Posted on October 4, 2023 by KylieMawdsley
The NEW Era of Modern, Warm Neutral Shades
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen beige, tan, and TRENDY or IN STYLE in the same sentence – about 15 years, to be exact. And while we won’t be seeing any brands choose beige as their ‘colors of the year’ (brands tend to get a bit more ‘creative’ with things), there are many shades that should be in the running.
That’s right, beige is coming back in a hurry. Before you know it, we’ll be fully immersed in the warm neutral world again, reveling in the GLORY of travertine, beige walls, and Saint Cecilia granite countertops.
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Just joking.
None of this is coming back anytime soon, but this doesn’t mean YOU can’t love it for your home!
While some of the above is true, SOME finishes won’t be coming back any time soon. However, with the coming trends, it will be MUCH easier to update their look with PURPOSEFULLY chosen warm neutral paint colors.
Personally, I LOVE travertine tile and always will, whether it’s trendy or not!
WHERE IS BEIGE POPULAR IN 2024?
- a modern beige can be a great partner to some travertine tiles and early 2000s-style homes
- they can be great transitional colors for homes with a warmer Tuscan style when the owner doesn’t want a traditional RICH, golden beige
- they’re a great update to some of the more outdated granite countertops
- a modern beige or tan is a way of staying in the ‘warm’ family without overheating a south or west-facing room (which can look darn warm on the best of days)
- they’re a great way to add some softness to a NORTH-facing room without embracing the more golden end of things
And those are just a FEW ways you can use modern beige in your home. Just imagine what I can come up with once I’ve had my glass of wine…uno momento…NOW WE’RE PLAYIN’ WITH FIRE!
- a modern beige can be a great transitional color between spouses/partners who each prefer the warmer/cooler end of things
- you can also use a modern beige to take the warm edge off of some stronger warm-toned woods
- a modern beige can be great for resale – warmer than gray, which is falling off the trend charts, without being obnoxiously warm and reminiscent of the early 2000s
- it’s also a great bra color when you want to wear a white T-shirt
Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan
Now, you’re probably wondering what these so-called modern beige and tan paint colors are.
Let’s take a lil boo…
1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ACCESSIBLE BEIGE 7036
Accessible Beige is one of THE most popular beige paint colors and has been for several years – even during the gray trend. With an LRV of 58, Accessible Beige is a light beige, but rather than looking GOLDEN like the beiges of the early 2000s, it leans a wink into gray. And trust me, this wee willy wink makes a HUGE difference, particularly in a north-facing room!
These next two photos demonstrate how DRASTICALLY the look of Accessible Beige can change. HOWEVER, assume it will look more like the second photo…
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MODERATE WHITE 6140
Moderate White is one BUTT-ugly beige if you judge it by its Pinterest profile. However, in real life, it’s one of my faves. I will say that Moderate White has a bit more orange undertone than most people are looking for, but it suits a HECK of many interior finishes without looking heavy or outdated.
Compared to this leather sofa (creamy-beige, below), Moderate White almost looks CREAMY, which shows how flexible it can be…
Remember, paint colors will change their appearance based on the room finishes, exposure, light bulbs, and the owner’s photography skills!
I only use photos from my Online Paint Color Consulting clients – thank you for sending them in!
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Moderate White
3. BENJAMIN MOORE MARITIME WHITE OC-5
Maritime White is one of my favorite beige paint colors. Soft, subtle, and warm, it covers all the bases without a huge commitment to a particular undertone. Especially for those updating homes from the 2000s, this shade, along with a few others on this page are GREAT, modern options.
Some find Maritime White too orange, too pink, too yellow, but at the end of the day, it’s one of the more versatile, SUBTLE, and flexible shades of beige on the market!
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Maritime White
4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NATURAL LINEN 9109
As beige gets increasingly popular, I see Natural Linen playing a big part in the coming paint color trends. Personally? I LOVE IT!
For those used to the muted approach of gray, greige, and taupe, Natural Linen will seem AWFULLY beige. However, compare it to the traditional beiges of yesteryear, and you’ll see how massively subtle and freakin’ GORGEOUS it is.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Natural Linen
Get the best expert color advice.
5. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE SAND OC-10
White Sand is making the rounds. With a bit more depth than the ever-popular Ballet White, but not as much depth as the oldie but goodie, Manchester Tan, White Sand can be a great happy medium.
Check out how gorgeous White Sand is, acting as a moderator between the tan/white of the drapes and the strikingly red sofa…
With its muted, slightly tan-inspired warmth, White Sand offers a contrast with a warm white trim without weighing a room down with oppressive warmth. Unless your room is overly south-facing, in which case, you need to be very careful with your warm neutrals!
