Searching for the best white paint color? Instead of going to Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams and blankly staring at the hundreds of white paint chips, skip straight to these eight tried and true favorites and I guarantee you’ll find one that will look fantastic in your space!
Picking the perfect white paint color for your space isn’t always easy. Unlike other colors where the true color is pretty obvious from looking at the paint chip, whites have lots of undertones and subtle nuances that can make two colors that look similar on a paint chip look totally different once they’re painted on the wall . Wading through the endless number of white paint options to find a good fit can get pretty overwhelming so I’m sharing my eight tried & true white paint colors – the ones that I LOVE and that decorators and homeowners rave about time and time again.
1. Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
White Dove is a beautiful warm white that we have in both our entry way and our kitchen (pictured below). It’s not only a great color for walls, but also a favorite for molding and cabinets. It has a slight yellow undertone that make it a soft white that’s warm and welcoming.
Scroll and click/tap to shop my kitchen:
2. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White was Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2016 and possibly the most versatile of all whites. It’s a fresh, clean looking white without being stark and it has just a touch of yellow undertones so that it’s a warm white without being too creamy. It’s a favorite for walls, ceilings, and molding, all of which Kelley Nan painted Simply White for her fabulous master bedroom makeover that you can hop over and see more of {here}:
My friend Pam of Simple Details also used Simply White on the walls of her client’s bedroom for a beautiful makeover that she did – you can check that out {here}. I know TONS of decorators and homeowners who have used and love this color but definitely test it out – it can take on a greenish tint in some spaces (it has one that for me in some spaces).
3. Benjamin Moore Cloud White (OC-130)
Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White is somewhere between White Dove and Simply White in how bright of a white it is. I used it on the planked ceiling, walls, and trim in our family room – you can see more pics of this space and a complete source list for it {here}.
Scroll and click/tap to shop my family room:
I also used it Cloud White in our kitchen when remodeled (I switched from Dove White because our new cabinets were a whiter white than before so it was a better fit) – you can see more pics plus all sources for my kitchen {here}.
Scroll and click/tap to shop my kitchen:
Also take a look at my kitchen eat-in area {here} where you can get another peek at Cloud White on the walls!
4. Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White (CC-20, OC-149)
Decorators White is a fairly pure white but with a touch of gray that softens it and makes it a perfect choice for cabinets and trim. A beautiful example is Bree of ZDesign at Home’s kitchen (her cabinets and trim are Decorators White) – you can see more of this fabulous space {here}.
Decorator’s White can also be a great choice for a wall paint color if you want a fairly pure white that’s not too stark.
5. Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster (SW7008)
Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster, which Brittany of Addison’s Wonderland used in several rooms of her amazing historic home, is a warm white that is quite similar to Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. In addition to the stairway below, you can see Alabaster in action in Brittany’s mudroom, hallway, master bathroom and more in her house tour {here}.
6. Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Chantilly Lace is a beautiful crisp, clean, bright white paint color that reads as a true white. It’s a great choice for contemporary spaces but can also look good in more traditional homes such as this light and bright living room by Chelsea of Making Home Base that you can see more of {here}.
Another somewhat similar bright white to try is Benjamin Moore’s Super White.
7. Farrow & Ball’s All White
Farrow & Ball’s All White is exactly that – it contains no other pigment except for white, creating a soft yet crisp white without the colder blue undertones of a brilliant white. It’s the color that I used on the shiplap walls and trim of our master bedroom remodel that you can see more of {here}.
Scroll and click/tap to shop my master bedroom:
8. Behr’s White 52
I painted my youngest daughter’s room with Behr’s White 52 and really like it! It doesn’t have a lot of undertones so it’s not too creamy, not too blue, not too anything – just a good goes-with-everything white (in her room we paired it with Behr’s Blueprint). You can see more pics and all sources for my daughter’s boho chic bedroom {here}.
Scroll and click/tap to shop my daughter’s boho chic bedroom:
When I first wrote this post several years ago (this is a recently updated version), China White was #8 on my list but since that time I’ve tried it out twice and both times I didn’t like the look of it at all – it has a good amount of gray in it, making it look dingy. I have seen it used as an exterior paint color and love it for that and I also think it’s a good color option if the room that you’re painting gets a ton of light (like {this gorgeous kitchen} where it looks amazing) but it may not be the best choice for a low- to medium-light room.
