Choosing the perfect white paint color can be tricky! You may think it’s white…how much else is there to it?? Well, let me tell you – there is a lot more to it! 🙂 White paint in any space is absolutely gorgeous and timeless. Plus it makes it so easy to add any and all colors and patterns and the resulting contrast is stunning. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing a white paint color to make sure it is right for YOUR space. I’m going to go over my favorite white paint colors so you can make an educated decision.
PRO TIP – ALWAYS paint a large swatch on several of the walls in your space so you can see how it looks in different lighting as well as during different times throughout the day. You can easily purchase peel and stick paint samples from popular paint manufactures such as Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball & Behr. Check out this website to order!
Here is a round up of some of my go – to white paint colors!
Side note: **LRV means light reflecting value (AKA – how much light the color reflects). The higher the # the more “true stark white” it is. I don’t ever suggest going above a 94 LRV. It will feel cold and sterile. Remember – these colors will look extremely different when on your walls so swatches are KEY!
Sherwin Williams Alabaster – SW 7008
LRV 82
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is probably my favorite white paint color. It is the perfect creamy white that literally pairs well with anything and everything. It is a warm tone yet definitely not yellow. This color will look a lot warmer if paired with a more stark true white, which actually makes for a gorgeous contrast. We recently painted our kitchen cabinets using Alabaster in a semi gloss finish as well as our walls in an egg shell finish. We have lots of natural light in the room and the results are stunning.
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee – OC 45
LRV 83.93
The LRV in Swiss Coffee is slightly than higher than Alabaster – however, I think it reads warmer. This color looks fabulous in a traditional space or if paired with wood tones. There is something about this color that promotes a feeling of softness and elegance (as do most warmer toned whites). If you are looking for a true true white – this isn’t it. But if you are looking for a creamy, very subtly off – white look no further than Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee!
Benjamin Moore Simply White – OC 117
LRV 91.7
Simply White was Benjamin Moore’s color of the year in 2016. It is a classic choice! It is a crisp, clean, bright white without being stark and/or harsh. This is a stunning option for kitchen cabinets! This is a safe bet choice if you are looking for a more true toned white without any undertones. I feel you really can’t go wrong.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – 0C 65
LRV 92.2
Chantilly Lace is another very true white but is on the cooler side. This color is Benjamin Moore’s truest white color and has very subtle gray and blue undertones. This is THE PERFECT color for a space filled with natural light pouring in, or as a beautiful contrast against black or carrara marble counters!
Behr Ultra Pure White – 1850
LRV 94
Behr Ultra White has the highest LRV of the entire list. I would caution using it on all of your walls (although still can work) – but it is a beautiful white for trim, moulding and ceiling! It is even stunning in a crisp white kitchen! It is the purest of the white colors with barely any undertones.
Farrow & Ball Ammonite – No 274
According to Farrow & Ball “Ammonite is named after the treasured fossils often found on the Dorset coast. It has a fantastically understated quality, and sits effortless with any of our Easy Neutrals. Neither too warm nor too cool, its subtle grey tone creates a hushed and calming feel in homes both old and new”. Ammonite is absolutely stunning paired against an all white to really play off of the gray undertones.
What is your favorite white paint color!? Let me know below in the comments.