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The Best White Paint Colours, According To Decor Experts

All the proof you need that this timeless shade is far from boring.
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!)

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Intense White (OC-51), Benjamin Moore

An entryway painted white by designer Sarah Atiq for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Justin Grimm. Design: Sarah Atiq.)

“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

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A kitchen painted white by designer Alicia Ruach Design + Co. for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Alicia Ruach Design + Co.)

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

A living room painted white by designer Nyla Free for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Phil Crozier. Design: Nyla Free.)
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“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

A living room painted white by designer Crea Henry for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Rani Jarjes. Design: Crea Henry, Grey Rock project.)

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“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

A hallway painted white by designer Michelle Martel for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Michelle Martel. Design: Michelle Martel.)
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“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

A hair salon painted white by designer Nickeisha Lewis for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Kuba Los; Design by Nickeisha Lewis)

“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

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White Dove (OC-17), Benjamin Moore

A dining room painted white by SmithErickson Designs for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Michelle Johnson. Design: SmithErickson Designs.)

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.

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“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

A living room painted white by designer Tiffany Piotrowski for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Patrick Biller. Design: Tiffany Piotrowski.)

“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.

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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

A bedroom painted white by designer Natalie Chong of Nest Design for an article about the best white paint colours.(Photo: Lauren Miller. Design: Natalie Chong.)

“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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