Explore different shades of your favorite neutral to find the best white paint colors for your home.
Tired of staring at countless swatches of white paint? Let me guide you through a foolproof tips for choosing the perfect shade of neutral white for any space in your home.
From understanding undertones to testing different finishes, we will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to transform your living room or even kitchen cabinets with the power of white paint. Let's dive in and discover the top tips to creating a beautifully cohesive design that will leave you feeling inspired and refreshed.
Best Interior White Paint Colors
Consider Natural Lighting
Natural lighting can greatly impact the undertones of your wall color. It plays a significant role in how different white paint colors can appear in a room. Just like different light bulbs can cast varying tones, the natural light in a space can also affect how a white color is perceived.
Keep in mind that north-facing rooms tend to have cooler lighting. This means cool whites with blue undertones appear even cooler. On the other hand, rooms with southern exposure typically have warmer lighting, which can bring out the warm undertones in white paints.
Hence, you end up with warm whites and possibly yellow undertones on your white walls. Understanding how natural light interacts with white paint colors can help you make a more informed decision on which shade will work best in your space.
This awareness of natural lighting can guide you in selecting the perfect white paint color to achieve the desired ambiance in your room.
Sample Before Committing
Perhaps the best tip of advice, is to sample the white paint color before committing to a final choice. The best way is to paint a small section of your interior walls with a few different whites to see how they look at different times of the day in varying lighting conditions. Remember, a sunny day will most likely change the look just as much as artificial lighting. Maintain consistency for the look you want.
Here are the top interior white paint colors you might want to consider for samples.
- Alabaster - Sherwin Williams
- Chalk White - Benjamin Moore
- White Dove - Benjamin Moore
- Snowbound - Sherwin Williams
- Oyster White - Sherwin Williams
- Simply White - Benjamin Moore
- Cloud White - Benjamin Moore
- Chantilly Lace - Benjamin Moore
Oyster White Sherwin Williams
When picking our home exterior I settled on Sherwin Williams Oyster White. After 4 years I still think it is a stunning choice for house exteriors, offering a soft, creamy hue that exudes elegance and warmth. This versatile color complements various architectural styles, from traditional to modern, and enhances the home's natural surroundings.
Its subtle undertones provide a fresh, inviting look while maintaining a timeless appeal. Whether paired with darker trim for a striking contrast or with muted accents for a cohesive feel.
Oyster White creates a sophisticated facade that will stand out in any neighborhood. Additionally, its reflective quality helps to brighten up the exterior, making your home feel more open and airy.
Chalk White by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Chalk White is an exceptional choice for cabinets and it what I went with for all the cabinets in our home.
This colors provides a soft, delicate finish that brightens up any space. Its warm undertones create a timeless, classic look that works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional kitchens. The finish mimics the charm of vintage cabinetry, lending a cozy, inviting feel to the room.
Easy to pair with various color palettes, Chalk White complements bolder hues and rich wood tones alike, making it a versatile option for any design scheme. Plus, its durability ensures that your cabinets will not only look stunning but also stand up to everyday wear and tear, making it a practical choice for busy households.
Snowbound by Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Snowbound is an excellent choice for interior walls, offering a crisp, clean white that enhances any space with its refreshing brightness. This versatile color works beautifully in various settings, from modern minimalist designs to cozy traditional rooms.
Its subtle warmth prevents it from feeling stark, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites natural light to bounce around the space. Snowbound pairs effortlessly with a wide range of color palettes, making it easy to complement furniture and decor. Whether used in living areas, bedrooms, or hallways, this paint transforms interiors into serene, airy environments that feel both spacious and inviting.
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a timeless and versatile choice for interior walls, renowned for its soft, warm undertones that create a cozy yet elegant ambiance. This off-white shade enhances natural light, making spaces feel bright and airy without the starkness of pure white. It beautifully complements a wide array of color schemes, from rich jewel tones to soft pastels, allowing for seamless integration with existing decor.
Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, White Dove adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Its subtle depth provides visual interest, making it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike who seek a classic yet contemporary feel.
I have used several of these tones in our home, and each is a great option. See here which shades I used in my white and wood bathroom, or my off-white cabinets that look stunning in our white kitchen.
Looking for a crisp white wall that features a brighter white? Extra White might be the right choice for you. Or what about warmer whites with a creamy undertone? Cloud White might be more your style.
Consulting with a Professional
For expert guidance on choosing the best white paint color for your white room, consider consulting with a professional. With their experience and knowledge, they can provide personalized recommendations that take into account your specific needs and preferences. This can include looking at existing lighting, whole house style and intended themes for space. Once you have their input, move on to testing different finishes to ensure the proper finish.
Testing Different Finishes for White Paint Colors
After consulting with a professional and narrowing down your choices for your favorite whites, the next step is test different sheens. Once you have selected a few options, it's important to see how they look in various finishes such as matte, eggshell, satin, or gloss.
- Matte - this paint finish has a low sheen, velvety finish, does not reflect as much light
- Eggshell - looks and feels slightly flat but has a slight gloss, reflects slightly more light than matte finish
- Satin - a medium gloss sheen that shows more light reflectiveness than eggshell or matte, a good choice for high-traffic areas
- Gloss - highly shiny and reflective paint, typically used in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms because it is easier to clean dirt and prints
Different finishes can drastically change the appearance of a color. So it's essential to test them out in your space for best results. By trying out different finishes, you can ensure that the white paint color you choose will look just as flawless in a matte or glossy finish.
Most Popular White Paint Colors
Mastering the art of choosing the perfect balance of white doesn't have to be daunting. Understanding undertones, considering natural lighting, sampling before committing, consulting with a professional, and testing different finishes can help transform any room in your home. Say goodbye to decision paralysis and hello to a fresh look design. Take action today and let the power of a white palette enhance your space.
Happy Designing!
Brooke
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