Why Choosing White Paint Is Way Harder Than It Looks

White paint seems like the easy choice. It's timeless, clean, and versatile—what could possibly go wrong?

Well, as it turns out, a lot.

If you've ever stood in a paint store or stared at your walls holding five nearly identical swatches and somehow they all looked too yellow, too blue, or too gray, you already know the truth: white paint is one of the trickiest decisions you can make when designing a space.

I was reminded of this recently while selecting finishes for our basement and laundry room refresh. Even after all these years of designing homes, I had to slow down and go through the full process—sampling, comparing, and really living with the options—before deciding on the right white. Because here's the thing: white paint never exists in isolation. It reflects everything around it—the light in the room, the other materials, even the time of day. Being that the basement and laundry room lack natural light, the whites we have in our other parts of the house will look completely different downstairs.

What makes white paint so complicated is that it’s rarely truly neutral. Every white has undertones—some lean warm and creamy, others cool and crisp. And those undertones can completely shift depending on the lighting and surrounding finishes. A white that looks soft and cozy in a bright kitchen might feel icy in a basement. And one that looks perfect in a magazine might read way too yellow once it’s on your own walls.

AI Generated Picture for Sherwin Williams Alabaster

I get asked all the time about my favorite white paints, and while I always have a few go-tos, the truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Still, I’ll share a few that I’ve come to trust. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is one of my longtime favorites—it’s warm but not too creamy, and it tends to work well in most spaces, especially when you want something soft and lived-in. White Dove is my go-to white when I want something soft, timeless, and totally livable. It has a subtle warm undertone that makes it feel cozy without reading too yellow or creamy. It’s one of those whites that plays well with both modern and traditional spaces, and it has just enough depth that it won’t look sterile in rooms with lots of natural light. I especially love it for walls, trim, or even cabinetry when I want that calm, collected feel that still feels bright. Chantilly Lace is that true, clean white that designers love for a reason. It has minimal undertones, which gives it a crisp, almost gallery-like look—great if you want a bright, fresh feel or want to create contrast with darker colors. I often use it for trim, ceilings, or modern cabinetry. But heads up—it can look a little too stark or cold in low-light spaces, so I always recommend testing it before committing. When it works, though, it’s stunning.

Other popular whites that come up often are Alabaster and Pure White by Sherwin-Williams, both great options—but again, it depends entirely on your space. Alabaster is a warm, creamy white that’s soft without feeling too yellow. It has a cozy, welcoming feel, which makes it a favorite for bedrooms, living rooms, and even exteriors. It works especially well in traditional or farmhouse-style spaces where you want that touch of warmth but still want it to feel fresh and clean. If your space gets a lot of natural light, Alabaster can glow beautifully without looking dingy. Pure White is a really balanced white. It’s not too warm, not too cool, and doesn’t have any strong undertones that jump out. That makes it super versatile—perfect for trim, cabinetry, or even walls if you want a clean, simple backdrop that doesn’t read too stark. It has just enough softness to keep it from feeling sterile but still looks crisp. Think of it as a “safe” white that plays nicely with most color palettes. Remember though, what worked perfectly for your friend’s living room might feel totally off in your bedroom. You really have to test and see.

For our refresh, I narrowed down my options, put up large samples, and moved them around the room throughout the day. I held them next to the tile and flooring we’re using, stood back, and just observed how they changed with the light. Even though I’ve done this dozens of times for clients, I still had to walk myself through the steps. It was a good reminder that white paint is rarely a quick decision—and definitely not one you want to leave to the last minute during construction.

The Hill & Dale Family Room painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove

A few lessons I always come back to: test your samples in real lighting, compare them with your actual finishes, and don’t assume a white that looks good online will look good in your space. And while we’re at it, don’t forget about trim and ceiling paint—those colors can make or break how your wall color reads. Oh, and please, please don’t pick your paint color before you’ve selected your tile, flooring, and cabinetry. Paint should always be one of the last decisions you make, not the first.

If you're testing white paint and want a stress-free way to try larger samples without painting your walls, I highly recommend using peel-and-stick options from Samplize. They're mess-free, easy to move, and give you a much better sense of how the color will actually look in your space—especially with lighting changes throughout the day.

So, is white paint still the easiest paint to select? Probably not. But it can be one of the most impactful decisions you make in your home. When you find the right one—the one that works with your light, your materials, and your vision—it doesn’t just fade into the background. It pulls the whole room together.

Happy Decorating!

*Looking for more design inspiration or not sure where to start?

Take a peek at the other blog posts for real-life design tips, or check out the curated room palettes available —they’re a great place to begin if you're planning a refresh and want a little designer guidance to get going.