The Most Popular Paint Colors with Matching Faucet Finishes

Color Theory & Choosing a Color

According to color theory, colors influence emotions and perceptions; for instance, blues and greens are often associated with calmness and tranquility, making them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, while warmer hues like reds and yellows can energize and stimulate, suitable for kitchens and dining areas. Narrowing down to the perfect color can involve testing paint samples under various lighting conditions, as colors can appear differently in natural versus artificial light. Paint colors will also affect the way furniture and fixtures are translated visually.

When selecting paint colors for a space, think about how these colors will complement or contrast with hardware and fixture finishes, often made from metals like brass, chrome, nickel, or bronze.

Think about the complete design and your end goal for the paint color. In most cases, the paint color will be displayed alongside hardware or fixtures. The interplay between paint colors and metal finishes greatly influences the feel of the room. For example, warm-toned metals such as brass and gold pair beautifully with rich, warm paint colors like deep greens, navy blues, or earthy terracottas, creating a luxurious look. Conversely, cooler metals like chrome and stainless steel often work well with cool-toned or neutral paint colors, such as soft grays, crisp whites, or muted blues, for a modern and sleek appearance. For a well-thought-out style, you can study what colors are typically used for certain design styles and take inspiration from the palettes used for the design you’re looking to achieve.

Pairing Paints & Finishes

1. Benjamin Moore

Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace is a crisp, clean, and bright white paint color often described as a true white with minimal undertones, giving it a pure and fresh appearance. Benjamin Moore claims that this paint color elicits images of fresh cotton and pure silk. It has subtle cool undertones, leaning slightly towards a blue or gray base, though these are very faint, making the color versatile and adaptable to various lighting conditions and surroundings. This slight coolness adds a sense of freshness and airiness, making rooms feel more open and spacious—ideal for smaller areas or those lacking natural light. Despite its modern appeal, this color also brings a timeless elegance, making it a safe choice for long-lasting interior designs.

Best Finishes to Pair with Chantilly Lace: All Finishes

Since Chantilly Lace is mostly neutral, and barely pulls hints of blue and gray, this paint color pairs perfectly with every color finish for fixtures. The paint is a clean slate for any color to be introduced, letting the fixture be the star of the design and influence the main color palette. This means Chantilly Lace goes well with polished brass, brushed brass, polished chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, antique copper, and more.

White Dove

White Dove is a soft, warm white paint color that exudes a welcoming and cozy ambiance. It has subtle creamy undertones, with just a hint of yellow and gray, giving it a gentle warmth without being too yellow or overly stark. Despite its warmth, White Dove maintains a clean and sophisticated appearance. Overall, White Dove is an indulgent, warm white that adds a soft touch to a room.

Best Finishes to Pair with White Dove: Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel

White Dove looks great alongside finishes such as brushed brass, antique brass, and brushed nickel finishes, thanks to its warm undertones and soft, inviting quality. The golden tones of brushed brass and antique brass coordinate beautifully with the creamy warmth of the paint. These finishes, rooted in the warm side of the color spectrum, amplify the paint’s subtle yellow undertones.

Brushed nickel, with its cooler, muted gray tones, offers a balanced contrast that complements White Dove's warmth without clashing. The soft sheen of brushed nickel maintains an understated look. This combination works particularly well in transitional spaces, where the blend of warm and cool elements creates a balanced design.

Hale Navy

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is a rich, deep navy blue. With subtle gray undertones, Hale Navy leans towards a more neutral and versatile navy. The gray undertones give it depth and prevent it from feeling overly bold or vibrant, making it a statement color and a sophisticated neutral. In interior design, Hale Navy brings a sense of stability and depth to a room, making it a perfect choice for spaces like bedrooms, studies, or living rooms where a tranquil, grounded atmosphere is desired. 

Best Finishes to Pair with Hale Navy: Polished Brass, Brushed Brass, Matte Black, Polished Chrome

Hale Navy goes beautifully with polished brass, brushed brass, and matte black finishes, each enhancing the deep richness of the navy while adding a distinct contrast in color. This combination works especially well because the warmth of the brass brings out the depth of the navy, creating a visual balance. On the other hand, matte black and polished chrome can bring that bold contrast to Hale Navy without competing with it. 

Palladian Blue

Palladian Blue by Benjamin Moore is a soft, serene blue-green paint color. It has subtle green and gray undertones, that lends the color a balanced and versatile quality. It is described as an airy blue with flecks of mother of pearl. The green undertones give it a touch of warmth, while the gray tones add a hint of coolness, making it adaptable to different lighting conditions and design styles. The soothing nature of Palladian Blue also makes it a great choice for spaces where you want to create balance, providing a gentle yet defined backdrop to enhance any interior space.

Best Finishes to Pair with Palladian Blue: Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Antique Brass

Palladian Blue mixes easily with polished nickel, brushed nickel, and antique brass finishes. The cool, silvery tones of polished nickel and brushed nickel complement Palladian Blue’s blue-green and gray undertones. These metal finishes incorporate extra shine that adds elegance without overpowering the delicate color. Antique brass brings a touch of warmth that contrasts gently with Palladian Blue's cooler tones.

