Choosing the perfect white paint color for your interior can be more challenging than you might think. With so many different shades to choose from, each with its own subtle undertones, finding the right white can make all the difference in achieving the look you want. Choose the wrong white color, and your walls could end up looking muddy, yellow, or stark and cold. In this post, I’ll guide you through some of the best white paint colors, helping you pick the perfect one for your home.
If you’re looking for the best whites for a trim color, check out my blog post on The Best White Paint Colors for Trim.
Note: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. See my full privacy policy for details.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
BM Chantilly Lace (OC-65) is a beautiful white color with minimal undertones, which means that it will read pure white in your home. It’s a clean, brighter white that doesn’t come across as looking sterile. When it comes to white walls, Chantilly Lace is a favorite amongst interior designers for its ability to give a room a light, fresh look. Get a peel-and-stick sample of Chantilly Lace HERE.
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Don’t let the name fool you – SW Pure White (7005) is not what I would call a “pure” white. In fact, it has gray undertones, and the slightest yellow undertone, that makes Pure White a beautiful white to pair with cool blues and grays in a color scheme. This is also an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets that are paired with quartz or Carrara marble countertops. Click HERE to order your peel-and-stick sample of Pure White.
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Hands-down, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) is an all-star when it comes to warm whites. It is a warm, soft white, with subtle gray undertones. Because of its versatile, neutral nature, designers turn to this white for walls, cabinets, trim, and even exteriors. White Dove will make your room feel welcoming, rather than cold, but will read crisp enough to look like a true white in your home. If you want a gorgeous, clean, timeless white, this is the one for you! Grab a peel-and-stick sample of White Dove HERE.
Benjamin Moore Simply White
BM Simply White (OC-117) is another widely-used white for everything from walls, to ceilings, white cabinets, and trim. Out of over 250 white shades, Benjamin Moore chose Simply White for its 2016 Color of the Year because “it felt to us the cleanest and the most versatile.” Simply White has classic warmth, with yellow undertones, but is neutral enough to work equally well with both warm and cool palettes. For a peel-and-stick sample of Simply White, click HERE.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
SW Alabaster (SW 7008) is another great option for a warm white paint color. With its soft creamy undertones, and versatility, it’s no wonder Sherwin Williams named Alabaster as its color of the year for 2016. This white is softer, and slightly creamier than some of the other whites on this list, but it will still read white on its own. Joanna Gaines used Alabaster to paint the living room of her farmhouse, and it’s a popular choice for exteriors, as well. Alabaster is inviting and relaxing, making it a great choice for a whole-house color. Order your peel-and-stick sample of SW Alabaster HERE.
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
BM Swiss Coffee (OC-45) is another white that favors a warm, creamy undertone. There are several paint companies that have a white paint color called Swiss Coffee (e.g., Behr, Kelly Moore, Valspar). It’s confusing, I know. They are all similar, but not the same, and here I’m focusing on Benjamin Moore’s version. Swiss Coffee works well in more traditional spaces, and looks great paired with other warm paint colors (beiges, browns, etc.). In the kitchen pic below, you can really see the difference between the creaminess of Swiss Coffee against the cooler marble countertop. Click HERE to order a peel-and-stick sample of Swiss Coffee today!
Benjamin Moore Super White
If you are looking for a true, bright white for trim, BM Super White (OC-152) is a great choice! It has no detectable undertones, so it pairs well with practically any other paint color. Super White is a sparkling, clean, modern white. I don’t usually recommend it for walls, as it can look too cold and sterile (like primer on your walls). So, if you want a bright white for your walls, opt for Chantilly Lace over Super White. However, Super White can work well in darker spaces that really need an extra boost of brightness. For a sample of Super White, click HERE.
Benjamin Moore Cloud White
BM Cloud White (OC-130) is another one that often ends up on a designer’s list of the best white paint colors. It’s a timeless, warm white that works with any color scheme or decorating style. Cloud White can evoke a relaxing, calming vibe, while still giving the clean, crisp look you want from a white. Get your sample of Cloud White HERE.
