Where are the best places to buy paint? 6 go-to paint brands used and loved by interior designers

If you're in the process of decorating a room, finding the right paint color is likely one of the biggest decisions you'll be making. But before settling on a color, choosing which paint brand to shop at is key.

Each paint brand offers a unique range of colors and paint formulas, and you'll often find that certain paint brands cater to your specific needs and paint ideas more than others, so it's worth being aware of the best paint brands and what they offer.

We spoke to interior designers to learn their favorite paint brands; ones they have used for years and continue reaching for in projects. From Sherwin-Williams to Farrow & Ball, these paint brands are some of the best places to buy paint for good reason.

Best places to buy paint

If you're looking for some inspiration for your next decorating project, read on to hear what designers say about these leading paint brands.

1. Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is one of the most widely used paint brands among designers, known for its wide range of colors that cater to all interior design styles.

'Benjamin Moore is my go-to paint brand,' says interior designer Betsy Wentz, who used Benjamin Moore's Sail Cloth in this living room design. 'They have a wide graduation of color palettes, and their pigments create a rich, deep color that goes on smoothly. You can count on the historical color collection to work well in any type of light and to look good for several years.'

Amongst the best-selling Benjamin Moore paints, designers comment on the range of finishes available to suit different spaces. 'The color we spec the most often is Benjamin Moore,' says designer Brandon Lange, Creative Director at BZ Interiors. 'They have a range of finishes and usages as well as price points.'

Of all the brand's available colors, white paints are some of their most popular. For interior designer Marina Hanisch, part of the New York Design Center's Access to Design program, it's the best Benjamin Moore white paints that stand out, specifically Chantilly Lace and Super White.

2. Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams is another go-to paint brand for interior designers. 'I’ve worked with Sherwin-Williams paints in a number of my projects, including my own home,' says Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. 'As an interior designer, I am always drawn to their extensive color palette and the different finishes which always look beautiful when applied to walls, ceilings, millwork, and more.'

Beyond Sherwin-Williams' best-selling paint colors, designers recommend Sherwin-Williams for the available finishes that offer both high coverage and durability.

'I use Sherwin-Williams a lot because I love the coverage the paint gives,' says designer Connie Vernich of Vernich Interiors. 'Their finishes are wonderful. The Emerald finish is wonderful for cleaning with its stain-resistant properties.'

Interior designer Janelle B. Photopoulos, Principal & Owner of Blakely Interior Design used Sherwin-Williams Greenfield across this vanity. 'Their semi-gloss finish is just perfect,' adds Janelle. 'It’s just slightly less shiny than other brands, which lends itself to an elegant finish on millwork and cabinetry.'

3. Little Greene

'My favorite paint brand is Little Greene,' says interior designer Nadia Watts. Although a British brand, Little Greene is now available in the US and is popular for its slightly muted, heritage-inspired colors that create cozy and homey spaces.

'They take such pride in their family-run business and it shows in the quality of the paint,' continues Nadia. 'Little Greene is hard-wearing and built to last: it’s practical, beautiful, and economical too.'

'The paint is highly pigmented meaning you get excellent opacity and coverage. One of my favorite things about Little Greene is the palette – they focus on historic colors resulting in an elegant palette perfectly suited for modern and historical interiors.'

4. Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball is another leading paint brand that ranks highly among designers and homeowners. Known for its liveable selection of colors that boast a timeless appeal and pigmented paint formulas, Farrow & Ball is one to have on your radar.

'As an interior designer, Farrow & Ball is a go-to paint brand due to its array of timeless yet modern colors,' says interior designer Melissa Read, Creative Director at Studio Burntwood. 'Farrow & Ball is renowned for its elegant soft neutrals such as Skimming Stone and Elephant's Breath.'

'Farrow & Ball has an extensive range of finishes,' adds Melissa. 'Their newest addition 'Dead Flat' provides an ultra-matt, velvety look; minimizes glare, and enhances the richness of the colors. We've used this finish both on period properties and contemporary new build homes.'

5. Behr

Behr is a US-based paint brand that offers homeowners and DIYers a wide selection of colors to transform homes. Behr's best-selling paint colors range from white paints to more adventurous and playful hues, perfect for all design styles.

In addition to the wide range of colors and finishes, Behr is also known for its exterior paints and wood stains, which make it a go-to choice for painting outdoor spaces of all types during the summer.

6. Backdrop

Lastly, LA-based Backdrop sells on-trend paint and wallcoverings for modern homes, boasting a design-led selection of colors that are full of character.

In this living room designed by STUDIO KEETA, Backdrop's Harvest Moon is used across the walls, a warm white paint that creates a fresh base without feeling at all stark.

The paint formulas are praised for their coverage and smooth application that make the decorating process simple, and the brand also offers adhesive paint swatches so you can easily test colors in various spaces and in different lighting conditions, before committing.

Whether it's neutrals or bold colors you're looking for with your paint ideas, you can't go wrong with these paint brands. Used and loved by interior designers, these brands offer many popular colors and formulas to suit your space.