How To Figure Out the White Paint Color That’s “The One”
Now that I’ve shared my favorites, these two tips will help you figure out which of these beautiful whites is best for your space:
- I’m a big believer in narrowing your color choices down to three or four colors by looking at the paint chips in your home but then you need to actually TRY them out in your home by getting small sample sizes of each color. Paint each sample on a large piece of foam board and see how it looks at different times of the day with different amounts of light. Also, move your board to various spots around your room – you may be surprised at how different a paint color can look depending upon where it is in the room.
- Different sheens always make a difference in the look of a paint color but with whites, the difference can be huge. In our family room where I have Cloud White in satin on the trim and ceiling and in matte on the walls, you’d never think they were the same color (the matte has a more pronounced yellow undertone than the satin). So if you test a white paint color in semi gloss and then buy a gallon of it in matte to paint with, be prepared to see a difference!
Now that I’ve shared my favorite white paint colors, I’d love to hear about your favorite whites! Or any paint colors for that matter – I’m a total paint nerd and could talk paint colors for hours 🙂 If you like geeking out about paint colors too and want to know more of my favorite colors, be sure to check out {this post} where I share all of the paint colors in my home! Thanks as always for stopping by!
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
September 14, 2013 at 7:50 amYes, there are so many whites. I use Chantilly Lace on our trim and I have Linen White in a guest room.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
September 16, 2013 at 2:32 pmLinen White is a pretty one too – I should have included it on my list!
riley says
January 1, 2014 at 1:45 pmIf you’re looking for a crisp white, Benjamin Moore’s Mountain Peak White is a good choice.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
January 1, 2014 at 11:02 pmThanks for the tip Riley – I will have to check that white out!
Anonymous says
February 2, 2014 at 12:43 pmBenjamin Moore – Atrium White and Mascarpone are my favorites – Atrium White neutral not too blue or yellow great for trim and ceilings. Mascarpone – warm – creamy without being yellow. Much prefer it to Linen White.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
February 3, 2014 at 1:06 pmThanks so much for adding to the list of beautiful whites!
Millenia says
May 25, 2015 at 10:55 amMaybe you could help me!? I have white/gray/light blue (looks like marble) ceramic tiles with dark grey filling in between everywhere in my apartment and was wondering which white to put on my walls. Im in a basement so i dont want for it to look to cold ???? i tried blue on my wall and I ended up not liking it at all ????
Kris Jarrett says
May 31, 2015 at 11:06 pmHi Millenia!
Unfortunately picking the right white paint color is something that really needs to be done in person. What I would recommend is that you pick up the color strips for these white paints and bring them home to look at them in your space. Pick your three favorites and get sample cans in those colors – paint a large area (two coats!) in each of the three colors and I promise that it will be easy to tell which color is best with everything else you have in your space!
Lynn says
August 21, 2015 at 4:27 pmwe are renovating an older home Traditîonal Greek Revival. I want to use a creamy white for the interior. What’s your opinion on using one color like dove white by Benjamin Moore for the wallboards as well as the trim for moldings , mantle and other trimwork. Is using one color in this way a trend now or should I stay with two contrasting shades? Thank you
Kris Jarrett says
August 23, 2015 at 11:21 amI actually love the look of White Dove for both the walls and trim (I have that combination in my kitchen!). Even though it’s the same color, the different sheen makes the color look slightly different so I feel like it gives some subtle contrast yet still flows together really well.
John sanders says
August 25, 2015 at 3:53 pmWhat are your thoughts on Benjamin Moore line Aura vs. Regal Select and would you do trim in either of those two or Benjamin Moore Advance?
Kris Jarrett says
October 4, 2015 at 9:06 pmHi John! I’ve painted with all three of those Benjamin Moore paints and they’re all great paints. I use Regal Select in semigloss for trim unless I’m painting over oil-based paint, in which case I use Advance. Hope that helps!
Sherry says
September 24, 2016 at 6:34 pmHI Kris, I’m stuck between White Dove and Swiss Coffee. I like both but one or the other looks better on my walls in different parts of the house. What do you think about BM Swiss Coffee?
Kris Jarrett says
September 25, 2016 at 11:11 pmUnfortunately I’ve never used that color Sherry so I can’t really comment on how it compares to White Dove. Sorry!
Vicki says
October 7, 2017 at 12:01 amfor those with questions about walls vs trim colors…I just painted my home with a color called Weathered White. I used the European look with same color base and crown. What I ran into was the crown created a shadow and looked darker , so I had it lightened up quite a bit and in a semi gloss. It was right above painted cabinets which were in the wall color but semi. It was all seamless and gave a great look to a 60′ rancher with lower ceilings. I read about this European style on some decorating site. It was great solution.
Kris Jarrett says
October 13, 2017 at 9:28 pmThanks for sharing Vicki!