Benjamin Moore Acadia White
Every list of white paint colors should include at least one ivory, and BM Acadia White (also known as Ivory White) is my pick. Acadia White (OC-38) is a warm, sophisticated, ivory paint color that has been around for quite a while. It’s a great choice for traditional spaces, and spaces that you want to look aged or antiqued. It looks gorgeous paired with black, yet also has enough color to pop against white trim. Choose Acadia White when you want just a hint of color that isn’t too yellow or beige. Grab a peel-and-stick copy of Acadia White HERE.
Should I Choose a Warm White or a Cool White?
The difference between cool whites and warm whites lies in the undertones that define each shade, which ultimately affects the mood and look of a space.
Cooler whites have gray, blue or green undertones, and tend to create a crisp, clean, modern look. They work best with cool-toned furnishings and decor, such as blues and grays.
Warm Whites: Warm whites have undertones of yellow, red, or beige. They provide a cozy, inviting feel, and pair beautifully with earthy colors and warm wood tones,
The decision to go with warm whites versus cool whites depends on several factors.
- The decorating style or overall look you’re going for
- Your lighting conditions
- Your fixed materials (flooring, tile, etc.)
Decorating Style
Go with a crisp, cool white if you’d like a clean, modern look. If you tend to like more traditional or rustic styles, a warmer white will work best.
Lighting Conditions
For north-facing rooms, warmer whites tend to work best to counteract cool, blue northern light. For west-facing rooms, the late afternoon sun will intensify warm undertones, so you’ll probably be better off with a cooler or more neutral white.
Fixed Materials
Always be sure to take your fixed materials into account. For example, if you have cool gray tile in your bathroom, then a cooler or neutral shade of white will work better than a warmer white. On the other hand, if your carpet is beige, a warmer white will compliment it best.
What about hardwood floors? Natural wood floors are always going to be on the warmer side, but some wood species are much warmer than others. If you have cherry or oak floors, you’ll want to stick with a warmer white. But, if your floors are fairly neutral (not overly red, orange, or yellow), then you can go with something cooler, and it will work well.
How Do I Know if it’s the Right White Paint?
The best way to choose the right white paint color for your room is to try it on your walls and compare it to your fixed materials. It’s important to get samples of several different whites, and evaluate them in the place you’re planning to paint.
To sample the colors on your walls, you can purchase sample paint cans, and either paint it onto your walls or onto some foam board. But, a better option is to check out Samplize. They offer convenient, affordable peel-and-stick paint samples that are much easier to use than traditional methods. Here are just a few reasons why I always recommend Samplize to my clients:
- Samples arrive quickly (1-3 business days, or even overnight, depending on location)
- They’re more affordable than buying the sample cans of paint, rollers, foam board, dropcloths, and other supplies that are needed for traditional paint sampling
- You can move them around the room, and test them in a variety of lighting conditions
Be sure to look at your white paint samples in different times of the day – morning, noon and night. The one that appears to work best in all times of the day, is the right color for your space.
What Paint Sheen Should I Use?
There are several different sheens available for interior paints. Here are my recommendations for the best paint sheen to use for your interior projects.
- Use flat/matte or eggshell sheen for your wall color paint. Eggshell is great for families with kids because it’s easier to wipe clean. Eggshell is also the best choice for bathrooms.
- Use flat on your ceilings
- Use satin or semi-gloss on your baseboards, doors, and trim. If you like a little more shine, go with the semi-gloss
- Use satin on your cabinetry, and accent walls (like grid walls)
You really can’t go wrong with painting your interior walls white! Not only is it a trend that will be here to stay for a while, it can also give your room a beautiful, timeless look. Start with this list to find the best white paint color for your home.
Need some help choosing the best paint colors for your home?
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed choosing paint colors for your home, my Interior Paint Consultation service might be perfect for you!
- I can help you choose the best paint colors for one room, or choose a color scheme for the entire house!
- See your room virtually painted a new color, and feel confident in your color choices!
- Finally convince your significant other to paint the kitchen cabinets!
- Perfect for online clients!
