Just Right White Paint Colors

Oh the elusive Just Right White Paint Colors! Even though we know choosing the right white paint color for your interior is dependent on all sorts of factors such as natural light and various interior design elements, it seems that the best white paint color remains a hot topic.

So many white paint colors! Let's find out what's the right white paint for you. Help for choosing the perfect white paint color for your walls from design experts on Hello Lovely Studio — PIN ME to save for later – Pretty ivory, alabaster, sand, as well as putty whites to consider.

Just Right White Paint Colors

And I am all too happy to dive into the topic since I have a doctorate in painting interiors and furniture white.

French farmhouse bathroom with Farrow and Ball French Gray painted trim, Strong White on walls, clawfoot tub, beamed ceiling, and antique terracotta floor tiles. Vivi et Margot. Find the right white paint color for your own space! — French farmhouse master bathroom paint color: FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001; woodwork paint color: FARROW & BALL French Gray. Design: Vivi et Margot…also see more of this French farmhouse RIGHT HERE.

Affiliate links in this post and won’t cost you extra while I may earn a small commission.

White Paint Color on Walls (above): FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001.

Farrow & Ball Strong White. Come discover the just right white paint color for your own space! #farrowandballstrongwhite #strongwhite #paintcolor — FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001. A grey based white. This cool white is both strong by name and strong by nature. One of our Contemporary Neutrals, the subtle urban feel of its light grey undertones add a contemporary twist to period homes, while staying in keeping with modern properties. Pair with Skimming Stone, Elephant’s Breath and All White in any combination for an effortlessly cohesive scheme.

Trim Color in Bathroom

Farrow & Ball French Gray. Come discover the just right white paint color for your room on Hello Lovely Studio! #farrowandballfrenchgray #frenchgray #paintcolor — FARROW & BALL French Gray. A soothing green grey. French Gray is really much more green than grey, but characterfully flits between the two depending on the light and time of day. Taking inspiration from French design and wallpapers used in the 19th century, it creates the most relaxed of rooms. This soothing hue is perfect for exterior woodwork and a particular favourite for front doors in our matte Exterior Eggshell, or garden furniture where it sits seamlessly amongst the greenery.

Belgian linen arm chair and antique silver accent table in my white bedroom with rustic alder door. Come discover the just right white paint color for your space on Hello Lovely Studio. — Hello Lovely Studio…in case you love quiet hues and all white decor!

No Universal “Just Right” White

With thousands of white paint color possibilities, it’s important to note the white a stylish blogger used for her modern farmhouse kitchen may look all wrong in your home.

Cloud White (Benjamin Moore) paint color in laundry room mud room with bench and hooks - @makingitinthemountains. #cloudwhite #whitepaintcolors — @makingitinthemountains – Cabinets & Beadboard: **Benjamin Moore Cloud White**; Wall: Revere Pewter

Your room’s: amount of natural light, decor plan, finishes, and even geographical location all factor into the equation. So do your personal preferences and artful eye for color.

Hall to the kitchen has white oak hardwood flooring and is painted BM White - come find the just right white for your walls on Hello Lovely. #hellolovelystudio #interiordesign #whiteoakhardwood #benjaminmoorewhite #paintcolors — Hello Lovely Studio…in case you are seeking a bright white paint color option.

While there are certainly JUST RIGHT WHITE paint colors for your walls, the aim here will be to hold your hand through the process.

Serene white kitchen with window seat and BENJAMIN MOORE White paint color on walls. Come find the just right white for your space on Hello Lovely Studio. #paintcolors #whitepaint #interiordesign — Hello Lovely Studio’s kitchen with **BENJAMIN MOORE White OC-151**…see more of the space HERE.

Round wood dining table with farmhouse style. — Find a similar round dining table RIGHT HERE.

Overview of This Analysis

My opinions here about the quest for a just right white paint relate to: (1) my personal experience with flattering, beautiful white paint colors, (2) design wisdom concerning the process of choosing the best white paint color from smart design sites, and (3) guidance from talented designers and serial decorators we have come to trust.

Hello Lovely Studio's serene white kitchen (BM White)with window seat and dining room with lantern. Discover the perfect white paint colors to try on Hello Lovely Studio! #paintcolors #interiordesign #benajminmoorewhite — Our white kitchen with window seat and also dining room with lantern.

