When it comes to paint colors, cream and ivory are popular neutral shades that can work in almost any room. But with so many options between the two color families, it can be tricky to tell the shades apart and choose the right undertone for your space. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between cream and ivory and explore the wide variety of shades within each palette. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the best cream or ivory paint color for your walls or trims. Whether you prefer warm beiges or cool whites, read on to find your perfect match.
Defining Cream and Ivory
First, let’s clarify what we mean by “cream” and “ivory” when it comes to paint colors.
Cream paint colors are warm, rich beiges that derive their name from the pale yellow color of dairy cream. They range from buttery pale yellow to deeper tan. Cream shades have a warm golden or peach undertone.
Ivory paint colors are lighter and brighter than creams. They range from stark, bright whites to warm off-whites. Ivory shades have a subtle warm undertone, sometimes with a very faint tan or yellow tint.
So in summary:
– Cream paint colors are richer, warmer beiges.
– Ivory paint colors are lighter whites and off-whites with a faint warm glow.
There’s some overlap between the lightest creams and deepest ivories. But in general, creams have more yellow pigment while ivories have more white.
The Shades of Cream
Cream paint colors span a wide palette, from pale buttery yellows to deeper sandy beiges. Here’s an overview of some popular shades:
| Buttermilk | Pale creamy yellow |
| Whipped Cream | Soft warm white |
| Vanilla Custard | Rich golden cream |
| Chantilly Cream | Pale peachy beige |
| Crème Brûlée | Caramel and cream |
| Cappuccino Cream | Light mocha cream |
| Cream Sherbet | Pastel orange-cream |
| Toasted Almond | Soft tan beige |
| Hazelnut Cream | Neutral medium beige |
| Café au Lait | Rich coffee and cream |
Lighter cream shades like Buttermilk and Whipped Cream are great for creating airy, open rooms. Deeper hues like Café au Lait and Hazelnut Cream make cozy, welcoming spaces.
Look for cream colors with yellow, peach, tan, or brown undertones. Avoid ones with pink, orange, or red undertones, which would fall more into the “blush” family instead of cream.
The Shades of Ivory
Ivory spans a spectrum too, ranging from stark bright whites to warm off-white beiges. Some popular ivory shades include:
| Porcelain | Crisp white ivory |
| Alabaster | Soft eggshell white |
| Pearl Ivory | Silvery white |
| Coconut Milk | Smooth white |
| Snowflake | Bright clean white |
| French Vanilla | Rich off-white |
| Blond Wood | Warm golden beige |
| String Cream | Thick off-white |
| Antique Ivory | Aged yellowed white |
| Candlelight | Warm peachy ivory |
The brighter ivories like Porcelain and Snowflake create a light ethereal look. Warmer ivories like French Vanilla and Candlelight have more depth while still being soft.
Stick to ivory colors with a yellow, peach, or hints of beige. Avoid ones with pink or gray undertones, which would skew more towards white or greige instead of true ivory.
Choosing Cream vs. Ivory
Should you go with a cream or ivory paint color? Here are a few tips for deciding:
Lighting: Cream colors look best in warm, low light. Ivory colors shine and prevent a room from looking too dark and dingy.
Use of room: Cream is cozy for bedrooms and living rooms. Crisp ivory works better in bright kitchens and bathrooms.
Wall color vs. trim: Lighter ivories make trim really pop. But cream walls feel richer. Combining cream walls with ivory or white trim brings balance.
Personal taste: Do you prefer clean and airy or relaxed and cozy? Ivory leans more modern and cream more traditional.
Undertones: Factor in the existing tones in your floors, furnishings, countertops etc. Cream or ivory shades that align will blend more seamlessly.
Sheen: Cream and ivory look beautiful in flat, eggshell, or satin finishes. Glossier sheens enhance depth and add shine.
Using Cream and Ivory Together
Since cream and ivory tones coordinate well, don’t be afraid to combine them in the same space. Just follow this simple rule of thumb: Use lighter colors above eye level and deeper colors below.
Some classic combinations include:
– Ivory walls with cream trim and ceiling
– Cream lower cabinets and ivory uppers in kitchens or baths
– Creamy tans on lower walls and ivory on upper walls
– Ivory walls in open concept main rooms and cream in adjoining bedrooms
This creates a layered, visually appealing look. The ivory draws the eyes up to highlight architectural details while the cream grounds the space.
You can also decorate with ivory and cream through upholstery, area rugs, and accessories like throw pillows, drapes, and lamps. Mixing materials like linen ivory lampshades over cream ceramic bases is an easy way to pull the two palettes together.
Cream and Ivory Paint Brands
Every paint company offers a wide selection of ivories and creams. Here are some top shades to consider:
Benjamin Moore: Creamy, White Dove, Swiss Coffee, Classic Cream
Sherwin Williams: Alabaster, Shoji White, Accessible Beige, Creamy
Behr: Ultra Pure White, Cotton Ball, Greige, Chestnut Cream
Valspar: Swiss Coffee, Blanched Almond, Witching Hour, Alabaster
Always get swatches and view paint colors in both natural and artificial light before choosing. The undertones can look quite different on the wall versus the chip!
For the richest shades of cream that still feel fresh, look for colors with CC values of 25-45. For bright ivories that aren’t too stark, look for values of around 75-90.
Tips for Decorating with Cream and Ivory
Here are some final tips for successfully decorating with cream and ivory paint colors:
– Add warmth with wood furniture and greenery
– Layer in shades of brown and tan as accents
– Use black or navy blue for bold contrast
– Add brass, gold, or antique metals for sheen
– Ivory whites look great with clean gray tones
– Cream beiges pair well with pops of red or yellow
– Use cream walls and ivory trim for depth
– Add cream and ivory through rugs, pillows, and art
– Mix in natural textures like jute, linen, marble
With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect blend of cream and ivory to suit your personal style and space. From cozy traditional to chic contemporary, these flexible neutrals work everywhere.
Conclusion
With their warm, welcoming hues, cream and ivory paint colors are versatile picks for any room. Creams range from pale yellow to rich beige. Ivories span clean bright whites to softer tan-tinted off-whites. Choosing between cream vs. ivory depends on factors like lighting, room use, personal taste, and existing décor. Combining ivory and cream together creates cohesive, beautifully balanced spaces. Whether you prefer the coziness of café au lait walls or the airiness of snowy white trim, embrace these timeless neutral tones to let your home décor shine. With the right shade and sheen, cream or ivory paint allows you to design a palette that’s uniquely you.