Posted on September 1, 2023 by KylieMawdsley
Benjamin Moore & Sherwin Williams: Top 6 Off-White Paint Colours
I get asked about off-whites ALL the time, the most common question being, ‘I was thinking of using this off-white paint colour. Are there any sneaky undertones I should know about?’ You bet there are!
Splashes of blue, touches of purple, hints of green, or even PINK – off-whites are DARN hard to choose. And whatever happened to the ease of builder beige anyway? I’m just joking; NOBODY wants builder beige to come back.
Before we get into the guts n’ the glory, let’s talk about off-whites and why they are such a bugger to choose. And if this is your first time to my blog – the Ginger likes to hear herself talk (or type). Consider yourself warned.
OFF-WHITE PAINT COLORS
Regarding LRV, it can be tricky to know where the cut-off is between white, off-white, and light. Are you not familiar with LRV? You should read this blog post; it will become your best friend (or I will, one or the other). And while 60-70 is the magic LRV range for almost any room, when it comes to off-white, its LRV range sits between 73-82 (approx). In this range, you’ll find off-whites that are light and bright but will still show some contrast with standard white trim.
Off-white colour = higher LRV = more light reflection. This means that if the light that’s shining on your wall happens to have a ‘colour’ to it, your walls can pick up on that. For example…
- if you have a TON of green outside your window (grass/trees), your off-white walls might pick up a hint of green
- if your porch floor is painted red, your off-white walls might look a tad pink as the red is reflected on your walls AND the high LRV of your walls reflects it back
And then there’s exposure (north/south/east/west facing), which ALL have their own colour quirks. Add all these things together, along with the needs of your furnishings and your personal tastes – let’s just say that off-whites are tricky.
See ALL of this beautiful bathroom here
And THAT’S why we’re having our lil chat today, as I’ve pulled together some of my fave off-whites and some comments on a few more of today’s most POPULAR off-whites. These colors are relatively neutral, but that doesn’t mean they’re fool-proof (as there are no fool-proof neutrals). It all depends on your home, exposure, furnishings, interior finishings, and, of COURSE, personal tastes, but they’ll at least get you started!
1. BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY OC-23
Classic Gray is a warm gray in the off-white range. It’s on the edge of the off-white range, winking at the light depths. This means you’ll see a good degree of contrast if you choose a reasonably white color for your trim.
Any gray (even warm ones) will have blue, purple, green, or a mix of those undertones, and Classic Gray is no exception (read more about that here). Classic Gray favors a very (very) mild purple undertone. This undertone doesn’t always show up to the party, but it’s quite passive when it does. It can also flash slightly warm violet (violet-pink) vs. cool violet (violet-blue), but I’ve never seen it lean totally pink (whereas the comparable Pale Oak can); it’s just a slightly warmer violet.
And, as usual, I’m being anal. You might look at this colour and think, ‘Good Lord, what IS she talking about – this color is NEUTRAL?’ – it’s that subtle. I just don’t want you to be surprised once it’s on your walls!
WHY IS CLASSIC GRAY SUCH A POPULAR WARM GRAY PAINT COLOUR?
- Classic Gray has an LRV of almost 75, so it’s in the off-white range, but really has a bit more body than most
- in some lights, Classic Gray can look quite taupe and can easily be considered one (taupe being warmer than gray)
- while Classic Gray FAVORS gray, it never looks icy cold like traditional gray paint colors
- with its subtle warmth, Classic Gray is MORE likely to last longer than some of the other gray paint colors
Sherwin Williams Pure White cabinets, Classic Gray walls
WHAT PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO CLASSIC GRAY?
If Classic Gray doesn’t hit the spot, check out Benjamin Moore Gray Mist. It’s an off-white (heavy off-white) that’s a greige, so rather than having the subtle purple of Classic Gray, it has a wink more warmth with a touch of green, cream/yellow.
You might also like the approach of Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, which is similar to Classic Gray but has a bit more depth and body to it.
FULL Paint Colour Review: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
Benjamin Moore’s Best Gray Paint Colours
2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS WHITE DUCK SW 7010
I LOVE White Duck, as it’s the perfect blend of cream with a tan/gray base to calm it down. If you like cream walls but don’t like yellow, White Duck could be the hybrid you’re looking for.
Having used this colour in my brother’s house (not shown above, pictures are coming soon), I’ve seen firsthand how it shifts from a beige-greige blend (but never definitively gray or beige) into a really subdued, neutralized cream—mad love. I’ve also seen firsthand how lucky he is to have me in his life. True story.
WHY IS WHITE DUCK SUCH A POPULAR OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOUR?
- White Duck has an LRV of 74, so it really is on the border of off-white and light, offering CONTRAST with trim without visual WEIGHT
- it’s great if you’re looking for a warm, but not OBVIOUSLY beige, gray, or creamy neutral
- like Aesthetic White (coming shortly), it’s one of the few options with no obvious undertone to wrestle with
- in the above photo, White Duck is shown with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray cabinets – a super wicked combo
- it’s a great choice for a north, east, west or south-facing room
FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams White Duck
WHICH PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO WHITE DUCK?
If White Duck is close but no cigar, several other colors have a similar approach, but with a few tweaks…
- Sherwin Williams Shoji White
- the ever-gorgeous Benjamin Moore Ballet White
- Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White
Often, these subtle shifts make one color perfect over another.
3. BENJAMIN MOORE SILVER SATIN OC-26
Silver Satin is the grayest of the bunch, a soft, slightly warm gray. And while it’s not my PERSONAL fave, due to its non-committal warmth, it has a decent following. HOWEVER, it also has a sneaky undertone to consider…
Remember, every gray will have an undertone, and Silver Satin favors a very slight purple hue. If you like the general look of Silver Satin, but want your walls LIGHTER, Benjamin Moore Calm has a similar approach (and I get nervous about it for the same reason – not warm enough and a bit…too…purple.)
SILVER SATIN’S LRV & A LITTLE MORE
- Silver Satin has an LRV of 76, so it’s sitting pretty in the off-white range
- because it’s a warm gray, Silver Satin will come up a bit warmer in a south-facing room, but gray out more in northern light
- Silver Satin looks pretty with Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on trim work
FULL Paint Color Review of Silver Satin
Dunn Edward’s Faded Gray is very similar to Silver Satin
WHAT PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO SILVER SATIN?
A good comparison/alternative would be Sherwin Williams Toque White, which is just a touch warmer. I also like Eider White, which you’ll learn about shortly. However, I prefer the subtle approach of Silver Satin to BOTH of those paint colors.
Click HERE or on the above image to see the available packages!
SAMPLIZE offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER, and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots.
- samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY; depending on the location
- they’re more affordable than the sample pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
Save money on paint samples with SAMPLIZE HERE
4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CREAMY SW 7012
Creamy is definitely one of my favorite warm off-white paint colors that’s NOT beige or gray! However, if you’re looking for a legit shade of cream, it’s not that either!
I’ve had many clients say they love cream, but don’t love yellow. So…(awkward moment) cream IS yellow; it’s just yellow with a neutral base added to it, and that’s JUST what you get when you choose Creamy. The neutral base calms it down, so it’s more of a neutral/cream and less of a colour/yellow.
WHY IS CREAMY ONE OF THE MORE POPULAR CREAM/OFF-WHITE PAINT COLOURS?
- Creamy has an LRV Of 81, which is an UBER fab off-white depth, on the lighter side of it, creating a lower contrast look with white trim
- it looks good with Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Cloud White trim (more whites HERE)
- Creamy has enough warmth to be OBVIOUS without being obnoxiously yellow, especially compared to more standard cream paint colors
- it’s beautiful on walls, but don’t be tempted to put it on trim or cabinets unless your kitchen really calls for it!
WHICH PAINT COLOURS ARE SIMILAR TO CREAMY?
If you’d like something with a wee wink more colour, look at Benjamin Moore Timid White which is just slightly less neutral/more creamy yellow (also check out Benjamin Moore White Down). If you want a lighter shade, more in the WHITE range, check out Sherwin Williams Alabaster or Dover White.
FULL Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Creamy
The Best Cream Paint Colours: Benjamin Moore
5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS AESTHETIC WHITE 7035
Aesthetic White is a soft, light beige in the off-white range, but it’s not just any old beige…
Many popular beige paint colors have a slightly golden, yellow-orange undertone to them. Aesthetic White DOES have some warmth, but it’s nicely subdued by a wink o’ gray.
The above photo shows the Aesthetic at its warmest. The photo below shows it at its grayest…
WHY IS AESTHETIC WHITE A POPULAR BEIGE PAINT COLOUR?
- Aesthetic White has an LRV of 73, so it’s another on-the-border colour, but I still find that it gives a fab off-white look with no obvious green/purple/blue/colour in it
- it looks beautiful with Sherwin Williams Pure White on trim work
- It’s nice for a north-facing room for a neutral, but not particularly warm NOR cold look
- with the way trends are leaning, Aesthetic White is set to be a VERY popular paint colour
North, East, South, West: Which Paint Colour is the Best?
