White is the most popular color in the paint world, but it’s far from simple. Think about all the ways we describe white: peaceful, energetic, icy, cozy, casual, elegant, bright, subtle, timeless, modern — the list goes on. Clearly, white is anything but basic!
And that’s just the start. No white is exactly “white.” We use terms like “pure white,” “off-white,” and just “white.” Additionally, subtle nuances or undertones like pink, green, blue, yellow, and gray can change how a white looks.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Is there a pure white paint with no undertones at all?
The truth is, almost every white paint contains some level of pigment or undertone, because paint is made from a mix of base colorants. However, some shades come very close to a true, clean white, especially when compared side by side.
Warm White vs. Cool White: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between warm and cool white depends on the mood you want and the lighting in your room.
- Neutral whites are incredibly versatile and can be used in various settings to achieve different effects.
- Cool whites add a crisp, airy, and bright feel to a room, making spaces look larger. If you’re choosing between warm white vs. cool white paint, cool whites are often best for modern spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with lots of natural daylight.
- Warm whites feel welcoming and cozy, perfect for creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. When deciding on warm white vs. cool white, warm whites are a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and north-facing spaces where you want softness and comfort instead of a stark bright white.
In general, warm white vs. cool white comes down to lighting and mood: warm whites feel inviting, while cool whites feel clean and crisp. Neutral whites are a safe middle ground if you are unsure.
What Are the Different Undertones in White Paint?
Undertones are the subtle background hues that appear in white paint, especially in certain lighting. These undertones can dramatically change how a “white” looks on your walls. Common undertones include:
- Yellow or creamy undertones (warm and inviting)
- Pink or rosy undertones (soft and romantic)
- Blue undertones (bright, icy, and modern)
- Green undertones (fresh, crisp, sometimes coastal)
- Gray or greige undertones (muted, sophisticated, transitional)
That’s why sampling white paint in your space is so important. Undertones become more noticeable depending on sunlight, flooring, and surrounding colors.
But wait, there’s more! Things like gloss level, time of day, nearby colors, and lighting can all change how a white paint color looks. Finding the right white can be tricky, but it’s worth it.
When you’re picking out white paint, remember that it’s a journey. The reward? Seeing the perfect white in your home.
To help you find your dream white, here are the top most popular white paints, including some options from the BEHR® Designer Collection.
NEUTRAL WHITES
ULTRA PURE WHITE®
Clean and pure, ULTRA PURE WHITE® is the whitest white. Use it to help increase the size of a space, or to highlight trim and molding.
Polar Bear 75
Polar Bear is a bright, clean and crisp white with no undertones.
Whipped Cream DC-001
Delectable and eye-catching, Whipped Cream is perfect for bedrooms and entryways. Just like a dollop of whipped cream, it adds a playful lightness to your home.
Whisper White HDC-MD-08
A bright color with slight cream and beige undertones, Whisper White pairs well with almost anything.
Nano White HDC-MD-06
A pure white with a bit gray undertone, Nano White is perfect for crisp, clean walls, trim, and ceilings.
Silky White PPU7-12
A white with subtle nuances of greige, Silky White is a balanced shade that enriches almost any color scheme.
WARM WHITES
Natural White DC-005
Natural White is a crisp white with delicate yellow undertones that brings warmth and comfort to your home.
Swiss Coffee 12
A Behr favorite for decades, Swiss Coffee is a classic, warm white great for both exterior and interior use. If you’re wondering whether Swiss Coffee is a warm or cool white, it is considered a warm white with soft creamy undertones rather than icy or blue-based notes. This makes it an inviting choice for spaces where you want brightness without a stark, cool finish.
Smoky White BWC-13
A versatile off-white with a dusty pink undertone, Smoky White is perfect for walls, trim, and cabinets.
COOL WHITES
Frost 57
An icy white tone that feels cool and bright and open, Frost is great for walls or trim, especially in smaller spaces. It has a distinct energy with blue-green tinges.
Bakery Box BL-W09
A blue-white hue that creates a refreshing, airy feel, Bakery Box is perfect for rooms with southern or afternoon western light.
White 52
White is a classic light tone with hints of blue, adding depth and enclosing your space with serenity.
Painter’s White PPU18-08
Painter’s White is a versatile shade with hints of purple and gray. It can appear warm or cool depending on the lighting. If you love the elegance of gray but want the brightness of white, this color offers the best of both worlds.
See all BEHR white colors here.
Colorfully yours,
Diana
My house is only 780 sq.ft. Ultra Pure White is my choice for ceilings, what would you recommend for walls paint? I love Swiss coffee on my trims, baseboards and windows trims, but painting walls are my worries to paint.
Hello maria, thank you for visiting our blog!
I recommend Ultra Pure White on ceiling, baseboards, trims, and doors.
Then you can use Swiss Coffee 12 or Polar Bear 75 on the walls.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I think ultra pure white is best used on interior doors, trim, window trims…I think it pops with any wall paint color…I love the semi gloss ultra pure white…