Best white to paint walls
These Are the Top 25 White Paint Colors Designers Actually Use
White might be one the most popular paint shades on the color spectrum—making it a failsafe option for kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms—but choosing the right hue for your and your space’s needs is shockingly difficult. With so many nuances and undertones available, white isn’t just white anymore: It’s off-white, ecru, cream, ivory...must we go on? And, just like every other color, the decision gets even more challenging when you factor in finishes as well as your room’s lighting.
“The color—or noncolor—white offers us peace and calm in a room,” shares Patrick O’Donnell, color expert and Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador. “The color of purity, it is the very essence of projecting a clean and ordered environment and easy to layer many other elements in a space from artwork to well-curated pieces of furniture or to bring in bolder elements such as fabric for sofas and drapes. ”
So where do you even begin to choose the perfect paint color? To help, top designers share the best shades of white and where to use them. With any luck, you’ll spend less time attempting to decipher the difference between two hues that are practically indistinguishable and spend more time enjoying your space.
How to Choose the Perfect White Paint Color
Before you even begin to browse paint decks and swatch your walls, it’s important to take stock of your space’s qualities like the amount and direction of light coming into your room. “If it’s a north-facing room, a clean white will feel too chilly, so consider whites that have underlying red or yellow notes through them,” O’Donnell says. On the flip side, whites with cooler undertones will help balance out the intensity of the light in a south-facing room.
Another thing to consider? How your white in question will work with the rest of your color palette.
“If using whites on your trim and moldings to go with your chosen wall color, think of a white that has underlying tonal notes of your wall color,” O’Donnell adds. “[For] a dark green such as Green Smoke, consider a slightly dirtier white with green undertones like Old White from our traditional neutrals; this will create a softer contrast than a ‘true’ white.”
Once you’ve figured out the type of white your space needs, it’s time to peruse these top, designer-approved tones.
1) Sherwin-Williams Snowbound SW 7004
Sherwin-Williams
For a tried-and-true neutral that has chameleon tendencies, you can’t go wrong with Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. “It’s one of my favorite whites because it’s warm without being too yellow,” explains Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions. “It has a very clean undertone—no green, blue, or pink hues.” Though it’ll look like a true white when solo, it’ll take on a greige tone when coupled with other hues.
Buy Now
2) Benjamin Moore Atrium White OC-145
Benjamin Moore
Looking for the perfect pigment for a kid’s space? White may not be the first color that comes to mind, but Benjamin Moore’s Atrium White is designed to appeal to the entire family. “If you want your home to feel really calm and relaxing, I suggest using a white that has a creamy tone to it,” designer Michelle Gerson says. “Benjamin Moore’s Atrium White has a little bit of a peach tone.”
Buy Now
3) Dunn Edwards Cool December DEW383
Dunn Edwards
There’s a reason why Cool December by Dunn Edwards has been Breegan Jane’s go-to white for 10 years and counting. “[It] strikes the perfect balance and always seems to do the trick for me,” the designer shares. “Plus, it’s touch-up-friendly and works well with Magic Erasers, [which is] important for moms like myself who have active kids.
” Icy and bright, this option strikes a happy medium between cool and clinical.
Buy Now
4) Sherwin-Williams Moderne White SW 6168
Sherwin-Williams
White is a foolproof option for your kitchen—and the cool undertones of Moderne White by Sherwin-Williams will look squeaky clean and pure. To keep the look from going too sterile, designers and Moderne White fans Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry of Pulp Design Studios recommend pairing it with bolder hues. “We like to add a little twist to our mostly white kitchens, like with a burst of orange on a barstool or a boldly patterned backsplash,” the duo explains.
Buy Now
5) Benjamin Moore Ivory White 925
Benjamin Moore
Pair your rich, wooden finishes with Benjamin Moore’s Ivory White, a creamy white that designer Christina Kim stands behind. “Sometimes you need a creamy white, which can be tough to get right.
It’s easy to veer too yellow, [which is why] I really love Benjamin Moore’s Ivory White,” she says. “This creamy white works best when you envelop the room completely and paint the trim, walls, and ceiling in it.”
Buy Now
6) Benjamin Moore Snowfall White 2144-70
Benjamin Moore
Don’t let its name fool you: Benjamin Moore’s Snowfall White will look good in any type of climate. As a crisp, icy white, this hue will perfectly reflect what’s outside. “For the perfect, crisp, icy white, we used Benjamin Moore Snowfall throughout this sky-high pied à terre,” shares Kendall Wilkinson. “When the signature San Franciscan fog rolls in, you feel like you are floating on a cloud.”
Buy Now
7) Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
Sherwin-Williams
For Joelle Smith, the key to finding the perfect white is identifying the mood you want to create.
If a cozy, welcoming space is what you’re going for, Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams has you covered. Mimi Meacham of Marian Louise Designs is also a fan: “It’s the perfect fresh, warm white. It doesn’t read too creamy but still falls soft and stays crisp.” Ready to create contrast? Smith loves to pair Alabaster with Naval, which is also from Sherwin-Williams.
Buy Now
8) Benjamin Moore Oxford White CC-20
Benjamin Moore
According to designer Stephanie Brown, Oxford White is a reliable shade that’s super adaptable to modern and traditional spaces alike. With the slightest cool cast, think of this hue as a perfect match for bright, crisp rooms. “It reads beautifully on walls and trims,” Mona Hajj adds. “It has a crisp and soft feeling with both natural and applied light.”
Buy Now
9) Farrow & Ball School House White No. 291
Farrow & Ball
Designer Cortney Bishop swears by Farrow & Ball’s Schoolhouse White, a soft off-white that never fails to create a welcoming and comfortable home.
“It’s a timeless off-white that promotes old-world warmth and is a solid foundation that marries architectural features, materials, and accent colors,” she shares.
Buy Now
10) Clare Snow Day
ELLE Decor
Looking for a shade that offers the best of both worlds? You can’t go wrong with this option from direct-to-consumer brand, Clare.“Snow Day is the perfect cool white that has just enough warmth to keep it from feeling sterile,” says Nicole Gibbons. “This is a great option for a south-facing room or for a bright white to pair with cool colors.”
Buy Now
11) Sherwin-Williams Pure White 7005
ELLE Decor
If you want to keep hidden undertones of blues, yellows, and pinks to a minimum, Pure White by Sherwin-Williams is designed to deliver. “[It's] an elegant white, which grounds the space and creates a nice neutral background to allow your furniture to shine,” designer Eileen Keshishian shares.
Best of all? This fail-safe white can be used just about anywhere. “It has a brightness that’s soft and welcoming,” designer Joy Williams shares. “It looks great on trim in any setting—indoors and out—without being too harsh. I’ve used it on kitchen cabinets, and it makes them look clean and welcoming but not sterile like some whites.”
Buy Now
12) Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
Megan Tatem
There’s a reason why Benjamin Moore’'s White Dove is a crowd-pleaser among the design community. Simply put, this warm white looks good virtually everywhere. “White Dove has a creamy undertone that brings a lovely warmth to homes in urban environments or those in climates that often experience gray and overcast skies,” Emilie Munroe explains. “Meanwhile, in more traditional settings, White Dove reads as a crisp white without being too cold or modern.”
Other fans include Christine Markatos, Kari Whitman, Bria Hammel, and Maria Viola-Kuttruff of Viola Interior Design.
Buy Now
13) Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117American Artist
The reason everyone love Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is...well, quite simple. “Benjamin Moore Simply White is always a crowd-pleaser,” insists Kristen Peña. “It’s a warm but true white that looks both crisp and cozy in every space.” Since this true white has the slightest warm tinge, it can look great in a breadth of spaces. Victoria Hagan loves Simply White in kitchens, while Meridith Baer prefers it in darker rooms with little-to-no natural sunlight. Or, if you want to double down on the simplicity, Chauncey Boothby applies it on both the walls and trim to create “the feel of a warm, sun-splashed room.”
Buy Now
Benjamin Moore
According to Nicole Green, Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore is the most universal paint color—and rightfully so.
“I find myself going back to it again and again in order to create a bright white space that is warm and welcoming rather than sterile and cold,” she shares. “In a sea of whites, this is my tried and true!”
With a subtle, cool gray base, this is a clean, pure white that offers the perfect blank canvas. In fact, designer Rosa Beltran used this shade in every room of her Spanish Modern home in Los Angeles.
