13 Best White Paint Colors for Interior Walls, According to Designers

Sherwin Williams Zurich White

white living room with fireplace and sofas — courtesy of Sherwin Williams

Interior designer Betsy Vohs, founder and CEO of Studio BV, says that Sherwin Williams Zurich White is her go-to white paint color for any transitional space.

"If you don’t know what to do, use this paint!" she says emphatically. "It can navigate between warm and cool accent paints and colors better than any other white paint. It has a warmer undertone, but not too much, and it's soft and flattering. It's the answer to some difficult questions."

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Benjamin Moore Fog Mist

benjamine moore fog mist — Eric Piasecki

Benjamin Moore Fog Mist offers a brilliant fusion between off-white and gray. "The color was incorporated into this Brooklyn living room's Venetian plaster for a smooth, neutral effect," says Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director at Mendelson Group. He then paired it with the brand's Simply White to create a subtle contrast for the trim and ceiling. The result is a simple, understated sense of elegance.

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Benjamin Moore Ballet White

paneled white walls with artwork and a recliner chair — Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore's Ballet White offers creamy, warm undertones for a soft and earthy effect. "When I'm after something a bit warmer, a shade that doesn't take over the room, and I'm not feeling the beige vibe, Ballet White is my go-to," says interior designer Satsha Lopez-Jaimes.

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Sherwin Willams Snowbound White

white bedroom with vaulted ceilings — Courtesy of Sherwin Williams

Vohs says that if you're seeking a classic pure white paint color then Sherwin Williams Snowbound is the perfect pick.

"The color is a true white. It is cool but not too blue. It has no cream in it. That is why it works so well with any fresh new space," she says. "This is my go-to white for new projects. It can support a traditional environment with dark woodwork, a mid-century design palette with lighter wood tones, and also works especially well with walnut."

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Farrow & Ball All White

Both Sherman Samuel and interior designer Elizabeth Stuart call on Farrow & Ball's All White for many of their projects.

"I'm always searching for what I call a 'bridge white,' which is a white that will look great with whatever colors I'm working with," says Stuart. "Most of my design projects end up having a lot of artwork, and this shade is just beautiful. I can hang an amazing oil painting with yellows or grays in it, and it will still look great."

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Benjamin Moore Linen White

benjamin moore white linen paint — Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

If you want a paint that has a cool feel, consider this expert-approved iteration recommended by interior designer Melissa Rufty. "Benjamin Moore Linen White is my go-to—it has the ability to feel crisp, but not cold," she says. "It's warm without being too yellow, and it's a great interior or exterior option."

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Sherwin Williams Pure White

Sherwin Williams' Pure White, a true, bright white paint, is interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel's favorite. "It's not too cool, not too warm—just perfectly neutral when you need a clean white," she says.

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Portola Paints Sea Salt

neutral living room with chairs and a tan sofa — Courtesy of Portola Paints

For a room that needs additional warmth, opt for Sea Salt by Portola Paints, says interior designer Jake Arnold. "Typically, I'll use this white in older homes where I need a white that feels fresh, but never harsh," he says. "I used it recently in an old 1920s Spanish Revival home in Los Feliz."

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Benjamin Moore White Dove

A versatile option, this white paint works well with cool or warm color palettes, says Susan Work of Homework Design. "Our favorite go-to white paint of the past 15 years is White Dove by Benjamin Moore," she says. "It's that magical—and works for us every single time."

Rufty also knows this color's power—and uses it strategically throughout her projects. "In bathrooms with white plumbing fixtures like sinks and bathtubs, I tend to use White Dove," she says. "I also like this white in kitchens, where white tiles or slabs are used."

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Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

Consider Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace when you are looking to brighten a space, notes Jenny Dina Kirschner of JDK Interiors. "It's a very easy white paint color to work with in nearly any room, with any type of light," she says. "It's my go-to when I need crisp, clean walls with absolutely no undertones."

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Benjamin Moore Steam

To soften a room, try out Benjamin Moore's Steam, suggests Kirschner. "No matter the time of day or type of light, it reads as a more creamy, warm white without the yellow undertones that many other warm white paint colors have," she says.

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Farrow & Ball Pointing

Want a white paint that complements warm color palettes? Then this option is for you. "I love using Farrow & Ball's Pointing in projects that have really rich colors in the design," says Stuart. "It's a warmer white, and it works really well with pale pinks and rich eggplants. It's perfect for when you want a creamy white without it looking beige or eggy."

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Portola Paints White Cliffs

A pink chair in front of a white wall — Courtesy of Portola Paints

As a "true white" paint, you can use White Cliffs by Portola Paints to work with a variety of different design elements within your home. "It's perfect for those who have great art to display, as it provides the perfect backdrop for layering," says Arnold. "I used it for a client in Brentwood who has a lot of art with rich colors and tones, and [it looks] really in sync."

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