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Photo: Brittany AmbridgeWhite is a staple neutral in interior design, but it doesn’t have to be dull. The perfect white paint can elevate any room, making it feel more spacious and brighter. However, not all whites are identical; each one carries its own distinct undertone, which often becomes more noticeable once it's on the wall.
In certain cases, white paint can deceive the eye, especially in bathrooms. "It's the one room where you really need to be careful," says Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors. "When placed next to a white freestanding tub or white furniture, many white paints can suddenly reveal their color depths, appearing more yellow or blue or green in comparison to the tub." This is why it’s crucial to test a large sample—around 3 square feet—before committing to the right white paint color for your space.
Whether you’re painting a whole house, a single room, or even just trim, here’s a helpful guide from top interior designers who shared their top picks for the best white paint colors for every room in your home.
1. Living Room: Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreInterior designer Anne Hepfer is a fan of Chantilly Lace. "This is one of my top choices for white because it’s pure white without being overly harsh. It’s fresh yet gentle, with a hint of warmth."
2. Living Room: Cloud White by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreHepfer describes Cloud White as delicate and airy. "It’s a classic white that has the ability to either refresh or simplify a room without feeling too impersonal."
3. Living Room: Strong White by Farrow & Ball
Farrow & BallCaroline Grant and Dolores Suarez from Dekar Design believe Strong White is the ideal neutral white paint color. "It doesn’t have any pink or yellow undertones, but instead, it possesses the softness required for a true white. When people think of white, they imagine a clinical, hospital-like white, but Strong White is one that feels gentle and has real depth."
4. Living Room: Paper White by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MoorePaper White by Benjamin Moore is a gentle white with a touch of gray. "It’s our go-to ‘happy white’ that brightens any room and creates a subtle contrast with trim and doors," say Grant and Suarez.
5. Kitchen: Creamy by Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams"With the variety of surfaces and materials found in a kitchen, opting for a neutral wall color is your safest choice," says interior designer Glenna Stone. This shade, named Creamy, is a soft off-white, which complements white kitchens, wood accents, and even colored cabinetry.
6. Kitchen: Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore"If your kitchen features all white cabinetry, Swiss Coffee is the ideal wall color. It has a richness that complements various white shades. Kitchens often get ample natural light, so it's important to avoid a stark white on the walls," explains Krissa DeGennaro Wichser, owner and designer of Blue Octagon Interiors and The Blue Octagon home furnishings boutique.
7. Kitchen: Vanilla Milkshake by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore"Vanilla Milkshake is hands down my favorite white," says interior designer Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design. "It doesn’t veer too far into gray or beige, it’s truly a blend of both. I’ve paired it with dark contrasting trims and cabinets, as well as lighter shades. Every time, I’m always pleased with the result." Gilmore appreciates this color for its versatility and considers it the best white for kitchen cabinets.
8. Dining Room: Moonshine by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore"Although the swatch appears a bit more gray than white, with the right amount of sunlight and when paired with other whites, Moonshine definitely has a chameleon quality, often reading more as white," Gilmore explains. "I adore this color with navy blues and silvery grays. It’s incredibly refreshing."
9. Dining Room: Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreAmong interior designers, Simply White is the top choice for white paint from Benjamin Moore. Brittany Marom, founder of Brittany Marom Interior Design, says, "It’s stunning in every room, especially those with low natural light, as it keeps the space feeling open and light." Bean adds that this shade is less warm, "but it doesn’t come off as cold or harsh." It’s also a favorite of Wichser, who uses it for lacquered walls.
10. Bathroom: Frostine by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreWichser prefers to use Frostine in bathrooms because of its blue-green undertone. "It gives the space a fresh, spa-like feel," she shares.
11. Bathroom: Lacey Pearl by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreStone’s favorite bathroom color is Lacey Pearl. "It’s light, subtle, and keeps the space bright and straightforward. This color also pairs beautifully with various faucet metal tones. Whether you prefer polished nickel or brass, this shade works perfectly," she explains.
12. Bedroom: Cabbage White by Farrow & Ball
Farrow & BallStone appreciates the cool undertones of Cabbage White for a master bedroom, as it creates a soothing and tranquil atmosphere. "Cabbage White is undoubtedly the best white with a touch of blue," she shares. "Studies indicate that blue is ideal for sleep, and this color subtly brings that hue into the space."
13. Bedroom: White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreWhite Dove is a favorite among interior designers. Wichser primarily suggests this white paint color for bedrooms because it exudes a peaceful and inviting vibe. Bean highlights that this shade feels warm "without veering into yellow or tan," while Marom describes it as having a "touch of cream."
14. Bedroom: All White by Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball"All White provides a sharp, clean backdrop for showcasing everything we present to clients, with its pure, clear pigment," says Jess Cooney of Jess Cooney Interiors. It’s also an excellent option for painting shiplap.
15. Bedroom: New White by Farrow & Ball
Farrow & BallCooney recently chose New White to paint a young girl’s room in a countryside home. "We paired a black iron bed with soft, neutral tones, then added layers of burnt oranges, pinks, and touches of teal. The blend of vibrant yet refined colors resulted in a space that the young girl will continue to enjoy for years to come."
16. Office: White Flour by Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams"The subtle warmth in White Flour helps keep your workspace creative, focused, and full of energy. It also allows you to incorporate vibrant color accents through artwork or desk accessories that match your personal style," says Stone.
17. Office: Wevet by Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball"Wevet is an excellent option for a home office because it has a slight gray undertone that pairs beautifully with darker wood elements like desks or flooring," says Wichser.
18. Trim: Winter White by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreCooney mentions that Winter White is perfect for those who don't want a stark, clean white but prefer something softer for trim. "This white has a touch of gray that adds a moody feel and helps tone down the trim," she explains.
19. Trim: Decorator's White by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreMarom consistently uses this shade for trim, ceilings, and woodwork. If you're seeking the perfect white for trim, Decorator's White is always a safe bet.
20. All Rooms: Frost by Behr
Home DepotSusan Bunting, the marketing director at Datacolor, which produces the ColorReader tool that matches colors to corresponding paint shades, states that Frost by Behr is one of the most frequently searched white paint colors on the app.
21. All Rooms: Wedding Veil by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin MooreBunting mentions that Wedding Veil is also among the top searches on the ColorReader app, noting that the color's calming effect contributes to its popularity.