Buy Now
15) Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006
Sherwin-Williams
Depending on the environment, Sherwin Williams’s Extra White can read a bit blue in cooler lighting. However, if you’re looking for a pristine white that feels so fresh and so clean, it can’t be beat. “This color is crisp and clean but not too stark,” says Robin Strickler. “It complements all different interiors.”
Buy Now
Benjamin Moore
Designer Janie Molster is having “a love affair” with Benjamin Moore’s Dune White, which has muted, grayish-green undertones.
“I veer away from whites that are too clear and absent of pigment,” she shares. “I like the knocked-down elements of Dune White. It’s a warm, flattering color inside and outside. I tell my clients it’s a true white with the dimmer switch dialed down.”
Buy Now
17) Benjamin Moore Super White PM-1
Megan Tatem
Want to brighten your space? Designer Tali Roth relies on the sightly cool Super White. “It’s too cool for some people’s preferences,” she explains. “For me, it’s spot on!” Jon Call agrees, noting that its cool nature reminds him of the walls at the Gagosian Gallery. “What I love about this color is that it makes your furnishings stand out like a piece of art,” he says.
Buy Now
18) Benjamin Moore Calm OC-22Benjamin Moore
Not only does Benjamin Moore’s Calm have a warm gray undertones—giving it a warm, inviting flair—but it can also adapt to its surroundings with ease.
“Calm is particularly responsive to changes in lighting, whether natural or artificial,” shares Allison Babcock. “It’s extremely versatile no matter what style, color scheme, or room you are working with.”
But, where to put down a fresh coat of Calm? Dayna Dabek recommends your personal quarters. “What could be more appropriate in one’s bedroom retreat than the feeling of calm, promoting quiet, reflective, and relaxing moments?”
Buy Now
19) Farrow & Ball All White No. 2005
Megan Tatem
“The biggest challenge with white paint is when it leans gray or blue or yellow and skews the look you were going for,” explains Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at Modsy. That’s exactly why she’s so fond of Farrow & Ball’s All White, which is categorized as a pure white.
“It’s like a good friend,” Brad Ford adds.
” Easy to be around, dependable, and it makes you and all the things around you look terrific. It stays consistent in any light, but in the afternoon, it can really make a room feel like it’s glowing.”
Buy Now
Megan Tatem
With a touch of yellow, C2 Cotton is a soft white that will emphasize your home’s charming architectural features. “It’s the perfect backdrop to enhance wood, and I especially love it in bedrooms,” Elizabeth Martin shares. “It makes skin sparkle.”
Buy Now
21) Benjamin Moore Decorator's White CC-20
Megan Tatem
If you can’t resist a pure white, Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White hits that sweet spot between cool and modern. “Nothing beats a clean, crisp white wall, and my go-to is Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White,” Ohara Davies-Gaetano explains.
“It’s crisp and slightly cool, making it the perfect backdrop to pop other colors used within a room.”
While Decorator’s White is a great fit for any room that requires a bright, clean hue Jeff Andrews shares that he specifically uses this shade for ceilings and woodwork.
Buy Now
Megan Tatem
On the hunt for the perfect white paint for your kitchen or bathroom? Katie Ridder is a big fan of Paper White, which has the perfect dose of gray undertones. “It melds the grays of Carrara marble and the stark white of sinks and toilets,” she says. That way, this fresh coat of paint will set your luxurious stones do all of the talking.
Buy Now
Megan Tatem
If a warm ivory is what you’re going for, consider Farrow & Ball’s Pointing, which Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects says is reminiscent of “an old piece of parchment paper”—in the best way, of course.
“I am drawn to colors that are what I call noncolors, such as Farrow & Ball’s Pointing,” she shares. “A sunny day can intensify the hue even more, bringing a great glow to a space.”
Tilton Fenwick’s Anne Maxwell Foster and Suysel dePedro Cunningham also love the tint because it can look at home in both a sun-drenched farmhouse or one-windowed city bedroom. “This is the perfect ivory for almost every setting—not too bright and not too creamy,” the duo shares. “We’re all about striking that balance.”
Buy Now
24) Farrow & Ball Wimborne White No. 239
Megan Tatem
Though Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White has a touch of yellow, designer Amy Sklar insists it’s not too warm. “It has just a hair of yellow, but does not read too warm,” she shares. “It really just feels like a perfect, clean white. Because of the depth of Farrow & Ball’s formulas, it has a certain richness to it.
It’s the white I tend to favor for more traditional interiors.”
