The 5 Best (Almost Fool-Proof) White Paint Colors
GO-TO Shades of White for Walls, Trims, Cabinets, & More
While there is no fool-proof white, some whites have a much better chance of working than others. In fact, of the hundreds of options, there’s only a handful of whites I use daily. I recommend these few magical white paint colors in my Online Paint Color Consulting because they DO THE JOB.
But why is there no fool-proof white paint color?
There are many reasons, including:
- YOU. What I think is a fool-proof white, you might find too warm (I prefer my white slightly chilled if you know what I’m sayin’). Now the question is, which one of us is the fool? By the way, it’s probably me—it usually is.
- EXPOSURE. White paint colors change how they look based on a room’s exposure. This means that a white that looks warm in your south-facing room could look too cold in your north-facing room.
- REFLECTION. Because white paint colors have high LRVs, they reflect colors from their surroundings. This means that a white that looks PERFECT on your kitchen cabinets might pick up a green hue from the grass outside your living room window or pink from your bright red sofa.
- INTERIOR FINISHES WITH OPPOSITE NEEDS. It’s not about which white YOU love; it’s about the white that suits your interior finishes. And with such a WIDE range of finishes, warm to cool, bright to neutral, there isn’t ONE WHITE PAINT COLOUR that will make every surface happy.
This is especially the case when remodeling, as we often want to update some, but not all, of the finishes in our homes and often pick finishes that have different needs. Different needs mean different whites.
Just remember…
You need to pick paint colors for the home you HAVE, not the one you wish you had.
The Ultimate Guide to Picking Paint Colors USING LRV
But as mentioned, I’ve got some wicked gorgeous whites that will give you the best shot possible at satisfying both you and your home.
1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE 7005
This is it, the white paint color with the best chance of humoring your home and many OTHER HOMES on a large scale. Why?
Pure White is a soft white. Whether it’s a newer home or a renovation, soft whites often have the best chance of suiting a multitude of interior finishes with slightly different needs. This white is more flexible than a ten-year-old gymnast.
However, many of my clients want a brighter, whiter approach, even when Pure White would do a better job. Remember, it’s not about you; it’s about your home (in the ideal world, both of your wants/needs collide, but that’s often wishful thinking).
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Here’s your PEEL & STICK SAMPLE of Pure White!
WHY IS PURE WHITE SO POPULAR?
- While it’s a soft white, Pure White isn’t overly warm or creamy.
- Pure White is a nice choice for a home with multiple exposures. It will lean warmer in southern light and afternoon western sun, but so will ANY white. If you have northern light, it will lean cooler without going legit icy cold. And, of course, there are east/west-facing rooms, but they change so much throughout the day that it’s usually about adjusting your interior lighting and expectations.
PURE WHITE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…
- New construction or homes built in the last 5-10 years.
- MUTED warm interior finishes (it’s usually a hard no with the Tuscan finishes of the early 2000s)
- Cooler interior finishes are acceptable if they aren’t too icy, cold, or light. Remember, any cool finish will make Pure White look that bit warmer.
- Many of the popular quartz countertops. On a small scale, it can look too warm for many of these countertops but often turns out PERFECT on a large scale (undertones in whites are tricky this way).
If your home’s features aren’t listed above, this doesn’t mean Pure White WON’T work (although it might not); it’s just that I can only cover so many situations and try to hit the main ones.
FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Pure White
MY YOUTUBE Video Review of Pure White
2. BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE OC-65
Coming in a HOT second place is Chantilly Lace. For all of you ‘bright white’ lovers out there, this will be more up your alley.
By the way, did you know that my blog is 99% run on photos from my Online Paint Color Consulting clients, grateful readers, and friends?
REAL PEOPLE, REAL HOMES, REAL BUDGETS! Real life, baby.
WHY IS CHANTILLY LACE POPULAR?
Chantilly Lace is a great way to achieve a white look without looking sharp or harsh. However, if you pair it with warmer-toned products, it will cool look a bit bright in comparison.
Here’s your PEEL & STICK sample of Chantilly Lace!
CHANTILLY LACE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…
- New construction or homes built in the last 5-10 years.
- MUTED warm interior finishes (it’s usually a hard no with the Tuscan finishes of the early 2000s).
- Cooler interior finishes.
- Suits many of the popular quartz countertops.
If your home isn’t listed, this doesn’t mean it WON’T work (although it might not); I can only cover so many situations and try to hit the main ones.
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
3. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE OC-17
With trends leaning away from the bright white look of the previous five or so years, White Dove is a popular choice for new homes and repaints.
WHY IS WHITE DOVE SO POPULAR?
Like Pure White, White Dove is a SOFT white but has a bit more creamy warmth without being overly yellow. Of course, this can be open to perception, but that doesn’t change what it is at heart.
If you’re more of a Sherwin Williams fan, Alabaster has a SIMILAR approach (but a bit more warmth, so tread carefully).
WHITE DOVE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…
- Homes built in and around the early 2000s (warmer, Tuscan, or Mediterranean interior finishes).
- Warm interior finishes* generally (but not OVERLY creamy/yellow ones).
