My Top 6 Favorite White Paints & How to Choose Your White
Welcome to Design Lessons. Today I am giving you my Top 6 Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors, from Benjamin Moore.
The Art of Picking the Right Paint Color
In previous posts, we've explored how to select the best paint colors, leveraged How To Use Benjamin Moores Color of the Year, and delved into the timeless appeal of Blue and Gold color schemes.
Today, let's turn our attention to the quintessential color of interior design: white
While white may seem like a simple choice, selecting the perfect shade can be surprisingly complex. In this post, we'll share our top white paint colors from Benjamin Moore and provide a step-by-step guide to help you make the best decision for your space.
Why White is Tricky
Chameleon Effect: White paints can change appearance based on the surrounding environment, including lighting, furniture, and fabrics.
Vast Variety: With hundreds of white and off-white options available, choosing the right shade can be overwhelming.
Image via Melissa Hawks @Hawks.landing
Selecting the ideal white paint color is a nuanced endeavor that defies a simplistic formula. Unlike a one-size-fits-all solution, the perfect white can vary dramatically depending on the unique characteristics of your space.
White paints are tricky because,
a. the colors can change based on what is in the room.
“Paint Colors are dependant on the sum of all the elements in a room.”
White paints can be like a chameleon, each will shift in color ( or show their undertones ) in response to all the room elements and the type of lighting you have. Paint becomes the sum of all the parts.
Paint color is affected by lighting, the type of bulbs you have, the amount of natural light, your furniture, fabrics, and the time of day.
B. there are soooo many colors to choose from.
Benjamin Moore alone boasts a staggering collection of over 150 white paint colors and an additional 180 off-white shades. Not to mention the myriad of neutral hues available. Navigating this labyrinth of choices can be daunting, leaving one to wonder, "Where does one even begin?"
I had someone ask me, how did you get the color to match the rug so perfectly? I told them, I picked the rug first! - dvd Interior Design
C. picking the paint color should be the last thing you do for a room.
Counterintuitively, selecting paint color should be one of the final steps in the design process. Once you've carefully chosen your furnishings and fabrics, paint can be strategically selected to complement the overall aesthetics.
You might also enjoy these posts on Design Tips for your home.
To alleviate the stress of selecting the perfect white, I've curated a list of my favorite white paint colors. Begin by choosing two or three from this selection and testing them in your space.
Our Favorite White Paint Colors Cheat Sheet
My Favorite White Paint Colors by Benjamin Moore
1. Decorators White - by Benjamin Moore
Decorators White OC-149: As you can see on this page, “Decorators White” has a lot of grey in it, and that’s a good thing when addressing rooms that have colorful pieces and accessories. It plays nicely with other colors.
Doors and Trims: Yes, this is a go-to color for that crisp white ( Trim). It is also considered a great neutral white for ( Walls).
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms—and almost any space—I like to keep things simple and use a grey neutral white like Decorators White in flat or eggshell. Then make it pop with Decorators White in high gloss or semi-gloss finish on the Trim. ( yes, trim in the same color but different finish)
Interior Design via Erin Francis for Sylvie and Mira
2. “Chantilly Lace”- by Benjamin Moore
Chantilly Lace OC-65: My go-to white -This is a crisp fresh white paint that works well with wood tones and north-facing rooms. If you do not want yellow tones, this is the color for you. Also, see Swiss Coffee shown below for a non-yellow white.
If you have a room with paneling, wood tones, or patterned and colorful fabrics, this is a great color to consider due to its neutral tones. It never looks yellow or too cold. For a white-white, this is your color. It is the whitest of the colors I am showing you without being cold. It also plays nicely with blues and other colors. I’ve used it in the kitchen with a blue trim such as Mount St. Anne, also shown below in this post. Use an eggshell finish on walls, and a high gloss finish on trim.
3. Simply White - by Benjamin Moore
Simply White OC-117 – Simply White OC-117 is a versatile and beloved white paint color that has stood the test of time. Its subtle yellow undertone creates a warm and inviting atmosphere without veering into yellow or beige territory.
