Best and Brightest White Paints to Try?

Bet you had no idea just how many options exist for a bright white with minimal undertones until it was time to buy paint! I hope this roundup will help you decide on a few samples so you’ll arrive at the best white color for your project. Best and Brightest White Paints to Try narrows the wide range of possibilities with a photo gallery of inspiration and an exploration of each option.

Chantilly Lace in a modern farmhouse bedroom - @farmcasadecastro
farmcasadecastroBM Chantilly Lace

6 Best and Brightest White Paints to Try

For more help choosing the perfect white, SEE THIS. Thanks so much!

Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17

When you have no idea where to start in your quest for the best white, start with a sample of WHITE DOVE.

BM White Dove on a gorgeous brick house exterior with arched entry - @dianarosespier. #bmwhitedove
Diana Rose SpierBM White Dove OC-17

White Dove is clean, classic, and versatile whether it is a ceiling, wall, trim, door, or exterior siding, and will reflect a good amount of light since the LRV is 83.16.

Gorgeous floating shelves and white shiplap painted White Dove in a designer's Atlanta kitchen - Sherry Hart. #floatingshelves #whitekitchen #whitedovepaint #benjaminmoorewhitedove #shiplap
White Dove OC-17 (Benjamin Moore) in a kitchen by Sherry Hart.

Chantilly Lace – Benjamin Moore OC-65 or 2121-70

Find a sample of BM Chantilly Lace here to see how it looks in your unique space.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace paint color on walls of bathroom - Saltbox Collective. #benjaminmoore #chantillylace #bestwhites #paintcolors #whitepaint #interiordesign
Beautiful bathroom with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Saltbox Collective

Benjamin Moore calls this white their classic go-to white that elicits images of fresh cotton and pure silk.

Beautiful traditional house exterior painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace - Gathered Group. #benjaminmoore #chantillylace #whitepaint #paintcolors #exteriorcolors #houseexteriors
Charming house exterior painted BM Chantilly Lace OC-65 Gathered Group. Also see THIS POST with more white house exteriors.

And I think that’s why this particular white is considered one of the best whites and is so wildly popular. It has a more natural character to it. Other neutrals this white matches well with? BM OC-151 (one of my favorites I go into detail about HERE), BM Horizon, BM Seapearl, and BM Edgecomb Gray.

Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore white paint on nursery walls - Jillian Harris. #benjaminmoore #chantillylace #whitepaint #paintcolors #bestwhites #nursery
Darling white nursery with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Jillian Harris. Best and Brightest White…in case you’re searching for paint color ideas.

How bright of a white is Chantilly Lace?

Bright white walls in living room are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace - Jacquelyn Clark. #bestwhites #benjaminmoore #chantillylace #paintcolors #livingroom
Bright white living space painted Benjamin Moore White Dove and is by Laine & Layne

It has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 90.04.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on kitchen walls - Decorpad. #whitepaint #paintcolors #benjaminmoore #chantillylace #bestwhites
Classic white kitchen painted Chantilly LaceDecorpad

The LRV number signifies the percentage of light this hue will reflect back. In this case, more than 90%!

Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. #paintcolors #bestwhites #interiordesign
Breathtaking kitchen painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly LaceFinding Lovely. Best and Brightest White…in case you’re searching for paint color ideas.

That’s a lot of light and why this neutral color is popular in a lot of modern or modern farmhouse interiors.

Self-kindness, self-love and self-care quote about rest, productivity, and worth on Hello Lovely. #selfkindnessquotes

Extra White – Sherwin-Williams 7006

Find a sample of SW Extra White right here to compare it with other whites in your quest to land on the perfect white for your particular room or exterior.

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint on trim in gorgeous modern farmhouse entry - Chrissy Marie Blog. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #brightwhitepaint #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #interiordesign
Modern farmhouse entry painted Sherwin-Williams 7006 Extra WhiteChrissy Marie Blog. Bright White Paint Colors With Minimal Undertones…in case you’re searching for paint color ideas.

