Designers Spill on the Best Benjamin Moore Paints

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Gillian Grefe

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on September 9, 2019

Paint is the backdrop to let your interior design style pop. While any room is a blank canvas for Havenly’s expert interior designers, wall color is an important part of creating a cohesive design scheme for any space, whether it’s an open-concept studio, a dining room or a cozy, family-friendly living room. That’s why Havenly has teamed with Benjamin Moore for a curated collection of paints in perennially perfect colors. 

Benjamin Moore is a premium brand all about quality and artistry, says Havenly designer Heather Goerzen. There’s also a practical aspect: “Using Benjamin Moore means you’ll get better coverage and richer, more pigmented colors in fewer coats that will last a long time,” Goerzen says. “Painting parties can be fun — once. You don’t want to be retouching every year.” 

All of Havenly’s Benjamin Moore paints are also VOC free, and the Natura series is certified as a safe option for people with asthma and allergies. So, you’ve got the premium paint covered. But what about the shade? 

Goerzen suggests determining whether you choose a neutral or a bold color by thinking about how committed you are to a color. “Avoid a bold hue simply for the sake of a trend, since this is a color you could be living with for years,” she says. “Like any relationship, it should be something you’ve been flirting with for awhile.” 

You can also consider the mood you’re trying to create. A dark, rich hue creates drama, while a softer, dustier tone can emanate romance. Neutrals like whites and grays feel airy, relaxed and effortless. Last, think about where you’re putting the paint. While a bedroom, living room or dining room can all be great candidates for a statement color, you might start off instead with a small area like a powder room, or even the trim. “Darker trim painted in navy blue, smoky gray, or black is having a moment right now,” Goerzen says.

Whether you keep it neutral or go for the bold, your designer can send you an oversized paper sample of any suggested shade — just ask! In the meantime, we’ve got a glimpse of expert-approved Benjamin Moore paint colors and painting ideas below, courtesy of Goerzen. When you make your decision, Havenly makes it easy: by partnering with local distributors, we’ll deliver the paint to your doorstep for a flat fee of $15.

Did you know Benjamin Moore alone has 157 shades of white? Fortunately, Havenly designers are well versed in the countless nuances and subtleties of white, Goerzen says.

“The most predominant factor is knowing whether to opt for warmer or cooler tones of white,” she says. It’s easier than you might think: look at your furniture and textile picks. If you’re more drawn to cool shades, like blues, choose a corresponding cool white with undertones of gray or blue. If your space is warmer, perhaps incorporating beige or camel elements, opt for a warm white with pink, red or yellow undertones.

“For a bright and crisp canvas, I love Chantilly Lace, which is on the cool side, or Simply White, which is a warmer hue,” Goerzen says. Decorator’s White from Benjamin Moore is another popular pick for a cool-tone white.

Goerzen suggests Gray Owl or Misty Gray for a soft, gray backdrop. Gray Owl is a dependable, versatile pick because it incorporates both warm and cool undertones — you could almost describe it as a “greige,” a mix of gray and beige, that leans on the warmer side. For a cooler pick, opt for Misty Gray.

Saturated blues are making waves in the design world, and Goerzen especially likes using them in rooms without much natural light. “Lighter colors feel more sterile in spaces lacking natural light, while darker rooms create a sense of intimacy and intentionality,” she says. Her go-tos? First up is Kensington Blue, a mid-tone blue. It’s a classic shade, but far from boring. Next is Newburg Green — don’t let the name fool you! This deep hue has green in it, but the final effect is a rich teal blue. Goerzen also likes Wolf Gray, a dusty blue hue.

Indoor plants aren’t the only way to bring green into your home. Goerzen loves using Vintage Vogue — a relaxed moss color — to break out of the monotony of more neutral paint colors. It’s a gorgeous hue that’s both moody and serene, which makes it one of the best Benjamin Moore bedroom colors

When choosing a paint shade, you also need to think about finish. Havenly’s Benjamin Moore shades come in eggshell and semi-gloss finishes. Goerzen explains, “Eggshell paints feature a low luster and soft sheen ideal in living spaces. Semi-gloss is more durable so it can be used in busier areas like kitchens, bathrooms and play rooms as well as for windows, doors and trims.” 

Get matched with the perfect interior designer for the latest Benjamin Moore paint recommendations. 

Words by Sara Watson