Key Features:
Versatility: Works beautifully on cabinetry, walls, trim, and ceilings.
Softness: Offers a gentle, chalky feel for a refined look.
Natural Light: Ideal for rooms with abundant natural light.
Timeless Appeal: Remains relevant and popular since its selection as Color of the Year in 2015.
Complementary Colors: Pairs well with various wood tones and is a great choice for trim and doors in north-facing rooms.
Whether you're looking to brighten a small space or create a serene ambiance in a larger room, Simply White OC-117 is a reliable and stylish choice. Its versatility and timeless appeal make it a go-to option for many design enthusiasts.
Kitchen Design - dvd Interior Design : Cabinetry is Simply White - OC -117 and Walls are White Dove.
Design Tip
Paint your walls and trim in the same white color, with walls in a flat finish and trim in semi-gloss. It’s a subtle way to make trim stand out while keeping things very uniform.- dvd Interior Deisgn
4. White Dove - by Benjamin Moore
White Dove OC-17 is another decorator’s favorite and one of the most recommended white paints out there. I will use this color when Simply White OC-117 doesn’t work. It is warm and creamy, incredibly soft and it has absolutely no coldness to it! it will reflect light throughout the house.
The cabinets and (Walls) Simply White OC-117, and the (Trim) is White Dove OC-17. via Benjamin Moore, - Courtney Cachet
5. “ Linen White” - by Benjamin Moore.
Linen White OC-146 : This is great white for trim and doors against walls in golden tones.
If you have to paint your walls and you can’t wait till after you move in, I will recommend one of my favorite go-to combinations when you have to paint without knowing your furniture- “Walls: Putnam Ivory HC-39 with trim in Linen White.” This combo looks soft and warm. Great for entries, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Learn More About How to Budget for a Kitchen RemodelOur guide to remodeling a kitchen on a budget shares the average costs of each aspect of a DIY kitchen remodel – from floors to cabinets – and tips for saving on each one.
6. “ Swiss Coffee” - by Benjamin Moore.
Swiss Coffee OC-45:
is a popular choice for those seeking a white paint with a cooler undertone. Its milky smoothness and bright, cheerful appearance make it ideal for sunny rooms with ample natural light.
Key Features:
Cool Undertones: Perfect for avoiding yellow hues.
Milky Smooth Finish: Creates a soft and inviting ambiance.
Bright and Sunny: Ideal for well-lit rooms.
If you're looking for a crisp and refreshing white paint, Swiss Coffee OC-45 is an excellent option to consider.
Kitchen cabinetry in Swiss Coffee OC-45 a white that is not yellow! via Sanctuary Home Decor
(WALLS) White Sand OC-10, Eggshell (TRIM) Swiss Coffee OC-45, Semi-Gloss
Honorable Mention: “Marble White- OC -34” - by Benjamin Moore
Marble White OC-34: This is also a nice clean white, and I will usually put it on the consideration list since it is a white that doesn’t feel too stark. If you want a bright white that doesn’t get too stark, this is a great color to consider. It usually gets beat out by the whites noted above, but maybe you will prefer it to Decorators White. I have used it, and I do love it. Let me know if you used this color? Leave me a comment and let me know what whites do you like?
Honorable Mention: “Classic Grey- OC-23” - by Benjamin Moore
Classic Grey OC-23: Yes, I know the name says grey, but it is actually a cool white.
This is white, and it is a great neutral with a hint of grey. Don’t get too hung up on names. This is a great ( Wall) color to highlight and pop ( Trim) in white. I’ve been using this a lot lately. It is soft and when in a flat finish allows the bright white semi-gloss trim to pop. If you have beautiful architectural detailing in your home, you should allow it to pop and be expressed. see below.
This is Classic Grey. Design by Studio MCGee, (Walls ) are Classic Grey and (Trim) is Decorators White. If you are highlighting great trim work, this is a great combination for achieving this result.
