Let's get one thing out of the way first: there is no one "best white paint" for all interior walls, because every home is different. It comes down to the size of the room you're painting, the natural light it receives, and of course, your personal preference.
So yes, while I can help inform you as to how to choose white paint, the tone and shade you ultimately select is up to you. But — BUT! — what I can do is share a few designers' favorite options, as well as popular picks from trusted brands, which run the gamut in terms of undertone, retailer, and use. From there, you can select your best white paint... because who doesn't love a short list of expert-backed recommendations?
To build this list, I spoke to six designers and paint experts, before turning to my own individual research to round things out. The white paint colors that did not come specifically recommended are those that I picked up as recurring selections in editorial features, and/or noticed were deemed bestsellers on the retailer's specific website.
So, let's get into it, shall we?
Best Warm and Off-White Paint Colors
An off-white or warm white paint color will create a cozy vibe in your room, particularly if the room gets less natural light. Here are a few solid options:
Portola Paints' St. Sauvant is "a beautiful soft off-white with subtle beige undertones," says Jackie Johnson of Jackie Johnson Design. "It’s sophisticated and warm, but never overwhelming. This is an amazing choice for clients looking for an elevated, slightly earthy tone that feels like a perfect balance between warm and cool whites."
"For a softer white, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is my go-to; it has warm undertones that create a welcoming atmosphere," suggests Eve Jean, founder and interior design expert at Style My Space Designs.
Adds Jackie: "A soft, warm white with subtle undertones of cream," this is a "warm white that feels calm and serene. It’s ideal for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in white living rooms and bedrooms."
Swiss Coffee is a Benjamin Moore best-seller described as an "essential white with just the right amount of warmth." I love the ever-so-slight yellow touch, although it looks quite like a true white in ambient light (per the Benjamin Moore website). Jackie also mentioned this shade in our conversation.
Best Sherwin-Williams White Paints
"My absolute favorite white that works in literally all situations is Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams," muses interior designer Leigh Ann Raines. "Snowbound is a soft white with very little undertone, so it reads as a pleasing white no matter the lighting in the room."
"There are other beautiful shades of white, both brighter and more mellow, but I can honestly tell you that you can never go wrong with Snowbound."
Extra White is a crisp, cool white that has a high light reflectivity. Sherwin-Williams suggests this shade as a great paint finish for trim and ceilings; it's also a true white that lacks cool or warm undertones, so you know it's going to match with whatever else you have going on.
Bailey Todd, owner and principal interior designer of White Cliff Studio, just repainted the entire interior of her home in this Sherwin-Williams Pearly White.
"It still feels light and white but has a softness to it that keeps it from feeling cold," she says. "It is more saturated than Benjamin Moore White Dove. I generally like to lean towards whites with warm grey (greige) undertones to allow some warmth without leaning too yellow."
Best Benjamin Moore White Paints
"A true, crisp white that’s almost pure but not too cold," Jackie says of Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace. "It's perfect for modern spaces or anywhere you want to create a sense of lightness and airiness. I recommend this when clients want a fresh, clean look with a touch of sophistication."
Eve agrees: "It’s a crisp, bright white that works beautifully in contemporary and classic spaces."
"Sought after for soft, warm undertones that give spaces the warmth and coziness they crave, Benjamin Moore White Dove is a favorite," George Crew, principal at Chicago Paint Crew, tells me. "It’s not too creamy, so it’s slightly away from yellow territory, yet doesn’t come across full-on clinical in cooler white. White Dove is often used by designers on walls, trim, and ceilings because it harmonizes so well with all types of palettes, from natural colors through to bold, vibrant tones. From living rooms to bedrooms, it’s perfect for spaces you’d like to be filled with a welcoming vibe."
Decorator's White is a "cool, almost neutral white that’s still warm enough to work with various design elements," Jackie tells me. "It’s perfect for trim and cabinetry. I love using this for trim or accent spaces where you need a bright contrast but don’t want it to feel harsh."
Best Farrow & Ball White Paints
"For clients seeking something more sophisticated, Farrow & Ball's All White brings an almost architectural precision," notes Joyce Huston of online interior design firm Decorilla. The color is notably devoid of any pigment other than white, meaning it has the potential to work with both warm and cool colors. An extremely versatile choice.
Slipper Satin comes recommended as one of the best white paint colors by Bailey, the owner and principal interior designer at White Cliff Studio. It's a popular off-white that Farrow & Ball describes as a bit chalky, and inspired by the "delicate color" of silk used in ballet shoes. It typically reads as somewhat of a pale gray white.
Farrow & Ball's Strong White is another popular white for the brand, and has been featured multiple times as the best white paint color. Consider this a cooler option with a some gray undertones. It perfectly straddles both contemporary and traditional homes.
What paint finish is best for white interior walls?
I asked every expert this question — and there was a clear winner when it came to the best paint finish: eggshell finish.
"In my professional experience, eggshell finish strikes the perfect balance for interior walls," says Joyce of Decorilla. "It provides a subtle sheen that reflects light beautifully while hiding minor imperfections. I've used it across various project types, from sleek urban apartments to traditional family homes, and it consistently delivers a professional, refined look. The low-luster finish is practical and elegant, which is ultimately what most clients are seeking."
Eggshell is also "slightly more durable and easier to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas," adds Eve.
Says Jackie: "Eggshell gives walls a soft, velvety finish without being too shiny. It balances the need for durability with a subtle, non-reflective appearance that works well on walls and easy to clean."
In terms of what to do now, the best place to start when it comes to finding the best white paint for your interior walls is by testing paint swatches. It's important to know how to use paint samples properly, as what works in one room may not in another.