The Next IT Color in the Paint World (and it’s not white OR gray!)
Here’s a good shot showing Aesthetic White with a few other off-whites (and Sherwin Williams Pure White)…
Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White: Paint Color Review
6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MODERATE WHITE 6140
With trends leaning warmer, expect more of this beautiful beige coming your way! Moderate White is an off-white beige with a gentle orange undertone, popular in homes with abundant beige finishes, including carpet, tiles, and countertops.
WHY WILL MODERATE WHITE BE POPULAR IN THE COMING DAYS?
- Trends are leaning warmer, away from gray, and closer to the beige end.
- Moderate White has muted undertones that suit a WIDE range of interior finishes.
- It’s a MODERN take on the heavy rich beiges from the early 2000s.
- Another beauty is Benjamin Moore Maritime White, found HERE.
Sherwin Williams Moderate White: Paint Colour Review
READ MORE
Sherwin Williams Origami White: Paint Color Review
The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray and Greige Paint Colours
Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Egret White
The 8 Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colours
The 3 Best Warm White Paint Colours
LET ME PICK YOUR PAINT COLORS FOR YOU!
Check out my E-Design!
Chat soon,
First published in 2019, awesomely updated in 2023
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Your last comment about. SW creamy left me curious. Why do you not recommend on cabinets?
Author
Hi Angela! Well, it’s not that it doesn’t look PRETTY (as I LOVE Creamy), but it’s not as versatile as some other white/off-whites. It works in the odd space, but in the ideal world, the trim/cabinets/ceilings/doors in this white/off-white range would be the same colour. Creamy is a tricky one on trim/cabinets as it doesn’t partner up quite as easily with wall colour options (because of the creamy/yellow in it), it’s not quite as versatile as the likes of BM White Dove, SW Alabaster and BM Cloud White. So it’s not that it’s BAD, it can just be limiting for other choices 🙂
Thank you for asking!
~Kylie
Thanks for your reply! I’m starting to research white paint for kitchen cabinets so appreciate your feedback on Creamy. I have SW Alabaster trim throughout.
I’m a non designer – home owner / design enthusiast here and just came across this blog when trying to search for a comparison with some off whites (because I’m
having a heck of a time choosing a color for my mantle now that I had tile installed in the surround that I think I’m about to regret).
The last designer I used (NOT Kylie) insisted that I’d love Creamy on my interior doors and trim despite me not feelin’ it. I was told that it was her ‘go to’ for trim
and that once it was up, she was sure that I’d love it. I second guessed myself and trusted her expertise and hated it. Friends that came over said it looked dingy in natural light and they were right. It IS light and may appear white but it just never really looked clean and fresh…it reminded me of trim and doors that needed to be freshly painted despite them being newly painted.
This time around, we just had our home painted with SW Aesthetic White and chose SW Pure White for the doors and trim (I went with flat, ceiling white on the ceilings) and I LOOOOVE it so much more!!! Ironically, I was ‘this close’ to going with Shoji White instead. I can’t recall why I went with Aesthetic White but I honestly don’t think I could have gone wrong with either one. I totally agree with Kylie to never use Creamy on trim, doors or cabinets though! It’ll appear like an ageing white. – and not in a good way.
Author
Hi Christina! I’m sorry you had that experience, and I can absolutely imagine how tricky/disappointing it was for you. Pure White is definitely MUCH easier to work around and coordinate with! Thanks for sending a note as it’s comments like yours that help others make up their minds too!
As always, thanks for a fabulous review, and timely for me, because I am returning to whites over some grays. I have mad love (as you would say) for classic gray and dying to try. However, I am intrigued by what you say about Aesthetic White, and ironically enough, I just ordered a big color swatch of that from my local SW store. Question….the way you describe Aesthetic White…except for the beige part, it sounds a bit like BM White Dove. Is it? Or what might be the difference there? That’s another color I want to try using.
Love your blog! We are trying to decide on a color for our custom made kitchen cabinets. It’s betwee Sherwin Williams Extra White and Sherwin Williams Pure White. Do you think Extra White is always too bright?
SW Simply White was recommended to me by a professional for kitchen cabinets. Paired with White Dove for walls. It’s beautiful together!
I would love to see that combo
Hi Kylie!
I also enjoy reading your posts!
