Almond and ivory are two popular neutral paint colors that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two shades that are important to understand when choosing a color for your home. In this article, we will examine if almond and ivory are really the same color by looking at their origins, undertones, uses, and providing visual comparisons. Keep reading to determine if you should choose almond or ivory for your next paint project.
The Origins of Almond and Ivory Paint Colors
To understand if almond and ivory are the same color, it helps to look at the origins of each shade.
Almond paint gets its name from the nut of the almond tree. The color almond is meant to evoke the pale brownish-pink tone of the almond nutshell. It has been a popular neutral paint color since the 1950s-1960s when warmer, beige-influenced neutrals became trendy. The pinkish quality of almond paint creates a soft, inviting look.
Ivory, on the other hand, is named after the milky white hue of ivory, which comes from the tusks of animals like elephants and walruses. Ivory as a color and material has been prized for thousands of years across many cultures for its soft white tone. As a paint color, ivory peaked in popularity in the 1980s-1990s when cooler white and greige dominated home decor. The stark white of ivory creates a clean, bright look.
So while both almond and ivory are neutral paint colors, the origins of their names and color inspiration differ quite a bit. This indicates they are likely not the same exact shade.
The Undertones of Almond and Ivory
Another way to compare almond and ivory is to look at their primary undertones. The undertone greatly affects how a color looks and feels in a space.
Almond paint has warm, pinkish-brown undertones inspired by the nut of the almond tree. This creates a cozy, welcoming look. Almond colors work well with materials like wood, leather, and terracotta. The warm undertones pair nicely with reds, yellows, oranges, greens, and other earth tones.
Ivory paint, on the other hand, has cool, blue-gray undertones which give it its stark white appearance. The icy undertones make ivory feel crisp and clean. It complements materials like marble, stone, metal, and glass. Ivory looks fresh combined with blues, greens, purples, and even blacks.
The distinctly different undertones of almond and ivory indicate they are unique shades rather than the same color. Almond has warmth, while ivory is cool.
How Almond and Ivory Are Used
To gain more insight into how almond and ivory differ, it helps to look at how each color is commonly used in home design:
Almond paint is often used:
- In living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms – spaces where you want a warm, inviting mood.
- On walls, furniture, cabinets, and built-ins.
- In cottage, farmhouse, traditional, and rustic style homes where warm earth tones are prominent.
- To accent greens like sage to create a harmonious earthy look.
Ivory paint is often used:
- In bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways where you want a light, clean appearance.
- On trim, doors, windows, and ceilings to contrast main wall colors.
- In modern, transitional, and coastal spaces where cool crisp whites predominate.
- To harmonize with blues like powder blue for an icy color scheme.
Looking at how almond and ivory are used in design confirms they serve different purposes. Almond creates warmth, while ivory lends a cool contrast.
Visual Comparisons of Almond and Ivory
To get the best sense of how almond and ivory truly compare, it helps to look at visual swatches side-by-side.
Here are some comparisons of almond and ivory paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Almond Wisp vs. Ivory Lace:
| Almond Wisp | Ivory Lace |
 |
 |
Almond Wisp has beige-pink undertones while Ivory Lace is a stark, icy white. Ivory Lace is noticeably lighter.
Behr Almond Wisp vs. Behr Swiss Coffee:
| Almond Wisp | Swiss Coffee |
 |
 |
The almond has rosy undertones while the ivory is much more neutral and pale.
Valspar Almond Cream vs. Valspar Swan White:
| Almond Cream | Swan White |
 |
 |
The almond cream is distinctly peachy while the swan white has a sharp, icy look.
Looking at various brand comparisons confirms almond has warmth from brown and pink undertones. Ivory remains crisply neutral and pale.
Conclusion
When considering all the evidence – the origins, undertones, usage, and visual comparisons – it becomes clear that almond and ivory paint colors are more different than they are alike.
While both are neutral paint colors, almond has distinctive warm, rosy undertones while ivory remains cool and white. Almond paint feels cozy and welcoming, bringing spaces to life. Ivory is best for elegant contrast, giving spaces a bright and airy vibe.
So in summary:
- Almond has pink and brown undertones while ivory is crisply white.
- Almond paint is warm, ivory paint is cool.
- Almond welcomes, ivory brightens.
- Though often confused, the two colors serve different purposes.
The next time you’re debating between almond and ivory paint, remember they are sisters, not twins. So consider the look you’re going for and choose the shade that’s right for your space. With the guidelines above, you can confidently select either almond or ivory to create the perfect neutral backdrop.