Want to give your white paint some extra pizzazz? Suzanne Kasler recommends using this shade in high-gloss to achieve “a very chic and modern look without using a real lacquer.”
Buy Now
25) Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee DEW341
Megan Tatem
Classic and creamy, Swiss Coffee is the perfect warm white that doesn’t have too strong yellow or pink undertones. “There should be one cozy room, such as the living room, in every home,” says Trip Haenisch. “In this type of space, I like to use white paint as the backdrop for an amazing collection of art, which brings a pop of color.”
Buy Now
Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others.
Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
40 Best White Paint Colors 2022
Choosing the ideal color story for any room already feels like a daunting task, but trying to pick the best white paint color for your home feels downright impossible. The arguably nuanced color remains an indispensable decorating tool for its versatility. Whether it be used as a warm backdrop in a serene bedroom, lacquered onto the ceiling for a glamorous effect, or deployed as a crisp trim color, the possibilities are endless.
However, one can’t help but beg the question: How can one color have so many shades and variations? It’s never just white—it’s off-white, eggshell—the list goes on and on. Lucky for us, many of the country's best interior designers have already done the legwork, narrowing down the hundreds of options to a small list of their reliable go-to hues.
“Paint colors! There are so many to choose from, with more than 900 shades of white alone," says Brigette Romanek of Romanek Design Studio.
"Finding the perfect shade is never easy, but after much research and experimenting, viewing endless samples on the wall, and often mixing colors to find the perfect hue, I have developed my favorites for each occasion."
Discover Romanek's favorite white paint color—along with 39 other designer favorites—for a refreshing take on the classic. You'll be amazed by how it transforms any room.
The Best White Paint Colors, According to Designers
Courtesy
"Our go-to white paint is Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. It’s what I call a 'chameleon white.' It works well paired with cool and warm whites against it." –Andrea Monath Schumacher of Andrea Schumacher Interiors
Megan Tatem
"I love Strong White by Farrow & Ball because it provides a beautiful highlight to moldings and architecture. The color gives the appearance and feel of what clean plaster should be: not too white with just a touch of grey.
It's the one white paint that I find myself going back to over and over again." –Doniphan Moore of Doniphan Moore Interiors
"My current favorite white is Strong White from Farrow & Ball. I love the way it creates definition against clean, white woodwork and is just a quiet wash of soft wet clay on your walls. It's a non-color that is perfectly fine to carry right throughout your house. I'm a fan of the quiet room perimeter because it allows you to add the layers of color and pattern without the walls dominating the look of the space. Strong White is also a perfect foil for your paintings, prints, or plates." –Mally Skok
Benjamin Moore
“Acadia White from Benjamin Moore is our favorite white. It’s warm without feeling yellow or pink; it’s deep enough to not be glare-y; it’s neutral enough to work with a wide array of palettes. It has worked for us through thick and thin.” –Jeffry Weisman
This off-white paint color is both sophisticated and versatile.
It's a calming shade for those who don't want something as starkly bright as a more traditional white wall color and serves as a lovely backdrop for wall art and decor.
Benjamin Moore
“Our go-to for a crisp and balanced white is White Dove by Benjamin Moore. It can be a nice, clean backdrop to traditional settings without that ‘sheet of paper’ glare. And it can also add warmth to a serene, modern space.” –Fran Keenan
"My go-to white paint color is Benjamin Moore's White Dove. It is a beautiful, soft white with the perfect amount of depth and warmth without reading gray or yellow. I find it to be incredibly versatile and have yet to find a space where it did not work." –Paloma Contreras
This designer-favorite white is a classic, softly shaded hue. It adds luminosity and vibrance to any room and is a popular choice for painting moldings and trim.
PAPERS AND PAINTS
“My absolute favorite color white is called Not Totally White by Paper and Paints.
I think it is magic, and I use it often all over the world. It makes rooms both bright and warm.” –Philip Vergeylen
Ben Goldstein/Studio D
“I am always drawn to what is light and bright, especially in living spaces, where we spend the most time. The right white paint in a living room can make all the difference. We always test at least three different whites in the actual space and look at it at different times of the day. I know I’ve found a winner when I like how the white paint looks even on an overcast day. I love to use Sherwin Williams's Extra White on walls and trim for a clean, crisp white." –Lauren Lowe
Benjamin Moore
“We love to use several different whites and off-whites—never pure white because it has a bluish cast. White Dove from Benjamin Moore is the whitest of the whites we typically use. When we want a warmer white, I like Atrium White by Benjamin Moore." –Jan Showers
Benjamin Moore
"My favorite white is Benjamin Moore's Simply White.
