Best White Paint For Modern Home – Choosing the right white paint can seem like a daunting task, given the seemingly endless array of options to choose from. In this post, I’ll help you narrow down your search with real examples of the most popular white colors that designers choose.
The paint colors in this guide are the tried-and-true favorites that appear most often in designer and home magazine lists on the web. Let’s dive in and explore what makes these colors stand out from the crowd.
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There are more shades of white than any other paint color, so the first step is to do a little research to narrow them down (this blog post is the perfect start!)
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I also found the paint decks very useful for comparing colors side by side (I bought the Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore decks for under $30).
Once you’ve identified a handful of favorites, you can order peel and stick samples to try in person. This is the most important step – don’t skip it! I usually order at least 5-10 colors to be safe because they always look a little different than they do online.
LRV, or light reflectance value, refers to how light or dark a paint color will appear on a scale of 0 (black) to 100 (white). The darker the paint color, the lower the LRV value. The lighter the paint color, the higher the LRV value. This number is useful when comparing paint colors, as photos can be misleading.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a warm, creamy white paint with yellow-beige undertones. It’s a personal favorite of mine and I used the color in both the Hacienda Hideaway and our own home.
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Alabaster is considered more off-white than true white and can range from crisp and light to slightly yellow next to crisp white. With an LRV of 82, it’s on the darker end of the white paint spectrum.
Alabaster can be a chameleon depending on the room/time/light source, so you’ll definitely want to try it before you paint your walls. I personally love the warm and cozy feel it gives to our home.
Chantilly Lace is pure and clean white with minimal undertones. It is Benjamin Moore’s brightest white with an LRV of 90, making it one of the lightest and most neutral whites on the market. This lack of noticeable undertones makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of design styles and color palettes.
The crisp and neutral look also makes it a popular choice for trim, ceilings and kitchen cabinets. It’s a classic, bright white and one of Benjamin Moore’s best-selling paints.
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Cloud White is a warm, slightly creamy white with a subtle undertone that leans towards the warm spectrum. This hint of warmth makes it feel soft and balanced in contrast to lighter, cool whites.
With an LRV of 85, Cloud White is not as bright and reflective as some other whites and could be considered off-white. The extra warmth can make a room feel inviting and cozy without feeling too stark or clinical.
Decorator’s White is a versatile shade that works well on walls, trim and cabinets. It is a soft, soft white with cool gray undertones.
When placed next to lighter whites with a higher LRV, Decorator’s White can appear a bit gray. However, it is one of the most popular choices among designers for walls and cabinets.
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Extra White is one of Sherwin Williams’ purest and purest whites. It is a cool and crisp white color with blue undertones. It is often used as a decoration color, but it can also work well as a wall color in rooms with warm natural light.
It’s one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular paint colors—in fact, most painters give their clients extra white if they don’t know which white color to use for trim. Many manufacturers also use Extra White as the default color for base trim.
Pure White is the most popular white color from Sherwin Williams (and maybe ever!) This versatile, bright white has the slightest yellow undertone that keeps it from looking too stark.
It’s a soft white that’s often used in trim, but it also works beautifully on walls, cabinets, and exterior trim. It’s a safe choice in the kitchen as it won’t clash with most white countertops and appliances.
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Simply White is a popular and versatile white color known for its bright and neutral appearance. It is known to have a clean and fresh look without looking too sharp or cool.
It has the slightest hint of warmth, which is especially noticeable next to cooler tones (like gray marble countertops in a kitchen/bathroom).
Super White is a pure and bright white with slightly cool undertones. It is a popular choice for modern and minimalist design styles.
If you’re looking for a bright, clean white – Super White should be on your list of paint swatches to try!
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The darkest shade on the list, Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee is a classic, creamy off-white that has been popular for a long time.
Swiss Coffee has warm, not so green tones that can lean towards yellow. It pairs best with warm, earthy tones and is a popular choice for pairing with older style granite and laminate worktops.
White Dove is Benjamin Moore’s best selling color. It’s a soft and warm off-white, with slight gray undertones that keep it from looking yellow.
It is a notable favorite among designers due to its versatility and balanced tone. It’s a proven, foolproof choice that looks great on almost any surface in the home.
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Here are some examples of real life color swatches side by side. You’ll notice how different they can look from room to room and in every photo. This shows how important it is to try the samples at home!
White is perhaps the most difficult paint color to choose, as there is a bewildering array of shades available and the subtle differences between them can be difficult to discern.
Natural and artificial lighting in a room can dramatically change the way a white color appears, making it critical to consider the room’s lighting conditions. Under warm incandescent light, white can appear warmer and take on a slightly warmer tone. Conversely, under cool fluorescent or LED lighting, it can look cleaner and cooler.
White is also highly reflective, meaning it will pick up the tone of surrounding objects. Consider the furniture/decor in the room and the view from the windows outside, as the walls will reflect these hues throughout the day.
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Without a doubt, in my opinion, the best way to sample paint colors is with Samplizer’s reusable peel and stick swatches. I’m constantly trying new colors and looking for ways to simplify the process. Here’s why I switched:
Pro tip: Samplize also sells a bundle of hot whites and cool whites at a discounted price with all the most popular whites!
Paint colors with the highest LRV (aka Brightest White) are Kelly Moore Whitest White (LRV: 94.6), Behr Ultra Pure White (LRV 94.4), Sherwin Williams High Reflective White (LRV: 93) , Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (LRV: 90).
The recommendations in this guide also apply to trim and baseboards. If your walls are not white, consider the overall color scheme and choose a shade with complementary hues. For a clean and cohesive look, try using the same color as your wall, but in a satin or semi-gloss finish to provide contrast.
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If your walls are white, it is generally recommended to continue with the same color on the ceiling for visual continuity (in a flat/matt finish). If your walls aren’t white, but your trim is, consider using the trim color (also in a flat/matte finish). Some of the most popular designer choices include Sherwin Williams Pure White and Decorator’s White. Benjamin Moore White Dove, Super White and Chantilly Lace.
Other designer favorites include Sherwin Williams Greek Villa, Snowbound, Dover White. and Benjamin Moore’s China White, Aesthetic White, Atrium White.
Phew, I think that just about covers it! If you plan on choosing a white paint soon or anytime in the future, be sure to bookmark this page as a guide for future reference.
Hi, I’m Jenna and I’ve been designing and DIYing my way through homes since 2008. Join me as I learn, share my experiences, and hopefully encourage/inspire you along the way!
The Best White Paint Colors To Use In Your Home • Project Allen Designs
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, some whites have a MUCH better chance of working than others. These magic whites are what I recommend ALL THE TIME at Online Paint Color Consulting because they DO THE JOB.
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This is especially true when remodeling, as we often want to update SOME, but not ALL, of the finishes in our homes and often choose finishes with different needs. Different needs mean different whites.
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