Searching for the best white paint colors? Instead of going to Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams and blankly staring at the hundreds of white paint chips, skip straight to these 8 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 (make sure to read my post on how to choose paint colors for tips!). 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. These are the paint colors that I LOVE and that decorators and homeowners rave about time and time again. (post includes affiliate links – full disclosure statement available {here})
I’m sharing these favorite whites in order from darkest to lightest based on each paint color’s LRV (Light Reflectance Value) which indicates how much light the paint color reflects. Paints with a lower LRV will appear darker than paints with a higher LRV.
1. Behr’s White (52) LRV 83
Behr’s White 52 is a soft white that’s the closest of any of my favorite whites to being an off-white since it has the lowest LRV. It’s a slightly cool white which pairs well with blues, including the accent wall of Behr Blueprint in my daughter’s bedroom:
You can see more pics and all sources for this space in my post on her boho bedroom colors.
Room Sources: Gold quatrefoil pendant | Moroccan leather poufs | Small acrylic lamp | Chest of drawers | White linen quilt
2. Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster (SW7008) LRV 82
Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster, which Brittany of Addison’s Wonderland used in several rooms of her amazing historic home, is similar in depth to Behr’s White 52 but it’s a warm white rather than a cool one. 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}.
3. Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White (CC-20, OC-149) LRV 82.68
Decorator’s White has a touch of gray that softens it and makes it a great 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}.
It’s close to being a pure white but with a touch of coolness and a softness that you don’t get with the brighter whites. 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.
Tip: Learning how to paint yourself instead of hiring out can save tons of money! Get my step by step in my post on how to paint a room
4. Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) LRV 83.16
White Dove is a beautiful warm white that we had in our kitchen (pictured below) before we remodeled it. It’s not only a great color for walls, but also a favorite for molding and cabinets. It has warm, yellow undertones with a touch of gray that make it a soft white that’s warm and welcoming.
Sources: Rolling baker’s rack (similar) | Hanging herb boxes
5. Benjamin Moore Cloud White (OC-130) LRV 85.05
Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White is somewhere between White Dove and Simply White (the next white on my list) in how bright of a white it is. This is what the three samples looked like when I tested them out in our family room before deciding that Cloud White was the winner for this space:
I used Cloud White throughout our family room – on the planked ceiling, the walls, and the trim (matte on the walls & satin on the ceiling and trim). It was the perfect neutral backdrop for the large art wall around our TV. You can see more pics of this space and a complete source list for it {here}.
Sources: TV console (similar) | Chandelier (satin bronze) | White tasseled pillow cover | Blue linen pillow cover | Green & blue block print pillow cover | Faux fiddle leaf fig tree | Rug | Pair of floor poufs | Art prints (details in {this post} | Acrylic coffee table (similar) | Coffee table tray (28″ square) | Black and white striped box (on coffee table) | Brass cricket (on coffee table) | Wood beads | Rattan chair
I also used Cloud White in our kitchen when we remodeled (I switched from White Dove because our new cabinets were a whiter white than before so it was a better fit) – you can see more pics plus all sources in my post on my kitchen remodel.
Sources: Lantern pendants over island (12.5″) | Rattan counter stools in Fog | Pulls on island drawers (12″) | Large framed floral art print
Also take a look at my kitchen eat-in area where you can get another peek at Cloud White on the walls. Want more details on this great white paint color? Check out my Benjamin Moore Cloud White review that shows a side by side comparison of how this white compares to other popular white paint colors.
6. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) LRV 89.52
Simply White is possibly the most versatile of all whites. Like White Dove, it has a warm undertone but it’s a bit lighter and brighter. It’s the color that I chose to paint most of our NC home including our guest room:
Sources: Beadboard bed (weathered white) | 12″ Memory foam queen mattress (no boxspring needed) | Blue & white quilted shams (similar) | Blue tasseled edge pillow covers | Navy embroidered lumbar pillow cover ( with {this} pillow insert) | Navy border duvet cover | White quilt | Woven bench | Nightstand (similar) | Lamp (similar) | Round mirror
For more pics, see my posts on this blue and white bedroom and our small breakfast nook that are both painted Simply White.
7. Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace (OC-65) LRV 90.04
Chantilly Lace is a beautiful crisp, clean, bright white paint color that reads as a true white with a touch of blue. 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}.
