Whether cool and crisp or soft and warm, white walls are one color trend that's never going out of style. A favorite in every room of the house, white and off-white paint colors offer a blank canvas, allowing you to layer in color through furniture and accessories. The ultimate neutral, white won't clash with your vibrantly patterned area rug or take focus away from your gallery of colorful wall art. Plus, white walls grant you the freedom to easily change the mood and color scheme of your space in just an afternoon. Show
However, choosing the best white paint color for your home isn't always simple. There are hundreds of white paint colors, all with different tints, brightness levels, and sheens. To help you navigate the broad range of choices, we asked a few color experts to weigh in on their favorite shades of white (and included a few of our own). Check out our list of the 10 best white paint colors for beautifully neutral walls. Pure White SW 7005, Sherwin-WilliamsAs the most popular white at Sherwin-Williams, this is truly a foolproof white paint color. "It's a timeless white that doesn't lean too cool or creamy, so it acts as the perfect neutral backdrop for any interior space," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "I love this color to brighten up a kitchen or living room, especially when paired with different paint colors, textures, finishes, and artwork." Courtesy of Benjamin MooreWhite Dove OC-17, Benjamin MooreFor a true, classic white paint color, try White Dove from Benjamin Moore. Soft yet bright, it's ideal for moldings and trim but looks great as an all-over white paint color, too. Pair it with dark gray or black accents for an energizing, high-contrast look. Polar Bear 75, BehrWhite paint colors with balanced undertones, such as Polar Bear from Behr Paint, have a fresh, brightening effect. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services for the brand, calls this hue "a clean and clear white" that can help rooms feel more spacious. Use it on trim, walls, and ceiling for a bright, expansive result. Courtesy of ValsparPromenade 7006-3, ValsparValspar's Promenade is a warm white that Sue Kim, senior color designer for the paint brand, compares to "a hand-knit throw blanket" for its comforting, relaxing feel. "This peaceful white speaks to our desire for quiet in a noisy world," she says. "It's the perfect shade for a tranquil bedroom when layering on other whites in various textures." Wimborne White No. 239, Farrow & BallCreamy, off-white paint colors add subtle warmth to a room, but it's important to choose a shade that doesn't veer too yellowy. Wimborne White from Farrow & Ball has just a touch of yellow in it for added softness and depth. Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for the brand, loves this soft white because "it has none of the cooler, blue undertones you get in many generic whites." Courtesy of PPG PaintsPegasus PPG1010-1, PPG PaintsPPG's Pegasus creates an elegant backdrop on walls in everyday living spaces. "This pale, snowy white has a foggy undertone and looks gorgeous when beside deep tones and greenery," says Amy Donato, color marketing manager for the PPG paint brand. The color beautifully complements dark wood furniture and decor in moody, saturated colors. Fresh Kicks, ClareThis bestselling white paint color from Clare is a favorite of founder Nicole Gibbons. "A true, neutral white wall paint like Fresh Kicks is best for creating a crisp, gallery-like feel that helps bold colors and bright accents pop," she says. "If you aren't sure what look is best for your space, you can never go wrong with a clean, true white." Courtesy of Sherwin-WilliamsSanctuary SW 9583, Sherwin-WilliamsSanctuary from Sherwin-Williams is a warm, welcoming shade designed to evoke calm. "It has just a touch of gray, giving it a soothing effect that's perfect for a relaxing space like a living room or bedroom," Wadden says. "If you want your space to feel even more Zen, pair it with greenery and natural materials like wood and stone." Courtesy of PPG PaintsOff White PPG1024-1, PPG PaintsWith caramel and bronze undertones, Off White from PPG is a lightened-up shade of taupe. Donato says this yellow-based white is "modern and earthy yet doesn't look as institutional" as other white paint colors. She suggests pairing it with darker neutrals such as beiges, browns, and reds. Courtesy of Benjamin MoorePaper White OC-55, Benjamin MoorePaper White from Benjamin Moore is an off-white paint color that leans more gray than cream. Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moore's color marketing and development manager, says this refreshing cool white is "perfect for highlighting clean lines of a modern design." Use it to reinforce the sophisticated, contemporary look of a dining room or formal living area. What shade of white is good for a dark room?We recommend warm white paint colors for darker rooms – either whites with strong yellow undertones, or light neutrals (LRV 70-75) with contrasting white ceilings and trim.
What color should I paint a room with little natural light?White can be the best paint for indirect lighting because it is the most reflective. Every other color will absorb at least some of the spectrum, but neutrals will absorb the least amount of light. Some of our favorite colors for rooms with little natural light are: Pastel yellow.
What is the most popular white at Sherwin Williams?Pure White SW 7005, Sherwin-Williams
As the most popular white at Sherwin-Williams, this is truly a foolproof white paint color.
What paint finish is best for a dark room?Painting in a flat, matte or satin finishes will soak up light, while semi-gloss, high-gloss and lacquer finishes tend to reflect light, which make a darker room feel brighter and lighter, said Edith Gregson, partner at DJ Ireland Interior Architecture & Design, an interior design firm in Washington DC.
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