Best White Paint Colors: 8 Designer-Approved Whites for 2024
Choosing the right white paint is one of the most important—and surprisingly difficult—decisions in interior design. With hundreds of whites to choose from, finding the perfect one for your space can feel overwhelming. Too bright and it feels clinical; too warm and it looks yellow. The key is understanding undertones.
After testing dozens of whites across countless projects, we've curated the 8 best white paint colors that designers and homeowners love most. Each has been chosen for its versatility, beauty, and ability to transform spaces.
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Try the Visualizer FreeThe 8 Best White Paint Colors
Chantilly Lace
The brightest, cleanest white in the Benjamin Moore collection. Chantilly Lace is as close to pure white as you can get, making it perfect for modern spaces, trim, and ceilings where maximum brightness is desired.
All White
Farrow & Ball's signature white has depth and character that flat whites lack. It reads as a sophisticated warm white that's never stark or clinical, perfect for creating elegant, timeless spaces.
Pure White
America's most popular soft white. Pure White offers brightness without harshness, with subtle warm undertones that prevent it from feeling cold. It's the go-to for designers who want white without the sterile feel.
Alabaster
A warm white with subtle beige undertones that creates cozy, inviting spaces. Alabaster is softer than Pure White, making it ideal for those who find bright whites too stark.
White Dove
One of the most beloved whites in interior design. White Dove has soft, warm undertones that create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere while still reading as white rather than cream.
Simply White
A fresh, clean white with just enough warmth to feel welcoming. Simply White strikes the perfect balance between crisp and cozy, working beautifully in both traditional and modern settings.
White 01
Lick's warmest white with subtle grey undertones. This sophisticated white feels contemporary and works beautifully in modern homes where you want warmth without yellow.
Extra White
A bright, clean white with cool undertones. Extra White is ideal for contemporary spaces that want maximum light reflection without any warmth or creaminess.
Understanding White Paint Undertones
The secret to choosing the right white is understanding undertones. Every white paint has subtle hints of other colors that affect how it looks in your space:
- Warm whites have yellow, cream, or pink undertones. They feel cozy and inviting but can look yellowed in cool north-facing light.
- Cool whites have blue or gray undertones. They feel crisp and modern but can look cold in spaces without warm light.
- True whites have balanced undertones. They're the most versatile but can feel stark in some settings.
Pro Tip: Match Your Light
North-facing rooms receive cool, bluish light—use warm whites to counterbalance.
South-facing rooms get warm, golden light—cool or true whites work beautifully here.
East/West rooms change throughout the day—test your white at different times.
Quick Comparison: Best Whites at a Glance
| Color | Brand | Undertone | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chantilly Lace | Benjamin Moore | True White | Modern spaces | |
| All White | Farrow & Ball | Warm | Traditional homes | |
| Pure White | Sherwin-Williams | Warm | Whole-home color | |
| Alabaster | Sherwin-Williams | Warm/Creamy | Cozy spaces | |
| White Dove | Benjamin Moore | Warm/Creamy | Cabinetry | |
| Simply White | Benjamin Moore | Warm | Kitchens | |
| White 01 | Lick | Warm | Contemporary homes | |
| Extra White | Sherwin-Williams | Cool | Modern spaces |
How to Choose Your Perfect White
1. Consider Your Lighting
The same white can look completely different depending on your room's light. Natural light, artificial light, and even the direction your windows face all affect how white appears. Always test in your actual space.
2. Look at Your Existing Elements
Your flooring, countertops, and furniture all influence which white works best. Warm wood floors pair beautifully with warm whites like Alabaster, while cool marble countertops complement cooler whites like Chantilly Lace.
3. Define Your Style
Modern/minimalist? Go for crisp whites like Chantilly Lace or Extra White.
Traditional/farmhouse? Warm whites like White Dove or Alabaster add coziness.
Transitional? Balanced whites like Simply White or Pure White offer flexibility.
4. Test Before Committing
Never choose a white from a tiny chip. Use our AI visualizer to see exactly how each white will look in your room before buying a single sample pot.
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Try the Visualizer FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular white paint color?
Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin-Williams Pure White consistently rank as the most popular whites among designers and homeowners. Both offer warmth without looking yellow.
What white paint do interior designers use most?
Designers frequently reach for Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace for bright, modern spaces, White Dove for cabinetry and trim, and Farrow & Ball All White for sophisticated European-style interiors.
Should I use the same white throughout my house?
Using one white for trim and another for walls creates dimension. Many designers use a crisp white like Pure White on trim and a slightly warmer white on walls. Just ensure they have compatible undertones.
Why does my white paint look yellow?
If your white looks yellow, it likely has warm undertones that are amplified by warm artificial lighting or warm-toned flooring/furniture. Try a cooler white or ensure you have daylight-balanced bulbs.
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