Sherwin-Williams does not have a single "most popular" white, but rather a top tier of best-selling whites, each serving a different design style. The most popular include Alabaster (SW 7008) for warm, cozy spaces, Pure White (SW 7005) as the ultimate versatile neutral, and Extra White (SW 7006) for crisp, cool modern looks and trim.
Pure White is one of Sherwin Williams' most popular shades of white. It is known for its clean, crisp appearance with very subtle yellow undertones giving it a slight touch of warmth and keeping it from looking too stark.
Joanna Gaines' go-to white paints are all part of her exclusive Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint line. Her favorites are tailored for specific looks and spaces:
The most popular Sherwin-Williams off-white paints are highly versatile, ranging from soft and creamy to crisp and bright. Leading choices include Alabaster for a warm, cozy feel, and Pure White for a clean, slightly crisp off-white.
Designers rely on a few specific whites to achieve different vibes depending on the room's lighting. The industry gold standards include:
Sherwin-Williams offers several top-tier warm whites, ranging from soft and creamy to bright and balanced.
Timeless is an ultra-pale cream with a delicate floral feeling. One of our favourites, this tone can be used anywhere you might usually apply white, but gives a softer effect and a warm glow.
Finding a warm white with absolutely zero yellow undertones is tricky because "warmth" in paint and lighting is generally derived from yellow or beige bases. To get that cozy, soft feel without looking like butter or cream, you need whites that rely on gray, greige (gray/beige), or slight taupe/violet undertones to neutralize the yellow.
The most popular and widely loved creamy white by Sherwin-Williams is Alabaster (SW 7008). It is a massive designer favorite because it beautifully bridges the gap between a bright, clean white and a cozy, warm cream.
Sherwin-Williams' undisputed best-selling paint colors are overwhelmingly warm whites, soft grays, and "greiges" (gray-beige hybrids). The most popular colors include:
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
Erin Napier's all-time favorite white paint is Sherwin-Williams Dover White. She considers it her "spirit color" and uses it heavily throughout her own home for a blend of warmth and crispness.
The best shade of white for walls balances room lighting and decor, with top designer favorites including Sherwin-Williams Pure White (versatile neutral), Benjamin Moore White Dove (soft warm), and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (crisp/clean). Warm whites suit bedrooms and low-light areas, while cool whites fit modern, bright spaces.
SW Pure White is too clean and too light to pair with an earthy kitchen countertop. Instead the kitchen cabinets should have been painted with a warmer neutral (watch video, I show you a warmer neutral for warmer kitchen countertops) like SW Ivory Lace.
Dull or outdated colors
While you might be tempted to revisit trends from past eras, among the colors to avoid in a bathroom are beige-yellow tones, dull brown, and olive green. These can even give the impression of uncleanliness in addition to appearing outdated.
Achieving a creamy, soft white without it looking dingy or yellow requires choosing warm whites with greige (gray/beige) or brown undertones instead of gold. The best options offer a welcoming warmth while staying crisp in different lighting conditions.
Sherwin-Williams has named Creamy (SW 7012) its January 2025 Color of the Month, setting the stage for a year filled with timeless, versatile design. Creamy is an off-white hue with delicate yellow undertones, offering the perfect balance of warmth and brightness.
The best creamy white paint colors deliver warmth and softness without looking yellow or stark. Top choices include Sherwin-Williams Alabaster for balanced versatility, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee for a cozy and chalky designer favorite, and Benjamin Moore White Dove for a timeless, bright, and slightly modern warm white.
Both Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa and Alabaster are beautiful, warm off-whites, but Alabaster is generally warmer.
Deep green, navy blue, charcoal, and warm neutrals like beige or taupe make a bathroom look expensive, especially when paired with brass or gold fixtures. Rich, moody colors create a luxurious spa-like feel, while high-contrast neutrals like creamy white or soft grey enhance sophistication and space.
Decorator’s White (OC-149 / CC-20) by Benjamin Moore is a highly popular, cool-leaning soft white with a subtle gray and occasional blue-violet undertone. It offers a sleek, modern aesthetic without feeling stark or sterile, making it highly versatile for both walls and trim.
Neutral and warm earthy tones consistently yield the highest return on investment by creating a clean, modern canvas that appeals to most buyers.
Warm white paints without yellow undertones include Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee (OC-45) and Super White (OC-152), Sherwin-Williams' Snowbound (SW 7004), and Farrow & Ball's Pointing (No. 2003). These options provide a crisp and calming appearance.