This will probably seem so off base today because everything leans the opposite, but are there any off-white neutral colors that you have used that have green undertones that you would recommend? I know you mentioned SW7014 Eider White, but I’m talking maybe something on SW strip #258 (ex. Nuance, Moderne White, Ethereal White, Frosty White, etc.).
I’m asking for those of us that have major dislike of pink, purple and/or red undertones, and have major issues with those undertones coming through due to the natural lighting, etc. I’m at a loss due to the lighting in my main entry – everything I’ve tried that is beige, greige, or grey has the pink, red, purple come out – it faces mainly North & partly West. So I’m thinking of trying to combat it with a green undertone – but not like Revere Pewter, that just doesn’t have enough green undertone. And not BM Grey Owl – again, not enough green, as it starts to have purple come out for me in that entry area. But yet something still light & fresh.
Honestly, I discovered through SW paint samples, that the more Raw Umber the paint formula has, the more I have issues with those undertones I dislike. I think I’ve tried just about every color you mentioned above (other than Eider White) – so I think I need to swing into green undertones. Just don’t want an ugly, muddy army-like green either. Is it possible to have a green undertone and still look in style, fresh & good with SW Pure White? Is there one that will also look good in a South Facing room too, as my entry connects to the family room that faces the south. So I need a balance to balance the green, so that it doesn’t look gold when the sun hits in the family room.
Am I the only one that is looking for a green undertone?
I used Shoji White in our West-facing foyer with Pure White trim and it has the tiniest hint of green. It looks great with Pure White for a little bit of contrast. We have Colonnade Gray throughout the rest of the open floor plan house and Shoji coordinates nicely. It’s nice and bright for the entry but doesn’t call too much attention to itself. I’d recommend giving it a try!
Christy, I totally feel your frustration! Every green-gray I’ve tried in the 70-75 lrv range flashes pink (boo) when I’d rather it flash green or a green that flashes gray (yay) which I’d be totally fine with since my countertops are a green-gray, off- white granite. Changed my lighting to daylight bulbs throughout an open floor plan and changed trim from BM white dove to SW Alabaster then painted entry, kitchen, dining room and hallway in BM Revere Pewter lrv 55 (mixed at BM) thinking it would hold truer to a green-gray. It mostly does except in the kitchen where the lighting is the brightest, it still flashes pink at certain times of the day and in the hallway and entry where there is less light RP is too muddy. Thinking BM Edgecomb in the hall and family room which is also low light? Or, starting over and trying SW Jogging Path and SW Grecian Ivory- maybe they wouldn’t flash pink?
BM Moonshine, definitely. It’s a lovely gray-green.
I so enjoy your reviews, Kylie. Please keep up the good work you’re doing. Cheers!
Best post–EVER! I love Creamy White and now I have a new favorite–White Duck or may be Aesthetic White? The White Duck with the Edgecomb Gray is beautiful. My house came with Dover White on all walls, and I hate it. To me, it is so yellow looking, and I have northern exposure throughout. Might be time to paint. Thanks so much KM.
Thanks for the ‘whites’ education. We are starting with a blank slate. I think I’m going with SW Alabaster cabinets and trim. Would White Duck walls go with Alabaster trim?
Author
Hi Lisa, yes, that could be quite pretty!
Hi Kylie!
I loved this post. I got so much going on that choosing a white, off-white, neutral is DAUNTING! I have floor to ceiling windows on both north and east facing walls. Light comes in and hits one LARGE wall. BUT, honey floors and kitchen cabinets (open concept living/dining/kitchen); and beautiful greenery outside (with distant ocean views…no neighbors) are driving me crazy.
OBJECTIVE: warm/cozy/inviting. I painted samples of Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and Simply White. So many blogs, articles, painters, etc., but I don’t know what to do? Can you give me guidance? I want the trim and walls to be the same color so the view is the standout. I won’t have too many bold pieces in home. Only a blue/grayish velvet sofa. Everything else is either wood/neutral tones.
Author
If it were ME, and I had to choose 1 of my FAVE whites…I’d hit White Dove, or for a bit more warm/cozy – SW Alabaster, as you do have the northern light and White Dove can only work SO hard… 🙂
Hi Kylie, What color trim would you suggest to compliment the SW White Duck walls? I have been looking everywhere but haven’t been able to find much.
Thank you!
Author
Hi Jenn, take a look at BM White Dove, it could be quite lovely!
We used Wider White in our new home in several rooms to complement Light French Gray which we Love!! EW pulls a Rose/Pink undertones!! Awful looking- now have to repaint. Any suggestions? We have dark Floors with our trim in BM Decorators White.