Lauren says
February 11, 2018 at 10:04 pmHi there! I’m curious after looking at this great article because you seem to know your stuff, what white (white on white for trim and cabinets) you’d suggest for a room that doesn’t get a ton of sun throughout the day. I’m saddened to discover my hubby and my first house seems to not have many, or big, windows though I would really like to punch up the light and airy factor. Creme and oat coastal or white and oat and creams is the look I’d like most (both in decor and on walls, etc). Do you have any suggestions? It’s hard to find suggestions for this look when the room isn’t a bright one! Thanks!!
Kris Jarrett says
February 19, 2018 at 1:27 pmLauren I think several of the whites in this post might work well for you – it just depends if you’re looking for a cool white or warm white and what intensity. I’ve found that Cloud White works well in darker spaces so maybe try a sample of that first and go from there!
Brenda says
February 14, 2018 at 6:47 amGood article! I’m needing to refresh some spaces in our home that were painted white when we bought the house but remind me of ‘primer’! It just doesn’t look finished! I love white and want to keep it white but use a ‘warmer’ version of the color! I was feeling overwhelmed about how to go about it! This article comes at a good time! Thanks Kris!
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 10:54 pmI’m so glad that you found it helpful Brenda! XOXO
Linda says
August 25, 2019 at 11:27 pmHas anyone used BM Alabaster? Is it the same as SW’s?
Grandy says
February 14, 2018 at 7:19 amWish I had read your entry a year ago. We just built our new home on the NC coast where we get lots of bright light in the upstairs rooms. I had two bedrooms painted Simply White after painting numerous board a variety of whites. As soon as the rooms were completed, before we even moved in, I knew I had made a mistake. The rooms looked a ‘greeny-yellow’. Awful! They look even worse now that my red, white, and blue themed bedding is in there. I hate to paint and my husband refuses to pay a pai ter!
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 10:56 pmUgh! I have seen Simply White used time and time again and be the perfect white BUT I’ve also seen it turn green – I tried to use it in my own home and painted one wall but it definitely had a green tint in my space. It varies so much from house to house!
Angela G says
June 9, 2018 at 6:06 pmJust painted simply white and the painter thought maybe they got it wrong it looks green. He has to do one more coat so I can change. This is for all bedrooms. The rest of my home is the sw alabaster. What should I put over the simply white to not be green?
Brenda says
May 3, 2018 at 2:48 pmHI
I am having the same problem with both Cloud White and Simply White-I feel your pain!
I have a tint on my windows and grass and blue water outside which impacts I am sure, but even in a washroom with no window, the paints still look green.
Wondering if you have come up with any solutions? I just hung up from Sherwin Willliams after discussing Alabaster, which they tell me has gray instead of yellow undertones and would be similar to Cloud White.
I guess this is why the root word of paint is pain.
Would be interested to hear from you.
Thank you.
Brenda
Kris Jarrett says
May 13, 2018 at 9:58 pmBrenda one thing I found is that the Matte sheen of both paints is quite a bit different than the flat so I’ve gone back to using flat since it’s less yellow/green. Cloud White flat doesn’t give off any of the green tones in my house!
Laurie says
February 14, 2018 at 8:39 amI love Benjamin Moore colors. I used their Simply White for the trim in my house and White Dove for my kitchen cabinets. Pretty much all my walls are painted in one of their colors. Mostly neutrals, blues, or greens.
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 10:57 pmLaurie I’m with you – especially when it comes to whites Benjamin Moore is my go-to!
Design Chic says
February 14, 2018 at 9:42 amWonderful information, Kris. Benjamin Moore Simply White and Dove white are my “go to” colors. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 10:58 pmLove those too! Hope you got spoiled on Valentine’s Day!
Annie says
February 14, 2018 at 11:07 amWhich whites do you recommend for high altitude north facing rooms?
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 11:01 pmI don’t know about high altitudes but for north facing rooms, white paint colors with warm undertones work best!
Katy Beacher says
February 14, 2018 at 12:03 pmIs it my monitor or do all these whites have a touch of blue? I think I like Chantilly Lace the best. But it is really hard to tell.
Thank you.
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 11:04 pmIt’s your monitor 🙂 Many of these are warm whites that aren’t at all blue.
Caralee Moore says
February 14, 2018 at 2:19 pmThis post came at the perfect time!! I have been trying to find the perfect white on our our huge fireplace wall. Our walls are BM Revere Pewter and our trim is just basic white (that the previous owners had chosen). I would like it to be a soft white without being too yellowy . Any recommendations for what white would work best on that wall? Thank you for your time.
