White Paint Colors That'll Brighten Any Space in Your Home

White Paint Colors That'll Brighten Any Space in Your Home

White paint is the ultimate classic shade for your home. It’s the perfect blank slate for any space of your choosing, from midcentury living rooms to shabby chic bedrooms. White will also never go out of style when it comes to kitchen paint color ideas—especially kitchen cabinets. It's the easiest way to open up a room and brighten it right up, no matter what your décor style is. But with literally thousands of white paint colors to choose from, where does one start? We enlisted the help of a few color experts to share their favorite shades for every room and aesthetic. Below, find the best white paint colors in a range of prices and shades that'll suit any room you're looking to transform. (Is white a little lighter than you want to go? Then check out the best neutral paint colors and best greige paint colors right here.)

Neutral White Paint Colors

Photo credit: Troa Giovan
Photo credit: Troa Giovan

Not sure where to begin when choosing a white paint? “I've found that color temperature really helps homeowners decide on the right white for their space,” says director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, Sue Wadden. “Think about creamy, warm whites with a touch of yellow as a warm color choice. Neutral whites really work well with any color, but are a particularly good choice with neutrals, and cool whites look great with grays, purples and blues.”

Cool White Paint Colors

Photo credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Photo credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cool white paints can have a calming effect, which makes them great choices for bedrooms. These hues have undertones of gray, purple, and blue and will look out of place in rooms filled with warm colors.

Bright White Paint Colors

Photo credit: Cody Ulrich
Photo credit: Cody Ulrich

What’s the best way to test white paints? “Be sure to test out the color in the space you intend to paint,” says Benjamin Moore color marketing and development manager Hannah Yeo. “The larger the sample, the better. View the color under both natural and artificial light to get the most accurate reading of the color. The surrounding environment can make the color look more/less saturated or lighter/darker than what you intend.”

Warm White Paint Colors

Photo credit: LISA ROMEREIN/ RIZZOLI
Photo credit: LISA ROMEREIN/ RIZZOLI

“White is a great color choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces,” says senior color marketing manager at PPG Paints, Dee Schlotter. ”Although picking the best white paint may seem daunting with so many options to choose from, the subtle differences between the shades can make a huge difference when you apply it to your walls.” We love these warm white walls in Diane Keaton's home!

Ivory White Paint Colors

Photo credit: David A. Land
Photo credit: David A. Land

“White is a go-to neutral, but the variety of different shades and undertones make the color actually quite complex,” says vice president of color and creative services at Behr, Erika Woelfel. “After you land on the perfect shade, add a pop of color to the room with throw pillows or flowers.”

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