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.
- 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.
- Warm whites feel welcoming and cozy, perfect for creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
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.
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
Hi – we painted our bedrooms Swiss Coffee. We want something slightly brighter and slightly less yellow, but still warm / in the same color family. This will be for the halls and living room where there is not a ton of natural light. Would you recommend Swiss Coffee with % less color mixed in, or a different color altogether?
Hello Selin, Thank you for reaching out with your color inquiry. To ensure the most accurate result, we recommend selecting an entirely different color. Polar Bear 75, which is slightly brighter and has less yellow. This hue will pair nicely with Swiss Coffee and create a cohesive look. Let us know if this works!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
My house has light maple wood and oak floors and white trims. Wgat color should i use to paint to make rooms larger and cleaner
Hello Janny,
Thank you for your question! With light maple and oak floors paired with white trims, you already have a beautiful, bright foundation. To enhance the feeling of spaciousness and cleanliness, I recommend going with soft, light paint colors. Shades like warm whites, soft greys, or pale greiges (a mix of grey and beige) can make your rooms feel larger and more open while complementing the natural tones of your wood floors.
If you’d like a bit of contrast or character, consider a muted sage green or a dusty blue—both can add a fresh, airy feel without overwhelming the space.
Here are some colors below:
Silky White: a soft warm white hue.
Silver Feather: Light gray with a touch of sage.
Cotton Knit: light beige
Whitened Sage: white with a touch of gray/green
Platinum: light dusty blue/gray
We do offer 8oz samples for purchase at your local Home Depot so you may test these colors first before committing to one.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna