White paint colors can be the most challenging to select! (Before you read on, be sure to check out our Best White Paint picks from Benjamin Moore!)

Luckily for you, we’ve been through the trial and error process of finding the best white paint colors. We’ll share our favorites below, but it is important to note a few things about paint:

• Pay attention to the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of a color. The higher the color, the lighter it is.
• Also pay attention to how much natural and artificial light your room gets. You’d be surprised how easily a color can be transformed with lighting. If natural lighting is an issue, bring in lamps!
• If a color does not look good in one of your rooms, likely it is the wrong color. Lightening the color by adding white to it will not save it most of the time. It’s better to go back to the drawing board.

I’ll do a longer post about paint very soon. For now, let’s get to the good stuff!

Here’s our list of the Best White Paint Colors by Sherwin Williams:

I’ll focus on our very top three choices and why they work so well.

Our Top Three White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams:

• Pure White
• Extra White
• Snowbound

Let’s start with Sherwin Williams “Pure White”

This has been a great color for an exterior of a home if you’re doing siding and are going for the “farmhouse” or “coastal” look.

We used here it on a beach house:

Why it works:

Pure White – SW 7005 – (LRV – 84)

It’s a great white without getting too bright or too blue. I’ve found that it’s a little too bright for interior use, but have loved using it on exterior siding.

Next Up: Sherwin Williams – Extra White

Extra white is a true white with a blue undertone, making it a great compliment to carrara tile or countertops. Here in one of our projects, the shiplap is painted Extra White.

Why it works:

Sherwin Williams – Extra White SW 7006 – (LRV 86)

A true white with a blue undertone, this is a great pick when pairing with carrera marble or other blue tones. It can be a little harsh on walls if paired with earthier materials and can look like primer!

Lastly, Sherwin Williams Snowbound:

Snowbound is a great off-white that plays well with others. We used Snowbound for our cabinetry in this project:

Why it works:

Sherwin Williams – Snowbound SW 7004 – (LRV – 83)

Snowbound is a great off-white that works well with a white quartz countertop. It is not too creamy or too blue and can work well with both warmer and cooler tones. It’s a fan favorite for cabinetry and millwork.

Have you tried any of these? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re looking for additional help selecting the right paint color, contact us to get a paint consultation scheduled!