Author
Hi Todd, thank you for your note! I actually have an E-design service just for this! I try to give as much complimentary as I can on my website, but if that doesn’t work you may enjoy sending me photos and getting me to spend some time with your home! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hello Kylie Thank you for the insight and knowledge you have been sharing with us. I am looking to paint the interior in an off white color . My trim is BM white dove and so are my kitchen cabinets. Mi have warm wood floors I have sampled Shoji and Natural Chouce, and Natural Ground.
Looking for something neutral that isn’t gray or beige. I guess you call that griege. I’ve been reading all your posts but haven’t seen you mention natural choice or natural ground. You seem to really like white duck Can you provide insight?
Thank you
I am reading and rereading all your info about colors. The insight you give about undertones and room exposures is so helpful. We are building and I’m having to pick colors before we even have drywall. Painting sample boards this week to take and view in the rooms. I feel like I’m on track with my choices. Only have one question – my builder uses SW Snowbound for all doors and trim. I haven’t been able to find any mention of this for a trim color. It looks a bit dingy to me. Hoping I’ll love it. Any comments about that color? Leaning towards White Duck for the master bed and warm gray/Greige for our main living spaces (northern exposure in most rooms with LARGE windows). Thanks for all the info you share!
Author
Hmmmm, is there any way you can ask him to NOT use Snowbound? It’s a soft, warm gray that can pick up a pink/purple undertone which would NOT be so hot with warmer colours like White Duck (which is fab btw). I would much rather see you in SW Pure White which is more simple and flexible. I can’t see it being a big deal for him to switch up. I mean, he might save money buying it in HUGE bulk, but in the end, it’s you who’s paying for it and I wouldn’t do it… 🙂 Or if you have to have it, I might look at softer greige, warm gray and cool gray colours 🙂
I can’t say Thank You enough for your insightful information! I feel like I’ve been through every paint sample known to man! We have a house full of shadows, even though we have lots of windows (and outside those windows are tons of trees). Every time I think I’ve found the right Beige (NOT Greige – I know call me crazy), it ends up grey. My last gallon was Accessible Beige, but once again, it gave way to grey. I’m going tomorrow to get a sample of White Duck (fingers crossed).
Hi Kylie,
I have those dreaded cream / off white cabinets you spoke of…. ( Slight brown glazing on inset edges of doors) Trying to find a white paint that will work with them and earth-tones in countertop… Do you think white dove or alabaster would work. I’d love to use Chantilly lace but unfortunately too bright for the open floor plan kitchen. I started with painted foam boards but have expanded to painting samples on the wall… please help ???? Any recommendations are appreciated.
.
Author
Hi Sams Mom! I don’t know, I don’t think there is a white that I would partner up, it sounds like any white will just make your cabinets look creamier and dingier. I wouldn’t do it. I think you’ll need to get well into the off-white range…
Oh boy????.. How far into off white? Any suggestions. ????The kitchen although open floor plan still has defined walls that surrounds cabinets.. would it be okay to use a white on other walls or still won’t work. I don’t have much time to decide 🙁
Thank you for your help,
Hi Samsmom, I have the exact issue! What paint color did you choose and are you happy with your decision?
Hi Kylie,
I have read so many of your posts and love them! They are very informative. We have a finished basement (almost…still a work in progress) and I am trying to freshen it up. The office is now being turned into a bedroom and it only has one small window and the bathroom does not have any windows. The other open rooms have windows but they do not get direct sunlight. I think I want to paint the entire basement the same color, but I am really having a hard time with all the options. Can you give me two good choices for rooms without a lot of natural light? Thank you!
Hi, I am seriously considering SW White Duck for my new build. Would you spend the extra $1,700 to do 3-tone (white ceilings) or is White Duck light enough to not really matter if the ceiling is the same color as the walls? I’m thinking SW Pure White for the trim. Thanks, your posts are fabulous!
Author
Oooo, if it were ME, I would lean towards doing the ceiling the same as the trim so that I have more flexibility down the road – White Duck on the ceiling will limit you LONG-term for wall colours :).
Hi – love the idea of Creamy with Pure White trim, no crown molding like your house, so for the ceiling – what color??
I am so happy you’re a fan of aesthetic white as it validates what I had chosen to paint my walls a few years ago. I had spent so much time trying to find a “gray-ish” color that would clean up my crema marfil floors (boo 🙁 ). It is warm enough not to clash with the crema but crisps up the entire look. It makes the crema look more expensive. I now have it in almost every room of my house, even where the floors aren’t marble. It seems to go with warm and cool colors.