Get your Peel & Stick Sample of White Sand!
6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS AESTHETIC WHITE 7035
Regarding the best off-white warm beige paint colors, Aesthetic White and the previously mentioned Moderate White are near the top of my list.
All samples are sitting on Sherwin Williams Shell White.
The difference between Moderate White and Aesthetic White is that Aesthetic is more MUTED; it has a bit more gray to it, making it a great happy medium for those wanting a more PASSIVE nod toward warmth.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
7. BENJAMIN MOORE CLAY BEIGE OC-11
If White Sand doesn’t have the depth you’re looking for, Clay Beige is another great approach without tipping the scale into the HEAVY tans of the 2000s.
Clay Beige is a grounded shade of tan that’s very similar to Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan, another fan fave.
Compare Clay Beige’s undertones compared to those of Sherwin Williams Sandbar. This is an important comparison. Let’s say you have a south or west-facing room that gets OVERLY warm looking. Whereas Clay Beige’s warmth could overwhelm this space, the more muted, less yellow look of Sandbar could ground your space a bit more.
On the other hand, Clay Beige offers more warmth to a north-facing room over the more moody look of Sandbar.
COMPARE COMPARE COMPARE!
8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BALANCED BEIGE 7037
Balanced Beige is a great warm neutral if you’re looking for a BIT more depth without hitting anything too rich or golden. While lighter beige and tan paint colors will be more popular, Balanced Beige will definitely hold its own.
With an LRV of 46, Balanced Beige has more meat on its bones than the lighter SIMILAR version, Accessible Beige…
How to Choose YOUR Best Paint Color Using LRV
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige
Samplize peel-and-stick paint samples are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.
Samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE
9. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CANVAS TAN 7531
Canvas Tan looks a bit different from the others. Why? It’s a tan. What’s the MAIN difference between beige and tan? Generally speaking, REGARDLESS of whether the color name has ‘beige or tan’ in it, beige caters to an orange undertone, and tan caters to a yellow undertone.
Tans are OFTEN a bit more grounded looking, and while I wouldn’t say they’re grayed-out, many are more muted and ‘neutral’ looking compared to their popular beige counterparts (which can be open to perception, of course).
Canvas Tan has an LRV of 64, so it sits in the light range with that lovely balanced neutral base.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan
10. BENJAMIN MOORE MUSLIN OC-12
With trends leaning away from gray and into the warmer shade, people are looking for cozier colors. However, we’re not looking for old beiges; those heavy ones that are common to homes built in the last 20-25 years. We’re looking for modern, updated, FLEXIBLE shades.
Muslin is one of the most perfect, muted, warm shades of beige. While it centers on an orange undertone, it doesn’t cater hard to orange-yellow or orange-pink, making it versatile. It’s also not SO WARM that it’s off-putting to those who don’t love beige but realize their home needs it.
For example, Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige (below) is a bit more of a dated beige, commonly found in the 2000s homes…
While the shift isn’t major, it’s important, as the lighter, gentler approach of Muslin makes it more MODERN.
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Muslin
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11. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WOOL SKEIN 6148
Wool Skein might SEEM pretty tan with an almost greige backdrop to it, but surprise, it can lean a weee willly wink into green!
Wool Skein is on the lighter end of things without looking washed out. With an LRV of 63, it ALMOST hits my happy button! Which Tim has been trying to do for years…
Paint Colour Review of Wool Skein
What’s The Difference Between Beige & Tan?
12. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NATURAL TAN 7567
Do you like the approach of Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige but wish it were lighter? Take a look at Natural Tan. Natural Tan is a popular neutral shade with hints of yellow-green in it. With its LRV of 65, it’s a nice shift lighter than the heavier-looking Accessible Beige, which gives it a softer, more gentle approach.
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Natural Tan
And you MIGHT have noticed that these are all Sherwin Williams paint colors. Sure, I could add a few Benjamin Moore options to the list, colors like Muslin and Manchester Tan, but that’s for another day…and another blog post.
13. BENJAMIN MOORE MANCHESTER TAN HC-81
You’ve seen me mention Manchester Tan several times in the above info. This is because Manchester Tan is the OG of the beige and tan world (same with Muslin). Manchester Tan surfaced a few decades ago, and while the color trends ebbed and flowed, it still showed up in the odd home.
While I might’ve chosen a beige with a bit more orange undertone for the sake of this exotic red wood flooring, it’s still a lovely home! It also shows Manchester Tan VERY well, which is why I want to include it.
The Best Paint Colors with Brick Fireplaces
And now that warm colors are back, I imagine Manchester Tan will hop back in the driver’s seat (of its pimped-out Caddy, seeing as it IS the OG).
