Micheala Diane Designs

All Things Home Decor & Design

The Best White Paint Colors

· In: Design Tips, Paint Colors

I shared with you last week that our first project of the year is a little kitchen makeover. Paint is going to be the biggest part of the transformation. Our kitchen has white cabinets, black granite and a sea salt green color on the walls. I have been itching to paint the walls white. I think it is going to work so much better with the black countertops.

So today I am sharing my tried and true favorite white paint colors. I have had the opportunity to pick paint colors for a large number of design projects and these whites are always my go to options.

Best White Paint Colors For Your Home

1. BENJAMIN MOORE WHITE DOVE (OC-17)

White Dove is a beautiful warm white. It has some grey undertones making it a soft creamy white but without looking yellow/off white. This is a great color for walls, trim and cabinets.

Best White Paint ColorsSource: LizMarieBlog-White Dove

2. BENJAMIN MOORE  SIMPLY WHITE (OC-117)

Simply White is the color that we painted our downstairs bathroom and I love it! It was named the color of the year in 2016 and I think it is one of the most versatile whites. This white paint is warm without being too yellow and crisp without being too blue/stark. It gives a fresh clean look and is fail proof if you are having a hard time deciding.

Best White Paint ColorsSource: My Bathroom-Simply White

3. BENJAMIN MOORE DECORATORS WHITE ( OC-20)

Decorators White is a true white. It does have a slight touch of grey that softens the color, but overall this is my go-to for a clean true white paint. I use this most often for trim or cabinets.

Best White Paint ColorsSource: ZDesign at Home- Decorators White

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER (SW7008)

We have Alabaster in our living room and it is a gorgeous cozy warm white. It is very similar to Benjamin Moore White Dove. It’s not too yellow and looks great next to bright white trim. This is also a popular color used for shiplap.

Best White Paint ColorsSource: My Living Room- Alabaster

5. BENJAMIN MOORE CLOUD WHITE (OC-130)

Cloud White is a soft warm white and falls in the middle of White Dove and Simply White. It has neutral undertones that makes it very versatile. This color can be used for both walls, trim, and even your ceiling!

Best White Paint ColorsSource: Driven by Decor – Cloud White

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS PURE WHITE (SW7005)

Pure White is a crisp white with just a little bit of warmth making it perfect for when you are looking for a true white that isn’t blue/stark. This color is perfect for cabinets if you are going for a white kitchen. It’s also great for walls and trim.

Best White Paint ColorsSource: City Farmhouse- Pure White

7. BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE (OC-65)

Chantilly Lace is another true white that has a bit of a blue undertone, giving it a fresh clean look. This is more of a stark white, so it pairs well in a room that uses cool tones in the overall decor.

Best White Paint ColorsSource:  The Heart and Haven- Chantilly Lace

Related: The Best Farmhouse Paint Colors

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH COLOR TO PICK

Now that I have shared my favorites the hard part is choosing one.  Below are the tips I use for myself and my clients.

1. Narrow down your options. I like to collect a bunch of colors and then narrow it down to 3-4 choices. More options than this will be too overwhelming and make it way harder to decide.

2. The next step can be done in one of three ways. If you don’t mind paint samples on your walls you can paint the 3 colors you chose in a couple of different places within your space.  An even better option would be to order large samples from Samplize.

Samplize is an online retailer that offers peel-and-stick paint samples painted with the real paint color. This allows you to see what the actual color will look like without damaging your walls. You can save on all those paint cans, making for no cleanup and no waste.

Another option is to paint the samples on a large foam core board and move it around your space. The point of this is to see what the colors look at different times of the day and with different amounts of light.

3. Another important thing to keep in mind when choosing paint is sheen. I typically do Eggshell for the walls, Satin or Semi-Gloss for trim, and flat for the ceiling. The sheen can affect the way a color appears, so it is important to decide this before you select samples.

For my kitchen project, I have narrowed it down to Simply White, Alabaster, Cloud White, White Dove. Let me know your favorite in the comments!

Find the Best Paint Samples Here

Best White Paint Colors

Favorite Paint Supplies

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  1. Samplize– Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples Made with Real Paint ( these are amazing!)
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  4. Shur-Line Painter Triple Painter’s Pack Including: 1 x Shur-Line 2006561 Paint Edger Pro, 1 x Shur-Line 1575H Corner Painter, and 1 x Replacement Pad Pack ( My favorite edger set this is a must!)

