Best Designer-Approved Off White Color Paints to Try
A round-up of the most recommended off white color paints by designers for a bright, sophisticated home that still feels warm and inviting.
If there is one hue that is the absolute trickiest when choosing paint, it’s off-white color paint. There are so many subtle nuances that can make the difference between choosing a paint color with the perfect creamy undertone or glaring yellow undertones that completely change a room.
The off white paint colors in our home are by far some of the most asked about in our inbox. So it seemed like a good time to dive in for anyone who struggles in the paint color decision department.
If you ever feel confused choosing the best warm white paint color, here is the best way to choose the perfect paint color to get the best results for your home every time.
Contrary to popular belief, not all shades of white colors are the same. Choosing the right white hue can make or break your interior design.
What to Consider Before Choosing White Color Paints
- Before making your final color decision, be sure to consider whether a room has a little or a lot of natural light.
- Think about your interior wood stains; stick paint samples against your wood tones.
- Look at paint samples in all types of lighting to see if a white has warm undertones, neutral undertones, or blue undertones.
- Make sure to get samples of the actual paint colors made by the manufacturer, not color matched to a different brand.
- Exterior paint should be viewed outdoors in all types of lighting as well (dawn, daytime, dusk, sunny, and cloudy conditions).
- Place your sample next to other colors in the room, especially in rooms with bold colors.
- It’s a good idea to apply interior primers over an existing wall color as it can change the look of the new paint colour.
These factors will skew your results when looking for warm white paint colors.
But this blog post can serve as a starting point in your search to find a great option for an off white color palette in your home.
1. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
We absolutely loved having Benjamin Moore Classic Gray in our foyer and stairway because it’s such a chameleon neutral that feels light and airy with an inviting warmth that can lean slightly gray or slightly beige, depending on the lighting.
The Benjamin Moore Off White Color Collection is an excellent place to find the perfect warm off-white.
2. Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
A slightly off white, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee has just enough yellow undertone to create a clean, creamy white.
When paired with black or dark gray like Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron for high contrast, it feels sophisticated and calming.
It’s my favorite off white for larger, brightly lit living spaces like our living room.
3. Benjamin Moore White Dove
Benjamin Moore White Dove is slightly lighter than Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee but still just creamy enough to feel comforting. Its soft warmth can brighten beiges in a room and works well on trim and moldings.
We used it to downplay the beige countertops we didn’t particularly love in our bathroom refresh, and it worked perfectly!
4. Sherwin Williams Alabaster
A lighter soft, creamy white that can be considered closer to a true white, Sherwin Williams Alabaster has just enough warmth to combat the starkness of other bright whites.
If you can’t decide between off white and true white, Alabaster is a perfect balance. We used it in our last house’s primary bedroom and loved it!
5. Benjamin Moore Linen White
A darker off white, Benjamin Moore Linen White leans more yellow than others and works best in north-facing rooms where colors can look slightly washed out.
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6. Sherwin Williams Snowbound
An off white color with a slightly gray undertone, Sherwin Williams Snowbound leans cooler than Sherwin Williams Alabaster. It’s an excellent choice for east/west facing rooms, on trim, cabinets, and exteriors.
7. Sherwin Williams Oyster White
Closer to greige than white, Sherwin Williams Oyster White slightly leans toward cool tones but is a chameleon color that can look warm in darker rooms at different times of day.
8. Sherwin Williams White Flour
Leaning closer to the yellow family of colors, Sherwin Williams White Flour can invoke a feeling of comfort.
When paired with more blue/gray colors, it can appear especially yellow, so use it wisely keeping in mind other colors in the room.
9. Sherwin Williams Classic Light Buff
A paint color that creates a level of clean sophistication without the starkness of a true white, Sherwin Williams Classic Light Buff is a creamy, casual off white that feels slightly sun-kissed.
10. (Bonus) Romabio Feather
Shameless plug, but we are total fans of our color Romabio Feather is a light, airy off white that teeters the line between warm and cool.
Best Cool White Paint Colors
If you want suggestions for other neutral paint colors for true white walls instead, try these:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Benjamin Moore Cloud White
Designer Tip: Always be sure look at samples of your paint colors in natural light, artificial light, and at various times throughout the day to make your final decision.
See How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Home Interior Like a Pro
Do you have any other off white paint colors you love? They’re tricky to get right for sure.
Any other color families I should round up to help you make the best paint decision? We’re on a roll over here!
More Top Rated Paint Colors
The Most Recommended Navy Blue Paint
The Most Recommended Blush Pink Paint
12 Best Sage Green Paint Colors for a Relaxing Room
The Best Haint Blue Paint Color for Porch Ceilings
How to Choose the Perfect Paint Color for Your Home Every Time
See more of the best paint color recommendations by interior designers here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently (as of 2023 at the time of this post’s publishing), warm neutral color tones are trending, so off-white paint colors are considered “in”. Though off-white never actually really goes out of style since it is a constant classic.
Typically, flat is used on ceilings, eggshell is used on walls, satin is used on walls, trim, doors, and cabinets, semi-gloss and gloss are used on trim, doors, and cabinets.
However, it all comes down to the look you want, and paint sheen rules are made to be broken. But that’s the general guideline.