It is the whitest of whites and just as fresh and happy as they make them. I love to dunk a whole room in this glossy color from head to toe." –Miles Redd
Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is one of the most versatile options out there. This neutral shade has a well-balanced undertone that doesn’t lean too warm or cool, so it’s not only great for your walls, but also a perfect choice for trims, cabinets, and even your ceiling.
Benjamin Moore
"My favorite white is still Decorator's White from Benjamin Moore. This color, a longtime classic, works so well whether in a contemporary room or a period one. I often use the color for trim in satin or semigloss, as well as flat on entire room walls and ceilings. The color is bright and still warm, yet without yellow. It’s my go-to, plain and simple." –Martyn Lawrence Bullard
"I love Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White. It is bright, clean refreshing—everything I want in a white paint.
" —Brigette Romanek
"My go-to white for all of our projects no matter what locale is Benjamin Moore's Decorator's White. It reads like a true white, be it wall or accent, and plays well with other colors, but in reality is quite a bit softer. I find many other whites to be sterile and cold." –Joe Berkowitz
Ben Goldstein/Studio D
"Farrow & Ball’s All White is pure, fresh, and versatile enough to work in any space. It's a perfectly balanced white with just the right amount of softness and depth. It's my tried and true!" –Meridith Baer
Megan Tatem
This is one of the purest whites around. So white, in fact, that it may even make your marble countertops seem cream. This a great option for modern spaces and when you want to showcase that gallery wall without distraction.
Benjamin Moore
"Cloud White CC-40 by Benjamin Moore is my favorite go-to white. I use it for both contemporary and traditional spaces because it has a nice clean crispness, but also adds a hint of warmth.
” –Philip Mitchell
“One of my favorite white paint colors is Benjamin Moore Cloud White. I’ve used it again and again, including in my own home. It makes the perfect calming foundation that allows warmer tones and textures to take center stage.” –Marie Flanigan
Megan Tatem
Leaning toward the warmer side, Spooled White by Dunn Edwards Paints pairs perfectly with rustic floors and interiors with lots of wood grain.
Benjamin Moore
“The most universal paint color I've used is Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. I find myself going back to it again and again in order to create a bright white space that is warm and welcoming rather than sterile and cold. In a sea of whites, this is my tried and true.” –Nicole Davis
Fabric & Papers
Inspired by the delicate shade of pink used in traditional ballet slippers, Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball is a gorgeous off-white.
Kate Forman, a former interiors-expert-turned-textile-designer says, "This is the softest off-white of my favorites; a pale, chalky white is stunning in big, light rooms."
Benjamin Moore
"Whites are super tricky, as they reflect light from all nearby sources. The luscious green vegetation outside your window, the warm glow of natural cork flooring, the soft floral hues of dusky pink satin drapery...all those tones will affect how you perceive a painted white surface. We love working with Benjamin Moore’s OC-39 Timid White. This white is warm, inviting, honey-dusted, and reserved. Timid White tends to commingle beautifully with the subtleties of chromatic adjacencies yet has enough of its own inherent color to hold its own amongst them." –Greg Roth
Megan Tatem
One of Farrow & Ball's coolest whites, Blackened, has the smallest touch of gray. This type of gray pigment has provenance originally made from "lamp black," the smoke of burning oil lamps.
This color is soft and airy, adding depth to a room while still feeling like a "white room."
Megan Tatem
Greek Villa has the perfect temperature. It has just enough warmth to create an inviting space, but is also balanced by a slight blue undertone that keeps it feeling light.
Megan Tatem
"Domingue Architectural Finishes Mineral Paint in Oyster is always soothing and statement-making. With a subtle gray undertone, Oyster always makes a room feel more spacious and particularly sophisticated." –Ruth Gay
Benjamin Moore
Looking for a very crisp, true-to-white white? Super White is the one to try. It's bright, clean, and one of the closest to pure white available.
Megan Tatem
"My current favorite white is Strong White from Farrow & Ball. I love the way it creates definition against clean, white woodwork and is just a quiet wash of soft wet clay on your walls.
It's a non-color that is perfectly fine to carry right throughout your house. I'm a fan of the quiet room perimeter because it allows you to add the layers of color and pattern without the walls dominating the look of the space. Strong White is also a perfect foil for your paintings, prints, or plates." -Mally Skok
Megan Tatem
Leaning more toward a neutral taupe than to a white, Joa's White has a warm red undertone that makes it a fresh and sophisticated almost-white. It pairs beautifully with rustic elements like limestone, linen, and leather.
Megan Tatem
A pigment-based paint company like Farrow & Ball, Fine Paints of Europe achieves a great depth of color and strive for more environmentally friendly paint options. This is a great option to test out in a room that does not get a lot of natural light. WC-05 has a creamier foundation that makes a room feel bright but not yellowed.
"In my own home, I painted my kitchen cabinets in a Fine Paints of Europe white.
It's held up beautifully." –Meg Braff
Benjamin Moore
"It’s been my favorite color from before I was a designer. It’s creamy but not too creamy. Soft white without being too anything—gray, pink, yellow." –Katie Ridder
Ben Goldstein/Studio D
Renee DiSanto of Park & Oak Interior Design says Cornforth White is a “mid-toned color, neither too cool or too warm, and extremely versatile. It really looks wonderful in any light.” It has proven to be a tried-and-true favorite of her clients. This white tends to sway between white and lightly gray depending on the light, with subtle lavender undertones.
Benjamin Moore
"My go-to white is Benjamin Moore Linen White. SummerHouse is painted Linen White, and our customers always ask what the wall color is. It is an ivory with not too much yellow in it. It is fresh and light and simply beautiful." –Lisa Palmer
Veranda Magazine
"My designs are contemporary and neutral, so I tend to favor tones of white that will add more approachability to a space.
One of my favorites recently has been Pratt & Lambert's Pearl White, which I used in my latest project redesigning one of the newest model units in The Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hills. It's a warmer and more inviting shade that blends very naturally yet still keeps things elevated." –Ryan Korban
Ben Goldstein/Studio D
“Our go-to white is Sherwin Williams Extra White SW7006 because it has the palest hint of gray, which provides a crisp backdrop to every style and palette of artwork and furniture we’ve used, while allowing adjacent paint colors to take center stage.” –Jean Liu
Ben Goldstein/Studio D
"In a world of white paint options, my favorite go-to is SW Ethereal White. It lives up to its name, as it imbues a room with serenity and relaxed elegance. Another perk is that it pairs well with a wide spectrum of colors from neutrals to deep hues like navy and charcoal. I often use it in beach homes where there is strong natural light.
" —Shirlene Brooks
30. Timeless; Clare
Clare
"[Timeless is] the perfect off-white with creamy undertones. This inviting shade envelops your space in warmth and reflects light beautifully." –Nicole Gibbons
C2
This white is perfect for the natural light aficionados and gardeners who like to admire their handiwork from inside. Vellum has a slightly orange undertone, which neutralizes the green in the light that streams in from your forest-filled window view. It's functional and luminous.
Benjamin Moore
Not too creamy, not too stark, this is the Goldilocks of white paint colors. Just right! This crisp, clean color pairs well with warm and cool neutrals, offering a hint of gray that would please both a modern or classic aesthetic.
Benjamin Moore
"I use Benjamin Moore's Wind's Breath when I need a gentle off-white that is warm and doesn't have too much of a yellow undertone.
For a recent living room, I paired it with trim in Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace and it added a touch of warmth and interest to the space." –Young Huh
Portola Paints & Glazes
Coconut Oil by California-based paint-makers Portola Paints & Glazes is a clean, crisp white. A go-anywhere color, this soothing shade works well in both traditional or contemporary settings.
Benjamin Moore
"I used Benjamin Moore's Seapearl for a white that feels neutral. While the color reads like a gray on the paint deck, I have been pleasantly surprised by the paint on the wall. It doesn't feel too stark in the day and keeps its warm at night without turning foggy." –Gray Walker
"I love using Benjamin Moore's Seapearl. It's a fresh white which has enough gray in it to keep it from looking stark." –Ashley Whittaker
Farrow & Ball
Named for lime pointing in traditional brickwork, Pointing by Farrow & Ball has red undertones that makes it a flattering shade of white and creates a warmth in any room.
It works well with dusty pinks and reds work.
Benjamin Moore
A creamy, buttery white, Benjamin Moore's Mascarpone features subtle touches of yellow. This warm-feeling off-white is ideal for north-facing rooms to counter the cooler shades of light.
Sherwin-Williams
"Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams has a more beige undertone. It complements and pairs well with both warm and cool colors. I've mixed it with both vibrant reds and also a variety of blues and I've found that it has been popular for my clients with more modern aesthetics." –Sara Hillery
Farrow & Ball
One of Farrow & Ball's classic whites, Wimbourne White is a just-off white that contains a bit of yellow pigment in it to add softness. It's a cozy shade that pairs beautifully with both cool and warm tones alike.
40. Salt; Farrow & Ball
Farrow and Ball
From Kelly Wearstler's Farrow & Ball's California Collection, Salt is a bright, crisp white that's equal parts sophisticated and cool.
Dayle Wood
Style and Market Editor
I’m an Associate Market Editor at the Hearst Design Group and a decorating fanatic. I love ticking stripes, trompe l’oeil, and embroidered linens, and I collect Wedgwood’s black basalt obsessively!
How to choose white paint for walls - ABC of renovation
How to decorate
We are launching a new section "ABC of renovation", where editors, designers and architects will talk about the main problems during apartment renovation. In our first article, we figure out how to choose white paint.
Anastasia Romashkevich
You bought a new apartment and decided not to be smart with repairs, but simply paint the walls white. We hasten to surprise you: everything is not as simple as it seems. The inspiring white interior pictures from Pinterest are the result of careful and thoughtful wall paint choices.
So that you can also successfully cope with this task, we asked for advice from professionals: Alexey Eliseev, co-owner of Manders, colorists of Tikkurila and designer Anna Erman, in whose projects white always plays a major role. nine0003
House designed by Anna Erman. View from the living room to the hallway. In the foreground is a black chaise longue Signorina Chan Lounge, Alias. Chandelier from an old Soviet boarding house. The nose of the boat was brought by the owners from Africa.
1. The first thing to keep in mind is that when we talk about interior paints, white is not just one color, but a large family. For example, Tikkurila has as many as fifty white shades in its catalog. At the same time, most manufacturers also have pure white (aka boiled white) paint. And you most likely won't need it. “In the interior, this color will look like a hospital color,” warns Anna Erman. “Against the background of the white walls, everything else looks too contrasting,” adds Eliseev.
nine0003
House designed by Anna Erman. Dining table in the dining room, Riva 1920. Black chair Seconda-602 by Mario Botta, white Dinamica saddle chair, all Alias. The owner found chandeliers designed by Winnie Louis in one of the Parisian galleries.
2. Paint on a swatch in a store and on a wall in your home may look different. A million factors influence the perception of color: the season and time of day, the weather outside the window, the direction of the world, the type of lighting, whether it is a horizontal surface or a vertical one. And on top of that, there is also your personal perception, which cannot be predicted at all. Therefore, theories are theories, but you need to focus only on your taste. nine0003
3. To choose the right shade, designers buy samples and make so-called paints: they apply paint on cardboard, board or directly on the wall, and then observe how the color “behaves” in different situations. Experts from Tikkurila say that such a sample should be at least a meter per meter.
And Eliseev warns that painting should be done even before the walls of the room are fully prepared for painting: “If the finishing putty has a boiled white color, then trying on the color will not work. Pure white distorts the perception of other colors, they seem dirty against this background.” Eliseev also advises not to compare different shades with each other, but to evaluate them exclusively separately. nine0003
Concrete house in the suburbs. A fragment of an office with a staircase leading to the second floor. They didn’t make a special garage for the bike in principle - in the interior it suddenly looks like an eccentric art object.
4. But there is also an alternative opinion. “Painting is useless, it only misleads,” says Anna Erman. The decorator believes that in fact the main thing is the objects that will then appear against the background of white walls. Aleksey Eliseev agrees with this point of view: “Choose a color not by itself, but make a composition that includes curtains, flooring, furniture upholstery and everything else,” he suggests.
Some manufacturers are trying to make it easier for buyers: Paint & Paper Library recently released a monochrome collection - several shades of white and black with the addition of pink, blue, green and other pigments that are known to go well with the colors from the company's catalog. nine0003
New Paint & Paper Library - Monochrome.
