Best Behr White Paint Colors (Similar to Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams)

In the world of Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, how does Behr compare? Well, when it comes to white paint colors, it takes a shot at the title of ‘best white paint colors for just about anything’.

Finding the perfect shade of white is hard when there are so many options. So, here’s my best advice – read this, and don’t look at any other whites – if I don’t mention it here, it’s prooooobably not a ‘best white’, if you know what I’m sayin’.

Now, I’m a paint color expert, specializing in Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paint colors on my blog, Instagram, and Online Paint Color Consulting. Using my 20+ years of knowledge and 12,000+ consultations, I’m checking out Behr’s top whites to see what’s best and how they compare to ma boys, Ben and Sherwin.

Behr Ultra Pure White door and trims

WHY DO PEOPLE ASK FOR BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN WILLIAM’S BEST WHITE COLOR MATCHES IN BEHR PAINT?

There are a few good reasons…

1. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams white paint colors get a lot of coverage on Pinterest and Instagram – Behr doesn’t get as much.
2. Influencers tend to focus on Benjamin, Sherwin, and Farrow & Ball more than Behr.
3. Designers and Color Consultants are more likely to recommend BM and SW colors over Behr. This is often due to concerns about quality. Behr is more popular with DIYers who are less likely to post their projects on social media.

Truth be told, in the design world, Behr paint doesn’t have a great reputation. However, it’s popular among painters and many DIYers. Remember, almost every paint brand has lackluster lines (yup, even Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams – avoid their contractor-grade lines, for sure. That said, their high-end paints are badass and worth the shekels.

WHAT YOU’LL GET IN THIS BLOG POST…

• What you might expect from Behr’s whites in terms of undertones (the way a color leans), general approach, and best uses.
• The LRVs of each white and what it means. Not sure what LRV is? Learn about it here: The Ultimate Guide to Picking Paint Colors with LRV
• Alternative or ‘close to matching whites’ from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.

PLEASE NOTE: I don’t do Online Color Consulting with BEHR (only BM and SW), so I don’t know their colors as intimately. That said, I don’t need to with the kind of knowledge I have in this lil’ Ginger head of mine. 

I also only use images from my clients, readers, family, and friends. If you use my advice, please send photos – I’d love to have some more Behr images! 

1. BEHR ULTRA PURE WHITE

Ultra Pure White is the GOAT of the true white world. While Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore struggle to get bright whites with good coverage, Behr comes in hot with Ultra Pure White.

With its LRV of 94, UPW is the truest, whitest white you can get. 

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This isn’t to say that a true white suits a wide range of projects, but if you need a real tighty whitey, this is it. No undertones or bias, no temperature (it’s not warm or cold), it’s just white.

Because it’s not committed to any undertone, Ultra Pure White can pick up a bit of gray-blue from your northern exposure or high Kevin bulbs; it can also grab a bit of warmth from your southern exposure or low Kelvin bulbs.

The Whitest White Paint Colors

Here it is on trim and baseboards with Benjamin Moore Dove Wing on the walls.

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• Ultra Pure White is great for trims, cabinets, doors, etc, as it offers a clean, crisp contrast with a wide range of wall colors. Just make sure your finishes don’t prefer a softer white (sample and compare a range of whites).
• While you could paint your whole home this color, it’s pretty darn white and could look clinical.
• It’s great for exterior trim, but too bright for the main house color.

SIMILAR COLORS FROM BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN WILLIAMS

Benjamin Moore doesn’t have a great white with an LRV in the mid-90s. Its closest match to Ultra Pure White is Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.

However, depth-wise, Chantilly Lace is a bit darker and softer than Ultra Pure White. Truth be told, while Chantilly Lace has questionable coverage, it’s a goooorgeous color for walls, trims, cabinets – I’d definitely compare the 2.

As for Sherwin Williams, if you’ve been looking for a decent color match to High Reflective White, this is it…and it’s better. While I love High Reflective White as a COLOR, its coverage is terrible. So, while it’s almost apples-to-apples with Ultra Pure White, it’s not super usable (another reason why UPW is the GOAT).

There’s also Sherwin Williams UltraWhite, which is actually quite fabulous and an almost match to Ultra Pure White. You might find UltraWhite looks a ‘tiny’ but gray in comparison, but it’s fractional, at best. However, it can be trickier to find at your everyday Sherwin supplier.

KYLIE’S CHOICE: Of the above options, if ‘all were created equal’ re: coverage, Chantilly Lace would win. And while I love how UltraWhite looks, it needs to be easier to get. So, in the end, it’s Ultra Pure White for the win.

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2. BEHR SLEEK WHITE OR-W15

If your perfect shade of white is in a stemless glass, poured from a lightly sweating bottle, you’re going to love…wait, wrong white.