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 11:05 pmOne you could try is Cloud White – it’s exactly that, a soft warm without without too much yellow.
Karen B. says
February 14, 2018 at 9:14 pmKris,
This is very helpful. I’ve seen several of the BM paints in various whites. It can be overwhelming. Thanks for the detailed descriptions. I think the next time I have to paint I’ll paint with Simply White.
xo,
Karen
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 11:05 pmThanks Karen! So glad that you found it helpful!
[email protected] says
February 15, 2018 at 5:43 pmGreat information Kris. I am in the process of choosing a white paint for the trim/doors/cabinets in our home. Our current “white” has been custom matched the past few times since it is no longer available. So I need to find a current white I love. Of course my sweet hubby says “white is white”. LOL
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 11:08 pmLauren I had to do that in our last house – there were several whites and I didn’t know what any of them were so I had to just cut the cord and start fresh! Hope you find one that you love!
Bree says
February 15, 2018 at 6:35 pmKris this is such a great post!! You can bet I’ll be referring back to it soon:). And thank you for sharing my kitchen…I feel so honored it made your list😘
Kris Jarrett says
February 15, 2018 at 11:09 pmBree, I appreciate you letting me share your beautiful kitchen!! XOXO
Karen @ decorhint says
February 18, 2018 at 12:16 pmHi Kris,
Thanks for the tips on white paint! I thought I had my heart set on Simply White for our home – until I saw your Living room with Cloud White. I just love that room of yours and I might have to give this cloud white color a try.
Kris Jarrett says
February 19, 2018 at 1:15 pmIf you do, you’ll have to let me know how you like it!
Susan says
February 23, 2018 at 9:23 pmWe are doing a new build and I am completely lost in picking a white for the ceiling. Our colors are neutrals for the most part (SW Sea Salt and On the Rocks, BM Silver Mist and Pale Oak). I am leaning toward BM Simply White, SW Pure White or Alabaster. Impressions on an would look best?
Diane says
February 26, 2018 at 10:42 pmI am looking for soft white (not too stark) for exterior in south florida. A lot of sun east/west facing. Any suggestions, looked at Swiss coffee & greek Villa. Also, nice trim color with co tast. Roof and pavers multi terracotta/grey/slight yellow.
Kris Jarrett says
March 9, 2018 at 12:43 pmHow fun! Unfortunately I don’t ever feel comfortable making specific recommendations without seeing a space in person – colors can change so much depending upon the other colors in a space, what direction it’s facing, etc.
Coco May says
March 9, 2018 at 1:33 pmThank you for this post. I am going out today to get samples and paint foam core boards 3 different whites to try in our new-to-us home! I plan to use the same color ceiling, walls and trim in most of the house. What finish is most modern? Some designers advise matte for ceiling and other satin. Some advise eggshell for wall and others say matte. Semi-gloss or satin for trim? Should kitchens and baths be different in paint finish from the rest of the house.? I love your BM White Cloud look with the black and white photographs. My husband is a black and white fine art photographer, so that setting was very persuasive! I will do my homework on the color, but can definitely use your insight on finish. Many thanks!
Kris Jarrett says
March 19, 2018 at 9:13 amI think finish is very much personal preference – I typically do matte on the walls, flat on ceilings (the more sheen, the more that you see imperfections and most ceilings have a lot of them), and satin on trim. In terms of what’s most modern, honestly I think it’s either end of the extremes – either matte or high gloss! And as far as kitchen and baths, I’ve used BM matte on those too because it’s a scrubbable flat but I don’t have young kids getting water everywhere either. For a space that gets really heavy use you’re better off going with a higher sheen. Hope that helps!
Karen says
March 14, 2018 at 8:57 pmI’m planning on having my new kitchen cabinets and trim painted in Simply White. Is there another Benjamin Moore white you think would pair well with it on the shiplap walls and ceiling? Thinking of either Dove White or Cloud White, but am open to other suggestions. It is a west facing room with lots of green reflecting from the outside. (Living in a rainforest)
Kris Jarrett says
March 19, 2018 at 11:04 amHi Karen – it’s hard to say for sure since whites can look so different from space to space but I will say that I tried Simply White in my house that has a lot of green reflecting from the outdoors and it turned the white a greenish tone so I ended up using Cloud White. I would definitely paint some boards a few different whites and try them out in your house.
