Six neutrals, and everything that goes with them.
Soft white, warm beige, greige, light warm grey, taupe and ivory. The woods, metal finishes and accent colours that suit each one, from the architects who plan colour together with light and materials.
Neutrals are harder to match than bold colours. Two off whites that look identical on a shade card can be a whole undertone apart on the wall, one leaning yellow and one leaning grey.
The shades on this page will look different from screen to screen, and different again in your own daylight and bulbs. Paint a large patch on your wall, look at it morning and night, and only then buy.
Soft white
White with a whisper of cream.
Gentler than pure white and kind to strong Bangalore sun. It bounces light around, so small rooms feel airy. Keep it clean with a washable finish.
Woods
Light oakBambooTeakCane
Metal finishes
BrassBrushed goldMatt blackNickel
Accent colours
Sage greenTerracottaNavyMustard
Best for: Ceilings, small bedrooms, passages, rooms with little natural light
Warm beige
The classic Indian living room neutral.
Sits comfortably with wood, stone and cane and makes a room feel welcoming. Choose a light touch. A heavy yellow beige can turn orange under evening bulbs.
Woods
TeakWalnutRosewoodCane
Metal finishes
Antique brassCopperBronzeMatt black
Accent colours
Deep greenRustBurgundySoft blue
Best for: Living rooms, dining areas, family bedrooms
Greige
Grey calm, without the cold.
A blend of grey and beige. A good middle path if you like a modern look but do not want a room that feels clinical.
Woods
Dark teakWalnutLight stoneSmoked oak
Metal finishes
NickelMatt blackChromeBronze
Accent colours
Dusty blueOlivePlumWarm white
Best for: Open living and dining spaces
Light warm grey
Soft grey with a touch of brown.
Feels soft instead of hard. A light version keeps the room bright. Very dark or very cool greys can make a room feel heavy, so use those in small amounts.
Woods
Pale oakAshWhite marbleGrey stone
Metal finishes
ChromeNickelMatt blackBrass
Accent colours
CoralTealMustardSoft pink
Best for: Studies, modern living rooms, kitchens
Taupe
Between brown and grey, with depth.
Adds richness without making the room dark. Beautiful on a feature wall or built in cupboards, and it loves natural textures like linen and jute.
Woods
WalnutDark teakSmoked oakRosewood
Metal finishes
BronzeBrassMatt blackAntique brass
Accent colours
CreamForest greenDeep blueBlush
Best for: Master bedrooms, feature walls, wardrobes
Ivory
Warm, with a slightly golden glow.
Warmer than soft white. Suits traditional and transitional homes and makes carved wood and fabric look rich. In a room with cool light it adds the warmth that is missing.
Woods
Carved teakCaneLight stoneTeak
Metal finishes
BrassGoldCopperAntique brass
Accent colours
MaroonBottle greenIndigoSaffron
Best for: Pooja rooms, dining rooms, north-facing rooms
Before you pick a neutral, check these four things
- The undertoneHold the shade card next to plain white paper. Warm walls go with teak. Cool walls go with grey stone and pale wood.
- Your wood and flooringMatch the warmth of the wall to the wood already in the room. Do not pair a very warm wall with a very cool floor.
- The light at nightA warm bulb can push beige towards orange. A cool white bulb can make grey look blue. Test under your own lights.
- The ceilingWhite is the usual answer. A ceiling one shade lighter than the wall feels softer and makes the room feel taller.
Plan colour with the design, not after it
Where the light comes in and which materials you use should guide the shade. Read the full written guide, or talk to our team about your home.
Read the full neutral colours guideBook a consultation
Aaikya Architects are CoA-registered residential architects in Bangalore. See our custom home design and modern house design work.