When I designed our master bathroom remodel, I knew that I wanted white walls since they’re the perfect neutral backdrop. I ended up choosing Chantilly Lace which was the just-right crisp white for the space:
Sources: Wood & rattan double vanity | Vanity knobs | Bathroom faucets – brushed nickel | Vanity lights | Vanity mirrors – gold | Marble stacking dishes | Soap & lotion sink set with tray | Toothbrush holder | Bamboo toothbrushes | Gray & white striped towels | Robe hooks – golden champagne
The color tone of it works beautifully with marble (which is also a cool toned white) so it’s a great choice for many bathrooms and kitchens. If you’re considering using Chantilly Lace, I share more details about it and how it compares to other similar whites in my post on Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
8. Farrow & Ball’s All White (No. 2005) LRV 91.8
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}.
Sources: Upholstered bed (similar) | Gray nightstands | Camp stools (similar) | Table lamps (similar) | Semi flushmount light (available {here} and {here}) | Gray & white patterned linen duvet – no longer available | Gray & white dragon/floral pillows | Quilt in king (color is Flagstone) | Drapes (mine are single-width blackout lined) | Diamond jute rug
How To Figure Out the Best White Paint Color For Your Space
Never choose a paint color just by looking at the paint strip. You need to see what they look like in your home! The same white paint color can look totally different in one home vs. another due to the lighting conditions of the space. I highly recommend that you buy peel-and-stick samples of the white paint colors you’re considering on Samplize (I linked each color’s Samplize sample under the paint color description).
See my post on how to choose paint colors for more tips on testing paint samples.
What Color Should I Use for the Baseboards and Trim?
When painting with whites, I recommend that you paint your baseboards and trim the same white as the walls but a higher sheen. Depending on the room being painted, I used flat, matte, or eggshell on the walls and satin or semi-gloss on the trim. The higher the sheen, the brighter the paint color appears so if, for example, you use matte on the walls and satin on the trim, they will look great together since they have the same undertones. However, the satin trim will look a bit brighter so you still get the perfect amount of subtle contrast between your wall and trim colors.
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What Color Should I Use for the Ceiling?
I typically recommend that you paint the ceiling with the same white paint color that you’re using on the walls (flat or matte is best since in hides roller marks and imperfections). You could also choose to use a single ceiling paint color throughout your home – my favorite is Benjamin Moore Muresco ceiling paint.
How About Color Matching?
It’s possible to have a paint color from one brand mixed by another brand (for example, asking Sherwin Williams to mix paint that’s identical to a Benjamin Moore paint color). Sometimes color matching works and sometimes it doesn’t. But with whites… just don’t do it! There is very little pigment in white paint colors so just a small change can cause a big difference in how the color appears when painted on your walls.
Now that I’ve shared my favorite white paint colors, do you want to know about some of my other favorite colors? Check out…
Also be sure to check out {this post} where I share all of the paint colors in my home! Thanks as always for stopping by!
Kristine Dempsey says
Love 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.
Carol says
I 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?
Leslie Alamo says
what 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
I 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
Unfortunately 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
What kind of advice is to describe the Chantilly Lace, yet you have never used it. Is this an ad paid by BM?
Amancia says
We are redoing our house after water damange and will have natural acacia floors. What color did you end up going with? Our cabinets will be white so I’m worried about choosing two whites that bring out something unappealing in one another. All the non white colors I liked online looked awful in my space. I want what you are looking for, not cream and not sterile. I might settle on High Reflective White for all of it, to be safe but since this is my chance to get it all right since every single thing is being redone, I want to love it!
Tiffiny says
Hi, Love LoveLove the kitchen however I can seem to find what color that you have used for your walls in the kitchen?
Lisa says
Beautiful 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
Hi Lisa – yes I use Cloud White on my walls in Matte or Flat and do my trim in Satin!
Jana says
You’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!
Julie says
We used Whisper White in our kitchen and on our shiplap fireplace. It’s gorgeous with no yellow undertones.
Has anyone used Decorators White on the walls in their Master Bedroom? Our contractor said either SW Pure White or Decorators White. Will Decorators White be too stark?
Janet says
Hi 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?
Lindsay W. says
Thank 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
So 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!
RHONDA HAMILTON says
I 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.
Kris says
I painted a brick fireplace in BM Simply White pearl finish and it looks great!
EMC says
I 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.
Dede Moynahan says
Your 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?
Gina says
Thank 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
I 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)
Susan says
Hi, 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
I wish I could help but honestly I would just be guessing without seeing the space in person! Sorry!
Leah Y says
I 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?
Denise says
Love 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).
Kris says
My guess would be Pure White and Extra White