Karen Doss says
April 19, 2018 at 12:26 amDo you have a favorite white in Behr? I have used whitecliff beige in Glidden, the swatch looks very beige but yet it looks very white in my entry and halls. I love it, but was going to use it someone else’s bedroom and now I’m leery it won’t look the same it looks in my home. Ahhh what to do. I wanted to use Behr as a Home Depot is close and a good price point for my client.
Thanks,
Karen
KD Interiors.
Kris Jarrett says
May 2, 2018 at 12:03 pmHi Karen,
I’ve used Behr in other colors but unfortunately I’ve never used their whites!
Andrea says
April 29, 2018 at 8:35 amHave you ever used Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White? I’m going for the white on white look, but I definitely don’t want it to feel sterile. My cabinet guy is recommending doing the kitchen cabinets and built-ins in SW Aesthetic White, which means I’d also probably have to do my trim in the same color since it’s all one, big open space and my cabinets will extend to the ceiling. I’m having a terrible time making a decision on how to tie it all together!
Kris Jarrett says
May 2, 2018 at 11:45 amSorry Andrea – I’ve never used that white before!
Susie Holton says
May 15, 2018 at 1:00 pmPlease help me pick an exterior white for my lake house in north Louisiana, which is cedar with a Certainteed Weathered Wood roof and copper gutters. I’m trying to decide between BM White Dove, BM Gray Owl, SW Natural Choice, SW Alabaster, SW Dover White…. HELP!!! Thank you so much!
Kris Jarrett says
June 9, 2018 at 8:51 pmI’d love to help but feel that the only way to choose outdoor paint colors well is to see samples on the house in person – the same color can look very different from house to house depending on materials, surroundings, etc.
Stephani says
June 8, 2018 at 7:30 pmFor a kitchen would you suggest satin or matte? We will actually be painting the entire house one colour to start
Most likely chantilly lace or simply white, white heron, Decorater’s white
Kris Jarrett says
June 9, 2018 at 8:57 pmMost people will suggest satin for a kitchen because it’s more scrubbable but I actually use flat or matte everywhere because I like the lack of sheen and how easy it is to touch up.
Christine L Blum says
August 9, 2018 at 6:47 pmHi Kris,
My husband and I live in a townhouse that has all sliding glass doors. We keep the blinds and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat from beating in and the air running all day (we live in Florida).
I want to have the interior updated as we haven’t painted in 16 years. I have decided that White Dove BM and Alabaster SW are the top contenders as of right now for all the walls pretty much throughout. I want the trim & ceilings white but have no idea what white to chose with either paint.
My furniture is off white (Ikea slipcovers for sofa & chairs) with multi blue striped large area rugs in the living room area. Without seeing pictures what’s your opinion on both paints and what white for the trim & ceilings.
I’m NOT good with color at all so I found your blog and knew you were the person I wanted to ask.
Thank you in advance, Chris
Kris Jarrett says
September 9, 2018 at 11:43 pmChris, I wish I could help but I would just be guessing in helping you pick out the perfect white for your space without seeing it in person!
Kris says
August 28, 2018 at 12:00 amI love your break down of the whites! We chose cloud white for our kitchen cabinets, and revere pewter for our main walls (open concept) now 3 years later I am hating the revere pewter and finding it too dark. I am having a heck of a time finding a lighter wall colour yo bo with my cloud white cabinets!! Any advice??
Kris Jarrett says
September 10, 2018 at 12:19 amTry Benjamin Moore Gray Owl or Repose Gray!
Silvia says
September 7, 2018 at 9:21 pmGreat article. Can you recommend a white to go with golden oak? Our house is 100+ yrs old with the original oak trim and floors. We have decided not to paint the oak trim. Thanks
Kris Jarrett says
September 10, 2018 at 12:55 amWhites are so tricky that honestly the same white can look totally different in two different homes so I really can’t make a blanket recommendation for a white – I would just be guessing. Sorry!
Maeghan Ottrey says
December 5, 2018 at 8:44 pmSilvia, did you end up finding a white you like? I’m about to move into a 100+ year old home and I’m looking to narrow down on some whites to go with our golden oak trim! Kris- any suggestions as to whether I should stick with trying warmer whites instead of something more stark like Chantilly?
Kimberly says
September 12, 2018 at 4:51 pmHello! I have a very small home and I have chosen blue/green/gray colors throughout. Our Hall connects our living (SW Silver Strand) and kitchen (SW Rainwashed) so you can see from one room to the other. There is no light in the hall except from the adjacent rooms. I was thinking that SW Alabaster would lighten it up and keep the house from feeling too cool…..
Glenda says
October 13, 2018 at 8:33 amI painted my bedroom Benjamin Moore paper white in a matte finish and love it!!
