As a decorator, there is nothing that excites me more than talking about paint. It has amazing transformative powers and for such a small investment, it is so totally worth the effort.
Choosing the right white is far more difficult and stressful than choosing any other color. There are so many whites per company and all of them have different undertones. In addition, natural light as well as the different types of artificial lighting in your house can affect the color tremendously.
I was the principal decorator in a studio adjacent to a paint store. On the daily, I gave advice on colour and finishes. THE most asked question was: Which white do you recommend?
So, I narrowed it down to these 5 beautiful whites from Benjamin Moore- the ones I love and use the most. Throughout the seasons and inside client’s homes, I was able to see and compare each one in different light conditions. To this day, I continue to suggest these 5 bright whites to clients and friends.
THE TOP 5 WHITE PAINT COLOURS
CC-30 Oxford White
My ultimate go-to white: bright, fresh and never drab. It reads as modern, crisp and refined. Reliable to the max. Pairs very well with either cool or warm tones.
OC-65 Chantilly Lace
Lots of designers call it a pure, bright white. It has a slightly cool “icy” vibe to it. Ideal for contemporary spaces. I am not a big fan of using it on kitchen cabinetry. However, it complements the cool, white lacquered ones beautifully. It also pairs well with the stark, factory-made plantation shutters.
CC-20 Decorator’s White
Very popular due to its name. It has grey undertones and pairs well with colors on the cool side of the spectrum- such as grey, charcoal and black. Not as bright as Oxford White.
OC-117 Simply White
This clean and neutral bright white was Benjamin Moore’s color of the year in 2016. Still a favorite due to its slight warm undertones. Great to use on all surfaces. Ideal if you have lots of natural light as well as warm, honey toned wood furniture and hardwood floors. Equally perfect for that modern rustic aesthetic or a more traditional setting.
CC-40 Cloud White
With its neutral base, and subtle yellow undertones, this soft and creamy white works great with traditional and classic styles. This white has been one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular colours for many years and has a big cult following.
Honorable Mention: OC-17 White Dove
Favored by many, this warm white has a soft, lived-in feel. Not as bright nor creamy as Cloud White due to a touch of grey in its undertones.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Test! Test! Test! Purchase a sample pot or a liter and try it out at home. Check the color at different times of the day- I suggest early in the morning, in the afternoon between 1-3 pm and in the evening around 6:30pm. Do not buy paint without first seeing how it looks in your home.
- For harmony and uniformity throughout your house, all trim and woodwork in open spaces or public zones should be painted the same color. This includes your entrance, living room, dining room, kitchen, hallways and stairs to the basement. For any space with a door such as principal bedrooms, kids rooms, private dressing rooms, offices, bathrooms you have the option of selecting a different white.
- If you are doing a white kitchen, paint the trim and the ceiling the same white. You have a white countertop? Make sure the undertones of your white match your countertop. If you also want white walls, you may use the same white.
- Avoid creamy or super warm whites with cool, color walls such as greys, charcoals, blues and pinks.
- Because paint formulations (paint base) varies from one brand to the other, do purchase your chosen white from the same company. Paint matches are a no-no, unless you have a knowledgeable and reliable master paint mixer or a designer/decorator with a really, good, trained eye.
- If you are doing the whole house in the same white – including walls, there is such a thing as “too much white”. Make sure to highlight one architectural detail a different color. For example: Painting the doors or the fireplace mantle a dark color, or going 2-3 shades slightly darker on a tall cathedral ceiling.
Trim and woodwork = Baseboards, mouldings, casings, wainscotting, kitchen cabinetry, fireplace mantle and doors.
FINISHES
My suggestions are as follows:
Trim and woodwork: Pearl or Semi-Gloss
Walls: Eggshell
Ceilings: Matte
I really hope this helps you in finding the best white for your home.
If you have any questions, comments or want to share with us your favorite, tried-and-true white, let us know in the comments below.
For more inspo and info, you can check my Pinterest paint palette board HERE.
Thanks for stopping by! XO, LALA
¡SE PODRÁ DESCANSAR BIEN EN UN CUARTO DE PAREDES TOTALMENTE BLANCAS?
Hola Raquel! Excelente pregunta. Todo depende de dos cosas:
1. Si eres una persona que necesita un cuarto en total oscuridad para dormir (sueño ligero y problemático)
2. El tipo de blanco que escoges para tus paredes… sin olvidar añadir texturas y accesorios decorativos de poco contraste con el blanco (decoración neutra y monocromática). Saludos!