Versatile Whites Interior Paint

Sheens & Undertones in White Paint

Sheens help differentiate any paint color, including white. Use a high gloss sheen to turn up the drama and highlight architectural details. The higher the sheen, the greater the shine and durability. On the other end of the sheen spectrum, a matte finish offers an understated, elegant finish when paired with rich surfaces like marble countertops. In the middle, an eggshell sheen—a homeowner favorite—offers a soft hint of gloss and easy-to-clean practicality.

Warm white paint colors have undertones of red, orange, and yellow, resulting in a soft glow and welcoming vibe. Cooler whites have hints of green, blue, and violet, contributing to a space that looks crisp, clean and fresh.

Selecting Sheen for Your Color

The selection of finish depends on the desired mood, aesthetic and functional goal of the room you are painting. For a highly sophisticated look, paint both walls and trim in one hue, either using the same finish on both surfaces, or using a lower sheen on the walls such as a matte. Opt for a semi-gloss or high gloss on the trim for subtle contrast.

Matte
A matte paint delivers a soft, contemporary appearance.

Semi-Gloss
Higher sheens, like semi-gloss, are easy to clean, making them great options for cabinets or doors that are frequently opened, closed and in general, touched a lot.

High Gloss
A higher gloss offers dramatic highlights, making a painted room feel more formal. 

White is Transcendent and Timeless

White and off-white walls, ceilings, trim and doors, in more of a “supporting” role, are equally essential to a home’s color palette. Observe the difference between brightness levels and undertones and how they enhance or diminish your home furnishings to find which white is most complementary.

The appearance of wall colors tends to shift throughout the day. Paint colors are especially prone to taking on different tonalities from morning to evening, under both natural and artificial lighting conditions. We suggest that you purchase a color sample of the shades you like best and test each one before you decide on a final color. 

The Brightest, Cleanest White Paint Colors

One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is “What is Benjamin Moore’s ‘most pure’ white paint?”

We’ve narrowed it down to two hues: Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Super White OC-152. These whites have little to no visible undertone, making them Benjamin Moore’s ‘whitest white’ paint colors.