2. Behr

Cracked Pepper

Cracked Pepper by Behr is a deep, rich black with subtle charcoal and gray undertones. These undertones soften the intensity of the black. It’s a color that can add depth and contrast, making it ideal for accent walls, cabinetry, or trim where you want to create a striking visual effect. Despite its boldness, the gray undertones give Cracked Pepper a slightly softened edge, making it feel grounded and timeless rather than harsh. This color is perfect for creating a comfortable, intimate atmosphere in spaces like dining rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.

Best Finishes to Pair with Cracked Pepper: Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel

Cracked Pepper looks good with polished brass, antique brass, and brushed nickel finishes, each adding its own unique layer to the deep, rich hue. These brass finishes enhance the color’s depth. Brushed nickel complements Cracked Pepper’s gray undertones, and the soft sheen adds just the right amount of brightness without clashing with the richness of the paint.

Swiss Coffee

Swiss Coffee by Behr is a warm, creamy off-white paint color with a subtle yellow and beige undertone. Its versatile nature allows it to work well in traditional and contemporary settings, providing a timeless backdrop that uplifts in natural light and styles nicely with a variety of other colors and materials. Swiss Coffee is a perfect choice for creating an atmosphere that feels luxe and approachable.

Best Finishes to Pair with Swiss Coffee: Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Swiss Coffee matches with brushed brass, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes. The warm, golden tones of the brass finishes create a good blend with Swiss Coffee’s beige undertones. Oil-rubbed bronze is a deeper, more rustic contrast that complements Swiss Coffee.

Wild Truffle

Wild Truffle by Behr is a rich, earthy brown paint color with deep chocolate and hints of gray undertones. The gray undertones help make the color elegant and refined, preventing it from feeling too heavy and overly rustic. This inviting color is good for living rooms, entryways, and study areas. 

Best Finishes to Pair with Wild Truffle: Antique Brass, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Matte Black

Wild Truffle meshes with antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black finishes, each enhancing the rich, earthy tones of the paint color while adding a distinct character to the space. The warm, aged tones of antique brass harmonize perfectly with Wild Truffle’s chocolate and gray undertones. Oil-rubbed bronze and matte black also provide contrast for this paint color. These metal finishes perfectly highlight and contrast this creamy rich taupe.

3. Farrow & Ball

Elephant’s Breath

Elephant's Breath by Farrow & Ball is a gray paint color with warm undertones of taupe and a hint of mauve. These undertones give Elephant's Breath a unique chameleon-like color that can shift in appearance depending on the lighting and surrounding decor. In bright, natural light, the color may appear as a soft, warm gray, while in dimmer settings, it can take on a richer, more taupe-like hue.

Best Finishes to Pair with Elephant’s Breath: Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Polished Nickel

Elephant's Breath by Farrow & Ball goes great with brushed brass, antique brass, and polished nickel finishes. The warm, golden tones are good for creating a calm yet rich space. These brass finishes highlight the warm undertones—once again ideal for traditional or transitional styles. Polished nickel complements the gray aspect of Elephant's Breath, adding a futuristic and sophisticated edge to the space. The reflective quality of polished nickel introduces a subtle brightness that dances off of the paint color’s depth without overpowering it.

Railings

Railings by Farrow & Ball is a deep, dramatic off-black paint color with blue undertones. These blue undertones set Railings apart from a true black, making it slightly softer and more complex, especially in certain lighting conditions. In interior design, Railings can bring boldness and create a striking and impactful space. This color is perfect for creating intimate, moody spaces. Railings can make a space feel grounded and slightly enigmatic.

Best Finishes to Pair with Railings: Antique Brass, Polished Nickel, Matte Black, Polished Chrome

Railings by Farrow & Ball style beautifully with antique brass, polished nickel, and matte black finishes. With how dark this paint is, almost any fixture or hardware color will work with it. Antique brass and polished nickel are good choices if you are looking for some design elements to stand out against the dark paint. Matte black, although very dark, and polished chrome, a very cool toned color, will still contrast nicely against the dark blue undertones of Railings.

Hague Blue

Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball is a deep, rich navy paint color with strong green undertones, giving it a refined moody teal tone. The green undertones add visual interest to the color, making Hague Blue more intriguing than a traditional navy. Despite its boldness, Hague Blue feels timeless like many navy hues. It’s a color that can make a strong statement while still feeling grounded.

Best Finishes to Pair with Hague Blue: Antique Brass, Polished Brass, Polished Nickel

Hague Blue looks good with antique brass, polished brass, and polished nickel finishes. The warm-toned brass finishes will play on the cool blue tones. This combination plays on the color theory principle of contrasting warm and cool tones, resulting in a balanced look that feels classic. Polished nickel is the most modern pairing for Hague Blue, adding a desired contemporary edge. The cool, reflective quality of polished nickel deepens the depth of the blue.

Every year, the leading paint brands unveil fresh collections of colors, often highlighting a Color of the Year or a Color of the Month that reflects current trends and cultural influences. These new shades offer inspiration for updating spaces, but when it comes to pairing them with fixture finishes like brass, chrome, or matte black, the choice is entirely yours. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle harmonies, there's no right or wrong combination—your home should reflect your style. Feel free to mix and match these trending hues with any fixture finishes you desire, creating a space that feels uniquely yours. Be sure to check out the 2024 Colors of the Year and their Matching Finishes.