Extra White also has a high light reflectance value (LRV) of 86. So a little less reflective than Chantilly Lace, but still a bright white.

Gorgeous modern farmhouse with white brick painted Sherwin Williams Extra White - Chrissy Marie Blog. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #houseexterior #whitepaints #paintcolors #modernfarmhouse #exteriorcolors #housecolors
Gorgeous modern farmhouse exterior with brick painted SW Extra White (Chrissy Marie Blog)

You can see how brilliant the white is on the exterior above, and it’s an off white that feels clean and vibrant.

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint color on walls in girls bedroom. Pink paint is Valspar Sweet Pastel - Chrissy Marie Blog. #sherwinwilliamsextrawhite #paintcolors #bestwhites #valsparsweetpastel #pinkwalls #interiordesign #bedroomdecor
Serene bedroom with bunks and Sherwin Williams Extra White (Chrissy Marie Blog). Best and Brightest White…in case you’re searching for paint color ideas.

Notice how it is an off white, not a warm white like the white bunks above. This room is an example of how it’s a more interesting mix when different whites are mixed rather than all matched.

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint on trim in gorgeous modern farmhouse entry - Chrissy Marie Blog. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #brightwhitepaint #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #interiordesign
Gorgeous entry with window seat and trim painted SW Extra WhiteChrissy Marie Blog…hello lovely indeed.

Looking for a white to paint shiplap or tongue and groove paneling? These examples may help you decide if Extra White is worth sampling.

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint on shiplap - Building Colwyn Bay. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #bestwhites #paintcolors #whitepaint
Shiplap painted Sherwin Williams Extra WhiteBuilding Colwyn Bay.

Another important tip is to not allow yourself to get attached to a particular paint color just because of the name. Extra White sounds like it could be the whitest of all the whites, yes?

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint color on modern farmhouse exterior - The White House on Pine Ridge. #whitepaint #paintcolors #sherwinwilliamsextrawhite #houseexteriors
Newly built modern farmhouse exterior painted Extra WhiteThe White House on Pine Ridge. Start by sampling these tried and true white colors…Best and Brightest White paint color ideas.

But it isn’t. That’s why it’s good to notice LRV and to sample at least three different white colors (live with them, watch them change throughout the day as the light changes, notices the undertones between the samples).

Self-care and self-kindness quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #selfkindnessquotes #selfcarequotes #personalgrowthquotes

China White – Benjamin Moore OC-141

Sample China White by ordering a paint sample HERE.

Shiplap painted Benjamin Moore China White in a stunning kitchen by Tracery Interiors. #benjaminmoore #chinawhite #bestwhites #paintcolors #kitchendeor #shiplap
Stunning kitchen with shiplap painted Benjamin Moore China White Tracery Interiors…Best and Brightest White paint color ideas in case you need ideas to sample.

The brand says “Cool gray undertones freshen up this shade of white,” and it’s worth noting that when you’re after a bright white, you should definitely be aware of what color undertones are present and will influence the perception of the color.

Kitchen walls painted Benjamin Moore China White - Kelly McGuill. #benjaminmoorechinawhite #whitepaint #paintcolors #bestwhites
Bright white kitchen cabinets painted China WhiteKelly MGuill Home. Start by sampling these tried and true white colors…hello lovely indeed.

A bright white with blue undertones may actually appear light icy blue in your space, to your eye. Since China White is a grey undertoned white, if your room lacks natural light, it may appear greyed to you. Which can be great! Grays are wonderfully neutral and easy to live with when you love cool tones.

BM China White on kitchen cabinets in a lovely cottage kitchen with grey walls and black accents - Mavenhaven. #bmchinawhite
MavenHaven – BM China White painted kitchen cabinets

With a LRV of 76.43, it is not going to be one of those blinding whites for an exterior if you’re seeking the perfect white paint color for your home.

Modern farmhouse exterior painted Benjamin Moore China White - Rodolfo Castro - Atlanta Homes. #benjaminmoore #chinawhite #whitepaint #paintcolors #houseexteriors #whitehouses
A lovely home exterior painted BM China White; Atlanta Homes. Start by sampling these tried and true white colors…hello lovely indeed.

That said, make sure you take a lot of time with white paint samples for an exterior. Even light grey colors get warmed and washed out in the sunlight.

Modern farmhouse entry with dutch door and shiplap painted Benjamin Moore China White - Amy D Morris Interiors. #whitepaint #bestwhites #paintcolors #benjaminmoorechinawhite #entry #shiplap
Charming Dutch door in an entry with shiplap painted Benjamin Moore China White; Amy D. Morris Interiors…hello lovely indeed.

You need to watch how the sample changes from morning to night.

BM China White painted porch with navy blue ornamental mirror - @alicia_slayton.
China White on a porch – @alicia_slayton

China White is a color that works great with these other Benjamin Moore colors:

Collingwood, Vintage Vogue, Chantilly Lace, Guest House

Shiplap painted Benjamin Moore China White in a stunning kitchen with sliding library ladder by Tracery Interiors. #benjaminmoore #chinawhite #bestwhites #paintcolors #kitchendeor #shiplap
Shiplap painted BM China WhiteTracery Interiors. Start by sampling these tried and true white colors…hello lovely indeed.

Chances are, China White is going to be perfect for your china cabinet!

Brené Brown quote about self kindness on Hello Lovely Studio. Come get Inspiring Autumn Feels From Instagrammers to Follow + Encouragement Quotes! #brenebrown #inspirationalquote #quotes #vulnerability #personalgrowth

Pure White – Sherwin-Williams 7005

Be careful when you’re reviewing details for SW Pure White since Benjamin Moore also has a color called Pure White.

Sherwin Williams Pure White paint color on walls in entry -Life on Summer Hill. #sherwinwilliams #purewhite #paintcolors #bestwhites #whitepaint #interiordesign
Bright white entry with Sherwin-Williams Pure White (Life on Summer Hill).

Try a sample of SW Pure White HERE.

Pure White from Sherwin Williams on walls in beautiful modern farmhouse great room - Theverestplace. #whitepaint #sherwinwilliamspurewhite #paintcolors #bestwhites
Light filled great room painted SW Pure White 7005theverestplace. Help for finding the best white for your walls as well as cabinets is here.

Sherwin Williams says this bright white has the slightest yellow undertone that keeps it from appearing too stark. Use on trim for the perfect complement.

Bright white walls (Sherwin Williams Pure White) and black cabinets in a lovely kitchen by House of Silver Lining. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite #whitepaint #paintcolors #bestwhite
Black and white kitchen with walls painted Sherwin Williams Pure White – The House of Silver Lining…hello lovely indeed.

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

Pure White (Sherwin Williams) bright white paint color in a beautiful modern farmhouse hall - Kate Marker. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite #paintcolors #bestwhites #interiordesign
Magnificent hall painted SW 7005 Pure WhiteKate Marker. Help finding the best white for your walls as well as cabinets, trim, doors, ceilings, and exteriors.

It’s interesting to note that the yellow undertones aren’t easy to see from photos posted online of Pure White. The LRV is 84 so it’s going to reflect more light than China White.

Kindness quote from Dixie Doyle on Hello Lovely Studio. #kindnessquotes #quotes

Decorator’s White – Benjamin Moore CC-20

Find a sample of Decorator’s White HERE.

Benjamin Moore Decorators White on cabinet in a beautiful kitchen with blue Lacanche range - Elizabeth Walker Raith. #benjaminmoore #decoratorswhite #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #kitchendecor #modernfarmhousekitchen
Beautiful kitchen with blue range and Benjamin Moore Decorators WhiteElizabeth Walker Raith

The brand says “A touch of cool gray gives this go-to white sleek, stylish appeal,” and because of its grey undertones, it’s going to be cooler than say Pure White.

