As an interior designer, people are ALWAYS asking me what are the best white paint colors to use. It may seem like a no-brainer, but there are SO many different undertones that can truly make or break the “white”. So, here are my 5 favorite paint colors, and what I like to use each of them for!
1. “Pointing” – Farrow and Ball
Named after the lime pointing in traditional bricking, this hue is a soft, creamy white, almost like ivory when put next to a bright white. “Pointing” actually has hints of yellow undertones and is GREAT for trim and moldings as it casts a beautiful shadow effect on moldings!
“Poingting” No.2003-Farrow & Ball
2. “White Dove” – Benjamin Moore
This is my “go to” white!! This white is nice and creamy, and looks amazing on painted furniture and white kitchen cabinets. I’ve used it on most of my trims and doors in my OWN home! “White Dove” is not too stark, has slight gray and yellow undertones, and goes beautifully with grays and colors that have been “grayed down”.
I had an old bedroom set of my grandmothers that I just loved but it was a very dark mahogany. I wanted to lighten it up for my Chatham beach house, and “White Dove” did the trick!
“White Dove” trim- Benjamin Moore
“White Dove” ceiling- Benjamin Moore
3. “Marble White” by Benjamin Moore
“Marble White” is a creamy white with yellow undertones that are SO evident it could be used as a soft yellow wall color! This is a great choice for trims and moldings if you’re looking for something a little “less white”!
“Marble White” – Benjamin Moore
4. “Decorators White” by Benjamin Moore
A beautiful, crisp, TRUE white, with an ever so slight hint of gray. I use this color a lot on trim for beach houses or contemporary settings when a crisp, but not too stark, white is needed!
“Decorator White”- Benjamin Moore
5. “Simply White” by Benjamin Moore
It’s all in the name! “Simply White” is a true white that is perfect for ceilings and trims that is not too harsh but has minimal undertones.
“Simply White” ceiling, trim, fireplace- Benjamin Moore
So, there you have it! My top 5 white paint colors! There are so many more beautiful whites out there – do you have a favorite? Send us your choices!
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