It is hard to choose just one white paint color. On a color wall, there’s an entire section just dedicated to a variety of white paint swatches, and they are only slightly different. How do you know where to start? Well, let me help you! I love color, color psychology, and color therapy. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a tad obsessed with neutrals. And guess what white is? *wink In this post, I introduce how to best choose a white paint color for interior or exterior use and the top 10 best white paint colors for your home by Sherwin-Williams. This post is not sponsored by them, I just love their colors! So let’s get started!
To start, white paint colors have a high LRV (light reflectance value) which means they reflect a lot of light and therefore the appearance of the color can change depending on the time of day and the amount of natural and artificial lighting in your home. In addition, white paint colors have pure, warm, or cool undertones that affect the individual’s perception of the color within the space.
How To Decide On A White Paint Color
1. decide between a Cool, Warm, or Neutral White.
2. Decide which colors you like with the lighting in your home
3. Decide on the sheen of the white
4. Test It Out
5. Make A Decision
Top 10 Popular White Paint Colors by Sherwin-Williams
High Reflective White | SW 2257
Sherwin-Williams’ High Reflective White is considered a “TRUE” white as it does not have an undertone. It is very versatile and is also great for any area of the home. I might most likely use it on cabinetry, trim, or wainscoting.
Alabaster | SW 7008
Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster is a soft, warm white. Unlike High Reflective White, Alabaster is not a bright white, but more like a soft neutral, off-white. It pairs well with warmer tones. I personally love decorating my home with it and have used it on my top cabinets and trim.
Pure White | SW 7005
Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White is a light white paint color that is more subtle rather than bright. I would call it a soft white because it’s not stark and not overly creamy either. Pure White has a slight grey undertone and therefore works really well with wood, tile, or stone that has cool undertones. I would recommend it for trim, doors, cabinetry, closet spaces, or ceilings.
Snowbound | SW 7004
Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound is a crisp white with a slight grey undertone. It will read as a “true” white but its slight grey undertone gives the color more dimension and gives off cooler tones but can be used in a warm palette as well. It depends on its pairing. I would use it in trim, doors, cabinetry, and walls.
Greek Villa | SW 7551
Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa is a soft, off-white warm-toned, neutral white. It gives off cozy vibes as it is a bright, warm white. I would use it on walls, cabinetry, trim, and doors. If you do end up using it on the walls, I would recommend using a different white color like SW Pure White to show variation between the two colors.
Dover White | SW 6385
Sherwin Williams’ Dover White is a creamy, warm-toned white. It has a slightly yellow undertone making it a very limiting color when it comes to pairing it with other colors. If you do end up using it on the walls, I would recommend using a different white color like SW Highly Reflective White to show a stronger contrast between the two colors. I would use it on walls only.
Extra White | SW 7006 |
Sherwin Williams’ Extra White is a stark white with neutral undertones but leans toward the cooler side and pairs well with colors that also have cool undertones. It gives fresh and clean vibes. I would use it for trim or ceilings.
Aesthetic White | SW 7035
Sherwin Williams’ Aesthetic White is a soft, warm off-white with neutral undertones. I’ve actually used this color on my barn door and I think it pulls a hint of green from not only the olive tree but also from being up against my walls which are Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. I love that it is in great contrast to my trim though which is Sherwin Williams Alabaster. Depending on where the sun is coming in, I definitely get the warmth of it. I personally love this color and will keep coming back to it. I’d use it on the walls, trim, and accent walls. However, if you do end up using it on the walls, I would recommend using a different white color like SW Highly Reflective White to show the variation between the two colors.
Shoji White | SW 7042
Sherwin Williams’ Shoji White is a warm, off-white with greige undertones. It can appear creamy under certain lighting conditions. It is very popular in contemporary interiors. However, If you do end up using it on the walls, I would recommend using a different white color like SW Pure White to show variation between the two colors. I would use it on walls, cabinetry, and doors.
Marshmallow | SW 7001
Sherwin Williams’ Marshmallow is creamy. warm-toned white with red undertones. It can appear slightly pink but leans toward more cream-like depending on the lighting conditions. It has very feminine vibes but looks great on contemporary interiors and exteriors. However, If you do end up using it on the walls, I would recommend using a different white color like SW Alabaster to show variation between the two colors. I would use it on walls only.
In conclusion,
Paint is supposed to be fun and exciting! It is my favorite part of the design process because once you have your color palette, everything else seems to fall into place. White paint colors can act as both the main color and accent color. Only one of the main reasons I love neutrals. Check out my brand new course, Designing With A Neutral Color Palette which is all about everything neutrals! Let me know if you’ve used any of the above ten paint colors in your home and how you used them in the comments!
Love,
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