Seriously, though, Sleek White is almost worth drinking. It’s a brighter, warm shade of white with a gorgeous sunny yellow undertone. With an LRV of 91.8, it’s considered a bright, but not a true white.

• If you want to paint your whole home a bright, but not stark white, Sleek White is an interesting option; just be sure your finishes suit its yellow hue.
• With its yellow bias, be careful in south-facing rooms and those with west-facing sunshine. Whites only get warmer in these lights.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SLEEK WHITE FROM BM & SW

If you’re looking for a decent match to Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, Sleek White does a decent job. Knowing there won’t ever be a ‘perfect’ color match (no matter what the Home Depot paint dept. tells you), Sleek White has a similar warmth, but a touch more yellow.

Here’s Simply White in a local home with north-facing light…

Of the 2, it’s a bit less likely to grab a green hue, but even then, Simply White rarely does. As for depth, Sleek White is a bit whiter with its LRV of 91.8, making it lighter than Simply White’s LRV of 89.52.

Here’s Cheviot in my client’s east-facing room with morning light (Chantilly Lace is on the trim – similar to Behr Ultra Pure White)…

As for Sherwin Williams, Cheviot is an interesting alternative. Its LRV of 89 makes it a touch softer than Sleek White (not always a bad thing). While it has a similar approach to yellow, it’s a bit calmer and more muted.

MY RECOMMENDATION: Of the above 3? Ooooo, I’d have to give it to Cheviot for its wink of softness. However, if a bright, warm tone is needed, Sleek White is first in line.

The 3 White Paint Colors I’d NEVER Paint My Trim or Cabinets

3. BEHR SWISS COFFEE 12

Swiss Coffee has been kickin’ it for a LONG time as one of Behr’s most popular white paint colors. In fact, I’ve worked with it dozens of times with my Online Color Consulting clients when they want me to work with their ‘existing Behr Swiss Coffee trim’.

One reason Swiss Coffee has been so popular for walls, cabinets, and trims is its gorgeous, creamy warmth. Cream = yellow; however, it can be tricky, as not all interior finishes want or need this much warmth. As for depth, its LRV is 84.4. Combined with its warmth, it’s an inviting, welcoming shade of white.

There are 5 types of white paint colors. Of the 5, Swiss Coffee is a combo of soft and warm. That said, not every home or wall paint color can handle this softness and warmth, and a more muted white is a better option.

• Swiss Coffee is great for trims and cabinets, so long as the surrounding finishes and paint colors need extra warmth.
• It’s great for a single room or open-concept space. It could also be used for a whole home (on walls/trims/etc) so long as you’re into warmer shades of white!
• Because of its increased warmth, be cautious in south-facing rooms and those with western afternoon sun, as it’ll only look warmer!

SIMILAR BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLORS

Comparing similar paint colors is THE BEST WAY to find the perfect shade for your home. Some might think the soft, warm white of Sherwin Williams Alabaster is the closest match to Swiss Coffee – it isn’t. Alabaster is a bit darker and not as warm and golden. In fact, it almost looks dirty in comparison (it’s not, it’s actually a fabulously warm white).

Sherwin Williams Alabaster Color Review

Instead, you might start with Sherwin Williams Whitetail, which has a touch more yellow, and in fact, shows how well-balanced and pretty Swiss Coffee is. Whitetail’s LRV is 86, which makes it lighter than Swiss Coffee. Of the 2, I prefer Swiss Coffee.

Sherwin Williams Dover White is also similar, with its LRV of 83; however, Behr Swiss Coffee offers a bit more brightness.

Wait one hot, holy minute, is Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee the same color as Behr’s Swiss Coffee? 

Nope. Same name, different brand.

Is Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee Really That Great?

Behr Swiss Coffee’s LRV is 84.4, Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee is 81.91. This means that Benjamin Moore’s version is darker, almost an off-white. Behr’s is brighter and lighter. Similar? Sure. 100% color match? Heck no.

As for undertones, they both have a yellow bias; however, of the 2, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee is slightly more inclined toward green than Behr’s version.

Benjamin Moore White Dove’s Color Review

WHICH ONE DOES KYLIE RECOMMEND? Of the 3, Behr Swiss Coffee. However, for the average home, all of the above can be hit-or-miss. Instead, I often suggest Benjamin Moore White Dove to my Online Color Consulting clients. Its LRV is 83.16, making it closer to Behr Swiss Coffee. The difference is that White Dove is more muted and gentle with its warmth.

If you need a creamier warmth, Behr Swiss Coffee is amazeballs. For a more muted warmth, Benjamin Moore White Dove is the better choice. 

