The Perfect White Paint: 12 Designer Favorites

Are you looking for the best white paint for your trim, moulding or walls? Wait no more, for I’m going to reveal the only white paint colors you’ll ever need for your decor from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. Including recommendations on what finish to use and how to pick the best white based on your decor style.

“White has it all. Its beauty is absolute. It’s the perfect harmony.”

-Coco Chanel

It’s no surprise that everyone is picking white as their wall color nowadays, because it literally goes with every style. Whether you consider yourself Modern, Farmhouse, Boho, Mid-Century or beyond white could be the perfect choice. It’s a favorite among designers for its versatility and this is why you may have considered white as one of your new paint colors.

White was a popular wall color in the 70’s and recently it’s got its groove back! As popular as it has become there are many variations of white, which makes it one of the hardest colors on the color wheel to select. White acts as a blank canvas to all combinations of colors and styles. Whether you have a neutral or bold pallet, it takes on whatever form you give it.

Today I’m going to reveal designer secrets to white paint and help you discover the only white’s you’ll ever need to have in your home. I’m also going to reveal which whites work well on trim and walls and what finish looks best!

What to consider first?

First you need to consider if you want a cooler or warmer white. Warmer whites have more yellow and the cooler whites have more blue. If you want a more neutral white or warmer white, I would recommend you choose a white with yellow undertones. If you prefer a more modern, crisper or cooler feel, I would go with a white with blue undertones. Traditionally, a client’s “style” is how I gauge the direction I am going to go with a white paint selection. Another factor is the amount of light in a space, which can also alter my decision on which white paint to select. If you have lots of light your white will perform much brighter. If you have little to no windows or light then your white will perform duller. Newer vs Older homes can also be something to consider.

I feel that the cooler whites do better in newer and more modern homes, where as the warmer whites can have a more sophisticated look and do better in older homes. Any of these could determine how cool or warm you would like to go with your white paint, but these tried and true whites will be all that you need to get started. While some are warmer and some are cooler, rest assured today these are all whites, so they all perform as whites.

Now that you have a few tools let’s get to choosing your white!

I have broken out two cheat sheets for you in warmer and cooler whites to keep in your toolbox.

Finishes

Now that you have decided which white works best for your style and space, let’s get painting! Are you painting Wood-work and walls or both?

I recommend a satin or eggshell finish for your white walls and I prefer a semi-gloss finish for trim and moulding. If you are going for a Glam or Modern vibe you might consider a Gloss finish for your walls or woodwork.

Choosing your white for trim and walls

If you need a combination of whites, I have put together designer whites that perform well on both woodwork and walls. There are many ways to incorporate your white. You can use the same white on your woodwork and walls or define the two by making a subtle difference. To define the room, whites are also beautiful with soft gray woodwork, stained wood or another colored paint. Often times I will use the same white on the walls and trim.

Use with Caution:

BM Super White
SW High Reflective White
SW Extra White

I would caution using the 3 whites listed above for these are some of the truest Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore white’s and can perform cold or stark if not careful. They are very white and are preferred for a more modern look. I still lean towards one of the warmer whites in my decor for they show more neutral and are less stark in nature.

Below is a guide to use breaking out warmer vs cooler whites and where they perform best.

Benjamin Moore White Trim and Wall Guide:

Sherwin-Williams White Trim and Wall Guide:

So how do the Pro’s sample color?

Now that you have picked your white, let me tell you how the pros make a choice! Picking a paint or trim color for your home can be daunting. If you don’t already have experience with your color choice its a good ideas to make samples. Many people think of painting the colors on your walls which can oftentimes feel permanent and make you feel you need to choose a color quickly because now you have made a mess of your walls.

I recommend using individual white paper or cardboard to paint the colors of your choice. This way you can move the samples from space to space at different times of the day to see how they change and perform throughout the room from day to night.

Some of us have a favorite paint company based on experience or location. My favorites are Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams so I have made cheat sheets below of the colors we have discussed by company. Here are the paints broken down by Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore that are great to save to your Pinterest Board: