Guide
The best white paint colors, compared by the numbers
Five of the most popular whites from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr, with their LRV, undertone and the room each one suits best.
| Color | Brand and code | LRV | Undertone | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Coffee | Behr 12 | 84.5 | Warm, creamy | Cozy living rooms |
| Blank Canvas | Behr DC-003 | 84.4 | Warm | Whole-house warm white |
| Pure White | Sherwin-Williams SW 7005 | 84.0 | Barely warm | Trim, ceilings, modern spaces |
| White Dove | Benjamin Moore OC-17 | 83.2 | Soft warm | Kitchen cabinets |
| Alabaster | Sherwin-Williams SW 7008 | 82.2 | Warm, creamy | North-facing rooms |
How to choose between them
If you want the cleanest look
Pure White has the least yellow in this group. It works on trim and ceilings beside almost any wall color.
If your room feels cold
Alabaster and Swiss Coffee add the most warmth. In north light they stay soft instead of turning gray.
If you cannot decide
White Dove sits in the middle: warm enough to feel inviting, clean enough for cabinets. It is one of the most forgiving whites you can choose.
Swiss Coffee and Blank Canvas measure a Delta E of just 0.4, so on a wall they are practically the same color.
See White Dove vs Alabaster
White is the hardest color to judge on screen. Test two finalists on your own walls.
How to test paint colors