams Alpaca offers a bit more gray than Popular Gray
Here are the top colors I suggest to my Quick Consult clients along with Popular Gray.

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHIITAKE 9173

Holy Shiit…ake. This color went from barely noticed to hugely popular in 12 months. For those who love non-white cabinet paint colors, colors like Shiitake are often on their sample list. This is a soft beige-tan – not a deep or heavy one, nor a rich one. It offers moderation in depth and temperature.

Now, I can’t say it’s as popular for walls or exteriors, although some still explore it. Shiitake is making more of a name for itself as an organic, natural, earth-toned cabinet paint color.

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (coming up shortly, shown on the top left) is a beautiful color (not quite right with this travertine, but a good example all the same).
Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige is a light-medium beige and a great comparable for Shiitake
You’ll also want to check out Sherwin Williams Loggia, to see how it compares to Shiitake (far right sample) in your room’s lighting.

Please ask (leave a comment) if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable tan paint color collection.

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MOODY BLUE 6221

Blues and greens are timeless paint colors – it just comes down to which type of blue and green is currently in style. Let’s just say that Moody Blue is having a moment.

While it can be far too much for an open-concept space, colors like Moody Blue are showing up all over the place – cabinets, accent walls, front doors, and more.

Here’s Moody Blue compared to a range of gorgeous front door paint colors…

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE WITH MOODY BLUE

Sherwin Williams Riverway is a great comparison and one of my favorite green-blue blends.
A lot of people love the classic look of Benjamin Moore Caribbean Teal, which has a gorgeous, green-centric vibe.

Here are a few more of the best paint colors to compare with Moody Blue.

7. BENJAMIN MOORE PALE OAK OC-20

5 years ago, I had to convince and beg many of my clients and readers to sample Pale Oak – many were afraid of the undertones it can pick up. Since then, it’s gained a reputation as being a flexible, beautiful color for a ton of finishes and lighting situations.

In fact, many of my clients are considering Pale Oak for their entire home thanks to its versatility. It’s also a hot topic for kitchen cabinets, although you do need to be cautious.

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

Definitely compare Pale Oak with Egret White to see that shift in temperature in person.
Sherwin Williams City Loft is another gorgeous shade with a bit more undertone.

Please just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable taupe paint color collection.

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Pale Oak

8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS IRON ORE 7069

While black will always have its place, I’m happy to see it’s falling out of favor, especially on exteriors. While it can be striking, it can also be overwhelming. That’s where Iron Ore comes in.

Many of my clients and followers who love darker colors want impact…with softness. Iron Ore is a soft shade of black that most often appears with a weeee green hue.

These days, most are sampling Iron Ore for their exterior trim (on a large scale) as well as the inside and outside of front doors. However, I still see great demand for kitchen islands and even dark, moody accent walls.

COLORS TO COMPARE

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black for a cleaner, crisper look.
Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart and Wrought Iron are gorgeous if you prefer a more blue hue.

Please just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable black paint color collection.

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore Color Review

9. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER

When it comes to the most popular white paint colors, I don’t give them as much credit as I do other colors. Why?

Well, whites are consistently a popular choice for homes because they’re the most chosen color for trim, ceilings, and doors – inside and outside. However, some whites hold their own for other applications – colors like Alabaster.

Visit my friend, Kathy, at Dream Home Rewind.

99.5% of the photos in my blog are of REAL HOMES from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, and friends. While not always magazine-perfect, they’re packed with ideas and proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.

Alabaster is often sampled for whole homes, single rooms, open concepts…cabinets, trim, doors, exteriors, toenails. Basically, if you can paint it, you can sample Alabaster for it.

This is probably because people are drawn to its white, but soft, subtle, creamy warmth. Not too stark, not too yellow (though that’s open to perception), Alabaster checks a heck of a lot of boxes.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster Paint Color Review

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

While Alabaster isn’t a one-trick pony, it’s not the best white for every home. For this reason, sample and compare it to…

Sherwin Williams Pure White for less warmth
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa for warmth with a bit more brightness
Benjamin Moore White Dove for a more subtle approach to warmth

Or sample and compare my pre-approved whites in this Curated White Color Collection.

10. BENJAMIN MOORE NATURAL CREAM OC-14

Thanks to online influencers, Natural Cream made a name for itself on kitchen cabinets (more so than walls or exteriors). And while my eyeballs aren’t sweatin’ looking at it, it’s not all about me, as many of my clients love it.

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Natural Cream

COLORS TO COMPARE

Start with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, for sure
Also grab a sample of Sherwin Williams Modern Gray

Please ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable, warm neutral paint color collection.

11. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ACCESSIBLE BEIGE 7036

Sue-prize, sue-prize – look who showed up at the party. Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige is undoubtedly one of the sweethearts of the beige world. And while it’s been going for years, I’m still asked for it, and colors like it, on a daily basis.

Is it because it’s a beige with a buttload of gray? Or is it that its depth offers contrast and body without a ton of visual weight? I don’t know. It’s not a color I’d paint in my home (due to its depth), but it sure as heck looks great in a ton of others.

Accessible Beige is still popular as a whole-home beige paint color (though that’s softened a bit). More are sampling it for open concepts, kitchen cabinets, trim and doors, and exteriors.

Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige Paint Color Review

COLORS TO COMPARE

Take a look at Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige for a warm neutral with a bit more depth.
Sherwin Williams Shiitake is an awesome alternative to Accessible Beige.
For a bit more warmth and a lighter look, sample Sherwin Williams Natural Tan.

