These popular white paint colors are some of my favorites, and for good reason.
White paint looks simple until you’re 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, we’ll cover popular Benjamin Moore white paint colors and share tips to help you choose the best white for your walls, doors, and trim.
AT A GLANCE
- Consider your room’s natural light and fixed finishes to narrow down the right white for your home.
- Explore five Benjamin Moore whites, along with wall and trim pairings and examples of Simply White in our home.
- Test large samples throughout the day and under your light bulbs, keeping your paint finish in mind.
Choose Your White Based on Natural Light
If you’re not sure where to start, use your room’s 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 a crisp or cooler white, like Chantilly Lace (OC-65) or Decorator’s White (OC-149).
- East-facing rooms (warm mornings, cooler afternoons): Try White Dove (OC-17) for a soft look or Simply White (OC-117) for a little more warmth.
- West-facing rooms (cool mornings, warm afternoons): Afternoon light can make warm whites look creamier, so try White Dove (OC-17) for balance or Chantilly Lace (OC-65) for a crisper look.
Use these suggestions to choose samples, then compare them with your room’s fixed finishes as the light changes throughout the day.
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, that’s 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 appear cooler, while south-facing rooms often make white look warmer. Check it under your room’s light bulbs too, as warm bulbs can also bring out creamy undertones in white paint.
3. Put the Sample in Your Room
Place the sample near your flooring, kitchen cabinets, and countertops. Undertones can become more noticeable next to these materials.
4. Check for a Reflection
Nearby trees, exterior brick, and even a navy area rug can cast reflected color onto your walls. If a white suddenly looks green or gray, the surrounding colors may be contributing to what you see.
5. Use a Large Sample
Paint a large swatch or paint a board so you can move it around. Small chips can make undertones harder to spot, but a larger sample will give you more confidence in your choice.
How to Test White Paint
Testing white paint is especially important because of 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.
- Don’t skip sheen; matte and semi-gloss can make the same color read differently.
Another option is Samplize, which offers peel-and-stick samples made with real paint. You can move them around the room to compare whites beside your trim and fixed finishes without painting sample boards.
Most Popular Benjamin Moore White Paint Colors
1. White Dove (OC-17)
White Dove is a classic off-white that works well for trim, doors, and cabinets. It has a clean, creamy look that usually doesn’t read as overly yellow, making it a favorite in traditional and modern homes.
2. Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Chantilly Lace is one of Benjamin Moore’s 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 it’s one of my favorite whites. It’s 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 Moore named Simply White the Color of the Year in 2016, and it’s 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, you can use Cloud White on both walls and trim in different sheens.
5. Decorator’s White (CC-20)
Decorator’s White is a cool white with subtle gray undertones. It’s a favorite for trim and doors, especially when paired with cool-toned wall colors.
My Favorite Wall and Trim Pairings
These combinations are beautiful:
- Soft and classic contrast: White Dove walls with Chantilly Lace trim
- Fresh and cohesive: Simply White on walls and trim (change sheen only)
- Cool and clean: Cool gray/blue-gray walls with Decorator’s 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. White Dove, Chantilly Lace, Decorator’s White, and Simply White are all options worth sampling alongside your wall color.
We use Simply White throughout our home’s doors and trim, and I can attest to how beautifully it works with warm wood tones.
Choosing the Finish for Your Walls and Trim
The finish you choose affects both your paint’s appearance and durability.
- 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: I use eggshell and satin on trim and interior doors. Both offer a softer look; choose a paint suitable for those 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 chose Simply White for several spaces. You can see it in our fireplace makeover, vanity makeover, bedroom board-and-batten wall, and doors and trim.
If you’d like to add character alongside a fresh paint color, these DIY accent wall ideas offer more ways to add detail to a room.
A Beautiful White Sets the Right Foundation
White paint can make a home feel fresh, timeless, and bright, but finding the right shade takes a little patience.
Test a few samples, look at them throughout the day, and remember that both your lighting and your paint finish can completely change how white looks.
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 Neutral Paint Colors From Benjamin Moore
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 Design—a space for creating beautiful, livable homes.
She shares practical ideas and real-life inspiration to help everyday spaces feel calm, comfortable, and personal.
