What Are Muted Colors, and How Can They Work in Your Home?

Muted colors have a way of setting the mood in a space (think: cozy hues that exude a serene and calming ambiance). While a minimalist mentality naturally pairs well with a muted color palette, the shades are highly versatile and complement just about any design scheme. 

Here, I’m breaking down all the different ways you can have fun and experiment with the less saturated tones in your home. From sage green paints to subtle grays with blue undertones, it’s easy to up the elegance of your walls by toning things down. I also consulted a handful of interior designers and color professionals — from paint companies like Backdrop, Benjamin Moore, and Little Greene — to help you choose the right muted color palette for your home. 

Muted colors are less bright and bold versions of common shades on the color wheel. “Muted hues are characterized by gray or black undertones,” says Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moore’s senior manager of color marketing. “They offer a soft and quiet presence that aligns closely with neutral colors. These tones, often earthy and timeless, bring sophistication to any space. Sage greens, sandy yellows, and slate blues are some great color choices for interiors.”

Examples of muted colors include the following: 

• Butter yellow
• Sage green
• Lilac 
• Pale blue
• Light brown 
• Terracotta
• Dusty rose

The accompanying secondary color is what differentiates muted paints from pastel colors, so keep that in mind when you’re browsing through swatches. 

“Muted colors have lower saturation because the tones are often mixed with gray, which is why they’re used to create more soothing spaces,” says Angie Kreller of Australian-based home brand Yabby. “Pastels, on the other hand, are lighter and brighter and mixed with white, resulting in a softer look. They’re also different in their use — you’ll usually see pastels used to make a room more vibrant, whereas muted colors are intended for a more elegant aesthetic.”

Balance is the key to a well-designed muted color palette. Remember, not all the shades have to be similar — consider bringing together opposite hues. 

“A combination of deep tones with softer color highlights on woodwork or skirting boards can be very impactful, without feeling too distracting,” says Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene’s creative director. “A blue such as [Little Greene’s] Woad pairs beautifully with the warmth of Sunlight and the celestial Grey Stone. For a contemporary look, you may wish to choose a more muted hue such as Castell Pink for your base, combined with warmer, earthier tones such as Nether Red or Arras on the woodwork or doors, which is a great way to color-block to achieve an inviting and grounded scheme.” 

Don’t be afraid to throw prints and patterns into the mix, either. Wallpaper is an easy way to add texture and dimension to a predominantly muted room. “I’d go for complementary or contrasting shades of paint, and if you have wallpaper you want to pair it with, pick out some of the muted tones within the pattern,” adds Backdrop co-founder and creative director Natalie Ebel.

“Backdrop includes paint pairings to go with each colorway and design. For example, if you want to decorate with the TURINI wallpaper, we have three suggested paints to complement it.” 

There are many ways to incorporate muted colors, and you shouldn’t limit yourself to one idea. “For a cohesive look, consider painting an entire room in a single muted color — this approach works well in open-concept spaces creating a seamless flow,” interior designer Mikel Welch advises. “Then add layers of neutral textures like linen and wool, or finishes such as brass or matte black for a cozy, elegant feel.” 

On the flip side, you could use muted colors as a more subtle finishing touch. “In a dining room, you might use wallpaper on all walls and paint the moldings or baseboards in a muted color,” Welch adds. “Alternatively, you could refinish furniture with muted tones, and add a pop of color or patterned wallpaper inside an armoire for visual interest.” 

Paint and design pros agree that calming muted colors are the way to go, especially versatile blues and greens. “Green is the true color of nature, it’s a shade that we associate with the tranquility of the outdoors,” explains Mottershead. “Green is perfect for bringing the natural world inside. Book Room Green, Tracery II, and Green Stone will all create harmonious and relaxing spaces, providing a balanced sense of warmth.” 

For more muted green options, Ebel loves Backdrop’s “calm, soothing, [and] unique” ROAD TO TODOS SANTOS paint color because “it’s an ideal blend of green, gray, and blue that skews differently depending on the light.” Welch also recommends Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon as “a sophisticated green with subtle gray and blue undertones, making it a versatile choice for walls, cabinets, or even ceilings.” Or, try Yeo’s pick — Benjamin Moore’s October Mist 1495 — which she says “can serve as a neutral backdrop against more saturated hues, or be used as a dominant color when paired with softer hues.”

Greige is another popular muted color, but interior designer and color consultant Diana Hathaway notes that it “can sometimes feel a bit dull.” Instead, she suggests a paint color like Benjamin Moore’s Colorado Gray. “My favorite color now is a muted aqua, that combines blue and green in a soft hue,” she says. 

For more muted color ideas, check out these examples from real homes below. Get inspired to pair various muted hues in the same space and discover new styling tips you can easily implement. 

As one of the biggest colors of 2024, I had to kick things off with butter yellow. If you’re not afraid to make a statement, pair this “it” hue with neutral shades, brighter yellows (like in this Kosovo apartment), and even unexpected pops of red.

A muted pink should definitely be on your radar. It’s an impeccable canvas that will change depending on how much natural light you get, showing just how intriguing of a paint color it is. I guarantee it’ll immediately bring a sense of warmth and coziness to any interior. 

Turn to this New York City apartment for a well-executed muted color palette with a twist. In addition to sage green and blue, it’s proof that toned-down hues can be seamlessly combined with bold wallpaper and eye-catching wall art.

Color on color is the name of the game here. The laid-back blue lends itself well to layers of prints and patterns found in the gallery wall, sofa, and surrounding decor.

As a final trick, here’s a way to get creative with the muted design scheme: Paint a pattern for a personalized focal point that’ll set your space apart from everyone else’s. Recreate the cool wavy look from this art director’s San Juan apartment, or try a classic all-over stripe design.