Please just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable beige paint color collection.

12. BENJAMIN MOORE METROPOLIS CC-546

Gone are the days of gray on everything. However, just because a color isn’t trendy doesn’t mean a) you care and b) that gray still isn’t the best color for your home.

This is why Metropolis is still a popular color with many of my readers. Again, with gray fading far into the distance, many crave a bit more softness and warmth – even a touch of taupe. Whether for an accent wall, bathroom vanity, or exterior, Metropolis is taking cities by storm.

CHECK OUT THESE ALTERNATIVES

Sherwin Williams Dovetail is one of the best comparables for Metropolis.
Also take a look at the darker, moody, Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

Here are the best pre-approved colors to compare with Metropolis.

Benjamin Moore Metropolis Paint Color Review

13. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHOJI WHITE 7042

Shoji White is the off-white of the year, by far. Many of my clients are sampling this color (as we speak), whether it’s for their walls, cabinets, or exterior – even their exterior trim!

COLORS TO COMPARE WITH SHOJI WHITE – ABSOLUTE MUSTS

You definitely need a sample of Sherwin Williams White Duck
Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White is another great alternative

Find those and a few more great options in my Curated Off-White Collection.

Sherwin Williams Shoji White Paint Color Review

14. BENJAMIN MOORE CHARCOAL SLATE HC-178

While there’s something to be said for a classic navy blue, like Harry Jowsey, not everyone wants that much commitment. For those people, a color like Charcoal Slate is perfect.

REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE ABOVE COLORS: SW Grizzle Gray | BM Trout Gray | BM Cheating Heart

Charcoal Slate is a darker gray with a heavy blue hue (blue-purple). Popular for cabinets, kitchen islands, exteriors, accent walls, and more. It has a skookum depth without overwhelming you with too much blue hue.

Here are the best colors to compare with Charcoal Slate.

15. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC-17

As mentioned with Sherwin Williams Alabaster, whites shouldn’t get as much credit as they do for their popularity – they’re often necessities for the average home.

However, White Dove is the most popular and most-sampled warm white paint color for good reasons.

It’s gorgeous and flexible for kitchen cabinets, trim, ceilings, and doors
Whether you want to paint a single room, open-concept spaces, or your whole home, White Dove is one of the best warm whites because it’s flexible.

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

Every home has its best white (maybe 2 or 3). This is why sampling alternatives is so important. Here are the only whites I ever compare with White Dove.

Benjamin Moore White Dove Color Review

16. BENJAMIN MOORE REVERE PEWTER HC-172

Oh, you better believe that Revere Pewter is still a top choice with my clients and readers. Thanks to its heavy warmth (often appearing more greige than warm gray), Revere Pewter has been popular for decades. While like my sanity, it’s slipping a bit, it’s still well sampled and well used.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter Color Review

COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

If I suggest Revere Pewter to one of my clients, it’s often accompanied by mentions of…

Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray
Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray
Benjamin Moore Rodeo, for a lighter, more muted look

Please just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable greige and warm gray paint colors.

17. BENJAMIN MOORE MANCHESTER TAN HC-81

While it’s not as popular as Revere Pewter (few colors are), Manchester Tan is one of Benjamin Moore’s more classic, timeless colors. Its popularity ebbs and flows, but I’m getting more and more requests and sampling of this color.

COLORS TO COMPARE WITH MANCHESTER TAN

I highly recommend sampling and comparing…

Benjamin Moore Muslin for a gorgeously balanced beige
Sherwin Williams Natural Linen
Sherwin Williiams Natural Tan

Please just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable beiges.

Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan Color Review

18. SHERWIN WILLIAMS URBANE BRONZE 7048

Urbane Bronze is still one of my Online Paint Color Consulting clients’ most requested colors – a color they hope to use in their home, and they’re hoping I agree – and often I do!

Ideas to Update a 1990s Staircase | How to Update a 2000s Staircase

This uber dark shade of greige is gorgeous on cabinets and islands, as well as stair railings, exteriors, and more.

Check out this blog post to see comparable shades: Urbane Bronze vs. Porpoise, Iron Ore, & More.
Please just ask if you want a link to my pre-approved, comparable dark greige paint colors.

Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze Color Review

19. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE DUCK 7010

Right up there with Shoji White is its kissin’ cousin, White Duck. These shades are very similar, with the same moderate approach to warmth – kind of like creams heavily dipped in greige-taupe, which takes a huge edge off. Some find them dingy (if you’re a cream lover), while others love their calming, organic look.

COLORS TO COMPARE WITH WHITE DUCK

Sherwin Williams Shoji White, of course.
You might also want to look at Sherwin Williams Pearly White and Benjamin Moore Ballet White.
Check out Sea Pearl (below), as well as these pre-approved comparable colors.

Sherwin Williams White Duck Color Review

20. BENJAMIN MOORE SEAPEARL OC-19

Seapearl is another color that comes up often. It offers an interesting versatility, making it popular for open concepts, but it also shows up on my clients’ off-white exteriors.

Benjamin Moore Seapearl Paint Color Review

SIMILAR COLORS TO SAMPLE & COMPARE

Benjamin Moore Dove Wing often flies under the radar (wink wink), but is showing up a lot more often.
Sherwin Williams Shoji White is a great alternative to Seapearl, as is White Duck.

Benjamin Moore’s Best Paint Colors

Get the best paint color and home update advice with Kylie M’s Online Paint Color Consulting.