I’ve seen how hard it is to pick paint colors. Some shades look almost the same, right? But when you put them on a wall, they can feel totally different. That’s why I made this page—to help you compare paint colors side by side.

You’ll find all my paint match-ups here. I go over stuff like undertone differences, how they look in real homes, and which one might feel better in your space. I’ve grouped them by color families so it’s easy to scroll through.

If you’re stuck between two whites, grays, or bold shades, I’ve got you. These are real opinions of Interior Designing Blog, with simple notes and real-room examples of Paint Color Comparisons to help you decide.

Paint Color Comparisons: Side-by-Side Paint Match-Ups

Whites & Off-Whites

Some whites feel warm and soft. Others look bright and cool. It really depends on the undertone—and I’ve compared them all to help you decide.

Grays & Greiges

Some grays feel cool, some feel warm, and greige sits right in the middle. These picks are super popular because they work just about anywhere.

Dark & Bold Accents

These deep colors are great when you want something bold—like for a door, trim, or even a whole wall if you’re feeling brave.

  • Tricorn Black vs Iron Ore – Both are dark, but one’s true black and the other’s a bit softer. I’ve seen them look amazing on front doors.

See the Colors Side-by-Side

Need to see the difference? These swatches show how each shade actually looks.

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
#F0ECE4
Benjamin Moore White Dove
#F8F5EC
Sherwin-Williams Pure White
#F5F5F5
Sherwin-Williams Extra White
#FAFAFA
Sherwin-Williams Shoji White
#EDE8DD
Sherwin-Williams Snowbound
#F6F6F6
Benjamin Moore Cloud White
#F2EFE6
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
#F4F0E6
Benjamin Moore Ballet White
#EDE7DA
Benjamin Moore Pale Oak
#DED7CD
Sherwin-Williams Dover White
#F3EAD3
Sherwin-Williams Worldly Gray
#D0C8BD
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray
#D1CBC1
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
#CCC8C1
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black
#1C1C1C
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore
#3B3B3B

FAQ’s

Which color is best in paint?

Honestly, there’s no “best” color. It depends on your room, light, and what you like. Some folks love warm whites like Alabaster. Others go for soft grays or deep greens. I’d say pick what feels calm and looks good in your space.

How do you find the complementing paint colors?

I just grab a color wheel or test some samples side by side. Usually, colors that sit across from each other (like blue and orange) pop together. But soft matches work too—like beige with soft green. Trust your eyes. If it feels nice, it’s probably right.

What color is replacing gray?

Beige and greige are kind of taking over now. People still like gray, but warmer shades like Agreeable Gray or Pale Oak feel a bit cozier. I’ve seen a lot of tan, taupe, and even soft clay colors lately.

What is the hardest paint color to match?

Whites. No joke. One white might look yellow in the sun and blue at night. Matching white trim to white walls? Total headache. Even “bright white” can mean five different things in different brands.

How to pick the perfect paint color?

I always test a few swatches on the wall. Not on the card—on the actual wall. See how it looks morning, noon, and night. And don’t rush it. What looks great in the store might feel totally off at home.

What colors are better together?

I like soft pairings—like sage green and cream, or navy and white. But it really depends on the vibe. If you want bold, go for deep blue and burnt orange. If you want calm, try warm whites with light gray. There’s no rule—just go with what feels right to you.