Linen slipcovered chair: FIND HERE…in case you’re after a similar look.

Agda Classic Elegant Traditional Upholstered Dining Chair — Louis Style Dining Chairs: FIND HERE in case you admire a French inspired look.

Jonesboro Outdoor Hanging Lantern — Similar lantern: HERE…in case you’re after an Old World look.

1. Best White Paint Color Smarts: From Me

I have decades of experience as a decorator for dozens of homes for myself and others as well as a trained eye for color as an artist.

Belgian linen upholstered chairs, white oak hardwood flooring, and a French fireplace in our European inspired country living room - Hello Lovely Studio. You'll love these white paint color ideas! #interiordesign #paintcolors

What I know for sure is the best white paint color for one particular space may be all wrong for another.

Serene white decor in breakfast nook with window seat and Belgian linen upholstery - Hello Lovely Studio. Our kitchen is BM White and you'll find plenty of smart suggestions for paint color here!

For example, the light here in Northern Illinois is completely different than the light in the Southwest. So keep in mind you’ll want to narrow your search for the right white paint color to a handful of tones and then try samples of them on the walls.

White Mudcloth Pillow Cover 22x22 White Pillow Farmhouse image 0 — White Mudcloth Pillow Cover, Krinto on Etsy

Handwoven pillow Cover modern pillow Cream White textured image 0 — Textured Pillow Cover, Krinto on Etsy

A Favorite White

In my own home we completely renovated ourselves, I tested five white paint color contenders by painting large swaths on the walls then observing how each color changed throughout the day.

Benjamin Moore White on walls of our European country inspired interiors - Hello Lovely Studio. Come discover white paint colors to try! #paintcolors #interiordesign

All of the whites I chose had very subtle undertones, but a clear winner emerged. We painted all the walls BENJAMIN MOORE “White” which imparts: a modern gallery-like feel, coolness with minimal undertones, crispness, and no yellow cast.

Benjamin Moore WHITE paint color. You'll love these ideas for white paint colors to try on your walls. — **BENJAMIN MOORE White** **OC-151**

Can you believe the simplicity of the name of this white paint? Yes, it’s WHITE! There’s no chance of forgetting this one, and it was the only white I found which worked with the intense yellow natural light flooding our North-South exposure home.

Here’s the white in another home in South Carolina:

Benjamin Moore White paint on cottage kitchen cabinets in home by Lisa Furey. #benjaminmoorewhite #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #kitchendecor — Designer Lisa Furey’s lovely coastal kitchen…hello lovely indeed.

Buy it Right Off the Shelf

Here’s a dead ringer for this bright white:

Behr Ultra Pure White paint color is a bright white with minimal undertones. #behr #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhitepaint — BEHR Ultra Pure White

We painted ceilings with the same white color as well as the trim (in satin). What a world of difference it made!

Romantic French Country white painted bedroom with knotty alder door and shiplap wall #hellolovelystudio #romanticdecor #FrenchCountry — My bedroom wall paint color: **BENJAMIN MOORE White** and also framed mirror color: **BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter**.

Linea II Natural Floor Mirror (Open Larger View) — Teak Floor Mirror

Shaker Accent Table or Stool - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia - image 3 of 13 — Shaker Accent Stool

Patio Sense 62420 Garden Stool, Elyse Natural Round — Reclaimed wood garden stool

Hello Lovely Studio's kitchen is BM White, and read the post to find plenty of other whites to sample in your own home! — My kitchen paint color: **BENJAMIN MOORE White**…in case you’re searching for Just Right White Paint Colors.

Mixed Messages About Choosing Paint Color

BEWARE. There are color experts who recommend that we NEVER look to photos online for guidance choosing a paint color and others who insist this is the only way! Why the disparate views?

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint on trim in gorgeous modern farmhouse entry - Chrissy Marie Blog. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #brightwhitepaint #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #interiordesign — **SHERWIN WILLIAMS Extra White** on trim (Chrissy Marie Blog).

Here’s my two cents: Reviewing photos online (where the name of the white paint color used is supplied) seems a great place to start and can be more helpful than viewing a small swatch from the paint store!

Bright white walls (Sherwin Williams Pure White) and black cabinets in a lovely kitchen by House of Silver Lining. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite #whitepaint #paintcolors #bestwhite — SHERWIN WILLIAMS Pure White on walls as well as black cabinets in a kitchen by House of Silver Lining.

If you don’t already have a Pinterest board devoted to best whites, create a board and PIN THIS POST so you’ll have paint names at the ready when you head to the store to buy samples to try on your walls.

Beautiful serene shabby chic dining room painted Valspar Salute - Hello Lovely Studio. #diningroom #valsparsalute #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #frenchcountry — **VALSPAR Salute** in our Arizona vacation home…in case you’re seeking a warm white.

Trustworthy Neutrals & Whites

Here’s an infographic with a few more of my favorite white and neutral paint colors from BENJAMIN MOORE (including Classic Gray which we just used for a new bathroom we added at the fixer upper!):

Sometimes the just right white paint is hard to find - start here for a handful of trustworthy colors to try on Hello Lovely Studio. Ultimate Guide to Best White Paint Colors! #bestwhites #whitepaints #paintcolors #interiordesign — PIN ME! Just Right White Paint Colors.

Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

White Sand (Benjamin Moore) on walls of Hello Lovely Studio's living room with egg chair upholstered in Belgian linen. #paintcolors #benjaminmoorewhitesand #whitesand #interiordesign #toneontone #hellolovelystudio — **BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand** on the walls in our former living room.

Tried & True Pretty White Paint Colors

In our prior French Country style home, BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand was my favorite shade of white paint for walls, and BENJAMIN MOORE Dove Wing went on all the doors and trim. BENJAMIN MOORE White Dove was used to paint my family piano and various furniture.

Dove Wing by Benjamin Moore is s trusty off white with grey undertones to use for trim. Get more ideas for colors to sample in this helpful round up on Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoore #dovewing #bestwhites #paintcolors — **BENJAMIN MOORE Dove Wing**…Best White Paint Colors

Hello Lovely Studio bedroom with Stikwood (Hamptons) statement wall, cottage style furniture, and Belgian linen slipcovered chair. #hellolovelystudio #stikwood #sthiplap #bedroomdesign #cottagestyle #belgianlinen #frenchcountry #interiordesign #bestwhitepaint — Paint color on furniture: **BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter.**..in case you need Just Right White Paint Colors.

Benjamin Moore White on walls of Hello Lovely Studio's European country bedroom with Belgian linen slipcovered chair. #benjaminmoore #whitepaints #interiordesign #paintcolors — Hello Lovely Studio…in case you’re after pretty white paint colors.

Paris apartment with Louis dining chairs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #parisapartment #frenchdiningroom — Hello Lovely Studio…white rooms are certainly a favorite.

2. White Paint Color Advice: From Pros

I turned to Country Living to discover the white paint colors Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines tends to favor and use in her projects. Her go-to white?

Joanna's five favorite Fixer Upper paint colors including Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Find more ideas on Hello Lovely Studio. #paintcolors #whitepaints #interiordesign — **SW Alabaster**: Joanna Gaines’ Favorite White

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster, which she used on the walls in her own home as well as many of the homes she and Chip renovated on the show.

More Decor Ideas for a Neutral Room

Get the Look - European Country on Fixer Upper - Hello Lovely Studio. #interiordesign #getthelook #europeancountry #rusticitalian #ignacio #hotsaucehouse #fixerupper

1. Chandelier

2. Sofa

3. Mirror

4. Candleholders

5. Wingback Chair

6. Faucet

7. Vintage Ironstone Pitcher

8. Rug

9. Paint Sample

10. Tile

11. Lantern Pendant Light

For a soothing grey paint color, Joanna likes Wedding Band from Kilz.

Kilz Wedding Band paint color — **Kilz Wedding Band**…Home Decor Ideas: Ultimate Guide to Pick Best White Paint Colors!

Is it any wonder, another white paint favorite of Joanna’s is known as “Shiplap?”

Kilz Shiplap paint — **Kilz “Shiplap”**…Home Decor Ideas: Ultimate Guide to Choose Best White Paint Colors!

