White is a color that is often associated with purity, cleanliness, and innocence. It is considered a neutral backdrop that allows other colors in a space to shine. With its versatility to blend seamlessly into any decor style, white has become one of the most popular paint colors for homes. But when it comes to choosing a white paint color, the options seem endless. From warm whites to cool whites, how do you determine the most popular white paint color?
The Psychology Behind White
White evokes a sense of freedom, potential, and space. It provides a blank canvas feel, allowing our minds to feel calm and clutter free. Studies have shown that white can improve productivity, clear thinking, and even lower blood pressure. The psychology behind why we are attracted to white comes down to how our brains are wired.
White represents clarity. It helps clear our minds and provides a fresh start. Picture white sandy beaches, white linens, a blank white piece of paper. This clean backdrop helps us let go of distractions so we can be fully present. White represents purity and innocence, providing an honest perspective that allows our true intentions to shine through.
White is associated with new beginnings. Like a fresh coat of white paint on a wall, it gives us a chance to reinvent our spaces. White creates a soothing ambience, bringing about an airy vibe to a room. It helps evoke tranquility and stillness.
White is youthful and timeless. It has a contemporary feel that doesn’t necessarily go out of style. White spaces allow your decor and furnishings to take center stage. This neutrality means your room can easily be adapted as trends come and go.
White makes spaces feel larger. The bright color reflects light and illuminates a room. It gives off an expansive vibe, making even small rooms feel more open and airy. Darker colors absorb light while white maximizes it.
With all these positive attributes, it’s no wonder white remains one of the most popular paint colors. But even within white, there are variations in undertone that make choosing the right one feel overwhelming.
What are the Different Types of White?
White may seem like a single color, but upon closer inspection you’ll notice subtle differences in shade and undertone. Here are the main types of white paint colors:
- Warm whites – These whites have a subtle yellow or beige undertone. They are cozy and reminiscent of natural white light. Examples include ivory, cream, latte.
- Cool whites – These whites have a slight blue or gray undertone. They feels clean and bright. Examples include snow, linen, bone white.
- Bright white – As the name suggests, these whites are vivid and really stand out. They are vibrant and energetic with no apparent undertones.
- Soft white – These whites are muted rather than stark. They are subtle rather than bold and bright.
- Antique white – These whites are slightly yellowed with a distressed, vintage look. They add a touch of charm and character.
Within each of those categories are numerous specific shades. Paint companies have clever names for their whites to help differentiate them. Choosing just one can be challenging when you factor in all these options.
Most Popular Warm White Paint Colors
Warm white paint colors are cozy and versatile. They pair beautifully with wood tones and add a welcoming feel to any space. Here are some of the most popular warm white paint colors:
- Swiss Coffee – A best selling neutral by Behr, it has beige undertones. It provides a soft, welcoming backdrop.
- Accessible Beige – A top choice by Sherwin Williams, it’s a greige (gray + beige) that goes with any style.
- Shoji White – A clean white with subtle warmth from Behr. It’s bright but not stark.
- Chantilly Lace – A Benjamin Moore classic white with a hint of ivory tint. It’s timeless and elegant.
- White Dove – A serene, peaceful white by Benjamin Moore. It has an ever so slight gray-yellow undertone.
These warm white paint selections are versatile while still providing a touch of personality and visual interest. They give you all the clean, bright benefits of white with a warmer, softened effect.
Most Popular Cool White Paint Colors
Cool whites have an airy, bright feel that pairs well with grays and darker, bold colors. Here are some of the most recommended cool white paint selections:
- Simply White – A crisp, bright white by Behr with the subtlest undertone of blue.
- Polar Bear – A stark white by Behr that looks contemporary and is brilliantly reflective.
- Dover White – A Sherwin Williams favorite with green-gray undertones. It’s fresh and clean.
- White Heron – A Benjamin Moore white with pale grey-blue undertones. It’s serene and refreshing.
- Decorator’s White – A popular Benjamin Moore selection that is bold and contemporary.
These cool whites convey a crisp, clean aesthetic. They pop beside wood tones and are brilliant as an accent wall. Just be aware they can read slightly “clinical” if used on every wall.