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  8. Favorite Platform Folding Ladder

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What to Read Next:

The Best Farmhouse Paint Colors

The Best Black Paint Colors

Neutral Paint Colors | My Home Paint Colors

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Best White Paint

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Jeannette Pompi says

    I like Alabaster. I am not a fan of gray in any form, it’s a cool color and I am by nature a warm color person.

    Reply

  3. Jackie says

    I love the look of white dove on the walls. What white would you pair with it if you were painting white on the cabinets?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Jackie,

      I would paint them both the same color if you want white walls and white cabinets. If you want them to be different I would have the cabinets be a true white like BM Decorators white.

      Reply

  5. Kati C says

    What do you think about SW Albaster White on walls but kitchen cabinets, trim, doors, and ceilings in SW Pure White? I’d like for them to have a hint of contrast. Do you think Albaster is creamy?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Kati, Alabaster is a creamy white. I do however love how it looks with my bright white trim so It could work with your kitchen cabinets. I would test a sample next to the cabinets because sometime a warmer white next to a cool white can look yellow depending on the amount of natural light in your home.

      Reply

  8. BA Pease says

    I have Kraftmaid Dove White kitchen cabinets and trim. What white color would you recommend for walls?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      I am not familiar with that color but I would recommend getting getting paint chips of the whites that I have listed in this post and reviewing them in your space.

      Reply

  10. Shalima Karothukuzhi Sidhik says

    Hi,

    What do you suggest an accent wall paint that blends with the Alabaster white. I was looking for something in the gray shade but very light gray.
    white and gray is the color scheme I am looking for. What do you think ? Have any suggestions ?

    Reply

  11. Doni Phillips says

    So you would paint different whites in different rooms within the same house, keeping the ceiling and trim color consistent throughout?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Doni,

      If you have an open concept I would recommend painting the walls all the same color white. But it is okay, for example, to paint the bathroom a different white than your living room. Or have different whites on different floors in your house. Definitely keep the ceiling and trim the same through out.

      Reply

  12. Lauren says

    Hi Micheala. Great information. Thinking of Ben Moore Ballet White on my kitchen cabinets and Cloud White on trim, doors, ceiling. What would you recommend as a slightly darker color on walls, one which would provide enough contrast with, but stay in the same family as, Ballet White? Thanks!

    Reply

  13. Bethany says

    Hi there,

    So I’m in the process of painting my house- trim,cabinets and walls and wanting advice as to painting it all same color/different sheens or should cabinets and trim match? Or walls And trim same color, cabinets different color? Need an experts opinion:) I want to stay in the white neutral colours(nothing super bright white) as our furniture is light brown. I do like white dove, dove wing, and simply white.
    Thanks so much in advance!!

    Beth

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Beth! I recommend painting all your trim a true bright white. If you want a white kitchen you can choose to paint the walls and cabinets the same color, or you can go for a warmer white on the walls. It is ok to mix colors so if you want you can do the trim and cabinets the same color and a different wall color. Or the cabinets and wall the same color and a different trim color. As far as sheen check out my post https://michealadianedesigns.com/farmhouse-paint-colors. If you need help choosing a color palette I do offer paint consultations just send me an email and I can get you pricing.

      Reply

  14. Paula Siegan says

    Hi! My kitchen and family room will soon be shiplapped in BM’s white dove. Can you recommend a color for my cabinets? I was looking for a grayish-blue with a contrasting color for the kitchen island. Any colors jump in your mind to recommend to me? I need help! Thank you

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Paula! White Dove is going to look great for your shiplap. I currently offer a design question service for a small fee. If you would like to discuss your project further, please feel free to email me at [email protected] I would be more than happy to put together some color options for your project.

      Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi laura! Thank you for the sweet comment. I would love to see your post when its completed. Send me the link when you have it published.

      Reply

  16. Rhiann says

    This was so helpful. Thank you for sharing. I’m doing a kitchen makeover on my little fixer upper. It’s small and dark so white was a must. Pure White was the perfect choice for cabinets, trim and I even did the half wall of bead board in the dining area. Now time to find a perfect white to pair with it for the walls! I’m loving how the white is warming up my butcher block counters. ❤️ Going to swatch your suggestions this weekend so thank you!!!

    Reply

  17. Emma Miller says

    Hi Michaela,
    I find your blog extremely helpful – although the variations of whites to choose from can be overwhelming. I’m trying to choose between Chantilly White and Dove White for a bookshelf… the walls are taupe and the trim is a stark BM Decorator’s White. I appreciate the White Dove is a softer white – but I’m worried that it won’t look what given the DW trim. Have you every seen Chantilly White used for a bookshelf? Would you consider it ‘soft’ at all? Appreciate any thoughts you have… Thank you!!