Hi Melissa, I love that so many bloggers are writing about white paint and I especially enjoy when the same colors appear time and again but I wish there were more posts about exterior paints. I was wondering what you thought (truly felt) about an exterior using Benjamin Moore Navajo White for the siding, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy for the shutters and white for the trim. Normal, straight-up whites are not an option as I have white houses on either side of me (different colors for shutters and doors but still . . .). I want a color combination that stands out, as opposed to one that just passes muster. If not the colors I mentioned, what would you suggest (no gray or brown)? Thanks for your thoughts.
I think Navajo White with navy shutters and white trim could be a beautiful combination, but in your situation you might want to consider another choice. Paint colors always look brighter outside than they do inside. Navajo White will look very white on your exterior, and if you are already surrounded by two white houses, it might not give you the contrast you’re hoping for. For exteriors with navy shutters and white trim, here are a couple of body colors that I love to use – BM Revere Pewter (or Edgecomb Gray if you want a slighter lighter shade), BM Saybrook Sage, SW Balanced Beige, BM Stonington Gray (has some blue in it). Try out Benjamin Moore’s color viewer to see different paint colors on exteriors: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/personal-color-viewer/exterior
I would love a white wall pairing suggestion. We have paint our accent wall in our bedroom BM Old Navy and are adding a grid to it. The remaining walls I would like to keep a fresh white or light gray-white. Our headboard is linen and our bedding is blushes and camel.
The whites I am considering were BM White Dove, BM Classic Gray. Our doors and baseboard are currently BM Simply White. What do you think?
White Dove and Classic Gray are two fantastic choices, and some of my all-time favorites! White Dove will read pretty close to Simply White, so you may not see much contrast there, whereas Classic Gray will help your trim stand out a bit more.
Melissa. What trim paint would you suggest with Acadia White walls?
I like BM Chantilly Lace with Acadia White, for a nice bright white trim, and BM Simply White for a softer transition.
Melissa, I’m interested in what trim paint color you would recommend with Acadia white walls as well? I have Swiss coffee from Dunn Edwards for my trim, so I thought id paint the walls SC too to get that creamy look, but instead it looks bluish in some lighting. I love warm white & creamy colors. I just can’t find the right creamy wall color to go with my Dunn Edwards Swiss coffee trim.
Thank you,
Theresa
I like your white color choices. I am getting ready to paint my kitchen cabinets white. Does my trim white need to match my caninets?
It doesn’t have to be the exact same white, but the two need to compliment each other, and have similar undertones. You don’t want to pair a cool white with a warm white, for example, or it will look odd.
Hello!! My walls are SW Alabaster, backsplash white and my countertops are white/light grey. Would appreciate some color choices for my cabinets. Thanks
I have dark cherry cabinets in my kitchen that is also part of my family room. The counter top is granite with browns & creams. I’d like to paint the walls in my family room white but I know I’ll need to take the kitchen into consideration. I don’t want the space to look “old lady”. Should I go with warm or cool whites?
Do you have a color suggestion that would look good with this kitchen? I use SW mostly but BM is great too so I’d like to hear anything you suggest.
Thank you. 😊
You’ll need a warm or neutral white, not a cool white. You want to make sure the undertones of your white compliment the other fixed materials in your home (like floors, tile, etc.). If your family room faces west or south, I would go with more of a neutral white. BM White Dove is a great place to start.
Hi Melissa! When selecting a white for walls, can you use the same white on trim and doors or do you suggest a different white? I’m close to choosing BM white dove for walls.
Yes, you can use the same white on trim and doors, depending on the white you choose. White Dove is a fantastic white for both walls and trim/doors! I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for both in my own home.
Hi Melissa, what a great article! I’m currently repainting my house and I really want to brighten our space since our house is lacking natural light. I chose Chantilly Lace for the hallway upstairs and all rooms downstairs, including kitchen. Is it too much?
Hello Melissa, I live on the beach in the Bahamas so the sunlight is very strong. I would like to paint my exterior white and grey – white on the concrete block walls and grey on the additions which has hardy plank. a lot of the greys look muddy and not crisp and clean. Can you recommend a combination – I am thinking BM Sea Pearl for white and Stonington Grey or Revere Pewter for the hardy plank siding.
