These popular white paint colors are some of my favorites, and for good reason.
White paint looks simple until youโre standing in front of fifty nearly-identical swatches, wondering why none of them feel quite right.
Benjamin Moore has an amazing range of whites, each having its own personality, from soft and cozy to crisp and modern. In this guide, weโll cover popular Benjamin Moore white paint colors and share tips to help you choose the best white for your walls, doors, and trim.
Choose Your White Based on Natural Light
If youโre not sure where to start, use your roomโs exposure as your shortcut:
- North-facing rooms (cool, shadowy light): choose a white with a little warmth like White Dove (OC-17) or Simply White (OC-117)
- South-facing rooms (bright, warm light): try using a lighter white like Chantilly Lace (OC-65)or Decoratorโs White (OC-149)
- East-facing rooms (warm mornings, cooler afternoons): Pick a balanced white like White Dove (OC-17), Simply White (OC-117)
- West-facing rooms (cool mornings, warm afternoons): Afternoon brightness can make warm whites look creamier, so try White Dove (OC-17) for balance, or Chantilly Lace (OC-65) for a better look.
5 Tips for Recognizing Undertones in White Paint
1. Compare the Sample to True White
Hold your sample next to a true, neutral white. If your sample looks slightly yellow, pink, gray, or blue, thatโs the undertone showing through.
2. Look at the Sample in a Different Light
Check the sample in the morning, afternoon, and evening. North-facing rooms can make whites cooler, while south-facing rooms often make white look warmer. You even want to check it against your bulbs, as warm bulbs can also bring out creamy undertones in white paint.
3. Put the Sample in Your Room
Place the sample near your floor, your kitchen cabinets, countertops, and even floor tile. Undertones can appear when white is next to these materials.
4. Check for a Reflection
Some home decor, like trees, brick, and even a navy area rug, can bring color to your walls. If a white suddenly looks green or gray, it may be the room, not the paint.
5. Use a Large Sample
Paint a large swatch or paint a board so you can move it around. Small chips can hide undertones, but a larger sample will give you more confidence in your choice.
How to Test White Paint
White paint is a must to test due to its undertones.
- Paint two coats (one coat can be misleading)
- Test on more than one wall, especially near windows
- View it next to your trim, flooring, and countertops.
- Check it day and night under your real bulbs.
- Donโt skip sheen; matte and semi-gloss can make the same color read differently.
Most Popular Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors
1. White Dove (OC-17)
White Dove is a classic off-white thatโs great for trim, doors, and cabinets. You will notice it has that clean, creamy look that doesnโt read as overly yellow, making it a favorite choice in both traditional and modern homes.
2. Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Chantilly Lace is one of Benjamin Mooreโs brightest whites. It reflects light, so if you love a clean, modern look, this is a go-to.
3. Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White is the trim color in our home, and itโs one of my favorite whites. Itโs a warm white with a subtle yellow undertone. It works on walls, trim, and ceilings, and coordinates beautifully with both warm and cool palettes. Benjamin Mooreโs Simply White was the Color of the Year in 2016, and itโs still widely used.
4. Cloud White (OC-130)
Cloud White is a soft off-white that can look beautiful on walls. Compared to a bright white, it may appear more yellow. To keep things cohesive, many homeowners use Cloud White on walls and trim (in different sheens).
5. Decoratorโs White (OC-149)
Decoratorโs White is a cool white with subtle gray undertones. Itโs a favorite for trim and doors, especially when paired with cool-toned wall colors.
My Favorite Easy Wall and Trim Pairings
These combinations are beautiful:
- Soft and classic contrast: White Dove walls with Chantilly Lace trim
- Modern look: Simply White on walls and trim (change sheen only)
- Cool and clean: Cool gray/blue-gray walls with Decoratorโs White trim
- Cozy whole-room look: Cloud White walls and trim (different sheens)
Popular White Paint Colors for Doors and Trim
Choosing the right white can keep your doors and trim looking clean and consistent.
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17): a warm white for traditional and modern homes
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65): works well in contemporary and bright rooms
- Benjamin Moore Decoratorโs White (OC-149): a modern white that pairs well with cool-toned walls
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117): a warm white that feels soft. This color is beautiful for whole-home trim, especially with warm wood tones, I can attest.
Choosing the Finish for Your Walls and Trim
The finish you choose affects both the appearance and durability of your paint.
- Walls: Eggshell is my go-to for most living spaces because it offers a soft look that’s easier to clean than flat paint. Satin works well in kitchens and bathrooms where extra durability is helpful.
- Trim and doors: Semi-gloss remains my favorite for trim, doors, and cabinets because it withstands everyday wear and wipes clean easily.
- Cabinets: Choose a cabinet-grade paint designed for high-touch surfaces.
If you’re unsure which finish is best for each room, I’ve put together a complete guide to choosing the right paint finish, including recommendations for every space in your home.
For cabinets and vanities, choose a durable, cabinet-grade paint with a washable finish, since those high-touch surfaces need it.
Popular White Paint Colors in Our Home
When looking for popular white paint colors, we went with Simply White in several spaces. You can see it used in our fireplace makeover, our vanity makeover, our bedroom’s board-and-batten wall, and the doors and trim.
A Beautiful White Starts the Right Foundation
White paint has a way of making a home feel fresh, timeless, and bright, but finding the right one takes a little patience.
Test a few samples, look at them throughout the day, and don’t forget that both your lighting and your paint finish can completely change how a white appears.
The extra time you spend choosing now is worth it every time you walk into the room.
If you’re still planning your project, these guides may help:
- How to Choose the Right Paint Finish for Every Room
- Colors for Mood: How Paint Can Change the Feel of Your Home
- Popular Benjamin Moore Neutral Paint Colors
Which white paint color have you used in your home? I’d love to hear your favorite Benjamin Moore whites, or any other whites you’re considering, in the comments below.
Cheryl is a mom, wife, and the heart behind Evera Designโa space for creating beautiful, livable homes.
She shares practical ideas and real-life inspiration to help everyday spaces feel calm, comfortable, and personal.