Honorable Mention: “Calm- 2110- 70 ” - by Benjamin Moore
Use Samplize for sampling! Real paint without the mess. See the paint color in multiple locations and different lighting without marking up your walls. Produced with genuine manufacturer paint Repositionable, non-damaging…
All this to say – Benjamin Moore’s Calm is a very versatile, neutral color with a fresh look. Trim color: I’ve also used Benjamin Moore White Dove in a semi-gloss for trim, it goes nicely with Calm.
Are You Starting a Renovation Project?
For more tips and some moral support as you undertake a kitchen remodeling project, check out “How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel“.
How To Pick Your Paint Colors in 6 Easy Steps
Did you know that Benjamin Moore has over 150 white paints? How do you decide?
Whether you are an established design professional, or new to the field, paint colors can be a pain point if you don’t have your options lined up. Selecting paint colors can be completely overwhelming. The most important task is to test your colors. A room with direct light can change the color. If you have a north-facing room, consider a warmer white, and a south-facing room a cooler white.
These are important factors to consider when selecting paint colors:
Narrow down your choices to 3-4 paints.
Just select 2-4 and invest in a sample pot or order large appliques samples from a company called SAMPLIZE. these are large sheets of paint colors to put on your walls without the mess of painting. You just place the paint samples on the wall to see how it looks, and they are large.
Test, and Observe,
Experimenting and observation are key when it comes to selecting paint colors for home interiors. At home, paint a board–foam core will do nicely–and move it around to different parts of the room.
Know that the Time of day changes the color dramatically.
Monitor how the paint color changes at different times of the day so there are no questions to your preference. You will be surprised how your favorite choices may shift with the light of day. Afternoon light will change your color from your when it’s evening and you are using incandescent or LED lighting.
Other elements in the room will bring out different tones in the Whites.
Once you paint them on your wall, you will see the one that is creamy and one that is grey.
5. Pick your paint color last,
Yes, it’s best to pick your paint color after you have selected the other larger items in your room. Select after you have your furniture, rugs, and room elements together, that’s how you pick the perfect paint color for your space, it is usually the last thing that you select
6. Choose Your Sheen:
When it comes to selecting the right paint sheen, usually the higher the traffic, the higher the sheen for ease of cleanability. If you are unsure on what sheen to use in which area, check out my post here: How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Home, and on Tip #7 we talk about sheen.
PS. It’s just paint.
Don’t stress out.
I know you are probably struggling to make the right choice, but don’t get too stressed. The one thing I've learned over the years is that once you sample the options the answer is will be clear.
I know it is easier said than done, but the good news is, you can make the best choices using this guide and submit yourself to process. That’s the only way you will know what works best.
Here they are all together and you can see the subtle differences between them. Some whites go grey (cool) and some go golden ( warm)
Click here to download the color sheet.
What color did you end up selecting? I would love to know in the comments.
PS: If you want consider a virtual color consult where I help you choose the best color for your home, go here.
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Note on Paint Companies
There are Other paint companies = They may be OK or Good
But for me, Benjamin Moore = Better
Farrow and Ball = Best
Why did I pick only Benjamin Moore? It’s about the quality and pigment. I may splurge for a special area and upgrade to Farrow and Ball at times, but typically I use a higher grade Benjamin Moore paint for the quality in color and application. The pricing is a true reflection of the paint quality. Hopefully, you will only be painting once so choose the best.
I hope you enjoyed this list and review of White paints and how to pick the one that will work for you. I’d love to hear about your favorite whites, which one was your go-to White? Paint is fun once you commit to the process 🙂
If you like seeing more paint colors and want to know more of my favorite colors, be sure to check out this post “ Our No-Fail Kitchen Paint Colors”, or {this post} where I share great paint colors for your home office!
Recap: My 6 Favorite White Paints!
“Decorators White” - Benjamin Moore
“White Dove” – Benjamin Moore
“Simply White” - Benjamin Moore.
“ Chantilly Lace” - Benjamin Moore
“ Linen White” - Benjamin Moore.
“ Swiss Coffee”- Benjamin Moore
Thanks as always for stopping by!
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Not sure what color to pick? Check out our Color Guide. Our Essential Color Guide features a full selection of tried and true Benjamin Moore paint colors I use, again and again, to help you confidently select the best colors for your home.
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