Much like the Fountain of Youth or the Loch Ness Monster, a universally perfect white paint color is a myth.

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But according to our Experts, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove comes closest to earning this ever-elusive description. “It’s foolproof!” claims Max Humphrey. “The chameleon of white paints—almost any room can rock it.” (Other Experts like Katie Hodges also sing its praises.) Farrow & Ball’s Pointing is a close second, with Max likening it to “creamy vanilla soft serve.”

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Whether you’re seeking a crisp, white without undertones for a modern look, a historic white to match an older home, or a warm, creamy white to add a sense of coziness, the right hue exists—and our Experts (including Leanne Ford, the queen of all-white interiors) are here to share it with you. Keep scrolling for their 12 best white paint colors for every situation.

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The Best Clean White Paint Colors

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For a Quick Hardware Store Run

“Ultra Pure White from BEHR Designer Collection was the one that started it all—you can get this one right off the shelf and paint away. My friends will write to me constantly to ask which paint to use, and that's my forever suggestion. It's the perfect white with no tint, and it works well in high gloss and flat. I love it!” —Leanne Ford

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For Every Occasion

“Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is my go-to recommendation for clients who struggle with any undertones in a white. It’s completely neutral, and beautifully chameleons with both warmer and cooler color palettes.” —Katie Hodges

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For Your Gallery Wall

“Farrow & Ball’s All White is my go-to pure white. It’s perfect for ceilings, gallery walls, trim and millwork. It's a non-fussy white with no harsh pigment.” —Anthony D’Argenzio, Zio & Sons

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For a Milky Touch

“Milk Glass by Dunn Edwards is a not stark, but it’s a more vibrant white.” —Jenna Rochon, Transition State

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The Best Warm White Paint Colors

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For a Cozy Vibe

“Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is the perfect warm, creamy white that’s not too white. It balances fresh and cozy beautifully. I especially love using it in rooms with shadows and indirect lighting.” —Katie Hodges

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For a Traditional Feel

“I am working on a few really exciting projects of my own right now and using Natural White from the BEHR Designer Collection. I like it because it reads bright white but has a warmer undertone for a traditional feel.” —Leanne Ford

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For Vanilla Soft Serve Tones

“Farrow & Ball’s Pointing is great because it has a warmth and softness, while avoiding an undertone of yellow.” —Jenna Rochon, Transition State

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For Masculine Elegance

“Plaster of Paris by Portola Paints has a slightly cooler undertone, but still maintains warmth due to its golden and green undertones. I love pairing this with military khaki tones for a refined masculine elegance.” —Katie Hodges

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For Pairing with Green

“Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster is another go-to. Green appears frequently in my work and I find it pairs nicely with Alabaster’s subtle yellow undertones.” —Max Humphrey

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The Best Historic White Paint Colors

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For an Old Prep School Aesthetic

“School House White by Farrow & Ball is one of my favorites for older homes. This muddy, creamy hue is timeless, without the cool undertones of a more contemporary white. It’s something you would find in a historic Upstate school house.” —Anthony D’Argenzio, Zio & Sons

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For a Hint of Vintage

“I am currently on my third project where I am covering both the interior and exterior in Crisp Linen from BEHR. It's warm, but still clean and fresh, with a hint of vintage.” —Leanne Ford

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For Artisan Cabinetry and Millwork

“Another favorite historic-feeling shade is Bruton White from Benjamin Moore’s Williamsburg Collection. It’s a muddy, neutral white that is great for kitchen cabinetry and millwork paneling. Or an accent white if you are using something brighter and cooler.” —Anthony D’Argenzio, Zio & Sons

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