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10 Best White Paint Colors to Brighten Up a Space

You can't go wrong with a clean and simple white paint

Updated on 01/12/22

White walled entryway with dark cabinet and framed pictures on top behind marbled counter with white flower in glass vase — The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

If you have ever painted a room white, then you know that picking the right shade of white is not easy. In fact, selecting the best white paint for your space can be more difficult than any other color choice. White paint can look completely different depending on the room, altered by factors including the lighting, flooring, and more. Such factors will bring out the undertones, or hints of various colors, in the paint. Some white paints are warm while others are cool or neutral due to their undertones. But by picking out a white paint that jibes with the rest of your space, it can create a lovely light, spacious, serene, and clean feel in the room.

Color Family: White
Complementary Colors: N/A
Pairs Well With: White looks good with any other color.
Mood: Light, bright, fresh, clean, crisp, calming
Where to Use: Great for living spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, cabinetry, trim, doors, ceilings, and exteriors

Here are 10 of the best white paint colors on the market and tips on how to use them.

01 of 10

Sherwin-Williams Extra White

The Spruce

Don't be afraid of a pure white. Sherwin-Williams Extra White is a true white without any cool or warm undertones swaying it to one side of the spectrum. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a crisp, bright shade of white. It's fresh and clean, and when used behind a gallery wall, it provides the perfect backdrop to display your favorite pieces of art. It's also a great choice for cabinets and trim because it won't clash with conflicting undertones.
02 of 10

Valspar Swiss Coffee

The Spruce

Valspar Swiss Coffee is a warm white that is perfect for living spaces and bedrooms. This color has a subtle yellow undertone that pairs well with other warm neutrals, such as beige or green. It also would look great with a wood floor that has a warm stain. It feels familiar and comforting, not sterile like some white paints can be.
03 of 10

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

The Spruce

Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace is a consistent favorite among decorators because of its versatility and beauty. This is Benjamin Moore's truest white with gray and blue undertones. It feels clean and fresh on any wall but works particularly well in rooms without a lot of natural light, which can make it look especially stark. Consider Chantilly Lace in kitchens or dining rooms, and pair it with cool colors.

Tip

White paint can easily show any scuffs, smudges, and other marks. Make sure these spots are easy to wipe off by using a paint with a high sheen, such as semigloss or gloss, especially in high-traffic areas of your home.
04 of 10

The Spruce Best Home First Frost

The Spruce

A warm white can be a great way to brighten up a space without making it feel sterile, especially if you live in a climate that doesn't get strong sunlight. The Spruce Best Home First Frost is a bright white that still has a warm undertone. It's a great paint for a living room with lots of reds, oranges, or yellows because it will reflect the hues without darkening the space.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.
05 of 10

Behr Falling Snow

The Spruce

Another stunning cool white, Behr Falling Snow is a great white paint color with blue and gray undertones. It pairs extremely well with neutrals and blue and purple accents. It's bright without being overpowering and gives a clean feel to any room. We particularly love it in bedrooms and entryways.
06 of 10

Farrow & Ball All White No. 2005

The Spruce

Farrow & Ball's All White No. 2005 is a pure white that contains no pigments other than white. Thus, it looks great with either cool colors or warm colors. Pair it with bold colors, such as black or deep hunter green, to create a sophisticated, modern look. Or mix it with other light neutrals for a simple, relaxing space.
07 of 10

Benjamin Moore Acadia White

The Spruce

If you are in the market for an off-white, Benjamin Moore Acadia White is an incredibly sophisticated and classic hue that blends well with an array of palettes. This ivory shade adds depth to a room but still feels clean and bright. Pair it with a bright white trim to add dimension to dining rooms and living spaces.
08 of 10

Rust-Oleum Linen White

The Spruce

A chalk paint offers an antiqued look, doesn't require a primer, and is perfect for furniture and accents. Rust-Oleum Linen White is a crisp white with subtle gray undertones. It works well for cabinetry, dressers, or other DIY projects. And it dries to a velvety matte finish that looks clean and elegant.

Tip

Before you select a white paint color, try a small sample in your space to see how it looks throughout the day. The color might appear very different in morning light versus in the afternoon or in artificial light.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.
09 of 10

Magnolia Shiplap

The Spruce

Magnolia Shiplap is a crisp and clean white hue that feels just modern enough without being too stark or sterile. This cool shade is incredibly creamy and inviting, and it provides the perfect canvas for, yes, a modern farmhouse look. Pair it with earthy tones that complement the richness of its neutral color.
10 of 10

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

The Spruce

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl could be considered gray, but it's light enough to fall in the white paint category. This cool gray/white is a modern shade with subtle blue undertones that pairs beautifully with bright white or light neutral accents. Gray Owl will especially draw out greens and blues in the rest of a room's decor and lend a sense of calm to bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.

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