Kris Jarrett says
November 4, 2018 at 9:24 pmThanks for sharing!!
Denise says
November 5, 2018 at 5:10 pmLove your blog,
I read the SWs post too, what would be a good alternative in SWs for BMs Simply White (for walls), and Decorators White (for ceiling and trim).
Leah Y says
November 26, 2018 at 10:58 amI love your web-site, very informative!!
I am looking to paint my dining room walls with White Dove and ceiling Kendall Charcoal – thoughts? Are their another paint colors beige tones you would recommend for a ceiling?
Susan says
February 6, 2019 at 12:40 pmHi, I’m stressing over having my kitchen cabinets painted. I was thinking chantilly lace until you mentioned a cool undertone. Floor and granite mixed in off whites and beiges and the backsplash is alabaster subway. Which warm white (BM) would you suggest that wouldn’t look dingy in a small dark kitchen?
Kris Jarrett says
March 24, 2019 at 11:06 pmI wish I could help but honestly I would just be guessing without seeing the space in person! Sorry!
Gina says
February 6, 2019 at 4:04 pmThank you for all the tips! Seriously white has been the hardest paint color to choose. Can I ask, what color is your trim where your walls are white dove and your kitchen walls are cloud white? Are they the same color?
Kris Jarrett says
March 24, 2019 at 11:05 pmI generally use the same color for the trim as the white on the walls but a different sheen (I use Satin for most of my trim)
Dede Moynahan says
March 20, 2019 at 10:04 pmYour pictures are beautiful! I have moved to NC and I am finding my furniture that I had in NY looks too formal with Chippindale, silk club chairs, formal sofa and oriental area rugs. I want to brighten the room up but keep it warm. I’d like to make it look more modern looking. There are large windows and high ceiling with walnut wood floors. Would Alabaster work with Decorator White trim? Any suggestions?
EMC says
March 21, 2019 at 5:42 pmI love ’em all. I chose BM Simply White and lightened it by 25%.
Now our NYC co-op looks as bright and warm under normal conditions as the sun-filled rooms always pictured for S.W.
RHONDA HAMILTON says
March 26, 2019 at 9:38 amI was looking for paint ideas when your site came up. It shows the colors I was looking at accept for one “Dune White”. My daughters have renovated their Kitchen and Bathrooms and used Dune White which goes with their gray accents really well .
I am redoing my large family room and just can’t decide what to do with my fireplace. 1st choice was to tile it, 2nd choice to white wash it, 3rd choice is to paint it white. I thought of using Cloud or Chantilly on the walls and then going with a stark white on fireplace. What are your thoughts? Do you think this would be too much of a contrast?
My walls right now are a carmel color, carpet beige tones so it is going to be a huge change that’s for sure.
Thanks and loved all your photos.
Lindsay W. says
April 12, 2019 at 2:57 pmThank you for such a helpful post! I am a very big fan of your work and this is a most welcomed “cheat sheet.” I was wondering if you had any recommendations for a ceiling color that is just slightly a pale blue? I don’t want it to be overtly blue, but just a very subtle hint indicating a blue undertone. I’d love to hear your thoughts on past experience with various colors. if you’re willing to share? Thank you in advance!
Kris Jarrett says
May 28, 2019 at 8:16 pmSo sorry for the super late response – I unfortunately haven’t ever used a pale blue on the ceiling (even though I love the idea) so don’t have a specific suggestion for you. Hope you’ve been able to find one that works for you!
Janet says
April 19, 2019 at 3:45 pmHi Kris,
My husband and I purchased a new house in Southwest Florida, and are looking for the perfect off-white paint. After trying a few samples, we think that we are going with BM Moonlight White. It looks nice and creamy, but salesperson mixing the paint says that it has yellow in it. I want it to look warm, but still fresh. We have SW Extra White on trim and large beams on ceiling, and will also have a large wall with a lot of ship lap in Extra White. Would you mix the two? (Area rugs and kitchen cabinets are a creamy color). Your thoughts?
Jana says
April 22, 2019 at 8:07 pmYou’re so right on how hard it is to choose whites!! We’re redoing our kitchen and currently have Dunn Edwards swiss Coffee on our trim from when the house was built. I want the cabinets to look white and not sure I if I can change and go a bit lighter for the cabinets or still go with the Swiss coffee. The contractor gave me his sample of DE Swiss coffee which he uses the Benjamin Moore scufxx brand paint in light sheen and has them make their formula of DE Swiss coffee. It just doesn’t look like my trim. It looks darker, dull and has a greenish tint. My trim looks warmer and lighter. Have you used Dunn Edwards Whisper? Do you think Swiss coffee or Whisper has a yellowish cast? I’m not sure what way to go!
Lisa says
April 30, 2019 at 3:07 amBeautiful room! I adore it so much! Your ceiling and walls are both Cloud White, but are they different sheens? I’m wanting to paint both my trim (satin) and my ceilings (flat ) Cloud White and wanted to achieve your seamless look. So pretty. Thank you!
Kris Jarrett says
May 28, 2019 at 7:39 pmHi Lisa – yes I use Cloud White on my walls in Matte or Flat and do my trim in Satin!
Tiffiny says
May 13, 2019 at 5:25 pmHi, Love LoveLove the kitchen however I can seem to find what color that you have used for your walls in the kitchen?
Leslie Alamo says
May 16, 2019 at 11:17 amwhat white color would you recommend for a tobacco acacia floor? the floor is very bold and rich and currently my walls are an sherwin williams almond. Im trying to tone down the warmness in the room but not have too stark of a white.
Lisa says
May 23, 2019 at 8:49 amI had my heart set on BM chantilly lace before reading comments… we have a modern home and walls, ceiling, trim will all be same color. I want a white that has just a bit of a “dirty” undertone so that it doesn’t read too white. I don’t want a creamy look, just not a hospital look… in your experience, does chantilly lace read very white white, or does it give a bit of a “dirty” undertone? (I use the term dirty in a good way) I was also love the tone of BM white dove but have decided it too dark and am using it on my modern farmhouse exterior.
Kris Jarrett says
May 28, 2019 at 5:06 pmUnfortunately I’ve never used Chantilly Lace personally so don’t have any more input on it other than what I described in the post.
Lanza says
September 8, 2019 at 9:34 amWhat kind of advice is to describe the Chantilly Lace, yet you have never used it. Is this an ad paid by BM?
Carol says
June 22, 2019 at 2:08 pmI am a huge fan of BM paints…and have used Linen White for years. We have just purchases a traditional cape…and I need help deciding which color white to paint on most of the walls…the house already has white trim and a white kitchen. I am looking for a whiter white than Linen White…The secondary color will be a peach. Any suggestions?
Kristine Dempsey says
August 14, 2019 at 1:30 amLove cloud white ..its a great all around white …clean and crisp but not stark.. creamy whitoiy greys browns or yellows easy on the eyes white.
Kim says
August 21, 2019 at 7:41 amWhat white would you choose in a kitchen with beige cabinets?
Kim says
August 21, 2019 at 7:42 amSorry, I meant “greige” cabinets!
Marianne Carnevale says
August 24, 2019 at 4:59 pmDoes Sherwin Williams have a paint like BM Chantilly Lace. They said they can make.
Jackie says
September 13, 2019 at 2:56 amThank you so much for all of your beautiful ideas! I love in a farmhouse and I am planning on painting the kitchen with white walls and trim and sage green cabinets. I think White Dove would be nice on the walls. Should I paint the trim that color? Is it a good stylish color for Farmhouse white?
Kris Jarrett says
September 15, 2019 at 9:35 pmI’ll often paint the trim the same white as the walls but a different sheen (Satin or Semi Gloss) so that would likely work well for your kitchen. White Dove is a great color that looks beautiful in most spaces – I would just throw a sample of it up on your wall to make sure it doesn’t go to yellowish in your home.
Michelle Goodrich says
October 3, 2019 at 1:20 pmS.O.S. Kris!
Help!
Help!
Our kitchen/living room/dining room is open concept. Windows are north facing. Looking out from the kitchen you see our raised marbled red brick fireplace (grays, blacks, reds, whites) with vaulted ceiling. The front of the fireplace is black. Our floor is 90’s beige’ish tile with gray grout. That’s not changing unfortunately. 🙂
We’re painting our oak cabinets BM White Dove. Our kitchen has a huge skylight. We were thinking of painting the ceiling all the way up with the White Dove versus Simply White. Or should we continue White Dove all the way up?
Edgecomb Gray on all other walls.
Second question is would it make sense to use White Dove on all the trim (baseboards, windowsill, garage door), fireplace mantle and ceiling or should we go with Simply White and just stick with White Dove on the kitchen cabinets?
Help pleeeeeease. Any suggestions are welcome!
Side note: We also have a built in oak buffet in our living room (near the fireplace) that I was thinking should be White Dove.
Thank you!
Jenna says
October 3, 2019 at 3:15 pmWanted to send a huge thank you for giving me a color that was similar to alabaster. I have been searching everywhere for a comparison in Behr or Benjamin Moore and finally have an answer. You rock!
