The Best White Paint Colors for 2025 (With Real Renovation Use Cases)

Tiffany Monreal
Tiffany Monreal
Jr Interior Designer
Jan 18, 2024

WHY WHITE PAINT STILL REIGNS IN 2025

White paint has been the cornerstone of interior design for decades, but like any design element, its trends evolve. In 2025, white paint is all about warmth and personality. Cooler, stark whites that dominated modern, minimalist spaces are being replaced with softer, more inviting shades that reflect comfort and serenity.

Tiffany Monreal, one of our expert designers at Revive, sums it up: “Yes, white paint is still trending, but it’s all about moving toward warmer and softer shades in 2025.” This shift reflects a broader design trend—creating spaces that feel lived-in and welcoming.

Why Warm Whites Are Gaining Popularity

The move to warm whites aligns with homeowners’ desire for cozier environments. Whether it's due to time spent at home or the rise of natural, organic design trends, these shades create a nurturing atmosphere that balances modern aesthetics with timeless appeal.

THE POWER OF UNDERTONES: WARM VS. COOL WHITES

All white paint colors are not created equal. The specific shade can dramatically change the overall look and feel of a room, but the undertone of the white paint you choose might be even more important to create a cohesive, balanced color palette.

Depending on the mood you're hoping to achieve, you can opt for either warm of cool tones. Warm whites, like ivory, cream, or alabaster, create an inviting, cozy ambiance with pink, yellow, or red undertones. For a more crisp, clean aesthetic, choose cool tones with blue, green, or violet undertones, like decorator's white or super white shades. When selecting the undertone, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:

  • Consider lighting: Rooms with south-facing windows bring in warmer light while north-facing rooms get cooler light. To create balance, choose a white paint color with a contrasting undertone.
  • Choose your mood: If you're going for relaxation and comfort, opt for warm undertones. Cool tones create a more modern and energetic atmosphere.
  • Swatch and watch: It's always a great idea to test your paint out with a swatch to see how the color and undertone appears in various lighting and times of day before you commit to painting the entire room.

OUR TOP 3 WHITE PAINT PICKS FOR 2025

Here are three standout white paint colors that not only embody 2025’s trends but also offer unmatched versatility.

1. Greek Villa (Sherwin-Williams)

With its creamy texture and subtle warmth, Greek Villa creates a soothing atmosphere that feels both classic and contemporary. This off-white works beautifully in rooms with minimal natural light, bouncing light to make the space feel larger. Whether you’re painting an entire room or highlighting trim and cabinetry, Greek Villa delivers a clean yet inviting look.

Interior painted in Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams, showcasing a warm, creamy off-white ambiance.

2. White Dove (Benjamin Moore)

White Dove remains a favorite among designers for good reason. Its soft, creamy undertones are perfect for darker spaces or rooms with rich wood tones. This color complements a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, making it a dependable choice for walls, ceilings, and accents.

White Dove by Benjamin Moore adds soft warmth and versatility with creamy undertones.

3. Simply White (Benjamin Moore)

Simply White’s pale yellow undertones make it a standout for homeowners looking to add warmth without overwhelming the space. It’s ideal for creating cohesion, working equally well on walls, trim, and even furniture. This color brings a sunny brightness that’s never harsh—perfect for rooms that need a little extra light.

Simply White adds soft brightness and warmth with pale yellow undertones for a cohesive finish.

OTHER SHADES OF WHITE TO CONSIDER

If the top three aren’t quite right, there’s no shortage of white shades to explore. Here are a few more worth considering:

  • Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore): A bright, clean white with no undertones, perfect for modern or minimalist designs.
  • Decorator’s White (Benjamin Moore): A cool white with subtle gray undertones, ideal for trim and ceilings.
  • Cloud White (Benjamin Moore): A classic white with subtle warmth, often used in historic homes.
  • Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams): A creamy, neutral white that feels warm but not overly yellow.
  • Pure White (Sherwin-Williams): A clean white that works with both warm and cool palettes.
  • Dover White (Sherwin-Williams): A creamy and cozy, ideal for traditional spaces.
  • Snowbound (Sherwin-Williams): A crisp and cool white with subtle gray undertones.
  • Ultra Pure White (Behr): Behr's brightest, cleanest white shade.
  • Frost (Behr): A slightly cool white, great for modern interiors.
  • Polar Bear (Behr): A warm white with a soft, inviting finish.
  • Silky White (Behr): An off-white with creamy warmth, good for soft contrasts.
  • Cameo White (Behr): A white with neutral undertones for versatile use.
  • All White (Farrow & Ball): A shade completely free of colorants for a pure white look.
  • Pointing (Farrow & Ball): A warm, classic white with a red undertone.
  • School House White (Farrow & Ball): Soft and chalky, works well in period homes.
  • Wimborne White (Farrow & Ball): White with a slight hint of warmth, named after the town.
  • Strong White (Farrow & Ball): A cool gray undertone, sophisticated and muted.
  • Delicate White (PPG): Bright white with a soft, neutral undertone.
  • Aria (PPG): Light and airy, this white works well in open-concept spaces.
  • Cool Slate (Glidden): An off-white with gray undertones for a modern edge.

Each of these shades has unique qualities that cater to different lighting and design preferences.

