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
If painting a condo in Silky White what would you recommend for the ceiling?
Hello Silvia, Excellent choice with Silky White, it’s such a soft and versatile shade. For your ceiling, we recommend pairing it with our go-to color, Polar Bear. This crisp white will create a beautiful contrast with Silky White, tying the whole look together. Let us know if you need any more help with your condo project!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
We want a very bright warm white for the interior of a whole house. What color should we get and what textures? We have young kids.
Hello Beth, thank you for visiting our blog and providing your project details! For a bright, warm white interior that works well throughout a home—especially with young kids—here are paint suggestions:
For a warm white that still feels fresh and bright:
Swiss Coffee (12): A soft, creamy white with warm undertones. It’s bright but not stark, and it works beautifully in both natural and artificial light.
Shoelace (GR-W09): A clean, warm white with a subtle golden undertone—great for creating a cozy, inviting feel.
Silky White (PPU7-12): Slightly warmer than pure white, with a smooth, elegant finish.
Polar Bear (75): A gentle crisp white with some added warmth.
We do have 8oz samples available for purchase so you can test these colors.
Since you have young kids, durability and cleanability are key:
Walls: Use an eggshell for easy cleaning.
Trim & Doors: Go with a semi-gloss finish—it’s more resistant to scuffs and fingerprints.
Ceilings: Stick with a flat finish to hide imperfections and reduce glare.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully yours,
Deanna