5. By the way, Ehrman herself uses Little Greene 129 Shirting (literally “Shirt Fabric”) in most projects, which she considers universal: “Next to warm objects, this shade looks warm, and with a bright environment - cold, emphasizing contrast". Anna also praises the white paint Tikkurila F 497. And from other manufacturers, she advises taking a shade that corresponds to color 9003 on the RAL scale (this is the color standard used in tinting centers). nine0003
Concrete house in the suburbs. Fragment of the living room. The mannequin sitting in the chair was once a training equipment in the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
House in the Moscow region designed by Anna Erman. Cinema area. The screen pops up from above. The windows are covered with thick curtains.
A house in the Moscow region designed by Anna Erman. Master bedroom. The bed was originally black and has been repainted white. Carpet, Moooi. Lamps, Lampe Gras.
6. We don't live in the sunniest country, so the question arises: won't a white room look cold? The fear is not groundless, especially if the room faces north or east - the light from the windows in it already has a cold bluish tint. Designer Marika Raike of Tikkurila suggests balancing it with warm whites incorporating yellow or beige pigments. And in rooms where the eternal shadow reigns, white takes on a grayish tint. “You can fix this with the help of an environment of bright furniture and textiles,” says Anna Erman. nine0003
7. You've chosen a color, handed the paint over to the painters, and come back a few days later to accept the job - get ready to be disappointed at first.
“For an unprepared person, an empty white room can look sad. To appreciate the shade, bring along a couple of bright pillows or a chair and a pot with some kind of plant, ”recommends Anna Erman. Aleksey Eliseev also advises not to be frightened: “Do not rush to conclusions until the interior is finished. When furniture and everything else appears in the room, the proportion of color will change and it will be perceived differently.” nine0003
House designed by Anna Erman. Children's. Headboard, Dialma Brown; plastic toy, Magis; table with built-in floor lamp Bucket Floor, Moooi; chair, Andrew Martin; vintage chandelier.
Photo: press service archive
White in the interior: 7 facts and tips
Tips
50 shades of white
Many people mistakenly believe that all white paints are mostly the same and devoid of color. “They can actually have a bluish, reddish, yellowish or even greenish tinge,” explains architect Amy Alper. To see the difference, just lay out a few samples on a sheet of white paper.
Most whites fall into three key categories: warm (not too bright and sterile), cool (they add volume), and gallery whites (a pure color used in art museums). nine0003
Viewing palette of shades, www.remodelista.com
- photo
- Mel Walbridge
How to mix your perfect color
California Michaela Sherrer (Michala Scherrer). different shades drop by drop. She admits that this can take several hours, or even days or even weeks. “I add a bit of black to reduce the harshness. If you want to achieve a warmer tone, pour in a little ocher or yellow. It's easy to go overboard with it, but it's fixable - just a drop of purple or blue is enough to bring back a cold undertone, ”says Michaela. How to understand whether the shade really fits harmoniously into the interior? Always apply several strokes on the wall at different times of the day and night and analyze.
nine0003
Geometrium workshop project.
- Photo
- SERGEY KRASYUK
The easiest way to freshen up an interior
White paint is the most democratic and easy way to freshen up an interior. This color will never go out of style, it visually expands the space and makes the ceilings appear higher. Absolutely any shades are well combined with it, so it will be much easier to place accents.
- Photo
- Anders Bergstedt
Color perception changes over time
Psychologists say that our perception of color, like our sense of smell, for example, changes over time. So the color you painted the walls of your house when you were 30 may not seem so good at 60. This is due to the fact that with age, the sensitivity of retinal cells decreases, the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, and colors begin to be perceived differently.
Project by Maria Dadiani's studio. nine0003
- Photo
- YURI GRYSHKO
White is the key to good sleep
Each of us sometimes has problems with sleep. In addition to banal advice to remove all irritants from yourself before going to bed (for now, gadgets), ventilate the room and finally buy a normal pillow, designers advise painting the bedroom white with a warm undertone. It acts soothingly and helps to relax, gives a feeling of freshness, cleanliness and spaciousness.
- Photo
- Bostadsrättsspecialisten
Experimenting with textures
So that a monochrome interior does not look boring, designers suggest combining different textures of materials.