BEST WHITES FOR KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, AND LIVING ROOMS

Each room of a home has its own unique purpose and use, and there's shade of white to complement each one and suit every design style. Let's explore what to look for in a white paint for the most-used rooms in your home.

Best Whites for Kitchens

An all-white kitchen is an undeniable classic for a reason. Keep your kitchen aesthetic crisp and clean with cooler white shades.

Our recommendations:

  • Pure White (Sherwin-Williams)
  • Strong White (Farrow & Ball)
  • Snowbound (Sherwin-Williams)

Best Whites for Bathrooms

Maintaining a squeaky clean look in your bathroom is accentuated by bright white walls. Since bathrooms are usually one of the smallest rooms in a home, this is also a smart design choice to make the space feel larger and airier.

Our recommendations:

  • Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore)
  • Ultra Pure White (Behr)
  • Delicate White (PPG)

Best Whites for Living Rooms

The comfort hub of the home, the living room is where the coziest moments happen and the paint color you choose should reflect that. Achieve an inviting and calming atmosphere by choosing a warm-toned white paint.

Our recommendations:

  • Cloud White (Benjamin Moore)
  • Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams)
  • Dover White (Sherwin-Williams)

WHY DESIGNERS LOVE WHITE PAINT

White paint is a designer's secret weapon. It provides a blank canvas that lets other design elements take center stage. Art, furniture, and architectural details all pop against a neutral white backdrop. Plus, white paint helps create a sense of continuity, making it especially effective in open floor plans or spaces that flow into one another.

White is also highly reflective, which means it can make small rooms feel larger and brighter. It’s a practical, elegant solution for spaces where light is limited or where you want to highlight architectural features like crown molding or coffered ceilings.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHITE PAINT FOR YOU

Selecting the right white paint can be daunting with so many options available. Start by considering these factors:

1. Lighting Conditions:

Natural light changes throughout the day, impacting how a color appears. Warmer whites work well in north-facing rooms, while cooler whites can balance overly bright south-facing spaces.

2. Room Purpose:

For spaces like bedrooms or living rooms, opt for warmer whites to create a cozy vibe. For kitchens or bathroom paint, cooler whites can enhance a clean, crisp feeling.

3. Existing Décor:

Always consider your flooring, furniture, and trim when selecting a white paint. Whites with clashing undertones can create an unintentionally jarring effect.

THE KEY TO THE PERFECT WARM WHITE: UNDERTONES

Undertones play a pivotal role in how white paint appears. Here’s a quick guide to understanding them:

  • Yellow Undertones: Add warmth and a cheerful feel.
  • Gray Undertones: Create a subdued, sophisticated look.
  • Blue Undertones: Offer a crisp, fresh effect, often used in cooler whites.

How to Spot Undertones

To identify undertones, compare paint swatches side by side under natural light. Place them near elements in your room, like flooring or furniture, to see how they interact.

TIPS FOR TESTING WHITE PAINT COLORS

Testing is non-negotiable when it comes to white paint. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Apply Large Samples: Use sample pots to paint large swatches directly on your walls. This gives a better sense of how the color will look in the actual space.
  2. View in Different Lighting: Check your samples at various times of day and under different lighting conditions to see how they change.
  3. Test Multiple Locations: Try the paint in different rooms to ensure consistency across your home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To make your decision easier, here are answers to common questions about white paint:

What is the most popular white paint color?

In 2025, top choices include Greek Villa, White Dove, and Simply White for their warmth and versatility.

What shade of white is best for walls?

Warm whites like Alabaster or Simply White work well for creating inviting spaces.

What are warm white paint colors?

Greek Villa and Alabaster are great examples of warm whites with yellow or beige undertones.

What are cool white paint colors?

Cool whites like Chantilly Lace and Decorator’s White have blue or gray undertones that suit modern, minimalist designs.

What is the brightest white paint?

Extra White (Sherwin-Williams) and Super White (Benjamin Moore) are highly reflective options, making them the brightest whites available.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PICKING THE BEST WHITE FOR YOUR HOME

White paint remains a timeless choice for both exterior and interior spaces, and 2025’s trends bring a fresh twist to this classic hue. Softer, warmer shades like Greek Villa and Simply White create inviting and versatile environments inside and out. By considering undertones, testing colors in your unique spaces, and exploring a range of shades, you can achieve a look that’s both modern and enduring.

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Tiffany Monreal
Tiffany Monreal
Jr Interior Designer
Jan 18, 2024

With a BA in Design from California State University and an Associate's degree in Interior Design from Orange Coast College, Tiffany has demonstrated exceptional skills as a Color Consultant at Sherwin Williams and in crafting creative designs at Wildhouse Ink. Her remarkable design intuition and strong client relationships make her a valuable team member at Revive

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or real estate advice. ROI estimates, cost ranges, and market trends are based on publicly available data and general industry insights and may not accurately reflect individual circumstances, regional specifics, or current market conditions. Revive makes no guarantees regarding outcomes or returns on investment. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with licensed professionals, such as contractors, real estate agents, or financial advisors, to assess their unique needs and conditions before starting any remodeling or home improvement projects. Revive is not liable for decisions made based on the information provided herein.

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