Amazing Timeless Whites to Paint Your Interiors & Exteriors Now

Neutrals are incredibly versatile to work with when you’re after a timeless and natural color story. But which one’s best for your particular project? Even when you narrow it down to “white,” detective work is in order. This post will help. As a paint color consultant assisting others everyday, my secret weapon may simply be that I AM OLD. 30+ years of experience and plenty of successful paint projects. These Timeless Whites are in the spotlight to guide you.

Suzanne Kasler designed entry with wood beams, classic architecture and relaxed elegance - photo: Emily Followill.
@suzannekaslerinteriors – Kasler loves BM White Dove

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

Timeless Whites to Paint Interiors & Exteriors

Do you live for picking out a white paint in a shadowy big box store aisle? You go do you. Me? That scene makes me cuckoo. Consider the alternative.

Simply White painted tiny house with board and batten siding - Monika Hibbs. #benjaminmooresimplywhite
Paint color: BM Simply WhiteMonika Hibbs

The gallery here reflects white paint colors designers have learned to trust and provides ideas for colors to sample.

Benjamin Moore Simply White in a beachy elegant living room by @m_m_interior_design. #simplywhite
BM Simply White@m_m_interior_design

How Do You Choose the Right Timeless Whites?

At a minimum, plan on sampling at least three possibilities. Peel and stick samples can be ordered online or pick up sample pots if painting on the wall is more your style.

Easiest way to see if a timeless white will work? Order samples with Samplize to be delivered straight to your door.

White Dove (BM) on walls of a modern rustic home office of Sherry Hart (with Stevie Nicks framed print and zebra cushion.)
Sherry HartBenjamin Moore White Dove

Timeless whites spotlighted here are popular with homeowners and designers for good reason. Their formulas tend to work for designers, painters, and DIYers across varied contexts.

These whites also seem versatile for a variety of surfaces: exterior siding, walls, cabinets, or trim.

White brick exterior painted Benjamin Moore White Dove - @riverbrook_
Benjamin Moore White Dove@riverbrook_

BM 2143-70 Simply White

Benjamin Moore points out this hue’s slightest hint of warmth makes it clean, crisp and versatile.

Simply White’s light reflectance value (LRV) of 89.52, means it is both bright and reflective…the brightest white in fact of the three timeless whites we’ll profile here.

Simply White painted kitchen by @whatdreamsbaybecome #benjaminmooresimplywhite
@whatdreamsmaybecomeBenjamin Moore Simply White

See its luminosity above?

Kitchen with Swiss Coffee cabinets and Simply White walls - @julietinteriors. #swisscoffee
Benjamin Moore SWISS COFFEE on cabinets; SIMPLY WHITE on walls – @julietinteriors

Need a Simply Perfect White for Trim?

Yes you most certainly can use the same white for shiplap, ceiling, and trim. Notice how it is all Simply White below:

White shiplap in a lofty living space is painted BM Simply White - @thismamasdance. #benjaminmooresimplywhite
@thismamasdanceBenjamin Moore SIMPLY WHITE

Quite the transformation Katie Beth Lamb made to a basement bar area which used to be brown. Way to erase gloom in one beautiful white swoop.

A renovated bar area in a basement painted Benjamin Moore Simply White - @katiebethlamb.
@katiebethlambBenjamin Moore SIMPLY WHITE

With modern farmhouse taking over suburbia in recent years, it would seem Simply White did too. So many designers chose this color for shiplap!

Modern farmhouse shiplap walls painted Simply White (Benjamin Moore) in a home by @sutherland_home
Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Simply White@sutherland_home

Notice how the warmth of brass fixtures works with it here:

Simply White shiplap in a bath with vessel sink and wall mounted brass taps - Gendron Painting.
Simply White painted shiplap in a bath – Gendron Painting.

What happens to Simply White for exterior applications?

Charming white farmhouse painted Simply White - Avenue B Development.
Exterior paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Simply WhiteAvenue B Design

I have heard designers recommend only painting white exteriors a color with a LRV under 80. Does that mean Simply White is not appropriate at nearly 90? Depends on the setting of your particular structure.

Elegant white paneled walls painted Simply White with herringbone laid hardwoods - The Fox Group.
The Fox Group Door color: BENJAMIN MOORE Galveston Gray; wall and trim color: BENJAMIN MOORE Simply White

You’ll know whether it is calling your name by sampling it. It’s an excellent color for trim…just look at all this paneled glory above and below.

Elegant paneled walls and oak hardwoods on a stair landing (Benjamin Moore Simply White) - Susan Joyce Design.
Susan Joyce Design – Timeless Whites to Consider as well as a Photo Gallery of Inspo

Another reason it is so imperative to sample and live with the sample as long as you can? It is going to change at various times of day.

Walls and trim are Simply White in this elegant entry by The Fox Group.
Wall and trim color: BENJAMIN MOORE Simply White – The Fox Group

Ceilings are a prime place where Simply White may be the right white. We tend to under-mention ceilings when it comes to decorating blogs, but they matter.

Fantasy kitchen with lofty ceiling and Simply White with brass accents - The Fox Group.
The Fox Group – Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Simply White

SW 7005 PURE WHITE

Curious to know the bestselling Sherwin-Williams white? Sherwin Williams say it is this one:

Does SW 7005 feel more of a wintry white than the sunny Simply White? A swatch of Simply White looks downright creamy in comparison to the Pure White one above.

SW PURE WHITE in a farmhouse great room - @thehappiesthouse. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite
@thehappiesthouseSherwin Williams PURE WHITE

This difference illustrates the importance of sampling whites side by side and viewing images of real rooms.

Pure White painted trim in timeless bath with checkered marble floor - @via110design. #swpurewhite
Trim: Sherwin Williams PURE WHITE@via110design

The fact Pure White has cooler undertones than Simply White could suggest it is more appropriate for modern interiors.

Pure White house exterior - #trailsendfarmhouse. #swpurewhite
@trailsendfarmhouseSherwin Williams PURE WHITE

Will it look too sterile? This bright white has the slightest yellow undertone to prevent it from going too stark.

White coastal living room with gallery wall of seascapes painted Sherwin Williams Pure White - Pottery Barn.
York Slope Armed Sofa at Pottery BarnSherwin Williams PURE WHITE

Maybe this explains why it is hugely popular for trim.

White brick house exterior painted SW Pure White combined with natural wood door and porch ceiling - @2kdevelopment.
SW Pure White@2kdevelopment

LRV for Pure White is 84. That seems nearly perfect as far as my own personal preference and experience with whites.

A kitchen with Sherwin Williams Pure White - @thehappiesthouse. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite
@thehappiesthouse – SW Pure White

BM OC-17 WHITE DOVE

If you haven’t heard of OC-17, you are likely not a design freak with subscriptions to interior mags.

Because White Dove is legendary. According to Benjamin Moore, White Dove’s unerring style is what is most memorable about this clean and classic white.

White Dove kitchen cabinetry and walls in Country Living - photo by Lincoln Barbour.
BM White Dove – Photo: Lincoln Barbour via Country Living

White Dove’s LRV is 83.16. That is almost identical to Pure White which sits in the sweet spot for light reflectance if you ask me. (The amount of light reflected back into the space will be 83.16%.)

Newly built white farmhouse exterior painted White Dove (Benjamin Moore) with brick steps to porch - @houseonbluff. #whitedovepaint #whitehouseexterior #whitepaintcolors #houseexteriors #whitefarmhouse
@houseonbluffBenjamin Moore White Dove

Are you beginning to see the beauty of seeing one color across a number of different contexts and lighting conditions?

Shiplap in dining area with swan painting is painted White Dove - Sherry Hart.
Sherry HartBM White Dove

Here it is in a timeless dining area with shiplap and on kitchen cabinets here:

Farmmhouse style kitchen with White Dove by Modern Midwest Nest.
Modern Midwest Nest – kitchen cabinets painted White Dove

Will White Dove Work Equally Well With Traditional and Modern Interiors?

In the early 90s when first I fell for White Dove, home was the sweetest 1920s bungalow.

Just perfect for that house inside and out. However, it is equally pretty in modern spaces like the one above.

BM White Dove on board and batten wall in a cuntry bedroom by whitehomeonthehill.
@whitehomeonthehillBenjamin Moore WHITE DOVE

White Dove has been a personal favorite for trim and doors since it delivers a traditional, classic, established look.

Have a Pinterest board reserved for paint colors? It is a smart way to stay organized.

Which of these White Timeless Paints Will Work for Your Project? Hello Lovely Studio. #popularwhitepaint
Pin me!

White Dove is lovely for kitchen cabinets, and it plays nice with just about every white marble, quartz, or solid surface countertop.

Floating shelves and white shiplap painted White Dove in a designer's Atlanta kitchen - Sherry Hart.
White Dove (Benjamin Moore) in a kitchen by Sherry Hart

If living with white is new for you, maybe you worry the room will feel too cold.

White Dove on shiplap in Sherry Hart's dining room with Pyne Hollyhock curtains and animal print pillows.
Sherry Hart – White Dove in a dining room

As long as there is plenty of texture, a mix of materials, and good lighting, White Dove can be very warm without going yellow on you.

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

Great Additions if You Love White

It can be a challenge to find a white sofa that strikes the right balance of unfussy but not too casual.

Tall Broderick slipcovered bed, Serena and Lily.
Tall Broderick Bed, Serena & Lily

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
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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
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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
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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
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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