White cabinets painted Benjamin Moore Deorators White - Design Manifest. #benjaminmooredeoratorswhite #whitepaints #paintcolors #interiordesign #bestwhites
White cabinets painted Decorator’s WhiteDesign Manifest. Help finding the best white for your walls as well as cabinets.

Decorator’s White LRV (light reflectance value) is 82.68, and maybe that’s why so many designers and homeowners choose this bright white. When you want a clear, clean, cool, gallery like white that stays cool but isn’t blinding like a white primer, this may be your pick.

Decorators White (Benjamin Moore) painted walls in a kitchen by Susan Vaughn Designs. #benjaminmooredecoratorswhite #bestwhitepaint #paintcolors #decoratorswhite
Kitchen walls painted Decorators WhiteSusan Vaughn Designs

This white is going to look great with Oxford White, Raindance, Chantilly Lace, and Blue Note from Benjamin Moore.

Decorators White (Benjamin Moore in a beautiful kitchen with blue island - This Old House. #decoratorswhite #benjaminmooredecoratorswhite #bestwhites #paintcolors
In a kitchen painted Benjamin Moore Decorators WhiteThis Old House.

Isn’t it amazing with the cheerful blue in the kitchen above?

Inspirational quote from Ann Voskamp on Hello Lovely Studio. #faithquote #inspirationalquotes #annvoskamp #christianity #encouragementquote
Benjamin Moore Decorators White on cabinet in a beautiful kitchen with blue Lacanche range - Elizabeth Walker Raith. #benjaminmoore #decoratorswhite #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #kitchendecor #modernfarmhousekitchen
Benjamin Moore Decorators White Elizabeth Walker Raith…hello lovely indeed.

White OC-151 – Benjamin Moore

I have a long history with OC-151 known simply as WHITE. Sample it HERE.

Hello Lovely's open floor plan with living room, dining, kitchen, and hall - painted BM OC-151. #bmwhiteoc151 #whitepaintcolors
OC-151 – Hello Lovely Studio…psst, shop my home RIGHT HERE.

I loved it so much that I painted all of our interiors this hue in our former home.

Benjamin Moore White paint color on cottage kitchen Palmetto Bluff by Lisa Furey. #benjaminmoorewhite #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #kitchendecor
Cabinets and walls painted Benjamin Moore White OC-151; Lisa Furey Interiors…hello lovely indeed.

Interior designer Lisa Furey loved it so much that she painted all of the interiors AND exteriors (three buildings at a coastal compound) BM White OC-151!

Board and batten coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff with modern farmhouse interior design by Lisa Furey.
Gorgeous board and batten cottage exterior painted BM OC-151; Lisa Furey. Help finding the best white for your walls as well as cabinets.

It definitely has blue undertones so if you don’t have great natural light, you might notice the blue. Not a bad thing unless you hate cool blues.

If you are also seeking a neutral paint for your exterior, check out ideas in THIS.

House Exterior White Paint Ideas - Hello Lovely Studio. #paintcolors #houseexteriors #bestwhitepaint #whitepaintcolors
PIN ME to save for future reference.

While I’m not certain of the white paint color used in this $14M New York apartment, Decorator’s White would be a good guess. It is cool and seems to have grey undertones.

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!

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2 Comments

  1. Amy
    April 29, 2023 / 2:42 pm

    You are definitely the “White Paint Color” expert!! 🤗I’ve learned so much from you concerning this & continue to.

    • Michele
      Author
      April 29, 2023 / 3:12 pm

      Hahaha – and I’m still learning! Painting things white even today and wonder if I’ll ever cover all the dark brown in this house since it takes so many layers! 🙂 Have a great weekend, friend, and thanks for reading.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing