Designing a room can be overwhelming, with so many decisions to make. From furniture to fabrics, curtains to art, the choices seem endless. But perhaps the most daunting decision is choosing the right color for your walls, especially if you're going for a neutral palette. With thousands of shades of white alone, it's easy to feel lost. But fear not, we've got you covered. After testing countless shades of white and gray, we've curated a list of our top 15 go-to colors that are sure to inspire you.
Test Before You Paint
Before we dive into the list, let us emphasize the importance of testing paint swatches in your own home. Lighting plays a crucial role in how colors appear, and what may look pure white in one room could turn green or yellow in another. So take the time to test the shades on different walls and observe how they interact with natural sunlight at different times of the day. Trust us, it's worth the effort to avoid any painting mishaps later on.
Our Favorite Whites
Pure White by Sherwin-Williams
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the portland master bedroom reveal
In the master bedroom of the Portland project, we used Pure White from Sherwin-Williams. It's a truly neutral white, neither warm nor cool, with no undertones. It's a safe and beautiful choice that works well in any space. We loved it so much that we also used this color in the downstairs of the mountain house, including the kitchen.
Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: the portland project family room reveal
For the public living areas of the Portland house, we opted for Oyster White from Sherwin-Williams. This shade has a touch of taupe-gray, which pairs beautifully with crisp white moldings. It creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere without veering too far into gray territory.
Pointing by Farrow & Ball
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: jess’ small space living room reveal
Don't let the online swatch fool you. Pointing by Farrow & Ball may appear warm and beige-y, but in person, it's a lovely warm yet neutral white. It pairs well with crisp white curtains and other colors. Farrow & Ball paints may be pricier than others, but their quality and range of finishes make them worth it.
Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: michael’s vintage-filled living room reveal
Decorator's White by Benjamin Moore is a popular choice among designers for a reason. It mixes well with other neutrals and pops of color, creating a calming yet bright backdrop. It's a sophisticated white that complements various styles effortlessly.
Powdered Snow by Behr
image source
If you're on a budget, Powdered Snow by Behr is a fantastic option. It's the perfect bright white, without leaning too warm or cool. This crisp and cheerful shade works wonders in any space, delivering a clean and modern look.
Swiss Coffee by Dunn-Edwards
photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: sara’s living room reveal
Sara loved Swiss Coffee by Dunn-Edwards in her old apartment. This color reads as white but with a warm touch, without any hint of yellow. It's a versatile shade that works well with a variety of decor styles.
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: silver lake hill’s living room reveal
White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a creamy and warm white that adds a touch of character to your space. It's not beige-y, but it's also not a stark white. This color is surprisingly captivating, and it works particularly well in homes with more character.
Super White by Benjamin Moore
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: how we styled the living room to sell
Super White by Benjamin Moore was our go-to white for a while. It reflects light beautifully and remains a crisp white without any cool or warm undertones. It's a clean and modern color choice that works well in contemporary spaces.
White Diamond by Benjamin Moore
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: introducing my living room - commonwealth
White Diamond by Benjamin Moore is another excellent white that we've loved in the past. It has a cooler undertone which can sometimes appear slightly blue next to true white. However, in person, it reads as a beautiful and bright white. If you're looking for a non-creamy option, give this shade a try.
Our Favorite Grays
Blackened by Farrow & Ball
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: ginny’s living room reveal
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: how we shoot family photos, with framebridge
Blackened by Farrow & Ball is a cool white with a hint of lavender. It may sound intimidating, but in the right room, it can create a stunning contrast against white trim. Be sure to test it out before committing, as lighting can affect how this color appears.
Strong White by Farrow & Ball
photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: our modern english country kitchen reveal
photo by ryan liebe for ehd | from: my living room design, updated
Strong White by Farrow & Ball is a gorgeous taupe-y gray-white that adds warmth and depth to any space. Emily loved it so much that she used it for her cabinets and living room walls. It's a subtle and light gray that brings a touch of elegance to your home.
Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore
photo by sara ligorria-tramp for ehd | from: how we staged a home to sell with soul
Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore hasn't been on our list for a while, but it made a comeback recently when we styled a project. This color is slightly creamier than other cool grays and can sometimes have a greenish undertone depending on your lighting. However, it's a beautiful and versatile shade that adds warmth and coziness to any space.
Ammonite by Farrow & Ball
photo by tessa neustadt for ehd | from: my master bedroom reveal
Ammonite by Farrow & Ball is the perfect soft and light gray with a hint of warmth. It's a great alternative to taupe, offering a subtle and sophisticated look. This shade works wonders in creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Aloof Gray by Sherwin-Williams
photo by melissa oholendt for ehd | from: the curbly family dining room reveal
Aloof Gray by Sherwin-Williams is a light gray with a hint of green, making it a cooler shade. It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
Pavilion Gray by Farrow & Ball
photo by zeke ruelas for ehd | from: brady’s living room reveal
Pavilion Gray by Farrow & Ball is a captivating soft gray that adds depth and brightness to a room. It strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool, making it a versatile choice for any decor style.
Conclusion
We hope these 15 go-to white and gray paint colors have inspired you and made your decision-making process a little easier. Remember, these swatches are just a reference, and it's essential to test the colors in your own space to see how they truly look. Happy painting and creating your dream rooms!
1. White Dove | 2. Decorator’s White | 3. Powdered Snow | 4. Super White | 5. White Diamond | 6. Swiss Coffee | 7. Pointing | 8. Ammonite | 9. Blackened | 10. Pure White | 11. Oyster White | 12. Strong White | 13. Pavilion Gray | 14. Aloof Gray | 15. Gray Owl
For more paint color recommendations: 12 Bold Blue and Green Paint Colors We’ve Tested (& Approved) So You Don’t Have To