Hi Paula! If you would like specific recommendations for your exterior, I offer an exterior paint consultation service. Based on the paint colors you mentioned, I wouldn’t choose Revere Pewter because it will end up looking very muddy and will just bring out more warmth in Seapearl. Stonington Gray will work better, and you could also try BM Platinum Gray for a crisp, pure gray.
Thank you for this informative article. We already have Swiss Coffee on our walls and trim throughout the house. Would it be too much to paint the kitchen cabinets Swiss Coffee as well? We have Granite countertop with yellow undertones. I was planning to go with a different paint color for the cabinets, but I cannot figure out what white will look well with Swiss Coffee. Thank you in advance if you are able to get to this question.
Hi Melissa, I just bought a house that has BM Navajo White trims everywhere. I want to do white walls but am having a hard time. Should I just change the trim color to my liking or can you suggest a nice white wall color that will go well with the existing trim? I want the sheen to be flat. I was thinking Chantilly but perhaps it’s too much of a contrast with the Navajo White. Thank you for any advice!
Hi Melissa, I just bought a house and we have started to renovate but can’t find a good color for walls. We did Style Selections Light Vintage Wood Grey tiles which has an array of tones in it. We did the trim in Sherwin Williams Pure White and planned on painting the cabinets the same color. The countertops are all in white quartz that have minimum light grey veins throughout. I’m looking for a color that is light because it is a lot of house!! The front of the house faces north and the back faces south so not too much natural light. Maybe a dark white or a very light grey, definitely something neutral. I tried agreeable grey but almost looks a little blue… maybe because the walls right now are Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams and it’s messing with my eyes. I thought about Aesthetic White too but not sure if that’s too close to Pure White. Any advice?
Sorry forgot my email
Agreeable Gray is a warm gray, so if it’s looking blue, it’s either due to perceived color shift (caused by looking at it compared to Kilim Beige) or due to cool northern light. If Agreeable Gray is looking too cool/blue to you, you will likely have to shift to a much warmer color. You might try SW Accessible Beige, BM Edgecomb Gray, or BM Pale Oak.
We have marble white kitchen cabinets, painting walls Manchester tan. We tried having white marble lightened to 50% but it’s still too dark for trim, ceilings etc. cloud white might be good option but we can’t get to “white” or trim and ceilings will clash with the “yellow” marble white”. I don’t want my entire open kitchen living area to be too yellow.
Best suggestion?
Hi! what carpet color/tones would you recommend for a gender neutral nursery that has BM Swiss Coffee walls with BM simply white trims?
Hi! what carpet color/tones would you recommend for a gender neutral nursery that has BM Swiss Coffee walls with BM simply white trims?
Hello! What are your thoughts on SW 7009 Pearly White? It’s for bedrooms. I want something that looks white and beachy, but now I’m rethinking, this may not even look white on the walls? Any suggestions? Thank you!
Hello Melissa,
My kitchen cabinets are painted BM Chantilly white. Can I use the same color for walls, ceiling and trims? If not, what color paint do you recommend. I live in California with lots of windows and lots of light throughout. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Yes, you can definitely use Chantilly Lace on your ceiling and trim. For your walls, you might want to introduce a little bit of color and warmth. If you want to keep the walls light, try something like BM Seapearl or BM Pale Oak. You can certainly use Chantilly Lace on your walls, but it might start to look a little one-note, and could be quite bright in a well-lit space.
Loved this article!!!! I am looking for a chalky white for ceiling and walls. I have maple trim,antique gold/copper accessories and olive greens accents,flax curtains. I want warm, ANY suggestions would be SO helpful! I have looked for 2 years!
My teenage daughter is obsessed with SW Panda White. It is growing on me as well, Is this a good white for all walls/trim/doors/ceiling in the house? I have cabinets and built-ins with accent colors. Should i do the doors in a darker color to hide scuffs?
My whole house has Acadia white for trim color, what soft white would be best for the walls….or other neutral colors that go well with Acadia white. I like the cozy feel but airy and light. Thanks!