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan
14. SHERWIN WILLIAMS DIVINE WHITE SW 6105
If you’re looking for a Diviiiiine shade of beige, look no further than Divine White. Contrary to what its name says, Divine White is most definitely NOT what. Instead, with its LRV of 72, it’s a light-depth beige with a gorgeous orange undertone.
The Best Paint Colors to Update Your 2000s Home
Is it a stretch to say that Divine White is SUPER MODERN? Yes, but I’ve seen it work in SO MANY homes, especially homes that are transitioning, that it would be a shame to not mention it! If you want more modern, pop back to Aesthetic White.
Paint Color of Sherwin Williams Divine White
15. BENJAMIN MOORE NATURAL WICKER OC-1
Natural Wicker has my heart. Why? It’s a great hybrid between beige and cream – giving a polite nod to both without 100% commitment to either.
Seriously, is the above room not so stinkin’ PRETTY? My clients are the best. Compare Natural Wicker to the previously mentioned Muslin and see a) how much more beige Muslin looks and b) how Natural Wicker has a cheerier, almost creamier look.
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Natural Wicker
PEOPLE ALSO ASK…
ARE BEIGE & TAN MODERN/TRENDY FOR 2024?
Yes, beige is becoming popular again. Be careful to focus on muted, lighter beiges so they don’t mimic the beiges from the early 2000s – which could date your home rather than UPdate it.
IS BEIGE OLD-FASHIONED?
While the heavy beiges from the early 2000s are seen as outdated, new, modern beiges are a great way to add subtle warmth to your home. Long story short, no, the RIGHT beige isn’t old-fashioned.
But even then, if you put the right furnishings and decor around an outdated beige, it can look ‘more modern’ than it normally would.
IS BEIGE REPLACING GRAY?
Beige is replacing gray in a BIG way. While we’re still seeing a lot of greige and taupe, as well as more transitional warm neutrals, beige is becoming increasingly popular in the paint color and home decor/furnishing worlds.
READ MORE
Is Beige Back? Is Beige Trendy?
The #1 Secret to Coordinating Warm & Cool Paint Colors
Are Beige & Tan The Same Thing?
Paint Color Review: Sherwin Williams Loggia & Shittake
Benjamin Moore’s Best Beige & Tan Paint Colours
The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colors
The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors
Not sure which beige is best for you?
Check out my affordable and fun E-Design!
Chat soon,
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2021. AWESOME UPDATED TO BE MODERN & TRENDY IN 2023
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Hi Kylie! I’m a huge fan! Loved this paint color review re. beige and tan. I never got on the gray train… hubster and I always choose warm, sometimes neutral colors. Anyhow….in our previous home (bought 2009) we used SW Moderate white in our living room which featured a natural brick fireplace. Gorgeous!
Author
YES, I love Moderate White SO MUCH and I’m really hoping to see more of it in the coming warmer years – it’s a beautiful warm neutral.
Hi, We are building a new home. I have chosen SW Natural Linen for walls and SW aesthetic white for cabinets and trim( doors too).
Will this combo look okay?
Author
NOPE! stop the bus! One of those will need to shift! Natural Linen would like something whiter OR cleaner. OR, Aesthetic White prefers a beige with a bit more dirt in it, ie. Accessible Beige 🙂
Which SW white should I choose? Construction decorator chose this combo.. I have struggled w the choice.
Exterior is balanced beige w aesthetic white trim and tricorn black front door and corbels.
The natural linen wall color blends w all my fabrics. Thank you so much for
input.. construction is on hold again( the world is on hold) so think I have time to change colors .. not like I am wanting walls moved.
One more question, if I can use accessible beige for walls, would aesthetic white look not too gray .. I am a beige kinda decorator w my fabrics. My kitchen counter is Silestone silken Pearl .
Thanks so much and look forward to your input. This is our last new build ( 4 total ).
Hi Kylie! I can’t thank you enough for this incredible website! We just purchased our first home and every time our newborn son is down for a nap I am on this website learning!! To think not that long ago I didn’t even know what LRV was 🙂 Our living room is north-facing and there are warmer tones throughout the house (for example, the trim is a deeper orange-red stained wood and we have a Persian-style deep red/navy blue carpet), so I was thinking of maybe doing Kilim Beige on the walls with Pure White on the ceilings; however, I would LOVE to do one of these warm new-era beiges (but I have learned from you that what fits the house is better than what colors I like!). Do you think any of these new-era beiges would work in a north-facing living room with warmer elements (warmer trim and Persian-style deep red/navy blue rug) with pure white on the ceiling? Thank you so much for this website and all of your help and advice!