(I’m a paint color nerd too and collect swatches constantly so I can relate)
Helen williams says
October 28, 2019 at 9:24 amI want to paint the walls in my family room a white but have very little wall space but lots of trim around a wall of French doors and another huge window. I would like to paint the shiplap which I am using as accent above fireplace and along ceiling trim the same color. Then paint the trim and kitchen cabinets perhaps a complimentary white in satin finish. Let me know your thoughts please. Thanks!
Lynn says
November 5, 2019 at 4:59 pmThese are fascinating posts to read. We are still ( more than one year later) in the process of rebuilding/reconstructing our home after Hurricane Michael. Far too many decisions are being made at the pace of our contractor’s work schedule. Best advice I’ve had from a neighbor who is ahead of me is to use pieces of sheetrock for color samples! After failed attempts at dumpster diving I purchased a half-sheet & cut it down into 12” squares. It is much more effective than using foam or poster board. Every color that looks great on chips looks terrible in our rooms. Loss of trees is making a BIG difference even in the effect on existing painted wall colors! Don’t be tempted to skip the need for testing colors on sample boards and moving them around in each room!
Kris Jarrett says
November 9, 2019 at 9:00 pmI totally agree! Sample boards are key – especially with whites! Good luck with your rebuild!
Roman says
November 12, 2019 at 7:03 pmI chose Origami white throughout my house. It has less of a yellow undertone than Alabaster. I love it.
Ann says
December 3, 2019 at 11:20 amI am have cabinets made with Benjamin Moore Swiss coffee . I am having. Black walnut island base with portico cream quartz . Windows both side of the kitchen more light then direct sun . Farmhouse . Can’t figure out the white I should use for trim and a wall color.
Rhonda says
December 4, 2019 at 6:09 pmWhat white would you suggest for a beach house? Not stark white but I know I want white 😍 floors are a light brown . Thanks so much
Kris Jarrett says
January 28, 2020 at 12:55 pmPaint looks different in every house so it’s impossible to pick without seeing it in your lighting but Simply White and Chantilly Lace are two fresh whites that would be good options to try!
Francine says
February 6, 2020 at 12:56 pmNeed your help…… I am trying to figure it out. I am not designer. Of course! I am going to have the intense white (BM), Matte for the wall which it goes with Decorator White (BM) Semi Gloss for the trim. But for the Vanity, Which Should I use Decorator White or Snowbound? I have the white toilet and dove grey highland tiles in the bathroom wall. What color for the ceiling?
Karen says
February 9, 2020 at 9:48 pmWe just bought a beautiful ocean front condo on the isle of palms, sc and all the floors are driftwood, artificial wood not real wood. It is a gray taupe color. I am thinking about using Accessible Beige, which is a SW paint, which white would be pretty with Accessible Beige or do you have another color that you would suggest. Help
Carol says
February 14, 2020 at 8:07 amWhat is your opinion of sherwin and Williams aesthetic white for a kitchen wall? My cabinets and trim are dark wood. The walls now have too much golden tones. I want a brighter/whiter look.
stephanie says
February 22, 2020 at 4:12 pmDo you happen to know where the TV stand in the picture for BM white cloud picture above is from? thanks!
Jocelyn says
February 22, 2020 at 8:44 pmThanks Kris for this post! I have been struggling with much the same….
Having moved into an apartment after having three walls of glass in my living room to one large East facing window and one North facing door, I am struggling with the need for “brightness’.
I had my LR painted from a medium gray to Ben Moore,Distant Gray. Thinking it would be drastic enough and bright enough. Not so. It is still dull on an overcast, snowy, rainy day.
So, after reading your post and feeling similar about how white is a necessity, I’ve convinced my husband to go with Chantilly Lace. He asked why I didn’t just do that in the first place, but there was a sense of insecurity because of the gray on all the other walls that I wasjust playing it safe. Gotta have faith.
I am now ready to make the final leap! Your LR is fresh and evokes a sense of clarity that is lovely.
Thanks for sharing….
rachel says
March 21, 2020 at 2:48 pmHI,
IF I PAINT MY EAST FACING LIVING ROOM IN SIMPLY WHITE WHICH SHEEN SHOULD I USE?
Kris Jarrett says
March 23, 2020 at 10:20 pmThe higher the sheen you use, the more “white” it will look. I use flat for most rooms simply because it’s so easy to touch up but matte or eggshell are good choices too since they’re more scrubbable – it’s really just personal preference about the look you want!