Why Choosing the Right White Paint Color Feels So Hard
Helping you avoid decision paralysis, one white swatch at a time Let’s talk about white paint for a second. You’d think it would be the easiest color to choose, right? White is white. How hard can it be?…Until you’re standing in the paint aisle (or scrolling endlessly online), surrounded by what feels like 400 shades […]
Helping you avoid decision paralysis, one white swatch at a time
Let’s talk about white paint for a second. You’d think it would be the easiest color to choose, right? White is white. How hard can it be?…Until you’re standing in the paint aisle (or scrolling endlessly online), surrounded by what feels like 400 shades of white, suddenly questioning everything you know about color, interior
design, and life choices in general. Is this one too cool? Is that one too yellow? Why does this one look green now?!
You’re not alone—white paint is deceptively tricky. What makes it look “just right” in one room can look completely off in another. The lighting, the undertones, the direction your windows face, your floors, your couch—it all plays a part. But here’s the good news: we’ve done the trial and error for you.
Over time, we’ve come to rely on a small-but-mighty collection of white paints that always come through. These are our ride-or-die whites. The ones that look beautiful on walls, trim, cabinetry—you name it. So if you’re feeling stuck in a
white paint spiral, take a deep breath. You’re in the right place. Let’s break down our favorite white paint colors and why we love them:
1. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Our #1 favorite – the queen bee of white paint
Chantilly Lace is a crisp, clean, bright white with virtually no undertones. It doesn’t lean warm or cool—it just sits perfectly in that pure, fresh space. Think: bright gallery walls or the inside of a seashell. We love it for trim, walls, ceilings, cabinets—honestly, anywhere you want a timeless, high-impact white that plays
nice with everything around it.
2. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45)
If Chantilly Lace is the cool, modern art museum, Swiss Coffee is your cozy Sunday morning. It’s a warm, creamy white with soft beige undertones that adds
3. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White is that classic in-between white. It’s not too warm, not too cool, and it has just enough brightness to feel fresh without feeling stark. There’s a tiny hint of yellow in its undertone that adds warmth, making it a great choice for open-plan homes or anywhere you want a consistent, happy backdrop.
4. Sherwin Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
Want something that’s warm and clean without being overly creamy? Pure White strikes that sweet spot. It’s like the Goldilocks of whites—just right. It has the tiniest bit of warmth that keeps it from feeling cold, but it’s still super neutral and adaptable. Great for walls, trim, or when you want a white that can hang with any color palette.
5. Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
Alabaster is a longtime favorite for a reason. It’s a soft, warm white with subtle beige undertones that feel soothing and natural. It’s not too yellow, not too gray— just creamy enough to feel cozy without going full farmhouse. We especially love it in bedrooms, living rooms, and even exteriors for that timeless, welcoming look.
Paint Color Project: Alabaster
A Few Tips Before You Paint the Town White
Test it out. Always sample first! Whites can shift a lot depending on your lighting and surroundings. What looks dreamy in your friend’s living room might look flat in your space.
Look at it morning, noon, and night. Light changes throughout the day, and so will your white.
Pair with purpose. If your space has cool tones (grays, blues), go for a cleaner white. If it leans warm (wood, beige, brass), a softer white will feel more cohesive.
White paint can definitely feel intimidating—but it really doesn’t have to be. The key is understanding that not all whites are the same (far from it!), and that those subtle differences in undertone are what make or break the feel of your space. Once you have a sense of whether your room calls for something warm and cozy or cool and crisp—and you’ve got a designer or expert to help steer you in the right direction—you’re already way ahead of the game.
Still unsure? Don’t stress. That’s exactly why I pulled together our go-to list of white paint favorites. These shades have stood the test of time across countless homes, lighting conditions, and design styles. They’re beautiful, balanced, and super dependable. Start with one of these, trust the process, and remember—
Sometimes the simplest colors are the most powerful when they’re chosen with intention. You’ve got this.