Hi, I have been having a hard time picking a white to use as a transition from the colors in my living room into my family room. My walls in the living room are a Ralph Lauren Suede paint that has a goldish/saddle color. My floors are in the honey family and everything that I have tried reads either blue or yellow. I have tried SW Nuance (reads blue) and SW Natural Choice (reads yellow). Help! I was considering SW White Duck or SW Aesthetic White. Can you tell me which one would be a better choice that will not read yellow? I have found that anything in the greyish white family looks terrible against my glazed crown molding. The molding looks great with the suede paint but, will be touching the wall where I need to paint my transition color. I really do not want to paint the wall a true white as that would be to much of a contrast against the suede paint. Any suggestion that you may have will be great. I love your post and information. Thanks
Hi Kylie, I have been trying to choose a white BM for new construction entry way and hallways. I am usually much quicker at this but it seems to be a lot of wall space. There is typical new construction moulding halfway up the wall and it is double story. I do not want beige or cream. I tried classic grey and vanilla milkshake as samples but just to much color for what i want here. Would you suggest chatilly lace, oxford white or decorator’s white. the trim is white semi gloss. Attached rooms are grey tones decorating is modern farmhouse ish. ty so much I have been reading many blogs and you seem like the best person to ask lol.
Hi Kylie, I love your blog! I now see color in a whole new way.
Well, we have entered into the Great White Paint Debate at our house. I want to paint my home office an off white that’e neutral but leaning very slightly warm (NO yellow) because we have a Boring Beige sofa we have to keep. I like SW White Heron and my husband likes Egret White (too gray with pinky undertones for me). The room has one sliding glass door that is the only source of natural light, and it faces exactly southwest. For reference, my favorite SW off-off white is Oyster White, but it leans too green for this room. It’s my office, so I know I’m going to win the argument (wink wink), but I would love to hear your thoughts on White Heron. Oh, and the room has gray carpeting that exactly matches SW Cityscape. Thanks so much!
What is the inverse of aesthetic white where it is grey with a wink of beige within that LRV? Thanks!
I have Kilim Beige by SW. I was told it doesn’t have undertones. I have it in a north facing room where it almost looks like a warm beige, but in my south facing room it almost appears like a cool color…if there ever was a cool beige. What color white trim would work? I was thinking White Dove? Not stark, but also don’t want it to look like a dirty white. Thanks!
Author
Oooo Diana, Kilim definitely has undertones! It is a beige that centers on an orange undertone, but has some red in it and can flash slightly pinkish – just to let you know. If you love it anyways, then that’s cool! And I agree, to sit with those exposures, White Dove could be a nice fit.
Hi There,
I’m about to start painting my house. We had initially settled on Benjamin Moore’s “Barren Plain” based on the recommendation of a local designer we consulted with who assisted us in selecting our new grey floors and matched it with this colour. Not long after, I was in my local BM store and he happens to have created his own custom line of greys. He recommended one of his which I can only describe as a very pale light grey. Without the Oxford White Trim, you would probably not even see the grey on its own. I love both colours and as such have decided to use both throughout the house. He described his colour as a true neutral with no undertones and advised they would work together. My only concern is that my living room opens up to my kitchen and I’m wanting the kitchen to be the lighter custom colour and the living room, the Barren Plain.
Because they open up to each other would this type of combination work? It would be a warm grey with a neutral grey/offwhite. Help?
Author
Hi Deren! Without actually seeing the colours, I would just have no way of knowing! I would imagine that it would slightly highlight the warm purple that’s in Barren Plain, especially if it’s considerably more neutral looking. It also sounds like it will be lighter than Barren Plain, which again, could expose the purple in Barren Plain, leaving me feeling a bit nervous overall…
I’m considering Benjamin Moore Halo on our walls (many other whites we have tested are too sterile/stark in our home). While I love Halo on most walls, it is overall slightly darker than we’d like. Can you recommend a similar off-white alternative?
Hi, Kylie. Really enjoy your insights. We are painting our entire first floor after remodeling our kitchen. Our perimeter cabinets are SW Pure White, island color is SW Mindful Gray, countertops are Cambria Torquay, and backsplash is light marble subway. My thought was to use Pure White on all ceilings, doors, and trim to match the cabinets. Then maybe use Mindful Gray on the walls in one or two corner rooms like the dining room and/or office. Lastly, and what I am must curious about, we are considering Duck White for the majority of the first floor walls, including the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Is a combo of Pure White, Duck White, and Mindful Gray a good one? Or would you recommend something different than Duck White. I’ve looked at Aesthetic White and Shoji White but keep coming back to Duck White. Thanks for taking a look and for all the valuable information you provide. Regards, Andrew
Did you end up using White Duck for your walls? How did it turn out? It sounds like we have a similar kitchen and we are thinking of White Duck as well. Thanks!
