How to Choose the Best White Paint Colors For Your Home

How do you choose the best white paint for interior walls? What do you do when you are stuck choosing between white paint colors that all seem to look alike?

Don't worry, we know it’s overwhelming but I have tips on how to choose the best white paint for your home. I’ll give you important insights on lighting, cool and warm undertones, and our top six picks for white paint colors and why we love each one.

Tip 3: Use peel-and-stick paint samples

To understand how your light will affect the white color, I recommend using paint samples up on the wall so you can see the color in your actual space and light.

Look for 12-inch by 12-inch peel-and-stick paint samples that you order from Samplize.com. You can move the sample around the room throughout the day. You don’t need to paint splotches all over your room when you have a peel-and-stick sample.

1. Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore

This neutral, fresh white is one of the purest whites you will find. It’s one of the most popular white paint colors. It’s so versatile and will instantly brighten your space.

2. Simply White by Benjamin Moore

This neutral white has a slight hint of warmth without looking yellow. It’s great for walls, cabinets, ceilings, and trim. I would use a neutral white if I wanted a fresh, modern feel. A neutral white gives a great contrast if you want to pair it with some darker paints or furnishings.

Use a neutral when…

When would I not use a neutral paint color? If you have a lot of other white furnishings or white finishes in the room (like above), sometimes a pure white will make all the other white elements look dingy.

Now let’s discuss warm whites. A warmer white offers a more welcoming, cozy vibe. Some people are afraid of the yellow undertones making everything look too yellow. In the right scenario, a warm white can be very pretty.

3. Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore

This beautiful, cozy warm white has a little yellow undertone almost taking it to a cream color. It has a richness to it and it will not become washed out in a room with a lot of natural light.

4. Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams

We’ve used Alabaster in all of our RV renovations (here’s a shot of our RV above). It is not a super stark white and it has some dusty undertones.

5. White Dove by Benjamin Moore

This warm, inviting white is a slight off-white color that may sometimes read a little bit green or yellow depending on the light coming into the space.

Use a warm white when…

I’d use a warm white in a north-facing room because the yellow-green undertones can balance out the blue natural light coming in from the north. The space will feel a little bit cozier. Use warm white if you have other warm finishes in the room because they will play off of each other.

Do not use a warm white when…

When would I not use a warm white? If there are a lot of blues and grays in the room (like the gray couch, drapery, and pillows here), then choose a cooler white. If you use warm white in a room with cool finishes and furniture, the white paint will end up looking a little bit dirty.

6. Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams

This cool grayish-blue white is crisp and cool. It has a little bit of a gray undertone with a hint of dusty pink. It’s a pretty color, and a little unique.

Cooler whites work well in south-facing rooms to balance out that warm yellow light that comes in during the late afternoons. If you have a lot of marbles, blues, and that kind of vibe, a cool white is a perfect choice.

Do not use a cool white when…

I would not use a cool white if you do not have a lot of natural light in the space (like the room above) and you rely on artificial light, stay away from cool undertones. Also, if you have warm finishes in your space (again, like the room above), like oak floors and cabinets, stay away from cool whites and stick to warm whites.