Is Benjamin Moore White Sand the Best Warm White?

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WHITE PAINT COLOR is definitely one of the popular topics on this blog, and I am consulted every single day about this mystery! Is Benjamin Moore White Sand the Best Warm White won’t just hurl a bunch of any ol’ interiors with warm white paint color possibilities. We’ll look at my own home and personal experience. Then we’ll chat critically about the process of whether this warm white may be a good choice to sample for YOUR particular space.

BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites
Hello Lovely Studio – Paint: BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand…in case you love a creamy soft white.

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Is Benjamin Moore White Sand OC-10 the Best Warm White?

Two of my friends painted their interiors this color in the past week! I was able to see it in person at one of those homes, and it is stunning with her stained woodwork and much better than the too-yellow former color.

White Sand (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand #hellolovely #frenchkitchens
Hello Lovely Studio – Paint: BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand…in case you love a creamy soft white.

1. BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand

BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand paint color.
Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand – tap image to sample it

A Personal Favorite Warm White

Hello Lovely designed this French country white brick with shutters French country manor house built in a country neighborhood. #hellolovely #frenchcountryexterior

This warm white paint is one I discovered when seeking the best shade of white for the interiors in our prior home:

Hello Lovely designed this French country white brick with shutters French country manor house built in a country neighborhood. #hellolovely #frenchcountryexterior

This European country inspired manor home is on the edge of a lush forest (and just a few houses around the bend from where we live now!).

Hello Lovely's French farmhouse entry with Tolix chair, vintage bucket of hydrangea, handmade in France leather bag, and Ilse Jacobsen lace up boots. #frenchfarmhouse #hellolovelystudio

While I’m not a huge fan of living with brown undertones in anything, I wanted a color that would play nicely with the white oak hardwoods.

Benjamin Moore White Sand paint color in Hello Lovely's living room with Belgian linen Copenhagen egg chair. #bmwhitesand #benjaminmoorewhitesand #hellolovelystudio
Hello Lovely – BM White Sand

This soft, gentle, beachy white reminiscent of seaside vacations was the perfect choice. Need some others to sample before making your final decision?

7 Warm White Paint Colors designers love - Hello Lovely Studio. #warmwhitepaintcolors #bestwarmwhite

We used BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand in every room of that huge home except for our sons’ bedrooms which were blue. Benjamin Moore calls OC-10: A muted, easygoing beige that looks appealing in both traditional and modern spaces.

BM White Sand paint color in Belgian style living room with original abstracts by Michele - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

If you’re a fan of Belgian linen, there’s a fair chance you’ll also like BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand. It has a LRV (light reflectance value) of 66.95. That means the color reflects about 67% of light back into the room and is on the lighter half of the spectrum.

BM White Sand paint color in Belgian style living room with original abstracts by Michele - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

How Long Did I Keep This Color?

Tone on tone may not be everyone’s cup of tea, yet this color worked well enough that I left it for 8 years in the spaces we wanted to feel serene, peaceful, and cozy.

BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites

After a couple of years, I did feel the itch to change the wall paint color in the kitchen and breakfast room.

Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmashleygray #hellolovely #frenchkitchens
Hello Lovely Studio – paint: BENJAMIN MOORE Ashley Gray

So I painted those spaces Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray for a bit more contrast with white trim and coolness with the strong sunlight.

Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmashleygray #hellolovely #frenchkitchens
BM Ashley Gray

With abundant light in the kitchen, Ashley Gray was not too dark. The same color might actually read “purply-charcoal” and not “warm white” in a poorly lit space.

BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites

So don’t get too wooed by any one particular paint color when you see a photo – sample a handful!

BM White Sand in my music room with white piano painted BM White Dove - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand
Benjamin Moore Color Stories Fan Deck. #benjaminmoore #paintswatches #fandeck #paintcolors
In case you need a Benjamin Moore Fan Deck

See BM White Sand in More of My Interiors

I do miss my grand entry with those wide arched Andes walnut doors with speakeasies!

BM White Sand in a modern French entry hall with arched walnut front doors - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

The ceilings were soaring, and that’s reason enough to take your sweet time choosing the right warm white since good gracious, you don’t want to be repainting soon!

BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand paint color. #paintcolors #benjaminmoore #whitesand
BENJAMIN MOORE White Sand paint color

In the studio through the French doors, the strong Southern light washes out White Sand:

BM White Sand in my music room with white piano painted BM White Dove - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

Remember my swing in that space? So many of our sons’ friends have memories attached to this home and the indoor swing. 🙂

BM White Sand in our French country white bedroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

White Sand is also soothing and lovely for bedrooms. Ours was very simple and cottage-like.

BM White Sand in our French country white bedroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

You can see the color here in our bathroom too:

BM White Sand in our French country white bathroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand

Similar to White Sand: BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter

If BM White Sand is too light for your taste, you could sample Revere Pewter which we used on our bedroom furniture when we moved to our next home.

Revere Pewter for Trim & Furniture

For me, Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter is reminiscent of soft natural linen or gentle garden stone.

My serene Nordic French style bedroom with Benjamin Moore White walls and Stikwood accent wall. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – paint used for bedroom furniture: BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter.

This paint color works wonders in a variety of spaces and was used to refresh tired, antique white bedroom furniture.