5. BEHR MELTING ICICLES BWC-20

Melting Icicles is a gorgeous shade of white for those who want a bit of softness, without a noticeable yellow or creamy hue.

With its LRV of 83, Melting Icicles is a soft white with a gray backdrop, calming it down. Sure, it has a weeee wink o’ warmth, but you won’t know it. Sure, it’ll pick up warmth from southern or afternoon western exposure, but at its heart, it’s one of the more grayed-out, but not blue-cold whites.

Sherwin Williams Pure White is daaaang close to Melting Icicles. There’s about a snowflake’s difference between them. 

• Melting Icicles is a great color for trims/doors/etc throughout the entire home. While it won’t necessarily tolerate overly warm colors, it can handle a wide range of neutrals and more colorful shades.
• It’s great as an exterior trim color. Some might look at it for the siding, but be sure you’re ready for a bright look!
• You might even paint your entire home, Melting Icicles, if you want a relatively non-committal, standard white without the starkness of a true white (though it can appear that way in some lights, as it’s not very warm).

SIMILAR BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLORS

As far as color matches go, Sherwin Williams Pure White and Behr’s Melting Icicles are darn similar.

You’ll never get a perfect match, as paint brands use different formulations, pigments, etc, but these 2 colors have similar bones – slightly grayed-out at times with fractional warmth. As for depth, Pure White’s LRV of 84 is only a smidge lighter, whiter than Melting Icicles 83.

It doesn’t get much closer than Pure White and Melting Icicles.

As for an alternative in Benjamin Moore, White Wisp is the most similar. However, ‘most’ doesn’t say much, as it’s not close enough to bother. White Wisp will appear slightly gray and slightly darker, and can pick up a bit more cool green undertone.

Sadly, BEHR hasn’t signed up with Samplize PEEL & STICK yet, but I sure hope they do.

• Samples arrive at your doorstep in 1 DAY

• They’re more affordable than the sample pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

6. BEHR PALAIS WHITE GR W15

Last but not least, Palais White! Let’s see what this shade of white has up its sleeves…

Palais White is a considerably WARM shade of white. Does this particular warmth make me a bit nervous? Yes, especially on kitchen cabinets. However, some finishes demand this extra warmth, so sample and compare it with similar shades, for sure.

With an LRV of 87, Palais White is definitely getting up there. It is kind of in between soft white and bright white. However, its lack of noticeable gray undertone makes it look a bit brighter, warmer, and whiter. Its warmth comes from yellow, and while there’s a tiny touch of red (orange) mixed in there, it’s not really enough to swing it far; it’s more about helping it not turn yellow-green.

SIMILAR BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLORS

Benjamin Moore Cloud White is an alternative to Palais White, but comes at its warmth a bit more subtly and organically/grounded as a) it’s not as clean as Palais White and b) it doesn’t have that touch of red, instead, it has a slight green (which is rare to see on the walls, so don’t get your knickers in a knot).

Sherwin-Williams ‘ closest color match would be Greek Villa; however, Palais White comes off a bit warmer and more cheerful (not always a good thing or a bad thing).

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore White Dove

Shown above, Sherwin Williams Pure White – stands alone! 

COMING SOON!

• Behr Whipped Cream & Similar Shades/Close Matches
• Behr Blank Canvas & Similar Shades/Close Matches
• Behr Winter Way
• Behr Polar Bear

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For all of those thoughts roaming around your brain…

WHAT’S BEHR’S WHITEST WHITE?

Without a doubt, Behr’s brightest white is Ultra Pure White. With an LRV of 94, it’s a popular choice for trims, cabinets, and walls. However, not everyone can live in a white like this on a large scale, as it can look stark and clinical. For this reason, I’m more likely to suggest it for trims than walls.

Should Walls, Trims, & Cabinets Be the Same White?

IS BEHR SIMPLY WHITE THE SAME AS BENJAMIN MOORE SIMPLY WHITE?

Heck no. While they might have the same name, BEHR’S Simply White is coming in HOT with a considerably stronger yellow-orange undertone than Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. BEHR’S version is also a touch darker, with its slightly lower LRV of 87.8 (Simply White is 89.52).

Sherwin Williams 3 Best Warm White Paint Colors

If you want more Behr, check out Behr’s Best Beiges & Tans, as well as Behr’s Best Light Grays!

So, there you have it; I hope this helps you pick the right white for your project! If you’re looking for OTHER colors, stay tuned as I’m putting together these blog posts as quickly as possible!

READ MORE

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The 8 Best White Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore

Get the best paint color advice with Kylie M’s Online Paint Colour Consulting packages! 

Updated with new images and content for 2026