Best Benjamin Moore White Paints for Walls and Trim

Finding the right white paint might seem simple, but with so many options, it can quickly feel like a big decision! Benjamin Moore has an amazing range of whites, each with its own personality—from soft and cozy to crisp and modern. In this guide, we’ll explore some of their most-loved shades, plus helpful tips to make choosing the perfect white paint color for your walls, doors, and trim easy and fun. Let’s find the white that’s just right for your space!

Tips for Recognizing Undertones in White Paint

Paints often blend two or more colors, with the dominant color giving off a warm or cool undertone. Warm whites, for instance, have undertones of red, orange, or yellow, giving your surroundings a soft and cozy feel. Just the opposite, cool whites have green, blue, and violet undertones, creating a clean and refreshing ambiance in your space.

Recognizing undertones in white paint can make a big difference in achieving the look and feel you want for your space. Here are some practical tips to help you spot them:

1. Compare with Pure White

Hold your sample next to a neutral, pure white to help reveal any undertones. If the sample appears slightly yellow, pink, gray, or blue next to pure white, those are likely its undertones.

2. Use a Large Sample

Head to the paint store and pick up a sample. You will want to paint a large swatch on the wall to better see the undertone in context. Paint chips can be misleading, but a more significant sample on the wall will clarify any undertones, especially when placed near your room’s trim, floors, or furniture.

3. Look at the Sample in Different Light

Natural and artificial lighting can bring out different undertones. Try looking at your sample painted on the wall at different times of the day to see how it shifts. Natural light, especially in a south or north-facing room, can emphasize cool or warm tones, while incandescent and LED lights often reveal warmer undertones.

4. Pair with Complementary Colors

Place the sample near your room’s colors, like flooring, cabinetry, or furniture. Undertones tend to show up more when you have other colors nearby; for instance, a white with yellow undertones might look more golden against blue decor.

5. Observe Reflections in the Room

Surrounding colors in your space can influence how a white color appears. For example, green trees outside a window can cast a faint greenish tint on white walls, making a cool white look even cooler. Be mindful of furniture, decor, and outdoor views when assessing undertones.

It is so important to test the color in the actual space using Benjamin Moore’s paint color samples before making that final choice.

Most Popular White Paint Colors

1. Simply White (OC-117)

Simply White is the trim color in our home, and it’s one of the best white shades, in my opinion. It is a warm white with a subtle yellow undertone. With a classic white hue, Simply White can work on walls, trim, and ceilings and pairs beautifully with both warm and cool color palettes.

This shade was named Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year in 2016 and continues to hang on to its popularity. We have also used this color in our fireplace makeover and when we painted our bathroom vanity. I would recommend this color as a safe choice when choosing white paint.

Find expert advice about Simply White from Young House Love.

2. White Dove (OC-17)

Another option in the off-white collection is White Dove, which is ideal for doors and trims. Its clean and classic appearance is creamier than bright white but has no yellow tint. White Dove is also an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets, as shown in the image below.

Find expert advice about White Dove from Kylie M. Interiors.

3. Cloud White (OC-130)

Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White is a soft off-white shade perfect for painting walls. However, it may appear slightly yellowish when compared to pure white. To avoid this contrast, it is recommended to paint the walls, trims, and doors with the same color when using this color of white paint.

Find expert advice about Cloud White from Driven by Decor.

4. Decorator’s White (OC-149)

Decorator’s White is a cool white with subtle gray undertones. It’s a favorite for trim and doors, especially with cooler wall colors. This shade provides a beautiful, clean contrast in contemporary designs.

Find expert advice about Decorator’s White from Jenna Kate at Home.

6. Chantilly Lace

I chose Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace for our door and trim color in my home office makeover. It was a test to see if we would change the door and trim the paint throughout our home.

Although I love Simply White, Chantilly Lace is a clean, classic go-to white that feels airy and has a refreshing vibe that pairs well with most other paint colors. It is one of the brightest, purest white paint colors with no visible undertones, and it reflects a lot of light, which is excellent for small spaces.

Find expert advice on Chantilly Lace from Driven by Decor.

Best White Paint for Doors and Trim

White is a classic and popular choice for painting doors and trims, providing a clean and crisp look. If you’re looking for consistency and harmony in your home’s design, it’s recommended to stick to the same trim color throughout each room. Maintaining a consistent trim color can create a sense of continuity and balance in your home’s aesthetic.

Here are top recommendations from Benjamin Moore:

Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17): A versatile, warm white that works well on trim and doors in traditional and modern spaces.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65) is ideal for contemporary spaces. This pure white looks great in bright rooms.
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (OC-149): A cool, modern white that contrasts beautifully with more excellent wall colors.

Choosing the Right Finish for Walls and Trim

Along with choosing the perfect shade, the right paint finish will help you achieve and maintain the look. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular finishes for walls and trim:

Wall Color Finishes:

1. Matte or Flat Finish

Matte finishes offer a soft, velvety look with no shine, ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms or formal living rooms. They’re great for hiding imperfections on ceilings and walls but can be harder to clean.

2. Eggshell

Eggshell has a slight sheen, making it a popular choice for walls in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It’s easier to clean than matte but still provides a soft, subtle look. I used this paint finish on my walls.

3. Satin

Satin finishes have a bit more sheen, giving a slight glow, perfect for higher-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. They’re also durable and easier to clean, which is great for families with kids and pets.

Trim and Doors:

1. Semi Gloss

Semi-gloss is my go-to for trim work, doors, and kitchen cabinets. Its noticeable sheen makes any work work details stand out. Semi-gloss is also durable and easy to clean.

2. High Gloss

It’s not my style, but high-gloss finishes are great if you want something ultra-shiny and reflective. This type of finish can give a dramatic look, and it is also incredibly durable and easy to wipe clean. You will find this ideal for high-impact areas or statement-making details.

Choosing the right finish will enhance the beauty of your color selection and ensure your walls and trim keep that freshly painted look.

Popular White Paint Colors in our Home

When looking for popular whites, we went with Simply White, one of my favorite whites. You can see this used in our fireplace and bathroom vanity makeovers.

The doors and trim in my home office space are painted Chantilly Lace. It was a trim test at the time, which you can see in my complete home office makeover. As we update our home, we will decide between Simply White and Chantilly Lace for the trim throughout.

Choosing the perfect white paint might seem overwhelming, but with a little bit of guidance and these timeless Benjamin Moore shades, you’re set up for success!

Remember, every room has its own personality, and finding a white that fits is all about matching it to your light, style, and how you want the room to feel. So, grab a few samples, see how they feel in your space, and trust that you’ll find the one that’s just right. With the right white, your home will feel brighter, cozier, and ready for all the beautiful moments to come!

Which white paint color have you used? Leave a comment; I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject!

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