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
Painting our Bedroom –
Existing color : Ultra pure White by Behr
Originally planned : Dove for 3 walls and 1 wall with Grey Mist
After painting 3 walls with the Dove, we are finding it too dark in our room and not exactly the color we were looking for. May be that’s because of the undertones and lighting.
The wall that is not painted yet has “ultra pure white” and Dove looks better with that… For the other sides where 2 walls of Dove are adjacent… Dove looks very muted and not at all uplifting…
Now we are thinking of changing our plan and thinking that instead we use ” Dove” as the darker/ascent color and paint 2 walls with a lighter color ( some color of white )
Which White will go better with Dove… To give Dove an uplifting look..
Hi there Chitra! Thanks so much for sharing your experience — it’s really helpful to hear how Dove is working in your space.
Lighting and undertones can definitely shift how a color feels, and it sounds like Dove is reading a bit darker and more muted than expected on those adjacent walls. Using Dove as an accent is a great idea!
To brighten the room and complement Dove, you might consider pairing it with a soft, clean white that has minimal undertones. Here are a few Behr whites that could work beautifully:
Swiss Coffee 12 is a warm brighter white that can uplift the look of Dove.
Whisper White HDC-MD-08 is a warm white that adds softness without feeling yellow.
Weathered White HDC-NT-21 has more of a warm gray hue which could also work.
I recommend purchasing 8oz paint samples of these colors so that you may test them in your space to see which color you prefer the most with Dove.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna