Best Benjamin Moore Paints for Walls: 5 Top Picks: I’ll walk you through my favorite Benjamin Moore wall paints, when to use each, and small-space tips I learned the hard way

I once mixed up a client’s paint samples and brought home something that looked like ‘retired office beige’ — the client loved it and renamed the color after their cat. That little disaster taught me two things: color is personal, and the right Benjamin Moore paint can save a room (and your reputation). In small spaces I always think of paint as the furniture you can’t move; it either opens the room or makes it feel boxed in. For real-world examples of how layout and color play together, check out this room layout case study.

Aura Interior — my go-to when color depth matters

I reach for Benjamin Moore Aura when I need rich, even color and excellent coverage. It’s high-performing: great hide, low streaking, and superior color retention — perfect for accent walls or saturated hues. Downsides? It’s pricier than classic mid-range paints, and deep colors may still need two coats, but I find the payoff worth it for living rooms and bedrooms.

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Regal Select — reliable, durable, and user-friendly

Regal Select hits the sweet spot for most residential walls: easier application than bargain lines, durable finish, and good washability for families. It’s slightly more forgiving for DIYers and contractors alike, although it won’t have quite the color pop of Aura in demanding lighting. If you want a dependable all-rounder, this is it.

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ben — budget-friendly refreshes without big compromises

When clients ask for a low-cost quick refresh, I recommend the ben line. It’s surprisingly serviceable for rented apartments or guest rooms, with decent coverage and fair durability. The trade-off is fewer premium color options and slightly less depth in saturated tones, so I avoid it for feature walls where ultra-rich pigment is the goal. If you’re experimenting with layouts or testing color schemes, this is an economical choice that won’t break the bank. Midway through a redesign I often compare color samples against practical layouts, which is why I also look at kitchen layout examples for flow and sightlines.

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Aura Bath & Spa — for humidity-prone walls and freshness

Bathrooms and laundry areas get my Aura Bath & Spa pick: it’s formulated for high-humidity spaces and resists mildew better than standard interior lines. The finish is washable and smooth, though the paint's specialty formula costs more and works best with proper ventilation. For tiny baths, a soft matte plus a satin trim can create depth without glare — one of my favorite tricks for compact homes.

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ADVANCE — when walls meet trim and you need a polished look

Technically ADVANCE is famed for cabinetry and trim, but I sometimes use it on walls in tight, high-touch spaces where durability and a furniture-like finish matter. It levels beautifully and withstands cleaning, but it dries slower and requires good technique — not ideal for rushed DIYers. For projects where photo-realistic finishes matter, I’ll pair a wall paint with a high-quality rendering to visualize the final effect, much like a 3D render showcase helps clients commit confidently.

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FAQ

1. What Benjamin Moore paint is best for living room walls?

I usually recommend Aura Interior for living rooms because of its color depth and coverage. If budget is a concern, Regal Select is a strong alternative with good durability.

2. Which finish should I choose for walls?

Eggshell or matte (flat) are my top picks for most walls: they hide imperfections and reduce glare. Use satin for areas needing more washability, like kitchens and hallways.

3. Is Benjamin Moore Aura worth the extra cost?

Yes, for rooms where color intensity and longevity matter. Aura covers better and resists fading, so it often saves time and additional coats in the long run.

4. Are Benjamin Moore paints low-VOC and safe for homes?

Many Benjamin Moore lines are low-VOC; for the most up-to-date specs check Benjamin Moore’s official product pages (https://www.benjaminmoore.com) for VOC ratings and certifications. Always ventilate during application.

5. How many coats will I need with Aura vs. Regal Select?

Aura often provides excellent coverage in one to two coats, even for saturated colors. Regal Select typically needs two coats for full uniformity, especially with deeper hues.

6. Can I use the same paint on walls and trim?

You can, but I prefer different sheens: a lower-sheen paint (eggshell/matte) for walls and a glossier, tougher product (like ADVANCE or semi-gloss) for trims to improve cleanability and definition.

7. What’s the best Benjamin Moore paint for rental units?

For rentals I often choose Regal Select for its balance of cost and durability, or ben for tight budgets. Both give reasonable longevity without high upfront material costs.

8. How do I test paint colors before committing?

Apply large swatches on multiple walls and observe them in different lighting throughout the day. For precise visualization, pairing swatches with mood boards or digital mockups on reputable resources can reduce guesswork.

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