On the surface, painting with white seems like a simple interior design choice. It’s bright, clean and classic. But did you know it’s actually harder to choose the perfect shade of white than any other paint color?
Not only are there thousands of variations available – more than 150 of them in Benjamin Moore’s color collections alone – but the undertones are so nuanced that even the “purest” shades of white actually have subtle hints of yellow, blue, purple, peach or gray. Confusing to say the least.
But before you wave the white flag on finding the perfect white paint, we recommend taking home a color sample (either a liquid half-pint of paint or a large peel-and-stick color swatch) to test how well it plays with the existing color palette and as lighting changes from dawn to dusk. White famously has a chameleon-like tendency to change its appearance based on light and is influenced by the colors it is surrounded by.
Try not to evaluate your white paint options against each other. Look at them one at a time on their own within your space. This will help ensure you don’t eliminate the perfect paint color just because it doesn’t look good against another shade you’re considering.
To give you a leg up on finding the right white paint for your home, here are Benjamin Moore’s Top 5 White Paint Colors and the factors that make each of them distinct, not to mention hugely popular:
Pictured: OC-65 Chantilly Lace (Window Trim), 436 Pale Green (Walls)
OC-65 Chantilly Lace: The #1 selling shade of white paint, Chantilly Lace is pure white with a luminescent quality, making it refreshing without appearing cold. Perfectly elegant on its own, it also makes a great trim paint color for a crisp contrast.
Pictured: OC-68 Distant Gray (Trim & Wainscot), HC-171 Wickham Gray (Walls)
OC-68 Distant Gray:Distant Gray is another crisp choice on the cooler end of the spectrum without being too chilly. Its softened contrast also makes it a favorite forpainting home exteriorsthat give the best first impression.
Pictured: OC-117 Simply White (Cabinets), OC-9 Ballet White (Walls & Ceiling)
OC-117 Simply White:Benjamin Moore’s2016 Color of the Yearremains at the top of the charts thanks to being a bright white with a warm undertone. This go-to interior design choice works tremendously well with blonde and amber wood undertones.
Pictured: OC-17 White Dove (Walls, Trim, Floor & Stairs)
OC-17 White Dove:An excellent choice for cabinetry, trim or walls,White Doveis grayed down to work harmoniously with other paint colors. It’s beautifully soft and timeless whether featured alone or layered with other shades of white.
Pictured: OC-130 Cloud White (Walls)
OC-130 Cloud White:Notably warmer than Chantilly Lace or Distant Gray, and slightly brighter than White Dove with the same nuanced undertones, the popularCloud Whitewill surely stand the test of time.
Take the next step to find the perfect white paint color and test Benjamin Moore's best white paint colors in your home.
Sample each of the colors mentioned above in just one click with our NEW 8 1/2" X 11" Peel-and-Stick sample swatches. We have gone ahead and created a sample package just for you! Order now for in-store pickup at your local JC Licht store!
