Cream is a neutral off-white color that can work in many interior design schemes. With its warm, subtle undertones, cream paint colors can create a soothing, comfortable ambiance in any room. When selecting a cream paint, it’s important to understand the different options and how lighting can affect the way the color is perceived. This article will provide an overview of cream paint colors, examine how lighting impacts color, and offer recommendations for choosing the best cream paint for your space.
The Meaning of Cream
The first step to selecting a cream paint color is understanding exactly what “cream” means. Cream is not a precise color, but rather a range of soft, pale yellow paint colors that resemble the color of cream. It sits between stark white and light beige on the color spectrum. True cream has a very slight warm yellowy undertone. Many paint manufacturers offer their own versions of cream, with names like “Linen,” “Buttercream,” and “Creamy.” The exact shade can range from an almost white vanilla cream to a warmer yellow tone.
Different Types of Cream Paint
When looking at cream paint colors, you’ll find some variation between manufacturers. Here are some of the most common types of cream paint:
Off-white cream – These are lighter cream paint colors with only a hint of yellow. Off-white creams like Benjamin Moore Linen White or Behr Creme Brulee are ideal for those who want something brighter and cooler than true cream.
Yellow cream – Paint colors like Benjamin Moore Buttercream have more golden yellow pigment, creating a brighter, warmer cream. These work well in sunny rooms.
Warm antique cream – Antique cream shades have a touch of brown or beige to tone down the yellow. Sherwin-Williams Antique White is a popular warm cream paint color.
Neutral cream – Some cream paints aim for a perfect neutral balance, likeValspar Swiss Coffee. These are flexible shades that aren’t too yellow or too white.
How Lighting Affects Cream Paint
One important consideration with cream paint colors is how the lighting in a room impacts the way the shade appears. Cream can look much brighter and whiter in a room with abundant natural light. In dim lighting, it may read as more beige or yellow. The direction of light also matters. Morning light often has a cooler, blue tone, while afternoon light is warmer and yellow. Here are some lighting factors to keep in mind:
Natural vs. artificial light – Natural sunlight will always show a paint’s colors more accurately. Artificial light can skew cooler, warmer, or more muted. View the cream paint in both types of light before deciding.
North vs. south facing rooms – North-facing rooms with indirect light often make cream paints appear lighter, while southern exposure intensifies warmth from yellow undertones.
Sheen – Higher sheens like eggshell and semi-gloss will reflect more light, making the color lighter. Cream in a matte or flat finish will look slightly duller.
Surrounding colors – Nearby wall colors impact perception too. Cream beside cool blue-grays may seem more yellow in contrast. Against warm neutrals, it will appear cooler.
Choosing the Best Cream Paint Color
When selecting a cream paint color, be sure to consider the lighting and adjacent colors to find the right match. Here are some recommendations:
For north-facing rooms, choose an antique white or warm cream to avoid looking washed out.
In sun-filled spaces, cooler off-white creams will maintain brightness without feeling too golden.
With artificial lighting, lean slightly warmer than you might in natural light. Yellow-based creams hold up better.
Near warm wood tones, like oak floors, pair with neutral creams so one doesn’t look too cool by contrast.
Beside cool grays or blues, accentuate with a whiter vanilla or buttery cream.
For high-traffic areas, brighter true creams resist showing dirt and stains.
In matte finishes, go a touch lighter/brighter since the sheen won’t amplify the color.
Popular Brands of Cream Paint
Many leading paint companies offer a selection of cream paint colors. Here is an overview of some of the most popular cream shades by brand:
| Brand | Paint Color Name |
|---|---|
| Behr | Creme Brulee |
| Benjamin Moore | Linen White |
| Sherwin-Williams | Alabaster |
| Valspar | Swiss Coffee |
Some other favorite cream paint colors by brand include:
– Benjamin Moore: Buttercream, Cotton Balls
– Behr: Sweet Cream, Frothed Cream
– Sherwin-Williams: Shell White, Extra White
– Valspar: Perfect Greige, Blanched Linen
– Glidden: Restful Cream, White Tea
Houzz 2022 Cream Paint Colors
The annual Houzz paint color study reviews the most popular shades on Houzz.com. Here are their top 10 cream paint colors for 2022:
| Rank | Color | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Swiss Coffee | Valspar |
| #2 | White Dove | Benjamin Moore |
| #3 | Agreeable Gray | Sherwin-Williams |
| #4 | Modern White | Behr |
| #5 | Chantilly Lace | Benjamin Moore |
| #6 | Oxford White | Sherwin-Williams |
| #7 | White Opulence | Valspar |
| #8 | Extra White | Sherwin-Williams |
| #9 | Eider White | Benjamin Moore |
| #10 | Heritage Cream | Behr |
This demonstrates the continued popularity of versatile, neutral cream shades for walls, cabinets, and other interior applications.
Pairing Cream Paint Colors
One benefit of cream paint is that it complements a wide range of accent colors. Here are some ideas for pairing cream walls with trim and accent colors:
Bright whites – A common combination is creamy walls with crisp white trim and ceilings. This creates a fresh, airy look.
Warm neutrals – Pair creamy off-whites with tan, grayish browns, warm grays, and greige for a soothing palette.
Cool grays – From light pewter to charcoal, grays nicely offset creamy walls without clashing.
Blues and greens – Cream brings out the softness in pastel robin’s egg blue, aqua, sage green, and other cool accent hues.
Earth tones – Mocha, rust, and terracotta add a punch of saturated color against creamy backdrops.
Black and white – For dramatic contrast, accent with black fixtures, white trim, and cream walls.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cream Paint
Here are some final tips for working with cream paint colors:
DO:
– Test samples on walls before finalizing cream paint colors.
– Consider lighting and nearby colors that impact perception.
– Use warm creams in cool-toned spaces to balance a room.
– Choose lighter creams for rooms with low natural light.
DON’T:
– Assume all creams are interchangeable. Subtle differences in undertone and warmth can make a big difference.
– Paint adjacent rooms the exact same cream without verifying they appear the same.
– Use cool, white-based creams in north-facing rooms unless you want a washed-out look.
– Overlook the sheen, as cream in a matte finish will read quite differently than a glossier sheen.
Conclusion
With their versatility and soft, welcoming aesthetic, it’s no wonder cream paint colors remain a perennial favorite. By understanding the warm and cool undertones in different cream hues, testing paint samples to confirm your selection fits the space, and choosing companion colors that complement without clashing, you can pick the perfect cream paint. Consider the look you want to achieve and the room’s unique lighting before making a decision. When thoughtfully selected, few paint choices impart the same cozy yet fresh feeling as the beautiful range of cream shades.
