4 Neutral Wall Finishes That Aren’t Just White Paint

Step aside Natural White, it’s time that we look beyond the basic and explore finishes that come with a sense of history, craftsmanship, and artistry.

For years, standard wall paint in 50 shades of white has dominated neutral interiors. And we get why! It’s a safe option where simplicity, timelessness, and versatility is the goal — but it’s also a little predictable. There are plenty of alternatives to the eggshell white wall paint that still keep things neutral but bring a little more depth, tactility, and soul into the picture.

If you think that plain painted walls fall flat, here are four hand-applied finishes to add more texture and tonal richness to your surfaces.

Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster is a lustrous, lime-based finish with roots in ancient Rome and popularised in Renaissance Italy. Delicate, layered coats of plaster are then burnished to impart a soft sheen, catching light in subtle and dynamic ways.

Venetian plaster feels luxurious but never overbearing. Its visual effect and satiny polish are subtle, so it’s often seen in minimalist spaces.

Limewash Paint

Get that heritage feel in your home from day one. No need to wait for patina to develop like traditional lime wash walls; modern limewash paint achieves an aged, atmospheric look from day one that makes your home feel instantly lived-in.

The most DIY-friendly option on this list, limewash paint is applied with sweeping brush techniques to create a matte, mottled effect with tonal variation. Best of all, you can customise the intensity of the ‘washed’ effect by layering it with other products, or tweaking the brush techniques.

Microcement

Microcement is a contemporary innovation that combines cement, stone, and adhesive polymers into a tough surface coating. This is for clients who want something a little more hard-wearing and versatile than plaster for walls, floors, ceilings, joinery, and wet areas (inside or out!).

Applied in thin layers over almost any existing material, it creates a new surface without needing to demolish old substrates like tiles or concrete.

The visible trowel patterns in microcement and its seamless finish deliver a tactile, minimal look that can replicate concrete, plaster, or stone depending on the finish chosen. Discover our X-Bond range here.

Tadelakt

Tadelakt is a centuries-old Moroccan lime plaster that’s polished with a stone and sealed with olive soap. The result? A smooth, mottled wall that feels soft and matte, with a highly specialised application and a rich history. It’s this application process which sets it apart; Tadelakt walls tell a unique story.

As much a ritual as it is a finish, Tadelakt’s irregular, tactile quality makes spaces feel warm and steeped in tradition.

While white paint has its place, you can’t deny that finishes like Venetian plaster, limewash, microcement, or Tadelakt are more engaging. They don’t make loud or bold statements, but they also aren’t boring; they prove that neutral walls don’t have to disappear into the background quietly, but can have their own subtle strength.

An interior is the sum of its parts; if every element has its own rich materiality, your space becomes far more interesting — even if you want to keep things neutral.