Choosing between shades of white is more nuanced than you may think. Experts identify the best white paint for walls to help guide your decision.
Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. pvc outdoor wall panels
From cool and crisp shades to soft and warm hues, white walls are one interior trend that's never going out of style. A favorite in any room, white paint colors offer a blank canvas, allowing you to add color through furniture and decor. As the ultimate neutral, white won't clash with your vibrantly patterned area rug or distract from your gallery of colorful wall art. Plus, white walls grant freedom to easily change a space's mood and color scheme in a single afternoon.
However, choosing the best white paint for walls isn't always simple. There are hundreds of white paint colors, all with different tints, brightness levels, and sheens. To help you navigate the broad range of choices, we asked a few color experts to weigh in on their favorite shades of white—and included a few of our own.
As the most popular shade of white at Sherwin-Williams, Pure White tops the list of foolproof white paint colors. "It's a timeless white that doesn't lean too cool or creamy, so it acts as the perfect neutral backdrop for any interior space," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "I love this color to brighten up a kitchen or living room, especially when paired with different paint colors, textures, finishes, and artwork."
For a true, classic white color, try White Dove from Benjamin Moore. Soft yet bright, it's ideal for moldings and trim, and it looks great as an all-over white paint color. Pair it with dark gray or black accents for an energizing, high-contrast look.
White paint colors with balanced undertones, such as Polar Bear from Behr Paint, have a fresh, brightening effect. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services for the brand, calls this hue "a clean and clear white" that can help rooms feel more spacious. Use it on trim, walls, and ceilings for a bright, expansive result.
Valspar's Promenade is a warm white that Sue Kim, senior color designer for the paint brand, compares to "a hand-knit throw blanket" due to its comforting, relaxing feel. "This peaceful white speaks to our desire for quiet in a noisy world," she says. "It's the perfect shade for a tranquil bedroom when layering on other whites in various textures."
Creamy, off-white paint colors add subtle warmth to a room, but you should avoid shades that veer too yellowy. Wimborne White from Farrow & Ball has just a touch of yellow for added softness and depth. Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for the brand, loves this soft white because "it has none of the cooler, blue undertones you get in many generic whites."
PPG's Pegasus creates an elegant backdrop on walls in everyday living spaces. "This pale, snowy white has a foggy undertone and looks gorgeous when beside deep tones and greenery," says Amy Donato, color marketing manager for the PPG paint brand. The color beautifully complements dark wood furniture and decor in moody, saturated colors.
This bestselling white paint color from Clare is a favorite of founder Nicole Gibbons. "A true, neutral white wall paint like Fresh Kicks is best for creating a crisp, gallery-like feel that helps bold colors and bright accents pop," she says. "If you aren't sure what look is best for your space, you can never go wrong with a clean, true white."
Sanctuary from Sherwin-Williams is a warm, welcoming shade designed to evoke calm. "It has just a touch of gray, giving it a soothing effect that's perfect for a relaxing space like a living room or bedroom," Wadden says. "If you want your space to feel even more zen, pair it with greenery and natural materials like wood and stone."
With caramel and bronze undertones, Off White from PPG is a lightened-up shade of taupe. Donato says this yellow-based white is "modern and earthy yet doesn't look as institutional" as other white paint colors. She suggests pairing it with darker neutral colors like beiges, browns, and reds.
Paper White from Benjamin Moore is an off-white paint color that leans more gray than cream. Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moore's color marketing and development manager, says this refreshing cool white is "perfect for highlighting clean lines of a modern design." Use it to reinforce the sophisticated, contemporary look of a dining room or formal living area.
White paint colors can result in rooms that feel sterile and clinical, but with a few decorating tips, it's easy to make a white-painted room feel cozy, warm, and inviting. In addition to maximizing natural lighting, generously add warm artificial light with lamps, sconces, pendants, and other fixtures. Another way to amp up warmth is outfitting a space with natural textures, such as a jute area rug or woven Roman shades.
Plants are extremely effective at livening a room and adding vibrant color to white walls as well. Further incorporate color with throw pillows and blankets, wall art, decorative objects, and small accent furniture like poufs. Add more depth and texture by opting for side tables and a coffee table made of wood—the organic material counters the starkness of white paint colors.
An eggshell finish, also called a satin finish, is best for white walls. It won't look dull or show wear quickly as a flat finish might, but it's not too shiny, which can highlight imperfections. It's also easier to clean than other finishes. Save the semi-gloss and high-gloss for trim and baseboards.
If you choose white paint with yellow undertones, your room will feel cozier than one with a blue or gray tint. Accessories, furniture, and artwork in colors and tones that work with the warm white will also add to the coziness.
Consider the colors that you want in the room. If you plan to bring in blue, green, and other cool colors, a white with cool undertones of blue and gray will be best. Colors like yellow, brown, or terra-cotta will work better with a warm white. A cool white works better in a modern home, and a warmer white is more appropriate for a traditional or cottage style.
Skipping this step will save time and money, so it is not always necessary. You don't need to use primer if you're painting in a similar finish and color on a smooth, clean, painted surface that doesn't need any repairs.
wpc cladding When this wall color is in a room with artificial lighting, it can appear slightly yellow due to its undertones. However, it will have a creamy white appearance beneath natural light. Either way, this is a great option for anyone worried about the walls appearing too bright.