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Short answer
Neutral colour names describe a lightness and an undertone. Greige is grey mixed with beige; taupe is a grey-brown; stone is a soft grey-beige; ivory is a warm off-white; oatmeal is a flecked light beige. Suppliers use these names differently, so always compare actual samples side by side, in your own light.
What do the common neutral names mean?
| Name | What it usually means | Undertone |
|---|---|---|
| White | Brightest; may look cold | Cool or neutral |
| Ivory | Off-white with a hint of yellow | Warm |
| Cream | Deeper than ivory | Warm, yellow |
| Oatmeal | Light beige, often flecked | Warm |
| Sand, beige | Light yellow-brown | Warm |
| Stone | Soft grey-beige | Neutral |
| Greige | Grey mixed with beige | Neutral to warm |
| Taupe, mushroom | Grey-brown | Warm or pinkish |
| Silver, light grey | Pale grey | Cool |
| Slate | Blue-grey | Cool |
| Charcoal | Very dark grey | Neutral to cool |
What is an undertone, and why does it matter?
An undertone is the hint of another colour inside a neutral: yellow, pink, green or blue. Two "greys" can look completely different side by side because one leans blue and the other leans brown. Match the undertone to your walls, floor and sofa: warm neutrals sit well with timber floors and warm lighting, cool neutrals with white walls and grey floors.
See Curtain Colours and Choosing Curtains to Match Your Floor.
Why does the same neutral look different at night?
Warm-white lamps make neutrals look yellower and warmer; cool-white lamps make them look greyer. Daylight in Malaysia is bright and fairly cool. A greige can read as beige at night and grey by day. Check samples in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Why don't colour names match between suppliers?
Colour names are marketing names, not standards. One supplier's stone is another's sand, and the same name can cover several shades within one range. Choose from the sample, not the name, and note the collection and colour code when you order. See How to Compare Fabric Samples at Home and What Is a Dye Lot?.
Which neutrals hide dust and marks best?
Mid-tones such as greige, taupe, stone and slate hide dust and everyday marks better than white or very dark plains. For sheers near kitchens or roads, ivory or greige stays looking clean longer than bright white. See Sofa Colours That Hide Dirt and Sheer Curtain Colours.
Frequently asked questions
What colour is greige?
A mix of grey and beige: a soft neutral that is neither cold nor yellow.
What is the difference between taupe and greige?
Taupe is darker and browner, sometimes with a pink hint; greige is lighter, a balance of grey and beige.
Is ivory white or cream?
In between: an off-white with a slight warm, yellow tint. Cream is usually deeper and warmer.
Why does my greige curtain look beige at night?
Warm-white lamps add yellow. Neutrals shift with the light, so check samples by day and at night.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.