Designers’ Favourite White Paints: 7 Unexpected Shades We Can’t Stop Using
- Beril Yilmaz
- May 1
- 5 min read
Let’s face it—choosing a white paint sounds easy until you realise there are hundreds to choose from. One trip to your local paint shop and you’re met with rows of swatches that all look almost the same… until they’re on your walls. Suddenly, the subtle undertones, lighting conditions, and finishes take centre stage, and what should have been a simple decision becomes anything but.
At BY Design And Viz, we understand how much white paint can impact the feel of a space. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a tone-setter. It can make a room feel crisp and modern, warm and welcoming, or quietly sophisticated. But to get that effect, you need the right white.
So, whether you’re refreshing your kitchen cabinetry, reimagining your living room, or planning a crisp exterior for your new build, we’ve pulled together our designers’ favourite white paints from trusted brands like Dulux, Farrow & Ball, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams—and yes, each one is tried, tested, and totally swoon-worthy.
1. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: Understanding the Many Faces of White
White is never just white. Some are stark, almost surgical. Others are creamy and soft. Many sit somewhere in between. The trick is knowing how to decode those differences so you can find the perfect match for your room.
The first thing to know? Undertones are everything. A white with a yellow or red base will feel warm and welcoming. A white with blue, green, or grey undertones, on the other hand, gives off a cool, crisp finish. Neither is better—it just depends on your space, light, and mood.
Another key factor? Natural light. South-facing rooms with loads of sunlight can handle cooler whites without looking cold. But in darker or north-facing rooms, warm whites help to counteract shadows and make the space feel brighter.
2. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: Best Warm Whites for Cosy Interiors
Warm whites are the go-to when you want your space to feel soft, timeless, and inviting. These shades bring a gentle glow to a room—perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and period homes.
Farrow & Ball – Pointing
Named after the colour of lime pointing between bricks, this off-white is steeped in warmth. It’s a creamy, gentle white that feels aged but fresh—ideal for heritage homes or relaxed interiors.
Benjamin Moore – Swiss Coffee
With its creamy base and subtle golden undertone, Swiss Coffee is a designer favourite for creating a lived-in, warm aesthetic. It pairs beautifully with wood tones and warm metals like brass.
Dulux – Jasmine White
If you’re after something classic and understated, Jasmine White delivers a soft, off-white hue that brings warmth without feeling yellow. It’s brilliant for whole-house schemes.
3. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: The Cool Whites That Make a Statement
Cool whites are sleek, modern, and perfect for spaces where you want that gallery-like feel. Think minimal kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, or architectural homes with clean lines.
Sherwin Williams – Extra White
If you’re looking for that pure, crisp look, Extra White is hard to beat. It has almost no discernible undertone, making it a strong choice for modern spaces and trim work.
A cult favourite for a reason, Chantilly Lace is one of the cleanest whites available. Slightly cool but not icy, it works well in bright spaces and contrasts nicely with darker accents.
Dulux – White Cotton
A delicate cool white that isn’t too stark. This shade is fresh and clean, but with just enough softness to keep it from feeling clinical.
4. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: Timeless Neutrals That Work Anywhere
Neutral whites bridge the gap between warm and cool. They’re flexible, understated, and play well with virtually any palette. These are the shades we reach for time and time again.
Farrow & Ball – Wevet
Soft and subdued, Wevet is a neutral white with a grey undertone that adapts beautifully to changing light. It’s calming, clean, and never harsh.
Dulux – Timeless
As its name suggests, this white is made to last. It’s a slightly warm, barely-there shade that feels clean without veering into blue or yellow.
Benjamin Moore – White Heron
An airy, subtle white that sits comfortably in both modern and traditional spaces. It gives a hint of softness without being overly creamy.
5. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: Tips for Choosing the Right One
Here’s the secret: test before you commit. White paints are chameleons—they’ll shift dramatically depending on your lighting, room size, and furnishings. Follow these tips for success:
Use large swatches: Don’t rely on a tiny sample card. Paint a piece of A3 card and move it around the room at different times of day.
Check in natural and artificial light: Your paint may look one way in the morning sun and another under your evening bulbs.
Compare with your finishes: Look at how the white plays against your flooring, cabinetry, tiles, and upholstery.
And remember: the finish matters, too. A matt white will look very different to a satin or eggshell one. High-traffic areas might benefit from something with a little sheen, while ceilings and walls are often best left flat.
6. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: Our Picks for Exterior Brilliance
White isn’t just for interiors—it’s a showstopper on exteriors when done right. These whites are durable, classic, and weather-friendly.
Dulux Weathershield – Pure Brilliant White
A no-fail choice for modern facades, this white is clean and reflective, making it perfect for urban homes.
Farrow & Ball – Strong White (Exterior Eggshell)
A soft white with grey undertones that looks sophisticated outdoors without glaring in sunlight.
Timeless and warm, Alabaster offers that classic country house aesthetic without appearing yellow or dated.
7. Designers’ Favourite White Paints: FAQs
Q: What’s the most versatile white paint?A: Benjamin Moore’s Simply White and Farrow & Ball’s Wevet are incredibly adaptable, working well across a wide range of styles and lighting conditions.
Q: Why does my white paint look different on the wall than on the swatch?A: Lighting, room orientation, and surrounding colours all impact how white is perceived. Always test first in your actual space.
Q: Is it okay to use different whites in one house?A: Absolutely. Just make sure they complement each other. Using one white for walls and another for trim can add subtle depth and interest.
Need Help Choosing the Perfect White?
Choosing the right shade of white can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At BY Design And Viz, our interior and architectural design experts can help you find the perfect white paint for your home, both inside and out. Whether you need a full design consultation or just some guidance on finishes and swatches, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Contact us today for a personalised consultation and let’s transform your space—beautifully and brilliantly.