Most Popular Bright White Paint Colors
Bright whites are vivid and really make a statement. They work best when you want the white to be the focal point. Here are popular bright white paint color options:
- Extra White – A best selling Benjamin Moore white that lives up to its name. It’s stark and striking.
- Oxford White – A favorite by Sherwin Williams, this crisp white is devoid of undertones.
- White Duck – A distinct, bright white by Behr. It has a hint of coolness.
- Pure White – Behr’s truest white option that looks bold and vivid.
- High Reflective White – A Sherwin Williams white that achieves maximum light reflectivity.
When using bright whites, add visual interest through texture and architectural details. Combine them with darker accent colors for balance. Use sparingly to make the color pop.
Most Popular Soft White Paint Colors
Soft white paint colors have a subtle, muted effect that provides an elegant backdrop. They work beautifully in more traditional, formal spaces. Here are some favored options for soft white paint colors:
- Eider White – A Benjamin Moore white with warm, welcoming undertones. It’s refined but not stark.
- Snowbound – A Sherwin Williams white with beige undertones. It provides a gentle elegance.
- White Owl – A soft white by Behr with a hint of gray. It’s subtly relaxed.
- Silver Strand – A warm, restful white by Behr that plays well with other neutrals.
- White Opulence – A velvety white by Benjamin Moore. It’s bright but also calm and inviting.
Soft white paint colors create an ambience of understated sophistication. They lend spaces a refined yet accessible elegance.
Most Popular Antique White Paint Colors
Antique whites impart vintage charm with their subtle patina. These timeworn whites work beautifully in traditional homes or as an accent. Here are some top antique white paint color options:
- Pale Oak – A weathered white by Behr with beautiful soft green undertones.
- Grey Owl – A Benjamin Moore white with French grey undercurrents. It’s relaxed and organic.
- Cotton – A Sherwin Williams white that masterfully achieves a timeworn look.
- Antique White – A Behr selection with a very subtle yellow/khaki tint. It’s historic with a twist.
- Super White – A creamy, nourished white by Benjamin Moore. It captures the appeal of old painted wood.
Antique white paint colors lend vintage character while still feeling clean and bright. They bring a touch of humble charm into any space.
Most Popular White Paint Colors by Room
While personal preference plays a key role, some white paint colors may work better in certain rooms based on the aesthetic you want to achieve. Here are some recommendations on popular whites for specific rooms:
| Room | Recommended White Paint Colors |
|---|---|
| Living Rooms | Accessible Beige, Shoji White, Chantilly Lace |
| Bedrooms | White Dove, Decorators White, Snowbound |
| Kitchens | Simply White, Swiss Coffee, Dover White |
| Bathrooms | Polar Bear, Oxford White, White Heron |
| Dining Rooms | Eider White, Super White, Grey Owl |
Living rooms and bedrooms often benefit from warmer white tones that feel welcoming and cozy. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to suit cooler whites that evoke a clean, crisp aesthetic. Formal dining rooms can support softer antique white hues that provide an elegant ambience.
Choosing Your White Paint Color
With so many options to consider, choosing that perfect white paint color can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to guide your selection process:
- Decide if you want a warm, cool, bright, soft or antique white base. This helps narrow down the selection pool.
- Bring home paint swatches in your top choices to test out. View swatches at different times of day to see how lighting affects the hue.
- Purchase sample sizes of paint and test shades directly on your walls. Observe how the color changes.
- Pick a white with the same undertone as your floors and furnishings so everything flows together.
- Use white as your main wall color and add visual interest through accent walls, architectural detailing and artwork.
Choosing white paint colors should enhance your home rather than overwhelm it. The shade you pick as your perfect white will depend on the mood, style and look you want to cultivate in your space.
Conclusion
With its clean look and versatility, it’s no wonder white remains one of the most popular paint choices for home interiors. But the options span far beyond basic white. Warm whites provide coziness, cool whites feel crisp, bright whites make a statement, soft whites are elegant, and antique whites deliver vintage character. Popular selections include Swiss Coffee, Simply White, Oxford White, Eider White, and Grey Owl.
Choosing your white ultimately comes down to the ambience you wish to create in a space. As you narrow down your perfect white option, consider the undertones, test out samples, and think about the mood you want your white to evoke. This will help guide you to a white paint color that feels fresh, stylish, and uniquely you.