Romantic White Bedroom Ideas

French country bedroom shop the look - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #bedroomdecor #furniture #homedecor #interiordesign #gethtelook #shopthelook

1. Antique Grainsack Pillow

2. French Inspired Bed

3. Mirrored Vanity Tray

4. Narguilé Diptyque Candle

5. Stikwood (Hamptons) Peel & Stick Wood

6. White Quilted Coverlet

7. Nightstand

8. Double Dresser

9. Teak Stool

10. Door Hardware

11. Linen Slipcovered Chair

12. Accent Table

13. Paint Color

14. Knotty Alder Interior Door

Wisdom from a Trusted Source

Remodelista published a thoroughly researched piece about choosing white paint colors, and design experts advise:

1. Understand the different nuances of white (is it cool, warm, bluish, pinkish?). 2. Determine if objects in the room are cool (choose a cool white) or warm (choose a warm white). 3. Assess whether the room gets a lot of natural light (go with a pure white) or little light (go with a more pigmented white). 4. Choose a few whites and test large swatches on the walls. 5. If still stuck, turn to interior designers’ top picks.

View of hall in country cottage with Benjamin Moore White walls and European inspired farmhouse style interiors by Hello Lovely Studio — My home: **BENJAMIN MOORE White**. Just Right White Paint Colors. How to Choose the Right White Paint Color Every Time! Hello Lovely Studio

Everybody’s Hungry For the Perfect White!

Since I am asked about white paint and white decor more than anything else, I have concluded a ton of home decorators get stuck. I turned to a panel of some of my favorite design friends to offer their favorite white paint color picks.

Interior Designer Leanne Ford Gives Us a Tour of Her Renovated Farmhouse — Design: Leanne Ford…in case you wonder How to Choose the Best White Paint Color Every Time!

3. Just Right White Paint Colors: Picks from Experts

Greet of Belgian Pearls

“It is hard to name a favorite white as using the right color of white is dependent upon the room that has to be painted. Is it a small or a large room? Is there a lot of light coming in or not? Another factor….fabrics to be used in the room for curtains and upholstery. But I often turn to FARROW & BALL Pointing White or White Tie.”

POINTING…Farrow & Ball. This fresh and uncomplicated white is named after the color of lime pointing used in traditional brickwork.

Panelling in Blue Gray by Farrow & Ball and wall in Pointing — Wall paint: **Farrow & Ball: Pointing**. Just Right White Paint Colors. How to Choose the Best White Paint Color.

WHITE TIE…Farrow & Ball’s prettiest white is named after the old, pre-brightened, starched cotton used for white tie jackets.

Maiden Home tufted white sofa in a living room with classic architecture. #whitelivingroom #minimaldecor — Home Decor Ideas: Ultimate Guide to Best White Paint Colors…also find inspiration from pretty white rooms (Maiden Home).

More Praise for Alabaster

Lauren DeLoach of Lauren Deloach Interiors:

Joanna's five favorite Fixer Upper paint colors - #paint #bestwhitepaint #whitepaint

ALABASTER…Sherwin Williams. Sherwin Williams named this the 2016 Color of the Year. Alabaster creates an atmosphere of ease and contentment for many spaces.

French country kitchen by Hello Lovely Studio. Benjamin Moore White Sand paint color on walls. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #kitchendesign #benjaminmoorewhitesand #whitesand — Our prior kitchen’s paint: **BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand.**

In Case You Need A Greyed White

Megan Pflug of Megan Pflug Designs:

“My favorite “white” wall color is FARROW & BALL Ammonite. It is a fantastic changeable color. It looks more like a stone material than a flat wall color. Its a great alternative to a standard white.”

AMMONITE…Farrow & Ball. Ammonite is named after the treasured fossils often found on the Dorset coast. Neither too warm nor too cool, its subtle grey tone creates a hushed and calming feel in homes both old and new. Try pairing with All White to accent its light grey feel.

Sustainable Kitchens - Bright Open Plan Family Kitchen in London. Oak shaker style cabinetry painted in Farrow & Ball Ammonite with built in spice racks on both sides of the Smeg range cooker. The worktop is Bianco Fantasia. — Cabinetry paint: **FARROW & BALL Ammonite**…in case you’re stumped as to How to Choose the Best White Paint Color!

A Crowd Favorite White!

Seapearl white paint color from Benjamin Moore on the walls of an entry in a modern farmhouse by Veranda Estate Homes. #seapearl #benjaminmooreseapearl #paintcolors #interiordesign #entry #modernfarmhouse — Veranda Estate Homes – Walls: **BENJAMIN MOORE Seapearl** as well as trim: **BENJAMIN MOORE White Dove**.

Trim Color for both bathrooms (including shelving, baseboards, doors and door trim) for both bathrooms Benjamin Moore White Dove - Trim

Is anyone surprised at all that WHITE DOVE still reigns!?!

Coastal style bunk room with built-ins and blue accents is a delightful design by Tom Scheerer, photo by Francesco Lagnese. Elle Decor. — Trim: **White Dove** (Design by Tom Scheerer – Photo by Francesco Lagnese – Source: Elle Decor).

Sherry Hart of Design Indulgence, Elizabeth of Pretty Pink Tulips and Mary Ann of Classic Casual Home —>WHITE DOVE…Benjamin Moore. Unerring style defines this classic, softly shaded white. Light and luminous, it is a favorite choice for moldings and trim.

Coastal kitchen design with Benjamin Moore white paint on cabinets and walls. Design by Lisa Furey. #coastaldecor #kitchendesign #lisafurey #coastalcottage — Paint color: **BENJAMIN MOORE White**…also see more of this cottage RIGHT HERE.

Simply White by Benjamin Moore. Crisp, clean, but not too stark a white. No surprise undertones.

Amy of Maison Decor —-> SIMPLY WHITE…Benjamin Moore. Fresh as the first snowfall, this clean, crisp, multi-purpose white is a perennial favorite for trim, ceilings, and walls.

Knotty alder door in serene white bedroom by Hello Lovely Studio #whitewalls #BenjaminMoore — Hello Lovely’s wall paint color: **BENJAMIN MOORE “White”** as well as How to Choose the Best White Paint Color.

Accordion Style Side Table…hello lovely indeed.

Bronze accordion style accent table with round tray top. #accenttable #homedecor #campaigntable — Accordion style table

Have a Go-to White?

YOUR TURN! Have a favorite go-to white or neutral paint color? Why do you love it?

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Distressed White French Country Chandelier

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4 Comments

judy
August 25, 2018 / 6:03 am

Most of my house is painted BM Collingwood…walls, ceilings all in Satin finish and trim in Gloss. I love it and will likely use again in my next house. My other go-to color is RH Stone. There are rooms in my house where Collingwood and Stone somewhat meet up through a hallway and most people don’t realize the color change. Stone has a tint of purple in it and looks great with RH Graphite (cabinetry).

- michele
  Author
  August 25, 2018 / 8:59 am
  
  Thank you so much! I’ll be taking a closer look at all of your picks and especially RH Stone. Collingwood is on my radar as one of the best. Thanks for adding another helpful layer of lovely here!
  
Salem Bathroom Remodel
March 24, 2023 / 1:56 am

Great article! Choosing the right white paint color can be a daunting task, as there are seemingly endless variations of white available. It’s important to consider factors such as the natural light in the room, the existing decor and furnishings, and personal preferences when selecting a white paint color. Some whites may have warm undertones, while others may have cool undertones, so it’s important to test out samples in the actual space to see how they look in different lighting conditions. Additionally, it can be helpful to consider the sheen of the paint, as different finishes can impact the overall look and feel of a room. Ultimately, finding the “just right” white paint color may require some trial and error, but the effort can be well worth it to achieve a cohesive and harmonious design.

- Michele
  Author
  March 24, 2023 / 8:16 pm
  
  Thanks for reading.

Just Right White Paint Colors

Just Right White Paint Colors

White Paint Color on Walls (above): FARROW & BALL Strong White 2001.

Trim Color in Bathroom

No Universal “Just Right” White

Overview of This Analysis

1. Best White Paint Color Smarts: From Me

A Favorite White

Buy it Right Off the Shelf

Mixed Messages About Choosing Paint Color

Trustworthy Neutrals & Whites

Tried & True Pretty White Paint Colors

2. White Paint Color Advice: From Pros

More Decor Ideas for a Neutral Room

Romantic White Bedroom Ideas

Wisdom from a Trusted Source

Everybody’s Hungry For the Perfect White!

3. Just Right White Paint Colors: Picks from Experts

More Praise for Alabaster

In Case You Need A Greyed White

A Crowd Favorite White!

Have a Go-to White?

Follow:

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