Choosing paint is essential for decorating, yet it often leads to uncertainty about color, finish, and quantity, especially with unfamiliar brands. Whether you're shopping online, visiting local stores, or checking brand showrooms, it's common to feel overwhelmed. Our guide simplifies the process by providing insights into the best US paint brands as recommended by interior designers, along with helpful tips for sampling and avoiding common mistakes.

Selecting the Appropriate Paint Brand

An entryway with dark blue panelling and doors, black and white geometric-tiled flooring, a small side table with a vase of yellow flowers, and yellow patterned wallpaper on the upper wall.

In this entryway, Benjamin Moore's Dark Royal Blue was used in a satin finish.

When selecting a paint brand, consider various factors. Start with the color selection—some brands offer classic hues while others lean contemporary, so align your choice with your interior style. The quality of the paint is crucial as well; certain brands are renowned for their richly pigmented, durable finishes. If you prefer a specific finish, like high-gloss, choose a brand celebrated for those options.

Cost matters too. If you desire a particular shade for a room, investing in a color-focused brand can be worth it. For neutral shades to cover multiple surfaces, established names like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are reliable choices.

Top US Paint Brands

From Farrow & Ball to Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore to Behr, designers share their favorites, helping you make informed decisions.

Benjamin Moore

A dining nook with blue-gray walls and ceiling, wood flooring, a round dining table with four dark blue upholstered chairs, and a window with shutters and a red roman blind.

In this dining area, Benjamin Moore's Atmospheric colors the entire space.

Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is a favorite among designers for its extensive color palette, offering over 3,500 options. Philadelphia designer Michelle Gage appreciates its resources and tools, making it easier to achieve satisfying results for clients.

Michelle highlights the brand's adaptability to various design styles. Whether seeking bold colors or neutral tones, Benjamin Moore has it all. Its Regal Select Interior line is Michelle's go-to for durability and washability, ensuring long-lasting results.

With over 7,500 retail locations, Benjamin Moore is easily accessible for both online and in-store shopping.

Sherwin-Williams

A light and airy transitional living room with soft white walls, a cream rug, two white armchairs, a vintage chair, a light wooden coffee table, and a fireplace with antique mirrors.

In this living room, Sherwin-Williams' Greek Villa adds a soft touch.

Sherwin-Williams has been a trusted name since 1866, recognized for its extensive color range and professional-grade products. Designer Marie Flanigan values its dependable color library, which simplifies the design process.

Marie loves Greek Villa for its inviting warmth and frequently opts for Sherwin-Williams' higher gloss finishes to create depth in her designs. With numerous stores across the US, shopping for their products is convenient.

Farrow & Ball

A mudroom with dark purple floor-to-ceiling cabinets with brass hardware, gray brick flooring, and coat hooks in the middle of the cabinets with bags, hats, and decorative objects.

Farrow & Ball's Brinjal enriches this mudroom.

Established in Dorset, England, Farrow & Ball is renowned for its luxurious, eco-friendly paints. NYC designer Jennifer Hunter praises the thoughtful curation of their colors, making it easier for designers to find timeless options.

Farrow & Ball's richly pigmented paints shift beautifully with lighting, ensuring depth and character in spaces.

A calming bathroom with pale pink walls and a pale pink freestanding bath. A large potted plant in a wicker basket and a light gray abstract artwork on the wall.

Farrow & Ball's Pink Ground balances sophistication with softness.

Farrow & Ball offers various finishes, with Full Gloss being a favorite for its transformative effect. You can purchase their products through showrooms or online.

Backdrop

A cozy and modern snug room with dark green walls, a teal carpet, a forest green sofa, a low coffee table, and windows with dark green curtains.

In this snug room, Backdrop's Kismet brings a fresh vibe.

Launched in 2018, Backdrop is known for its contemporary colors and finishes. Designers Chelsey Cox and Rachel Rector appreciate its curated palette that simplifies decision-making.

Designer Kristina Khersonsky highlights Backdrop's quality and low VOC options. Their colors are thoughtfully named to evoke feelings, not just hues.

Fine Paints of Europe

A butler's pantry color-drenched emerald green, including the cabinets and ceiling, in a high-gloss finish.

Consider high-gloss finishes for dramatic flair.

Produced in the Netherlands, Fine Paints of Europe is sought after for its superior quality and color richness. Designer Courtnay Tartt Elias appreciates their high-gloss finishes and variety. Their Hollandlac line is particularly praised for its rich pigmentation and mirror-like finish.

Fine Paints of Europe can be found at retailers across the country.

Behr

A traditional home exterior with exposed stone, white paint, and traditional-style windows, surrounded by greenery from trees.