What are your thoughts on city loft sw?
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Super pretty, love it, but sometimes can pick-up an almost pinkish cast, which is why I don’t refer to it as often :).
Hi! I’m trying to find more information on SW City Loft. Is there a search feature on your website to search your blogs? I am building a mountain modern home, will have lots and lots of windows and will get West/South facing light. I plan on white kitchen cabinets, darkish wood floors….I was thinking about City Loft as the wall color because I want something that is not white, but not too much color either. Most of the light greys I’ve seen are too dark. City Loft seems like it would work well, but you just mentioned a pink tone. I know a pink undertone can ruin things. I want to lean cool (no cream) and in the SW brochure, City Loft falls under a Cool White…..so, I’m a tad confused. What does that mean for me?
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Hi Shanna, City Loft is definitely not white and definitely not cool! I mean, it’s not OVERLY warm, but it ain’t cool. It has an LRV of 70, putting it on the very LOW/dark end of the off-white range, dipping more into the ‘light depth’ colours. It does have a soft purple-pink undertone. If you DON’T want pink and are okay with a wink of green, SW Drift of Mist is pretty – not cold though.
Hi Kylie! Thank you for your post!
I picked a carpet that is very similar to drift of mist, grey with green undertones making it look greige. I may have made a mistake choosing the carpet but it’s too late now:( drift of mist is a perfect paint choice but I’m worried it may make the room look even dingier and muddy. Would city loft brighten it up a bit or is it a mistake because it has a different undertone? I feel like I’m unwillingly married to dull colors because of my carpet lol!
I’m so confused. We are going to paint our living area that has lots of natural light. Alabaster is too light for me, accessible beige too dark. Is aesthetic white in between? If. It, which in between those two colors would you recommend? Thanks!
Kylie,
I’ve decided on SW White Duck for the walls and Pure White for trim and doors. What would you recommend for the ceiling?
Thank you!
Dori
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Hi Dori, I would definitely stick with Pure White for the ceiling as well, for consistency with the white, otherwise, you’ll get some mix and match undertones!
TY! I love your site!
Dori
Hi Kylie,
I have really enjoyed reading your blogs and have learned a lot. Thank you
We are renovating and I need to choose a colour for the main floor (LR DR, FR ,kitchen ,PwdrR) and hallways. Previously we had BM Bavarian Cream in these areas. We have vaulted ceilings in the LR. I am planning on using BM Cloud White for all of the trim as well as the kitchen and family room cabinetry. I have been considering White Duck and Creamy, however I have also been looking at SW Ivory Lace as it’s LRV is a little less than Creamy and a little more than White Duck. What are you thoughts on Ivory Lace? What is its undertone? I’ve also toyed with the idea of BM Seashell …
I appreciate your feedback.
Best regards,
Cheryl
Author
There you are! I figured I’d just pop in and check you out ;). So, I haven’t used Ivory Lace very much – it’s pretty and is a bit less cream/yellow than Creamy, but WARMER than White Duck! If your room is south facing, it would be calmer than Creamy, White Duck would be calmer in south-facing light as well (Creamy would look even WARMER in southern light which is a warm yellow light), but if you have a north or east-facing room, you might prefer the warmth of Creamy to balance out that duller light. I don’t entirely trust BM Seashell though and its undertones, I might take it off the list (of course, this is without seeing your home 😉
I hope that helps!
Kylie, I LOVE your articles! They have helped me so much and again I am reading them for our new house! We are using SW Pure White for all trim, doors and ceilings. I love SW White Duck for a couple of rooms (along with possibly Anew Gray/Agreeable Gray Accessible Beige and/or Edgecomb Gray) -in general do those colors play well with Pure White trim?
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Pure White trim is fabulous and flexible, I see no problem with those at all!
Hi Kylie! I’m enjoying your comments as I read other people’s posts. I’m feeling overwhelmed on colors for my kitchen. What I can tell you is the cabinets will be SW Acier grey. Struggling to find a SW warm light wall color to compliment the grey, as well as trim and celing. We have light countertops and a medium brown wood floor. I’d appreciate any ideas! Thank you!