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Emma- Those two colors are very different from each other. Chantilly Lace is more of a bright white compared to White Dove. White Dove is warmer which would work with Taupe walls. I would recommend getting a sample of both and testing them.

      Reply

  19. Rhonda says

    I am doing our beach house in Daytona Florida and am wondering which white works best for that please. The floors will be COREtec harbor oak ( light) brown . I thought I wanted gray but it doesn’t work 🤪 Am I crazy to want white walls at the beach?

    Reply

  20. Johanna Speers says

    I’m torn… my baseboards and Kitchen is Cloud White…we are painting our walls and planked ceiling white and I don’t know if I should keep with the Cloud White or to go Chantilly Lace … will the two “compete” or will the CLace bring out the yellow tones in CWhite?
    I also have a ton of natural light thru out

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      I think you are safe painting the ceiling chantilly lace but I would reconsider the walls because it will make the kitchen and trim look warmer.

      Reply

  21. Sandy says

    my House is an open concept what do you think of black cabinets and very little wall area also black white trim and doors no upper cabinets 2 large picture windows on each side of my corner sink 1 is 4ft x5ft the other is 4ft x 8 ft my island is 10ft long I’m trying to go white on these wall areas but something is off during the day it’s gorgeous at night not so much what do you suggest leave the black alone or go white I repainted 2 small walls white just doesn’t feel right my home is very contemporary rest of open concept is white my fireplace which is visible to kitchen is deep black green I need an opinion

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Sandy! Your question is a little more extensive without seeing photos it is hard for me to help you make a decision. I currently offer a design question service for a small fee. If you would like to discuss your project further, please feel free to email me at [email protected] I would be more than happy to put together some color options for your project.

      Reply

      • Sandy says

        Hey Michaela all is good after a good nights sleep I have decided to go back to the matte black walls the white just did a blah job on my kitchen guess I was just bored Michigan winters can do that. I can send photos let me know the where to send them …we are doing a whole house remodel Thanks for your prompt answer and have a great Merry Christmas 😋

        Reply

  22. Karissa says

    Hi Micheala,
    Thank you for a little further insight to these whites. I have been staring at a few of them as samples for weeks on my walls and I’m still at a loss. Come to find out my home has more cool lighting than not (learned the hard way and painted with a cool light grey which turned a baby blue after the whole house was painted-boo). So trying to fix that. I have read over and over that you should use a warm white in a north facing home. But I really want a simple, clean, white walled look (we have dark floors). Decor being black metal, light greys, and plants. Lol Can I get away with BM Simply White? Or would it be too warm? I should add my kitchen opens to the living room and hallway (which is a majority of our small home) and I’d like a white kitchen with cabinets. I’m staring at BM Simply White and BM White Dove (which has been highly recommended for cabinets and trim everywhere but it’s looking the slightest bit grey in my lighting). Any thoughts?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Karissa! White dove can lean more grey especially if you have experienced colors reading cool in your home. BM Simply white is pretty neutral, it is warmer than a true white but does not read yellow at all. We love it in our bathroom.

      Reply

  23. Janine I says

    I’m doing a new build. Planning a white palette. In kitchen doing white upper cabinets with comfort gray lowers. I keep thinking my white cabinets have to be the same as my trim. But I don’t want bright white cabinets. Would Pure white ceiling and trim go with Alabaster walls and cabinets. In other words would cabinets look ok to match wall color instead of trim color?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Janine, I think Alabaster looks great next to bright white trim. That is how we have it in our home. I think you are fine painting the cabinets the same color as the wall.

      Reply

  24. Lo says

    Hi there! Thanks for this! I’m so lost picking a perfect white!

    I’m redoing my whole upstairs in my home . I would like to make it easy on us and paint all one color up here. I’m currently working on our master bedroom, loft, and hallway walls up here but I’m stuck between Alabaster (sw), simply white (bm) and white dove (bm)…what do you suggest ? One of these colors or None of these?

    Ps: I like warmth but not too yellow or dreary … but not stark whites either since my home is modern farmhouse / pottery barn style .
    I appreciate any advice 😊

    Reply

  25. Liz says

    Hi Micheala,

    What paint finish did you use for the Alabaster in your family room? Looking to paint my daughters room this color but torn on what finish to use.

    Thank you!

    Reply

  26. Kristy says

    Hi! Thank you for this! I’m looking to paint all of my walls simply white. Would you recommend painting the ceiling “ceiling white” and then what would you recommend for base boards? Is it typical to stick with the same wall color for the baseboards when doing all white?Thank you for all of your tips and advice!

    Reply

  27. Sara Ann says

    I recently had the cabinets in my home repainted by a local wood refinishing company and they did a great job, but the gray color I chose didn’t quite go with the walls or the decor of the room. Rather than getting the cabinets refinished again, I decided to repaint the walls in my home with Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. I never would have picked this color if it weren’t for this post because there are so many options for white paint, but this was the perfect color for my kitchen and I’m happy with the results!

    Reply

  28. Tina says

    Hi there!!! In the middle of a kitchen reno. Chose BM Decorators White for the cabinets and dark charcoal hardwood. Now I need to find a white paint to go on the walls of my entire first floor. My lighting is not yet installed so hard to judge what the paint samples will look like (I have many on my walls). What would you suggest to match with DW that won’t look yellow. I also have shutters that I am getting painted but was thinking to use DW on the trim, the shutters and the ceilings. However, choosing wall colour is keeping me up at night. Help ….

    Reply

  29. JUDE says

    My color taste & decorating experience were gained when I lived in cool, gray, Seattle., where chilly, drizzly summers occurred only between about July 15 & August 16. There I reveled in coziness & warm colors . But now I live in S Texas, where summers are 8 months long & blistering, My tiny living room has two big windows, one facing South & the other West. Recipe for homemade hell.
    I don’t have possession of the house yet, so I can’t paint big exploratory swatches all over the walls. I’m shopping for paint colors base on theory: cool undertones in white paint can make a room seem cooler; warm undertones in white paint can make a room feel cooler.
    My dilemma (Trilemma? Quatrilemma?) hovers around my flooring, and as my budget is about 45 cents, it has to stay. It’s actually rather pretty: faux weathered wood planks, which insunlight look pale gray, almost white, with darker gray knots & grainline. In dappled shade, it looks darker, with subtle, random beige tones, & in shade, more blended & almost brown. Which of the many lovely, cool whites would work best for the room?
    I’ve narrowed the test-can possibilities down to three: SW Alabaster, BM Chantilly White, & Behr “Winds Breath.”
    You may perceive that I’m getting a little punchy. I do hope you can spare a few words of wisdom for me. I would greatly appreciate it.

    Reply

  30. Jami says

    Hi Micheala, we bought a house in the pines, quickly put in flooring and of course wanted to paint the trim while baseboards were off. I chose SW pure white. I am trying to determine a white paint for the walls that will now go with it. Any suggestions? Best regards

    Reply

  31. Hoa Pham says

    Hi Micheala, I plan to use White Dove to repaint my living room with bright golden/brown marble fireplace, kitchen wall, and dining room wall (all interconnected in open plan), but my crown molding and door trim is a bright white and my ceiling is white with more yellow undertone, do you think that will work? Thanks

    Reply

  32. Emery Laws says

    Hi Micheala, I ordered furniture that’s from Pottery Barn. The Colors where Simply White & Pure White. I’m just wondering would those two look good together?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      One is warmer and one is cooler. It just depends on your space and how much of each color is present. It should be fine.

      Reply

      • April says

        You are the best! Thank you.
        We have flat on our house now and it’s terrible but bad quality!
        I want to try satin or eggshell, I am just reluctant because of how hard the flat is to clean now with the kids and dogs. It basically is not cleanable! We moved into the house with PPG in all the living area so when we painted the kids rooms, we used semi-gloss. That’s what I was going to stick to until further research.

        Reply

  34. Peggyls says

    Has anyone used Ben Moore White? No other adjective, just White? I’m wondering what undertone it has. I used it in a bedroom but it’s not quite what I wanted.

    Reply

  35. Deanna Stanz says

    After reading your Pinterest post I have decided to go with BM Simply White for my entire house. I have always had color on my walls as I live in FL & pretty much anything goes down here! I have used BM Decorator’s White for trim for years (which I love). Will this combination go well together? I love the look of your home!

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Simply white is a great color! I love it with a pure white trim, but you can definitely see how the decorators white looks in your home. Sometimes it reads cool.

      Reply

  36. Christie says

    wow this was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
    I definietly want a warm feel.
    I was thinking
    ceiling- pure white
    walls and trim- simply white
    cabinets- alabaster.

    Would this be a good combo or is it too much to have wall and trim the same color?

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      You can do the wall and trim the same color but do two different finishes. For example eggshell for the walls and semi-gloss for the trim. This will give you a slight contrast.

      Reply

  37. Jennifer Tudor says

    Hi Michaela,
    I have a long narrow 1970s bathroom with not a lot of light. I am doing SW Urbane bronze cabinets; SW alabaster (satin) on walls. Can I do ceiling in same as walls, or should I do trim and ceiling in SW extra white? I have a tub shower combo in white with cafe milk subway tiles.