Behr's Natural White is a favorite for exteriors.

Based in California, Behr Paint Company is available at The Home Depot. Known for both interior and exterior paints, designer Leanne Ford frequently uses Behr's shades, particularly its neutral tones.

Leanne's go-to is Ultra Pure White, perfect for modern spaces. For a warmer option, she loves Crisp Linen. Another recommendation is Blank Canvas, which offers warmth while remaining fresh.

C2 Paint

A traditional bedroom with pale lavender walls, wooden flooring, a wooden bedframe with a floral-patterned headboard in front of a window with ruched floral curtains.

C2's Bella Donna C2-782 creates whimsy in this bedroom.

Focusing on artistry and sustainable practices, C2 Paint is a low VOC American brand. Designer Elizabeth Drake admires its complex pigments that create dynamic colors.

Elizabeth's favorite is Margarita C2-657, a lively fern green perfect for north-facing rooms. C2 Paint can be ordered online or found at various retailers.

Other Paint Brands to Consider

  • Little Greene: This British brand is known for eco-friendly products and a color palette rich in heritage, ideal for traditional styles.
  • Graham & Brown: Besides its wallpaper, this British brand offers charming paint options, available online.
  • Valspar: A historic brand with a vast selection, available at Lowe's and independent retailers.
  • Clare: An online brand simplifying paint shopping with swatch bundles and zero VOC options.

Buying Paint: Online vs In-Store

A home office with dark teal walls, a floral wallpapered ceiling, a pink carpet, a mustard armchair, and portrait artwork on the wall.

Benjamin Moore's Dark Teal was featured in this home office.

Purchasing paint online offers convenience, but visiting showrooms allows for hands-on color exploration and expert advice.

If you have a color in mind but need to see variations, in-store comparisons can help avoid ordering multiple samples. Showrooms also provide insights into available finishes and expert guidance tailored to your project.

Purchasing Paint Online

Buying paint online is straightforward, with many brands offering tools to assist. Start by ordering color samples. Besides traditional pots, some brands offer peel-and-stick options for easy testing in different lighting. 'We always swatch paints in the actual space,' says Jennifer Hunter, emphasizing that light changes the appearance of colors.

A formal living room with a high sloped ceiling painted light gray, in a high-gloss, mirror-like finish, Dark blue armchairs and window treatments, a bright yellow and green artwork above the fireplace, and a geometric print rug.

The high-gloss finish on the ceiling creates a dramatic effect.

Once colors are selected, consider the finishes. Gloss finishes reflect light beautifully, while satin is easy to clean. Eggshell provides subtle sheen, and matte offers a rich, textured look. Flat paints have no sheen, ideal for hiding wall imperfections.

Calculate how much paint you'll need using calculators available on brand websites. Research how many coats are typically required per brand; if you're close to needing an extra can, buy it at the same time to avoid minor color differences between batches.

Check return policies before ordering, and consider acquiring painting tools from the same brand for convenience.

Expert Tips for Success

A light and airy living room with white walls and built-ins, beige sofa, pale wood coffee table, a neutral rug, and two modern boucle seats.

In this neutral living room, Behr's Crisp Linen creates an inviting atmosphere.

  • Always Test Paint Samples: 'Have painters apply 2' x 2' samples on two walls to see how light affects them throughout the day,' advises Katherine Shenaman.
  • Match Paint Colors to Existing Decor: 'Test colors against flooring and fabrics to ensure harmony,' suggests Kristina Khersonsky.
  • Pay Attention to Undertones: 'Undertones can shift unexpectedly, especially with neutrals. Compare options side by side for balance,' says Marie Flanigan.
  • Hire a Professional Painter: 'An experienced painter can ensure accurate quantities and proper prep,' advises Katherine.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

A light and airy living room with soft white walls, three side-by-side windows, a neutral rug, a brown linen sofa, two cream armchairs, and a wooden coffee table.

When selecting a white paint, sample various options side-by-side to see how they perform in different lighting.

A major mistake is ordering large amounts without proper sampling. Colors appear differently in various light, so ensure satisfaction at all times of day. 'Paint looks different online and on chips,' warns Kristina Khersonsky.

When color-matching, take time to compare samples from different sources to ensure depth and accuracy, especially with brands like Farrow & Ball, known for their rich pigments.

For high-gloss finishes, work with a professional. Courtnay Tartt emphasizes the complexity of the application process, indicating that skilled painters can achieve the best results.

Thoroughly sampling colors and understanding finishes can help you avoid color errors. While online shopping is convenient, visiting a local store or showroom is often the best starting point, especially with new brands.