When it comes to paint colors, ‘almond’ is a light neutral paint color that is often described as off-white or light tan. Almond got its name because it resembles the pale color on an almond nut. While almond paint color looks white at first glance, it actually has subtle warm undertones that differentiate it from stark bright white. So in summary, while almond is close to white, it is not considered a true white paint color.
The Origin of Almond Paint Color
The paint color ‘almond’ first became popular back in the 1950s and 1960s. During this mid-century modern era, warm toned and neutral paint colors were widely used to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in homes. Almond was one of the most popular off-white paint choices because it provided a soft backdrop without looking sterile like bright white can sometimes appear.
The name ‘almond’ was chosen because it captures the pale nutty color of an almond shell. Almonds themselves have a pale tan color on the outside and are not actually pure white on the inside either. So almond paint replicated a similar pale tan/light brown neutral color rather than a stark white.
How Almond Paint Color Compares to White
When looked at casually, almond paint often appears to be white. However, upon closer inspection, almond has subtle warm undertones that differentiate it from a true bright white paint color. Here is a comparison of how almond and white paint colors differ:
| Almond Color | White Color |
|---|---|
| Has a light tan or beige quality | Is a clean true white without warm undertones |
| Has a slightly yellow/brown tone | No yellow/brown tone, only pure white |
| Softer and more relaxing for walls | Crisper and brighter white |
| Warmer and more inviting | Cooler and more sterile |
| Works well for vintage, rustic or modern styles | Works well for contemporary styles |
| Pairs nicely with warm-toned woods | Pairs nicely with cool grays and metals |
As you can see, white is a pure true white while almond has subtle warm undertones of tan/yellow that give it a light brown quality. Almond is not as stark and cool as white and instead has a warmer, more welcoming effect.
The Appeal of Almond Paint Color
There are several reasons why almond became such a popular wall color choice in the mid-1900s and why it remains widely used today:
- It provides a light neutral backdrop like white but is softer and more relaxing.
- The light tan undertones add warmth and prevent it from looking clinical.
- It pairs nicely with woods, grays, greens, blues making it versatile for decor.
- Almond complements both traditional and contemporary decor styles.
- It hides flaws and markings on walls better than bright white.
- Cool colored furnishings and decor pop against its warm backdrop.
- Almond color is light but not overwhelming like white in smaller spaces.
For these reasons, almond paint color continues to be a popular off-white paint choice for interior walls. Homeowners like that it provides a neutral light backdrop for decorating but still has a warm relaxing quality that bright white lacks.
Almond Paint Color Options
There are many major paint brands that offer an ‘almond’ paint color option. However, the exact shade may vary slightly between manufacturers. Here are some of the most popular almond paint colors to consider:
- Behr Almond Wisp – Light warm beige with yellow undertones
- Benjamin Moore Almond White – hints of warm gray, tan and yellow
- Sherwin Williams Perfect Greige – Slightly darker warm neutral
- Valspar Almond Touch – Neutral off-white beige with yellow undertone
- PPG Brandywine Beige – Light brown-gray tan with yellow undertone
While the almond paint shades may vary slightly between brands, they all share that light tan or beige quality. Test swatches on your wall before deciding to ensure you pick the right warm almond hue for your space. The lighting in the room can also affect how the paint color looks.
Rooms Where Almond Paint Works Well
Here are some rooms where an almond or off-white paint color can work really nicely:
- Living Rooms – Almond provides a relaxing backdrop and pairs nicely with warm woods.
- Bedrooms – The light neutral color is calming and inviting for sleep.
- Bathrooms – Almond minimizes the sterile feel of white in bathrooms.
- Kitchens – It complements both cool grays and warm wood cabinetry.
- Small Spaces – Light without being overwhelming like white can be.
- Hallways – Almond hides scuffs better than white and brightens up halls.
- Apartments – The warm neutral goes well with many rental unit styles.
Almond paint color works in many rooms throughout the home. The light neutral color provides versatility to match various styles of decor. Just take lighting and furnishings into account to ensure almond is not too cool or too warm for your existing decor pieces.
Pairing Almond Walls with Furniture
An almond painted room provides a flexible neutral backdrop to pair with various furniture styles and colors. Here are some ideas:
- Warm wood furniture – Almond’s tan undertones complement oak, cherry, maple furniture.
- Black and white – These high contrast colors pop against almond walls.
- Earth tones – Pair almond with greens, browns, tans, slate blues.
- Cool grays – From medium to dark gray, it contrasts nicely with almond.
- Navy blue – Almond makes blues feel warmer and cozier.
- Brass metals – The tan in almond coordinates well with gold/brass accents.
Almond paint color works well with both warm and cool accent colors since it strikes that perfect balance of having yellow/tan undertones. Just avoid pairing almond walls with other beiges or tans since that could feel too monochromatic.
Should You Choose Almond or White Paint?
If you are trying to decide between almond and white paint color for your space, here are some factors to consider:
- Almond for a soft, welcoming backdrop – white for a crisp, bright backdrop
- Almond to showcase decor and furnishings – white to highlight architectural details
- Almond for a cozier aesthetic – white for a cleaner aesthetic
- Almond for vintage, traditional or rustic decor – white for modern minimalist decor
- Almond to warm up a room – white to brighten and open up a space
In general, almond paint color is the better choice if you want a warmer, more relaxed feel for your space. White may be the better option if you want an ultra-bright modern look or to make a small dark room appear larger and more open. Consider the overall mood you want to achieve along with your furnishings when choosing between them.
Conclusion
While almond paint color appears white at first glance, upon closer inspection it clearly has subtle warm yellow and tan undertones. This differentiation from true white gives almond a much softer, inviting effect than stark bright white. There are good reasons almond remains one of the most popular off-white paint choices for interior walls. Its flexibility to work with various styles and colors of decor make almond a reliable choice for creating a warm, welcoming backdrop in any room.
