
Top 5 White Paints Designers Are Obsessed With – #3 Will Blow Your Mind!
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White paint is deceptively complex. What may seem like a simple choice—“just pick white”—often turns into a confusing maze of undertones, finishes, and lighting effects. In their helpful blog post, The Stated Home outlines several top-tier white paints from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. While their list is excellent, this article will dive deeper. We'll discuss not just what to choose, but why and how. We'll explore the psychology of white, add alternative suggestions, and help you understand how to confidently select the perfect white paint for your unique space.
Why White Paint Is So Complicated
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: not all whites are created equal. Some are warm, others cool, some feel creamy while others are stark. The right white paint is highly contextual—it depends on your natural lighting, existing finishes (like floors and countertops), and even the direction your windows face.
Undertones: The Hidden Color Behind White
Every white has an undertone—be it blue, green, yellow, pink, or gray. The subtle nature of undertones means they may only reveal themselves in certain lighting conditions, which is why a white that looks “clean” in the morning might look “dingy” or “beige” at night.
A Closer Look at The Stated Home’s Recommendations
The original article recommends five whites that are universally beloved by designers:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) A warm white with gray undertones. It’s soft, inviting, and versatile. Excellent for walls in living rooms or bedrooms.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117) A slightly warm white, but cleaner and brighter than White Dove. Ideal for trim, cabinetry, or entire rooms when paired with wood accents.
- Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (OC-149) A cooler white with blue-gray undertones. Modern and crisp, it works well in contemporary settings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) One of the purest whites on the market. It has almost no visible undertone, making it a reliable choice for minimalistic or Scandinavian interiors.
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) A creamy white with warm undertones. Timeless and calming, it’s great for cozy bedrooms or relaxed family rooms.
While these five are fantastic options, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s look at some additional alternatives—and why they might work better for your needs.
Alternative White Paints Worth Considering
1. Farrow & Ball All White (No. 2005)
Made with no other pigment than white, this crisp, modern shade works well in contemporary spaces and with cooler lighting.
2. Behr Polar Bear (75)
An underrated option with a soft warmth. Great for rental properties or budget-conscious renovations.
3. Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
Often compared to Chantilly Lace, this is a cleaner white than Alabaster but still soft enough for whole-room applications.
4. PPG Delicate White (PPG1001-1)
A cool white with a hint of gray, this is a great alternative to Decorator’s White at a more affordable price point.
How to Choose the Right White Paint for Your Space
Step 1: Evaluate Your Lighting
- North-facing rooms: These tend to be cooler and require warmer whites to balance the light.
- South-facing rooms: Usually flooded with natural light—almost any white will look good.
- East-facing rooms: These get soft, warm light in the morning and cool light in the afternoon. Choose balanced whites.
- West-facing rooms: Warm in the afternoon. Cool whites can help neutralize the golden glow.
Step 2: Look at Your Permanent Finishes
If your countertops, flooring, or large furniture pieces have beige or yellow tones, warm whites will harmonize better. If your finishes lean toward gray or blue, cool whites may be more suitable.
Step 3: Test Multiple Samples
Never skip this step. Paint swatches can be deceiving, especially under artificial lighting.
Tips:
- Paint samples on large poster boards and move them around the room.
- Observe at different times of the day.
- Compare side by side to detect subtle undertone differences.
Finish Matters, Too
- Flat / Matte: Great for ceilings and low-traffic walls. Hides imperfections well.
- Eggshell: A subtle sheen, often used for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Satin: Slightly more reflective, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Semi-gloss / Gloss: Best for trim, cabinetry, and doors.
The Psychological Power of White
White isn’t just about brightness—it’s about mood. Crisp whites convey modernity and clarity. Warm whites evoke coziness and nostalgia. In minimalist interiors, white can act as a canvas; in traditional settings, it’s a gentle backdrop.
In fact, the wrong white can throw off the entire feel of a space. An overly cool white in a warm-toned room can feel sterile or mismatched. Likewise, a creamy white in a modern loft might look outdated.
Designer Pro Tips
- Use the same white in different finishes to create subtle variation (e.g., matte on walls, semi-gloss on trim).
- Don’t overdo it. Layer whites with textures (linen, marble, wood) to prevent the space from feeling flat.
- Trim and ceiling whites don’t always have to match the wall. Sometimes using a crisper white on trim gives the room more dimension.
The article from The Stated Home is an excellent starting point for understanding the nuances of white paint. Their five main choices are beloved for good reason—they are versatile, timeless, and work in many scenarios. However, choosing the right white goes far beyond the label on the can.
Your unique space—its lighting, finishes, function, and mood—should ultimately guide your selection. Testing multiple samples, understanding undertones, and considering finish options are all key to achieving the crisp, cozy, or calming look you’re after.
White may seem like the absence of color, but in reality, it's a world unto itself.