Hello Kylie!
Thank you for all the useful tips when considering paint colors. I was wondering if you could comment on SW Natural Choice? It is the front runner for my living/dining combination in my Montana town house with south facing windows. The current color is a medium beige with pinkish purple undertones that does not live harmoniously with the warm wood floors and cabinetry. I am looking to brighten/freshen up the place a bit. Another blogger said Natural Choice could flash pink which is what I am trying to avoid. I am okay with a slightly greenish or yellowish undertone. I sampled some greiges but they just don’t seem to work with my furnishings and fixed elements. Thank you!
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Hi Constance! Nope, Natural Choice doesn’t usually flash pink, if anything it can almost pick up a weee wink o’ green, so it sounds like you’re on the right path! Aesthetic White, not THAT can lean a weee touch pink.
What color wall paint is on the first picture on this page, of the bathroom with curvy tub? I wish you would always put the paint colors directly below a picture.
The walls in our home were freshly painted Thistle Gray when we moved in. We weren’t told the paint brand. Would Alabaster be a good trim and cabinet choice? I’ve always been drawn to off-whites over white but all of the new sinks and tubs are white so I’m completely lost as to the best trim and cabinet color.
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Hi Lisa! Looking it up online I see that it’s from Kelly Moore. Alabaster could work, but I might also look at SW Pure White 🙂
Hi Kylie! What trim would you recommend with BM Feather Down? I prefer a softer look rather than a cleaner white. I love White Dove – Would it work? Thank you!!
What is the blue color of island Kylie is sitting on? at the top of the page
Thank you
Author
That’s the lovely Sherwin Williams Cyberspace!
hah, that is so interesting!
It looks so much bluer in your island than in the color swatch.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Kylie. Repainting my home’s stucco exterior which is south facing. Has a natural limestone facade in front. I’ve tried Aesthetic White, White Heron, Origami White, Cloud White and China White. They are are all pulling a wink yellow in the southern facing light. How much more cool do I need to go to balance the warmth of the sun? Color recs for the next coolest family please?
Hi Kylie, I’m actually looking for a Sherwin Williams white with a not-so-subtle purple undertone. (I’m imagining something like F&B Cabbage White but with purple.) I want to use it in an (adult) bedroom with slanted walls and paint the walls/ceilings all the same color. The room has one dormered south-facing window but doesn’t get a lot of light. Would Eider or Egret white give off a purple vibe in those conditions? I was looking at SW Discreet White but couldn’t find many in-home examples to know whether it gave off purple vibes.
Despite our home, several vehicles and my student loans, only NOW do I feel like I’m adulting because why? Yes, I have off-white colours on my walls, oh yes! I picked some random light off-white colour, tried to change it to another colour, then found and read your blog a billion times only to learn that I chose the Dulux equivalent of Eider White! Well, pat on the back for me. I am so proud of my choice for our new bathroom walls. It looks lovely. Thank you for your good advice.
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Look at you go – isn’t colour a wonderful thing?!!!
Hi Kylie,
“White Duck is shown with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray cabinets – a super wicked combo”
Kitchen Remodel:
Taj Mahal Quartzite Countertops/Backsplash
Edgecomb Gray Cabinets
Urbane Bronze Island
Pre-exiting KM Accoustic Trim (was told it’s an equivalent to Alabaster)
Any good alternative options to White Duck for the wall color with this combo? Want the wall color to be slightly lighter than the cabinets without simply looking stark white (or cold). Would also like a wall color that could be used in the adjoining rooms and possibly throughout the house.
Any thoughts on a wall color for tis combo or issues with this combo in general would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Kylie –
Thank you for all of your posts, they are so helpful! I have learned a lot!
I have off-white kitchen cabinets in our home (they are not antique looking, they are just off-white and it pulls yellow, which I loathe – looks super close to the color Monterey White by Benjamin Moore). I’m trying to like them but they are paired with black granite, black hardware on the cabinets, and slate grey appliances. It is not a pleasant combo. I have ordered 40 samples from samplize so far (insert face palm here) – I can’t seem to find a color where I’m like “yes, that is it!”. Do you think it is surely best to only stick to trying to get close to the kitchen cabinet color, or do you have an opinion on a pop of color (such as Normandy – an example of one I was looking it). I go back and forth daily so that’s where I am at. We can change the hardware but the budget doesn’t allow replacing granite or painting cabinets yet.
I’m so glad to hear the creamy cabinets are coming into trend. I hope I can pair the wall color to make it look purposeful and beautiful!