Picking the right white paint: Easy in theory, tricky in practice. Rather than plastering our walls in 25 off-the-mark samples, we asked our designer friends to share the whites they use time and time again. Below, the six paints that got the highest amount of rave reviews.
The Absolute Best White Paints for Your Home
Best For Art Lovers: ‘decorator’s White' By Benjamin Moore
This popular white provides a fresh, gallery-like backdrop—while still reading classic enough for every style. “It doesn’t have any blue or green undertones to it like many bright whites,” explains Kate Rohrer of Rohe Creative. “It still feels warm and makes a space feel so bright and cleansing.”
Best For Bright Spaces: ‘white Dove’ By Benjamin Moore
If you’re looking for a sophisticated white for a space with tricky lighting, this hue is for you. “It’s the perfect 'knocked down' shade of white, reading soft and warm without going yellow,” explains Janie Molster. Better still? “It stays true to shade in all exposures!”
Best For A Clean Slate: ‘pure White’ By Sherwin Williams
Sometimes, you just need a totally clean and classic paper tone. Enter: Pure White by Sherwin Williams, which is “the perfect fresh and crispy white!" according to Maggie Cruz and several others.
Best For Colorful Rooms: ‘alabaster’ By Sherwin Williams
Finding a white that isn’t sterile yet lacks funky-colored undertones is no easy feat. But Ma Allen insists she found it in Alabaster. “It lacks any pink or yellow undertones that you visually see in creamier whites. It isn’t stark and it works well anywhere.”
Best For Sophistication: 'sheep’s Wool’ By Benjamin Moore
For something a tad more nuanced, this ever-so-slightly-gray favorite is just the ticket: “It’s what I like to call a ‘transformative white,’” explains devotee, Marie Flanigan. “It feels fresh and clean and evokes a classic sense of comfort.”
Best Overall: ‘simply White’ By Benjamin Moore
At the end of the day, the perfect white comes to down to the balance. For this, Kate Lester swears by Simply White: “It’s clean, crisp, and the perfect middle ground between warm and cool," she explains. Consider us sold.