11 Barely-There Paint Colors Designers Swear By 

Mary Beth Wagner of Mary Beth Wagner Interiors recommends Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. "Since it's not a stark white, it changes slightly depending on the amount of natural light in the room and complements almost all color palettes," she says.  

"China White by Benjamin Moore is my current go-to," says Maggie Griffin, founder of Maggie Griffin Design. "With subtle undertones of greige and brown, it's a warmer white with a ton of depth. Complimentary to other warm tones like olive green, dusty coral, and soft taupes, we gravitate to this color for both interior and exterior surfaces."

Anastasia Casey of The Identité Collective loves the color she used on her kitchen's lower cabinetry. "We used Clare Paint's Greige, and it is a gray but has a super subtle green to it," she says. "Depending on the time of day, the color definitely changes for the perfect barely-there hue."

Nicole Groth of Lindley Arthur Interiors used Sheer Pink on the walls for a recent bedroom project. "The biggest benefit of using this 'barely-there' paint color is that it allows my client's daughter to grow in her space without having to completely redesign when she moves into her teen years," she says. 

"When it comes to subtle paint color, we love Benjamin Moore's Paper White," says designer Brynn Olson. "Don't let the name mislead you—the color shouldn't be confused with an actual white as it has the most perfect, barely-there hint of gray. It's crisp and clean and looks good in any room."

"Benjamin Moore's Simply White serves as the perfect neutral backdrop for a calm and serene space," says Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors. "Whether it's in a living room, bedroom, kitchen, or bath, it's sure to immediately brighten up your space."

Flanigan also trusts Benjamin Moore's Athena, a softer white option. "If a bright white gives you pause, there are several warmer options that still provide a neutral background," she says. "We adore Athena for its more saturated color and how it mimics natural light. Further, it might just be the perfect light greige."

Looking to combine two barely-there shades? Designer Kara Adam of Dallas firm Kara Adam Interiors says her go-to combination is White Dove on the walls with Chantilly Lace trim. "It's a sure thing pairing," Adam says. "There is not a contemporary or traditional setting in which it doesn't work. It's also an amazing backdrop for art— not too cool or gray. I've never had it go wrong."

Brooke McGuyer of Brooke McGuyer Interiors trusts White Dove, too. "White Dove is one of the most versatile barely-there paint colors," she says. "Not only is it the perfect neutral backdrop on interior walls, but it looks stunning on cabinetry and even a home's exterior."

Designers for the Tennessee-based firm WellxDesign used Sherwin-Wiliams' Eider White on the walls of this guest suite. "It falls on the warm side, so it can be great for brightening up rooms with limited natural light without looking too stark or cold," they say. "The undertones can be tricky, though, depending on the space and lighting, so always try it out first in your own space."

Ashley DeLapp, Founder of Charlotte's Ashley DeLapp Interior Design, loves the versatility of Edgecomb Gray. "It's a perfect neutral greige paint color, so it works in many interiors and has a brightening effect in most spaces," she says. "This color is perfect for adding a touch of warmth while keeping a room light and airy."