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

Neutral, serene, European country bedroom with Stikwood accent wall (Hamptons), white bedding, and BM Revere Pewter painted furniture - Hello Lovely Studio. #reverepewter #cottagebedroom

This subtle change to the furniture was needed with the cool whites on the walls.

Belgian linen slipcover chair in my bedroom - Hello Lovely Studio.
BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter painted bedroom furniture – Hello Lovely Studio

I also drybrushed a black leaner mirror with Revere Pewter for a distressed look:

My serene Nordic French style bedroom with Benjamin Moore White walls and Stikwood accent wall. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – mirror is painted Revere Pewter and contrasts with wall (Benjamin Moore White OC-151).

Need more ideas for a soothing bedroom retreat?

Warm White & Natural Lovely Things!

Fisherman's Knit Throw, Serena & Lily
Fisherman’s Knit Throw, Serena & Lily
Wingback Bed
Wingback Bed: FIND HERE...certainly gorgeous for timeless bedrooms.
White Matelasse bedding. #bedding #whitedecor #bedroomdecor
Matelasse Bedding…in case you love white bedroom decor.
French country tufted headboard with distressed wood finish. #frenchcountry #bedroomdecor #headboards #furniture
Tufted Headboard…certainly lovely indeed.

Tips to Choose the BEST Warm White for You

1. Try Multiple Samples

Bear in mind that the perfect white paint color for a particular space may be completely wrong for another space. The light in Northern Illinois where we live is quite different from other regions like the Southwest where we bought a second home.

BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites
Hello Lovely – BM White Sand on walls; BM White Dove on furniture

So as you search for a just right white, don’t forget YOU’LL FIRST SELECT A HANDFUL OF OPTIONS and then SAMPLE THEM in your unique space TO BE SURE.

Floral oil painting by Cindy Redman on my console - Hello Lovely Studio.
BM White Sand – Hello Lovely (Oil painting by Cindy Redman)

2. Understand Warm vs. Cool Whites

If you understand what makes warm and cool whites different, you’ll have an easier time sifting through possibilities.

Warm whites will have warm undertones of green, brown, etc. Cool whites may have blue and grey undertones.

BM White Sand in our French country dining room with antique grainsack runner and galvanized bucket of hydrangea - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovely #bmwhitesand #frenchcountrywhites

Sometimes it is helpful to clarify what is even meant by warm vs. cool white paint.

For example, in our last fixer upper, we painted interiors a very cool and bright white (Benjamin Moore OC-151 “White”). That cool white might be all wrong in a different home since it was chosen to counter the harsh yellow light we received there.

BM White Sand in a bedroom with cottage style headboard - Hello Lovely Studio.

The coolness of OC-151 with its blue undertones tempered the way the white color was perceived. It added a modern mood and because of the yellow sunlight, did not read too sterile or blue.

3. Search Online for Ideas

While plenty of paint color experts advise against searching online and Pinterest for the best warm white, I find it helpful to begin the search by viewing photos online where the paint color name is provided. It truly beats standing in a hardware store under fluorescent lighting, anxiously studying cardstock swatches.

BM White Sand in our French country white bedroom - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand
Sometimes it helps to see the same paint color across a variety of lighting scenarios.

Have a Pinterest board devoted to your favorite white paint colors yet? Create a devoted board and PIN THIS POST there to have a handy list of paint names you can refer to when you head to the paint store to buy samples (I’m sure I don’t have to remind you to bring your phone).

4. Consider Objects & Amount of Natural Light

Make sure you take into account the temperature of the objects and furnishings in the room you’ll be painting. If they are mostly cool, in many cases you’ll want to lean towards cooler toned whites. Are they warm? Then a warmer white is likely the wise direction.

Paris apartment with Louis dining chairs. Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #parisapartment #diningroom
Hello Lovely Studio

More Warm White Paint Colors to Sample

Just right white paint colors. Ultimate Guide to Best White Paint Colors! #bestwhite #whitepaint #choosingwhite
PIN ME!

Wondering which white we used for trim and doors in that French Country home with White Sand?

BENJAMIN MOORE Dove Wing

BM White Sand in my living room with Belgian style - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand
BM White Sand on walls – BM Dove Wing on trim
Benjamin Moore Dove Wing white paint color. #benjaminmoore #paintcolors #dovewing
Pin me!

FARROW & BALL Pointing

Here’s another warm creamy sophisticated white paint that may be the perfect white for you. Designer Greet Lefevre of Belgian Pearls shared this when I asked for her fav:

“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

Farrow and Ball "Pointing"
FARROW & BALL Pointing is a fresh and uncomplicated white named for the lime pointing used in traditional brickwork.

Hope this helps, and for related stories see these:

Gentle Neutral Paint Colors

Bright White Paint Colors

Pretty Tranquil Paint Colors

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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2 Comments

  1. Marlene Ciborowski
    June 1, 2023 / 1:35 pm

    Another great combination from Ben Moore is Strand of Pearls paired with York Gray. I used this in my bedroom and it is so restful. I also used it in my foyer and just love it with some nautical inspired furniture and art. The white is a pure white but does not yellow in different light, and the gray is a very soft tone with a taupe cast.

    • Michele
      Author
      June 1, 2023 / 7:34 pm

      Thank you! I’ll peek at those so I can weave that combo into a future post. So happy to have you here adding to the beauty!

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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