Cream is a versatile neutral paint color that can work in many rooms of the home. But is it actually one of the more popular wall colors that people choose for their interior design? Let’s take a look at some of the key factors regarding cream paint to evaluate its popularity.
The Pros and Cons of Cream Walls
Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using cream paint on walls:
Pros:
- Cream is a warm, inviting neutral that works well in most lighting.
- It complements wood tones and natural materials.
- Cream can make a space appear brighter and more open.
- It’s an easy background color that allows you to add pops of color.
- Cream works well in traditional, cottage, or farmhouse style rooms.
- It hides flaws in walls since it’s a light color.
Cons:
- Cream shows dirt easily and requires frequent touch-ups.
- It can read as boring or flat if not styled well.
- Overuse of cream can make a home feel drab or outdated.
- It’s not a bold, dramatic color for those seeking something striking.
- Cream walls don’t stand out or make a design statement.
As you can see, cream offers some attractive benefits as an interior wall color but also comes with some potential drawbacks to consider. The positives tend to focus on its warm, neutral versatility while the negatives revolve around cream feeling plain or hard to keep clean.
Cream Color Popularity Data
To gauge the popularity of cream walls, we can look at color data from leading paint companies. Here are some key statistics:
Behr Paints
- Behr’s top selling neutral paint color in 2022 was Modern Gray.
- Behr’s 2nd most popular neutral for 2022 was White Metal.
- Behr’s 3rd best selling neutral was Silver Drop.
- Cream colors did not make it into Behr’s top 10 neutral paint colors.
Sherwin-Williams
- Sherwin-Williams named their 2022 Color of the Year as Evergreen Fog, a green-gray.
- Their 2nd most popular neutral paint color was Repose Gray.
- Accessible Beige was 3rd.
- Popular cream shades like Creamy and Greek Villa were further down their list.
Benjamin Moore
- Benjamin Moore selected October Mist, a warm gray-beige, as their 2022 Color of the Year.
- Their best selling neutral was White Dove, an off-white shade.
- Gray Owl, a light gray, came in 2nd.
- Classic cream choices like Linen White and Cotton Balls ranked lower.
Based on this data, cream shades do not appear to be topping the most popular neutral wall color charts. Grays and off-whites are selling better across major paint brands. That being said, some cream colors like Behr’s Creamy or Benjamin Moore’s Cotton Balls remain popular additions to many color palettes.
Cream in Home Staging and Design
We can also look at cream’s usage in home staging and interior design to evaluate its popularity:
- In home staging, light warm neutrals like cream are often recommended for their broad appeal.
- However, some stages may opt for cooler grays or greiges as more modern neutral backdrops.
- Cream is common in traditional or farmhouse design, but less so in contemporary, modern or eclectic rooms.
- Many designers use cream as a ceiling color or on trim/moldings rather than full walls.
- Cream may be employed strategically in one space, like a kitchen, rather than throughout a home.
Within interior design and staging spaces for sale, cream appears to be a common but selective neutral. It works well in particular rooms rather than being used everywhere. Gray, white and beige seem to be more ubiquitous wall colors.
The Cream Color Palette
If you are considering using cream paint, here are some of the most popular shades from leading brands:
Benjamin Moore Cream Paint Colors
- Linen White – A warm ivory with subtle yellow undertones
- Cotton Balls – A soft, airy cream
- Buttercream – A rich, creamy neutral
- Classic Cream – A calming off-white
- Creamy – A versatile, gentle cream
Behr Cream Paint Colors
- Natural Cream – A calming, organic cream
- Frothy – A warm ivory cream
- Classic Cream – A timeless, subtle cream
- Silk Sheets – An elegant, pale cream
- Swiss Coffee – A best-selling, creamy neutral
Sherwin-Williams Cream Paint Colors
- Accessible Beige – A soft, inviting cream
- Creamy – A rich, full-bodied ivory
- Doved White – A warm, welcoming cream
- Greek Villa – A clean, bright cream
- Dover White – A calming cream with yellow undertones
As you can see, brands offer a wide selection of cream paints. Lighter, airier tints like Linen White or Silk Sheets contrast with thicker, richer creams like Buttercream or Creamy. Consider the look you want and lighting in the room.
Pairing Cream Walls With Trim/Accents
The colors you pair with cream walls can help make the shade feel fresh versus dated. Here are some ideas:
- Bright white trim keeps cream feeling light and open.
- Black or navy blue accents add nice contrast.
- Cream paired with wood or rattan furniture feels beachy.
- Marble, granite or quartz counters complement cream paint.
- Brass hardware and lighting add warmth.
- Green plants help cream feel vibrant versus flat.
Avoid going too matchy-matchy with cream’s undertones. Layer in other hues to create depth. Cream walls are also a great canvas for colorful art, pillows or other accessories.
Most Popular Rooms for Cream Paint
Here are some rooms where cream paint is commonly used:
Kitchens
Cream is an inviting backdrop for kitchens. It pairs nicely with islands, cabinets or open shelving in wood tones. Matte cream also hides cooking splatters well.
Bathrooms
With its soothing, spa-like feel, cream is a fitting choice for bathrooms. It’s frequently used on vanities, wainscoting and ceiling for an airy effect.
Bedrooms
Light cream can make bedrooms feel calm and restful. Use it on accent walls or across the entire room.
Dining Rooms
Cream is a welcoming shade for formal and casual dining spaces. It works with a variety of furniture finishes and lighting.
Entryways
Cream makes for an open, inviting entryway paint color. Pair it with white trim for a clean look.
Conclusion
While cream may not top the list of today’s most popular neutrals, it remains a classic paint choice that works well in the right applications. Lighter cream tints provide an airy, elegant backdrop in rooms where a warmer neutral is desired. Just take care to decorate creams thoughtfully, as going too monochromatic can read as dull or dated. Use accent colors and textures to keep your cream palette fresh. With strategic implementation, cream walls can be timeless and welcoming.