Author
Thank you for the awesome compliments!
So, you’ve done your homework and YES, Kilim Beige does make me that bit nervous :). PERSONALLY, I would explore Sherwin Williams Natural Linen as it has a similar approach, but a more MODERN take on things! It also has that bit more warmth than a colour like Accessible Beige to handle the northern light a bit better. I hope this helps!
So helpful! Truly thank you so much! I’m so grateful I found this website! 🙂
Hi Kylie,
I’ve used Manchester Tan in my living room for the last ten years and love it. I want to lighten the room up and I’m thinking of using Manchester Tan at 50% lighter. Do you think this is a good idea? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated too😊
Thanks, Nancy
Author
OH heck yes, get a sample pot and try it out!
I have Baltic brown countertops in my ensuite and I’m wanting to do a backsplash wallpaper. Can I use Tempaper Peonies Noir or will it be too busy with the counter?The rest of the walls are SW Alabaster White, cabinets are BM White Chocolate and hardware and faucet are matte black.
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for this post! I searching for a beige for trim and baseboards. Can you do a post on beige/tan/cream baseboard and wall combos please?
Kylie, thank you for your wonderful website and youtube channel – they helped endlessly to put my mind in peace and sort things out in my head :).
i’ve had Accessible Beige and Balanced Beige in our house since 2013 and no matter how i tried to pick sth else for the new house, I ended with Accessible beige for garage, kitchen and living and probably it will be my pick even for the master bedroom. I had no desire to make my house trendy (actually , quite the opposite) 🙂 but here we go.
One of the reasons i keep choosing it is that it ooks different in every room, yet has no suspicious undertones. It’s just neutral but warm and it’s there – the walls are not white, but at the same time it blends so well that, as i said above – i ‘ve had it since 2013 and not tired of it at all. I know every color is affected by light and many other factors, but I think that AB is more of a chameleon than “any color”:).
Author
Accessible Beige really is SO awesome. With trends going warmer, I expect to see more of it – so even thouh you don’t worry about trends, you’re right on point!
Hi Kylie,
Loving you posts. Updating our golden colors from the past and struggling a bit with older oak furniture and green sofa. hoping some of the above may look good before I chicken out and stick with the old. Do you mind sharing the color on the wall in last photo above the crib? Thanks!
What is the trim and door color in the second “Canvas Tan” photo. I love this look!
I am experiencing for the first time choosing paint colors for multiple rooms in my house. To say I’ve been overwhelmed would be an understatement— how many white paint colors can you have?! lol so I have been reading many blog articles on your website!! I would love some clarification though. In this article, you indicate that Kilim Beige would date my home. And yet you have another article on top 9 darker beige colors where you list Kilim Beige and you have a whole post/review on the paint color. I’m wondering how to make all of these jive. I was leaning towards using that paint color— but modernizing the furniture and overall aesthetic of the room— but now I’m not sure based on your mention of it in this article. Thank you!!
Author
Oh, it’s a tough one. The thing is, it can look dated, depending on its surroundings, as it is a slightly darker/stronger beige. But all the same, it has TONS OF FANS! Would I use it if I wanted a modern look? Nope. But TONS of people do – and love it!
So my bathroom looks just like your first few pictures-macadamia on the walls (so TAN), beige travertine tile with light and dark spots, same in the shower with the typical diamond pattern strip along the wall, and countertops similar to yours and a chocolate brown vanity with brushed nickel hardware (except for our light and mirrors which are oil rubbed bronze). Do we ever fit the stereotype of this article. Everything is so beige and tan! I love the idea of urbane bronze on the vanity, but struggling with what off white/beige for the walls. Just from the little sample I have, I like maritime white and moderate white. Manchester tan seems like a lighter version of what I have now. The room gets hardly any natural light so the macadamia color looks really dark and tan. I know you mentioned staying away from yellow undertones. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your detailed and helpful explanations of the plethora of tan and beige options! I’m updating my orange wood furniture to lighten and modernize my home. I like my wall color (BM Collingwood) and trim/accent board & battan wall (BM simply white) and want to use a tan/beige paint with raw wood on several pieces of furniture (cabinets, coffee table, dining table with black chairs) while keeping it warm but not orange.
I’ve been reading your articles and I’m leaning toward SW natural linen on the lighter end to SW balanced beige on the darker end. What would you suggest that would look alright with my wall color? I’m planning to use SW Caviar on my dining chairs – seems like a nice warm black.
The windows face east and have good light through the whole day.
Thank you for your help in choosing!
Author
Hey Kathryn! I recommend reading this blog post on how to work with warm and cool colors while keeping them both happy! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-1-secret-to-coordinating-warm-cool-paint-colors/