Choosing the right white paint color can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, where do you even start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll take you through the most popular white paint colors chosen by designers. Get ready to find your perfect shade of white!
How to Choose the Right White Paint
The first step in choosing the right white paint color is to do a little research. And you're already off to a great start by reading this post! There are more shades of white than any other paint color, so it's important to narrow down your options.
One helpful tool is paint decks. They allow you to compare colors side by side, giving you a better understanding of how they will look in your space. Consider investing in Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore decks, both available at an affordable price.
Once you've identified a handful of favorites, don't skip the most important step – ordering peel and stick paint samples. This allows you to test the colors in person and see how they look in your specific lighting conditions. Remember, colors can often look different in person than they do online.
The 10 Best White Paint Colors
Now, let's dive into the most popular white paint colors that designers swear by:
Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW 7008 / LRV: 82
Sherwin Williams Alabaster in our kitchen
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a warm and creamy white with yellow-beige undertones. It's a versatile shade that can range from crisp and light to slightly yellow next to stark whites. With an LRV of 82, it falls on the darker end of the white paint spectrum. Alabaster has a chameleon-like quality, adapting to different lighting conditions. Test it out before making your final decision.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 / LRV: 90
Chantilly Lace is Benjamin Moore's brightest white with minimal undertones. With an LRV of 90, it's one of the brightest and most neutral whites available. Its clean and pure appearance makes it a popular choice for a wide range of design styles and color palettes. Use it on walls, trim, and even kitchen cabinets for a timeless look.
Benjamin Moore Cloud White OC-130 / LRV: 85
Cloud White is a warm and slightly creamy white with subtle undertones leaning towards the warm spectrum. This soft and balanced white is a great alternative to brighter, cool whites. With an LRV of 85, it's not as bright and reflective as some other whites, making it an excellent choice for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Benjamin Moore Decorator's White CC-20 / LRV: 82.7
Decorator's White is a versatile shade that works well on walls, trim, and cabinets. It's a muted white with cool gray undertones. When placed next to brighter whites, it can appear slightly gray. Despite that, it remains a popular choice among designers for its clean and fresh look.
Sherwin Williams Extra White SW 7006 / LRV: 86
Extra White by Sherwin Williams is one of the cleanest and purest whites available. It's a cool and crisp white with blue undertones. While it's commonly used as a trim color, it can also work well as a wall color in rooms with warm natural light. Extra White is a go-to choice for many painters and builders due to its popularity and versatility.
Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005 / LRV: 84
Pure White is Sherwin Williams' most popular white paint color. It's a soft white with the slightest yellow undertone, making it perfect for trim, walls, cabinetry, and even exterior siding. It's a safe choice that won't clash with most white countertops and appliances in the kitchen.
Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 / LRV: 89.5
Simply White is a celebrated white paint color known for its bright and neutral appearance. It's a versatile shade that goes well with various design styles. It has the slightest hint of warmth, which becomes more noticeable when paired with cooler tones like gray marble countertops.
Benjamin Moore Super White OC-152 / LRV: 87.4
Super White is a pure and bright white paint color with slightly cool undertones. It's a favorite for modern and minimalist design styles. If you're looking for a bright and crisp white, Super White should definitely be on your list of samples to test out.
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45 / LRV: 81.9
Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee is a classic, creamy off-white with warm green undertones. It's a great choice to pair with warm and earthy tones. Swiss Coffee is known for its compatibility with older style granite and laminate countertops.
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 / LRV: 83
White Dove is Benjamin Moore's best-selling white paint color. It's a soft and warm off-white with slight gray undertones. It's a versatile choice that works great on any surface of your home. White Dove is a tried and tested, fool-proof option that designers rely on.
Side by Side Comparisons
To give you a better idea of how different white paint colors can look, here are some real-life side by side paint sample comparisons:
As you can see, the same paint colors can vary based on lighting and other factors. That's why it's crucial to test the samples in your own home to see how they truly appear in your space.
Considerations When Using White Paint
White paint can be tricky due to the wide range of shades available. Lighting plays a significant role in how white paint colors appear. Warm incandescent lighting can make white appear cozier and warmer, while cool fluorescent or LED lighting can make it look crisper and cooler. Additionally, white paint is highly reflective, so it will take on the tone of surrounding objects. Consider the furniture, decor, and view from windows to ensure the walls reflect the desired hues throughout the day.
Paint Selection Tips
Here are a few tips to help you with your paint selection process:
- Do your research: Look for real-life examples and blog reviews to narrow down potential colors.
- Don't trust renderings: Online renderings and photos can be deceiving. Colors may look different in person, so it's essential to see real-life examples.
- Order more samples: It's better to have too many samples than not enough. Order at least 6-10 samples to ensure you find the perfect color for your space.
- Take your time when testing samples: Move them around the room, study them from different angles, and observe how they look throughout the day and night.
- Consider your trim color and decor: The paint color should complement your existing trim and furnishings.
The Best Way to Test Paint Colors
Without a doubt, the best way to test paint colors is with Samplize reusable peel and stick samples. Here's why they're the ultimate solution:
- Convenient and fast: Order samples from the comfort of your home and have them delivered overnight.
- Accurate color match: Samplize samples are made using actual paint, guaranteeing a perfect match every time.
- Clean and mess-free: No need to deal with multiple paint cans or clean up a mess. Simply stick the samples to the wall and remove them when you're done.
- Versatility: Samplize samples can be stuck to any surface, including molding, cabinetry, trim, and textured walls.
- Reusable and organize: Store and reuse the samples for future projects, keeping them organized in folders by color family.
White Paint Q&A
Phew! That covers everything you need to know about choosing the perfect white paint color. Do you have a favorite white paint color? Let us know in the comments below!
Liked this post? Check out these other painting tips and guides:
- The 15 Best Greige Paint Colors
- 40+ Popular Sage Green Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
- How to Paint Cabinets like a Pro
- The Best Paint Rollers for Cabinets
Now that you have all the information you need, go ahead and find your perfect white paint color. Happy painting!
