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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/right-white-paint-color-banner.jpg)
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!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/french-farmhouse-master-bedroom-12-vivi-et-margot-hello-lovely-studio-1.jpg)
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](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/68/1d/24/681d242efe83c088dcb082013597e6cf.jpg)
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](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/27/b2/d4/27b2d4754c4c19712a505fd9ec35e6b5.jpg)
![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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/016-hello-lovely-studio-master-bedroom-chair-alder-door-silver-side-table.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/benjamin-moore-cloud-white-laundry-room-makingitinthemountains.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/008-hello-lovely-studio-white-oak-hardwood-hall-kitchen.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-a-kitchen-8-july-2018.jpg)
![Round wood dining table with farmhouse style.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Round-Farmhouse-Dining-Table-300x300.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-a-kitchen-7july-2018.jpg)
![](https://d27hzkfvkajaap.cloudfront.net/uploads/variant_image/image/c01864c4-9437-4906-905a-eb22adbb97d0/preview_FURN_2747_23493_C.jpg)
![Agda Classic Elegant Traditional Upholstered Dining Chair](https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/09792198/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4404/44042216/Agda+Classic+Elegant+Traditional+Upholstered+Dining+Chair.jpg)
![Jonesboro Outdoor Hanging Lantern](https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/44970257/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3203/32039546/Jonesboro+Outdoor+Hanging+Lantern.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/006-hello-lovely-studio-european-country-living-room-fireplace.jpg)
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!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/012-hello-lovely-studio-serene-white-breakfast-room-window-seat-kitchen.jpg)
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](https://i.etsystatic.com/22568662/r/il/3e1129/2686131531/il_794xN.2686131531_kx8b.jpg)
![Handwoven pillow Cover modern pillow Cream White textured image 0](https://i.etsystatic.com/22568662/r/il/7f28e2/3116143112/il_794xN.3116143112_hn3j.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/007-hello-lovely-studio-belgian-linen-living-room-white-oak-hardwood.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/benjamin-moore-white.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whitest-white-paint-color-benjamin-moore-white-kitchen-lisa-furey.jpg)
Buy it Right Off the Shelf
Here’s a dead ringer for this bright 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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/0000_192173836-1.jpg)
![Hello Lovely Studio's kitchen is BM White, and read the post to find plenty of other whites to sample in your own home!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-kitchen-1-800x533.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whitest-white-paint-color-sherwin-williams-extra-white-trim-entry-chrissy-marie-blog-2.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whitest-white-paint-color-sherwin-williams-pure-white-kitchen-black-cabinets-house-of-silver-lining.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/french-country-shabby-chic-white-dining-room-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/best-white-paint-color-guide-banner.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-living-room.jpg)
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](https://media.benjaminmoore.com/WebServices/prod/ColorSwatch/OC-18.jpg)
![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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-master-bedroom-27-1440x942.jpg)
![Benjamin Moore White on walls of Hello Lovely Studio's European country bedroom with Belgian linen slipcovered chair. #benjaminmoore #whitepaints #interiordesign #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/belgian-linen-slipcovered-chair-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Paris apartment with Louis dining chairs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #parisapartment #frenchdiningroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Michele-Paris-2-036.jpg)
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](https://theharperhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/alabaster.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fixer-upper-european-country-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
For a soothing grey paint color, Joanna likes Wedding Band from Kilz.
![Kilz Wedding Band paint color](https://hips.hearstapps.com/clv.h-cdn.co/assets/17/28/1499718885-wedding-band-joanna-gaines-favorite-paint-colors.jpg?crop=1.0xw:1xh;center,top&resize=768:*)
Is it any wonder, another white paint favorite of Joanna’s is known as “Shiplap?”
![Kilz Shiplap paint](https://hips.hearstapps.com/clv.h-cdn.co/assets/17/28/1499718962-shiplap-joanna-gaines-favorite-paint-colors.jpg?crop=1.0xw:1xh;center,top&resize=768:*)
Romantic White Bedroom Ideas
![French country bedroom shop the look - Hello Lovely Studio. #frenchcountry #bedroomdecor #furniture #homedecor #interiordesign #gethtelook #shopthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/french-country-bedroom-shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-52.jpg)
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](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/80/3b/7f/803b7f7f060fe5281a53dfcffd6f0d21.jpg)
3. Just Right White Paint Colors: Picks from Experts
Greet of Belgian Pearls
![Farrow and Ball "Pointing"](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1f/38/ea/1f38ead09df452f16cfd5580510bf0a7.jpg)
“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](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7d/72/4b/7d724b80f1d283d4c2ed4d0389a0da2a.jpg)
![Farrow and Ball White Tie](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f4/fb/9a/f4fb9acc6c95cea84cb5797a2f44325d.jpg)
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](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ea/64/c5/ea64c5e0c157bbd8f10aefaf4991641a.jpg)
More Praise for Alabaster
Lauren DeLoach of Lauren Deloach Interiors:
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/00001-hello-lovely-studio-french-country-kitchen-5.jpg)
In Case You Need A Greyed White
Megan Pflug of Megan Pflug Designs:
![Farrow & Ball Ammonite](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ab/71/e1/ab71e1b1d44607c741aa58d3135b2235.jpg)
![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.](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7a/e6/a6/7ae6a68b7f2635aadc0e2f6909b0832f.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/benjamin-moore-seapearl-paint-color-entry-staircase-veranda-estate-homes.jpg)
![Trim Color for both bathrooms (including shelving, baseboards, doors and door trim) for both bathrooms Benjamin Moore White Dove - Trim](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f5/5a/38/f55a38198e56e55deeae4efea9a40a31.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/coastal-bunk-room-tom-scheerer-francesco-lagnese-benjamin-moore-white-dove.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/coastal-cottage-kitchen-5.jpg)
![Simply White by Benjamin Moore. Crisp, clean, but not too stark a white. No surprise undertones.](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f9/90/d1/f990d1eb17ca73d8b1c6e28db742bc7f.jpg)
![Knotty alder door in serene white bedroom by Hello Lovely Studio #whitewalls #BenjaminMoore](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/0000_1921738363_largek.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/campaign-style-end-table-300x300.jpg)
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.
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).
Author
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!
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.
Author
Thanks for reading.