- Some cooler, stormier-looking gray finishes, as long as they aren’t ICY cold. Keep in mind that cool finishes will make White Dove look a bit warmer.
*The more yellow/cream a surface is, the less happy it might be with the more popular, go-to whites. You may need to hit the warm off-white/cream range if these whites don’t work.
Here’s your PEEL & STICK sample of White Dove…
Again, if your home’s features aren’t listed above, this doesn’t mean White Dove WON’T work (although it might not); it’s just that I can only cover so many situations and try to hit the main ones.
FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove
MY YOUTUBE Paint Color Review of White Dove
4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE SNOW 9541
While High Reflective White used to be one of my go-to shades, it’s so friggin’ hard to get that I had to change gears (which usually involves wine and Ryan Reynold’s reruns).
White Snow is slowly gaining traction and popularity in the white world because it winks at the bright white world while offering a bit more softness.
If only I had photos of it in action!
WHY IS WHITE SNOW SO POPULAR?
- White Snow is a brighter shade of white with an LRV of 90. Bright whites are coveted in modern and contemporary homes but also appear in other spaces.
- The previously mentioned High Reflective White doesn’t have any overt warmth. While White Snow’s warmth is subtle, it has just a little more sunshine and warmth than the VERY similar Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (previously mentioned).
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of White Snow!
HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE IS OFTEN BEST FOR…
- More modern homes with cooler preferences (suits many marble finishes).
- Any home that caters to the slightly cooler end of things.
- Balancing south-facing light or warm afternoon western sunshine.
My FULL Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams White Snow
5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER 7008
While I know many people would stake their life savings on Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (which makes this color cowgirl a little twitchy), when it comes to warm whites, Alabaster is on my hit list.
In fact, Swiss Coffee didn’t even hit my radar for this blog post (neither did Greek Villa). Alabaster was in a sprint with Benjamin Moore Cloud White for fifth position and barely beat it out.
Why might you need a warm white like this?
It might not be because you love its warmth, but there are certainly many homes and interior finishes that do.
WHY IS ALABASTER SO POPULAR?
- It has a soft warmth without being overly yellow (this can be open to perception, for sure). This said, it can be too warm/yellow for many cold-toned interior finishes (and homeowner’s tastes).
- It’s got some serious street cred with the older population. That’s a generalization, but I see it ALL the time in my work.
- It’s a nice transition out of cream tones without going too stark/harsh.
Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige walls with Alabaster trims and doors
ALABASTER IS OFTEN BEST FOR…
- Homes built in and around the early 2000s (warmer interior finishes).
- Warm interior finishes generally, even ones that lean a bit more cream.
- ‘Whole home’ application (walls/trims/cabinets). While the other whites can also be used this way, with trends leaning softer and warmer, colors like Alabaster are stepping up.
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Alabaster…
See photos of Alabaster in action HERE!
While there’s a whole WHACK (a technical term) of white paint colors out there, these five should get you well on your way to finding the best white for you and your home.
If you’re unsure which white your home loves, you may want to read about the 5 Types of White Paint Colors.
THE WHITES THAT ALMOST MADE THE MOST POPULAR LIST…
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Super White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Benjamin Moore Cloud White
Compare a wide range of white paint colors with my FAVORITE WHITE PAINT COLOR BUNDLE…
WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR SHADE OF WHITE?
Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin Williams Pure White are the two best, most popular white paint colors.
WHAT WHITE PAINT COLOR DO DESIGNERS USE?
There’s no SINGLE shade of white that designers use exclusively. Every white is chosen specifically for a room and its needs—in fact, there are five different types of white paint colors.
ARE WHITE PAINT COLORS STILL IN STYLE FOR 2023 AND 2024?
You bet. White will always be the most popular choice for trims, ceilings, and doors, but white walls and exteriors should still be kickin’ it strong. This being said, they are on the end of their cycle as we see softer, warmer colors showing up.
READ MORE…
SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK: FAQs, Tips, & Ideas
Should You Really Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets White? Which White is Best?
The WHITEST White Paint Colors
The 9 Best White Paint Colours: SHERWIN WILLIAMS DESIGNER EDITION
Benjamin Moore’s 8 Best White Paint Colors
Sherwin William’s 4 Best White Paint Colors
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CHECK OUT MY ONLINE PAINT COLOR CONSULTING
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2022, UPDATED IN 2024
The picture you have for BM Cloud White was in a different blog post where you said it was SW Aesthetic White. Do you happen to know which one it is? On that note, would you consider Aesthetic White a fool proof white? Currently planning on painting my house in that color.
Oooo, you had me curious once I read this! In the bathroom you’re talking about, it’s Aesthetic White on the walls, but Cloud White on the TRIM!
Kylie: How does BM White Dove compare to a new color from SW, in the Emerald line, aka Cotton?
Hi Kylie,
I’m recently keen on your articles and posts due to my sweet and knowledgeable friend, Ali. We just bought and moved into a house in the BFE (bum-f-ed Egypt) Southern part of Arkansas. I hate it, but this is our 3rd home now, as a military family, so I will make it work by keeping myself busy with home updates for eventual resale. I would love to show you what we’ve got and get your personal opinion. I lean towards some pretty bold blues and greens, and more saturated colors, always have, probably always will, but I’ve been trying to channel my inner Ali (the Queen of Neutrals) to tone it down a bit. Maybe you could help me find a happy medium? It’s tricky. Also, FYI, I’m in such a small town, SW is my only option, but it’s not a bad one. I think I can still get my needs met through them.
Oh, you are seriously too funny – Arkansas sounds LOVELY…:)
I’m the same way, I LOOOOOVE colors with commitment (I just love DARK neutrals, not ‘colors’). I’ve found that painting the main walls neutral and doing an accent wall in a color I love is a great way to feed the beast. I also keep things simple in my main living areas for the main walls (again, adding accent walls where it makes sense or painting the inside of the front door works too), but have FUN in secondary rooms. Powder rooms, offices, bedrooms – it’s easier to have fun in there as if you HAVE to repaint a single room in 3 years; life goes on, ya know?
Kylie: Does White Dove work with White Duck?
You betcha!
Okay – you have convinced me on SW Pure White for my walls and trim! 🙂
Love that it’s soft but not too under-toney! (Is that a word?!)
BUT – I have to pick a Benjamin Moore color for my kitchen cabinets! Is there one you think pairs well with SW Pure White walls?!
(I’ll be mindful to pick coordinating backspace and counters of course!)
Oh gosh, where do I start, there are SO MANY! With how flexible PUre White is, it’s really ALL about your backsplash and countertops! I suppose I wouldn’t go overly warm, but it all depends on how light/dark/medium neutral/undertone/colorful you want!
Hi Kylie!
First of all, I have to tell you how often I giggle at your posts. I’ll bet you are a hoot to drink with!
I’m struggling with the right white to brighten up a home office area that has one east facing window, so of course its a bit dark. I painted a big swatch of Pure White on the wall and it’s OK but really want something brighter. Do you think Chantilly Lace would be an OK choice in this room?
Oh, you bet I am – even not drinking, I like to think I’m pretty funny ;).
Now, there’s a difference in brightness for an east-facing room. While I agree that Pure White can fall a bit flat, you can get brightness with Chantilly Lace for sure, but you can also add a wink of warmth, ie. SW White Snow, which is a touch warmer, and the yellow undertone adds that bit of life – the same can be said for BM Simply White, but it has a bit MORE yellow.
If you choose Chantilly Lace, ask them to add Titanium White to top up the gallon. Chantilly Lace is pretty terrible coverage. A coat or two of white primer helps as well (really, most whites cna do with a little ‘white top-up’- same goes for my glass, wink wink).
Hello. Love your posts. If I have Cloud White Cabinets in satin and hoping you can suggest a white that has a bit of gray and will match with Cloud White for the walls. Thank you.
Ooooo Brian, I’m sorry to say there won’t be one! Cloud White has a reasonably strong warmth to it and any white with gray in it could have your cabinets looking YELLOW. Even an off-white gray would be super touch and go…sorry!
Kylie, I love your posts. I have literally laughed out loud at your comments. I have read the majority of your blogs. Not only are they hilarious they are super informative. I feel like I could be a color paint savant since reading your blogs. (Insert dying laughing emoji here)? LRV, oh yeah, I got you! I can pick out a great paint for someone else, just not myself.
I ordered Marble Calacatta Meili for my counter tops ( drooling), but I cannot pick out a cabinet paint color. My kitchen faces south but I have a large covered patio that blocks a lot of the natural light. It is an open concept into the family room. I need to make both spaces cohesive.
Finally, the question, I like a little warmth but despise yellow undertones. They really show up in the darker spaces of the room. Woudl you suggest SW pure white or BM Pure white. The BM seems a bit blue. Love to hear your thoughts! Oh BTW, just to throw you a curve ball, I am SURROUNDED by GREEN trees, grass, green trees and green trees. Did I mention I have a lot of green around me? =)
Oh, I bet you know more than you think!!! Isn’t it fun learning?
NOw, it’s SO HARD for me to say without seeing the marble in your space, and the lighting/other finishes. Off the TOP, I would look at SW Pure White or BM Chantilly lace. I could even ben tempted by Decorator’s White, which miiiight nod politely to the violet tones in your marble!
Hi Kylie,
You crack me right up!!! I so enjoy reading, watching, and learning from you.
Question for you…is there a reason Snowbound did not make your list of top five whites? Thank you for all you do! 🙂
Thank you, Kelly!
Okay, so i LOOOOVE Snowbound…but mostly when it’s the only white, which means it’s on the trims, ceilings, doors, walls. As soon as it’s say, a wall color with a whiter trim, I find it more unpredictable. OR, if it’s the trim color, it’s fussy about its wall color partners 🙂
Hi Kylie! Your posts have helped me so much- in fact based on your recommendation alone I pivoted to Pashmina for my primary vanity without being able to test (out of the country while painting!) and it is now my FAVE color in the house!
Anyway, we’re painting our exterior white and I’m in a pickle. The front is North facing in low light but the backyard where we spend so much time is South and gets bright sun all day! I’m trying to find a color that works harmoniously for both spaces. Any other recommendations besides White Dove?