Neutral doesn't necessarily mean boring, especially when it's done right. In 2025, earthy tones and soft, sandy hues like Benjamin Moore’s Natural Linen are becoming the foundation of sophisticated interiors. Whether you're drawn to timeless traditionalism or cottage-core charm, this versatile shade is quickly becoming a designer favorite for good reason.
If you’re on the hunt for the best neutral paints to create a cozy, welcoming home, Natural Linen is one of Benjamin Moore's popular paints. It's got a strong following with designers and homeowners alike – it's a safe choice, but a good one.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at this endlessly adaptable shade and explore the many ways you can incorporate it, from exterior facades to interior trim and walls, so you can find the perfect use for it in your own space.
This shade may seem simple at first glance, but its subtle complexity is what makes it truly special.
'Natural Linen is a classic sandy neutral that blends effortlessly into any design style,' says Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'When looking for a versatile, fresh beige paint, it is a great option to consider because it brings a warmth and elegance to a room'.
What gives Natural Linen its magic is how it adapts to its environment, accentuating architectural details and enhancing natural light. Paired with crown molding and rich hardwood floors, it can be traditional and timeless. But set against soft linens, pale fabrics, and oceanic hues, it takes on a breezy, coastal personality. It's this duality, grounded yet flexible, that makes it so popular among designers and homeowners alike.
Ariana recommends decorating with neutrals on trims, paired with a white shade on the walls for a clean yet cozy feel. 'This color can work on the walls as a subtle and soothing backdrop. Consider using it on trim with a brighter white paint, like Steam, on the walls for a more modern, but soft approach. This is a great way to highlight any architectural details in the space and take a more unexpected approach to color with relatively neutral hues.'
This shade isn’t just a go-to for interiors, however, it is also one of Benjamin Moore's best exterior paint shades. 'Natural Linen 966 could make a beautiful exterior color,' notes Ariana. 'Pair it with a front door color in Stratton Blue HC-142 or Webster Green HC-130 for more of a coastal feel. Or opt for a more traditional look with a classic black front door using Black HC-190.”
One of the reasons Natural Linen feels so universally flattering is its ability to shift subtly based on lighting.
Ariana loves that 'this sandy hue tends to cast as a classic beige' which 'can lean warmer in rooms that receive a lot of bright southern exposure and cast more neutral in rooms with cooler lighting'.
This makes it a safe yet sophisticated choice if you're looking to avoid undertones that skew too yellow, gray, or pink. Its balanced nature helps create a cohesive backdrop that doesn’t overwhelm other design elements, but still has enough warmth to avoid feeling flat or sterile.
Pairing Natural Linen with the right complementary shades is key to unlocking its full potential. Luckily, it plays well with a wide range of hues.
'It pairs well with almost any hue but some of my favorites are Steam and Simply White for trim, ceiling, and interior doors,' Barone explains. 'I also love it with sage hues, like October Mist, and cozier greens like Gloucester Sage. 'These colors work together to create a relaxing, grounding space'.
Whether you're leaning into a clean neutral palette or layering in deeper tones for contrast, Natural Linen adapts beautifully. Use it as a base to build a thoughtful, layered color palette that feels both elevated and effortless.
Not currently redecorating? Here are my top picks for bringing this color into your home in smaller accents
The perfect neutral hue for creating a relaxed and soothing space. Because these are made of just linen and cotton, and no synthetic materials or plastics, they are highly breathable and fresh.
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If you're searching for a neutral colored quilt with a little character, this is a great option. The precise scallop detailing gives a bedroom a subtle design edge, and would be particularly well suited to coastal homes.
For those looking to introduce timeless warmth and soft elegance into their homes, Natural Linen 966 by Benjamin Moore offers an inspired starting point. Its versatility allows it to shine in both modern and classic settings indoors and out, while its subtle undertones bring a refined, almost effortless quality to any palette.
As we continue to gravitate toward earth-toned color palettes in the color trends of 2025, neutral shades like Natural Linen offer more than just a backdrop, they help define the mood and feeling of home, bringing out key features of your space, making the most of natural light or just simply making a room warmer and more inviting.
Whether you're curating a serene bedroom retreat and looking for soft bedroom color ideas, or updating your exterior, this sandy beige has all the charm, balance, and staying power of a true classic.
