Whites, off-whites, and other neutral paints are always trending. They make bright backsplashes pop in the kitchen. They make small bathrooms feel roomier, and bring clarity to closets.
But that doesn’t mean every shade on the market is a winner. When it comes to creating a space that’s as warm as it is bright, there are particular white and off-white paint colors to check out first. Keep reading to take a peek at some of the most popular.
The biggest mistakes we make when picking white and off-white paint
Before we dive in, let’s unpack what’s wrong with the white you may be looking to replace. These are the most commonly overlooked areas that lead to dissatisfying results.
Bypassing undertones
When discussing white paint, “warm and bright” is an intentional phrase that describes the paint’s undertone. Cool-toned shades can appear harsh, or worse, make a room look dirty.
Assuming it’s versatile
Just because it’s a type of white, doesn’t mean it goes with everything. Just like bold or designer colors, considering every finish, fixture, and piece of furniture in the room is necessary.
Insufficient testing
If you already have lighting in place, swatch the paint, let it fully dry, and observe it in every combination of light sources. Designers and paint manufacturers can be helpful here in letting you know how different light impacts each shade’s appearance.
Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection
Users laud the range, coverage, pigmentation, and damage-resistance of Benjamin Moore paints. And fortunately, their Off-White Collection is stacked with clean, cozy, high-quality shades.
Chantilly Lace
This mainstay in the Moore lineup is often associated with freshness and purity despite sitting comfortably in the off-white category. It offers the crispness you want without ever feeling harsh.
Simply White
Simply White is the shade for those who are skeptical (maybe even nervous) about the word “warm.” The grounded, inviting tone is about as subtle as it gets in this fresh white.
White Dove
If the iciness of a cool white has put the freeze on your home’s style, White Dove delivers warm respite instantly. It’s a classic off-white that relaxes the eyes.
Pale Oak
Pale Oak is a wildly popular warm neutral from the Off White Collection. Choose this timeless color for walls and leave the trim and accent to stormier or bolder shades.
Baby Fawn
Looking for a neutral that can get downright earthy? Baby Fawn reads clean and white in a lot of ambient or evening lighting, but warms right up in the sun. Imagine pairing it with dark wood flooring.
Sherwin-Williams Finest Whites & Neutrals
Sherwin-Williams paints are known for high performance and even application. Their Finest Whites & Neutrals collection offers the smooth finish SW lovers count on with shades both subtle and striking.
Pure White
What keeps expert favorite Pure White from being too clinical? A hint of a yellow undertone. For those who want the classic brightness of a straightforward white without feeling blinded.
Alabaster
Pure White is nice, but with Alabaster, we’re getting warmer. Sherwin-Williams promises that this top-selling shade is as cozy as it is bright. Sounds like a great candidate for a kitchen paint color.
Greek Villa
Greek Villa has emerged from the pack in the last few years, becoming a most-wanted white/neutral. Why? Described as a “sunny” shade, its formula is said to truly shine in rooms bathed in natural light.
Creamy
If you love the infusion of yellow in Pure White or Alabaster but want it to skew more neutral-beige, Creamy is one of SW’s best off-whites. This January 2025 Color of the Month crops up in thousands of neutral palettes.
Steamed Milk
Yellow-spiked whites dominate much of this collection, but don’t overlook the peachy undertone of Steamed Milk. It looks buttery in bathrooms, understated in living spaces, and sweet in the kitchen.
You’ve got the perfect paint. Round out your vision with a professional.
Bring your swatches to one of The Designery’s showrooms or book a free consultation with us. We have all of the materials and finishes to complement your favorite white and off-white paint picks. Learn more about what it’s like to partner with us on a remodel:
“The team is incredibly talented and suggested ideas I wouldn’t have considered, but I love. They are professional, prompt, patient & fair.”
– Ing H.
“Their boutique showroom is beautifully curated, making the selection process simple and stress-free—nothing like the overwhelming options at big box stores. The team at The Designery was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely cared about helping us find a product that looked great.”
– Janna B.
