The Best White Paint Colours, According To Decor Experts
(Photo: Phil Crozier; Design by Nyla Free)
White may seem like an easy choice when it comes to paint, but there's actually a lot of different shades out there. There's so much more than meet this eye when you see a white wall. Want to go beyond the classic Benjamin Moore Decorator's White, but having trouble deciding which shade will elevate your space? We've got you covered with the best white paint colours for every room in your home.
To get to the bottom of it, we spoke to nine Canadian interior designers to get the low-down on their go-to white hue. Here, the most popular white paints. (Spoiler alert: Benjamin Moore is a popular choice and comes up on top!)
Intense White (OC-51), Benjamin Moore
“My favorite white paint colour is Intense White by Benjamin Moore, a warm white with a touch of grey. It will brighten up any space and make it look more spacious and inviting. I like using it all over a room, or just paint the trim.” —Sarah Atiq, principal designer, Sarah Atiq Interiors
Pure White (SW 7005), Sherwin-Williams
“Sherwin-Williams' Pure White is a cool off-white colour that creates the perfect canvas in your interior. I love pairing it with black accents and warm wood tones for contrast.” —Alicia Ruach, holistic designer, Alicia Ruach Design + Co.
Simply White (OC-117), Benjamin Moore
“My all-time favourite white is Simply White by Benjamin Moore. It's a classic, soft white that creates the perfect backdrop for any room and style, and it's especially great for walls or cabinets." —Nyla Free, principal designer and chief creative officer, Nyla Free Designs
Atrium White (OC-145), Benjamin Moore
“One of my favourite shades of white to use is Benjamin Moore's Atrium White. I've used it in several clients' homes for trim, cabinetry and walls. It’s warmer than a true white, with a neutral undertone that pairs well with most colours.
In our Grey Rock project, we painted the built-in storage in Atrium White to strike a balance between the cool undertones of the fireplace tiles and the warm white of the accent chair.” —Crea Henry, founder and principal designer, Hampton Rowe
Chantilly Lace (OC-65), Benjamin Moore
“Selecting white paint can be tricky, but I have found one that works every time and in any setting, lighting and style: Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. It opens and brightens rooms by bringing in freshness and light.” —Michelle Martel, founder and designer, Michelle Martel Interiors
“I love that it’s a warm white and doesn’t feel too cold.” —fellow Chantilly Lace fan Nickeisha Lewis, owner and principal designer, NOLA Designs
White Dove (OC-17), Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is another white paint that's a designer favourite. Not quite a bright white, it looks good in room with lots of natural light.
“We use White Dove often because of its light, warm undertones. It is such a chameleon with its creamy neutral shade and it can be used with many different colour combinations. Our favourite application is kitchen cabinetry and wall paneling!” —Jenelle Erickson and Stephanie Smith, principal designers, SmithErickson Designs
“White Dove is a go-to favourite—in fact, I'm painting almost all of the walls in my new lake house this colour! It's a nice warm, chalky white that hasn't got too much yellow undertones, but isn't too stark either.
I've used this white in several client projects as well. A clean white backdrop allows all of the beautiful furniture and accessories to really sing, and it makes it easy to switch up your colour scheme throughout the year.” —Tiffany Piotrowski, principal designer, Tiffany Leigh Design
“White Dove is the perfect shade of white—it's not too cool or too earthy. I've used in so many different spaces, like bathrooms, living rooms, condos—including my own—or even entire homes, and it has never failed me. It’s a true classic and I’ll never waiver.” —Natalie Chong, principal designer, Nest Design Studio
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