    Reply

  38. Annette says

    I just finished painting a bedroom with the Alabaster White. I love the curtains in your one photo and i think they would match perfectly. Would you mind sending me a link or let me know where you purchased from? They are the ones in the photo with the white couches where you can see two sets.
    I just LOVE your style of decorating.

    Reply

  40. Kristyn Anderson says

    This is the best post I’ve seen on white paint colors. I’ve been searching for the perfect wall color for my kitchen and living room. This was so helpful. Thank you!!

    Reply

  41. DEB LEWIS says

    If I paint kitchen cabinets simply white or cloud white (with a Naval island), is it okay to paint the walls a color rather than white? I am looking at BM Powell Buff for the great room off the kitchen and want it to all flow. It’s a lake cottage. Trying to stay lake fun and cheery rather than modern. Thank you for your thoughts..

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      The best part about having white kitchen cabinets is you can paint the walls any color you want.

      Reply

  42. Maria says

    Hi Michaela. I’m so happy I found your post . Great information I love it !
    Can you please give me your advice, We are building a cottage home 1900 square feet
    Open floor. I would like to paint all my walls Cloud White & ceilings as well all the trim in BM White ( different sheens)
    Im having a custom kitchen done in Cloud White .
    Do you think this is a good choice ? Or would you make any changes ? Thank you so much for any help you can give me

    Reply

  43. Suzanne says

    Will painting the ceiling and walls in alabaster make it appear creamier? I prefer to keep my walls, trim and ceiling all the same color but worried the ceiling reflecting on the walls will bring out a more creamy color. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for your informative post

    Reply

    • michealadianedesigns says

      Hi Suzanne, I have never done Alabaster on the ceiling but I think it will depend on the lighting in the room. I also recommend doing different sheens on walls, trim, and the ceiling. The color may look slightly different on each due to this. I recommend getting samples.

      Reply

  44. Armando says

    Hi, I will be painting my home interior soon, and plan to paint the walls Alabaster White, and the ceilings/trims/doors Extra White SW. Do you think it’s OK to Also paint my cabinets Extra White SW, or should I choose a third white for the cabinets?

    Reply

  46. Peg Breeding says

    Hi. Loved your article. I am building a small 1600 square feet commercial business condo. Most offices are 12’x13′ with 10 feet ceilings. My plank flooring is Mohawk Calypso, white with touches of medium brown stain. Each office has one 6ft Wide x 5 ft High window, except bathroom and kitchen have no windows. Builder requires Sherwin Williams. I want one color for ceiling (flat finish), walls (satin), and trim (semi-gloss) to make rooms appear larger. My client conference room table and chairs are espresso, and I will hang a chandelier with crystals in the reception area with off-white or cream or light blue gray slip-covered high-back chairs. My reception desk is honey oak with a cream marble top that I may refinish in a natural light brown stain. Should I use Alabaster or Pure White? I love both your pics in these colors and both colors go well with the plank flooring. Thanks much!

    Reply

  47. Amy says

    Can you tell me the paint you used for the trim in your kitchen (in the samples picture)? It looks so good against the Alabaster and That’s what I’ve been searching for. Thank you!

    Reply

  48. Andrea McConnell says

    I want to paint my cabinets white. My appliances and counters are black. What white would you recommend?

    Reply

  49. Marge says

    Hi, in the picture you have there for Sherwin Williams Pure White, is the Pure White on the walls or the trim? Looks like two different colors, hard to tell which is the Pure White. Thanks
    Also, I’m being given a choice of SW Pure White or Extra White for the entire house. I want a bright clean white but not too cool so I’m worried Extra White will be too blue but also worried Pure White will be too yellow/warm. Everyone seems to really like Pure White though and people say it runs neutral as it has both black and yellow in it but is slightly warm. Just very versatile. The SW consult person said “Extra White is great for trim and ceilings” not realizing I wanted an overall paint color . She then recommended Pure White. Unfortunately I can’t get in beforehand with samples. Thanks for any feedback!

    Reply

  50. Stacy says

    Hi Michaela,
    I painted my hallway walls in eggshell, trim in semi gloss, and ceiling in flat (all SW Pure White). Really love it and had planned to carry it into the open floor plan (living room, dining room, and kitchen). But I feel like it is pretty bright and would like warmer. Love, love alabaster! Your living room is gorgeous! I tested it and love it in my open space but desperate to not have to redo hallway that I just did. Feel like it may be too much contrast between hallway and living room. Any suggestions?

    Reply

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