The best Sherwin Williams whites for rooms with no natural light are soft, warm off-whites. Stark or cool whites (which have blue or gray undertones) will look dreary and cold in shadow. Warm whites brighten the space while keeping it cozy.
Brighter neutrals are a far better choice - certain greys, lighter camels, soft tans, dusky pinks and lavender. Blue undertones tend to feel cold, so opt for yellow or beige instead. You can also give dull rooms life by choosing more saturated colours with less black in the base.
Top paint choices for white with no undertones—meaning they are neither too warm (yellow/beige) nor too cool (blue/grey)—include Farrow & Ball All White, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, and Behr Ultra Pure White. These paints are designed to be "true" or "pure" white, offering a clean, bright, and modern look for walls, trim, and doors.
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:
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.
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.
Sherwin-Williams offers several top-tier warm whites, ranging from soft and creamy to bright and balanced.
Designers rely on a few specific whites to achieve different vibes depending on the room's lighting. The industry gold standards include:
SW 7005Pure White
This versatile, bright white has the slightest yellow undertone that keeps it from appearing too stark.
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.
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.
SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER
Alabaster is a warm shade of white and one of the best paint colors for a dark room. While there are many beautiful warm whites, I suggest Alabaster for a dark room because of its softness and warmth.
Utilize a variety of light sources, such as overhead and task lighting, along with table and standing lamps, to brighten a space. Employ reflective materials like mirrors and metallic fabrics to give the illusion of more light and space.
For a windowless hallway, your best option is to use warm whites, creams, or soft, light pastels (like a gentle sage green or airy blue). These tones reflect artificial light and prevent the space from feeling cramped.
In windowless bathrooms, the best white paints are bright, neutral off-whites. Pure stark whites can look dingy or sterile under artificial lighting. Top options include Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 (soft warmth) or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 (crisp neutrality).
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.
Interior designers are moving away from stark cool whites, "millennial gray," and heavily saturated accent colors. These rigid hues can make spaces feel cold or clinical. The shift is toward warmer, earthy, and highly nuanced tones that prioritize depth and coziness.
For 2026, white interior and exterior paints are trending towards warm, soft, creamy off-whites that feel welcoming and timeless but that doesn't mean more stark, cool whites are out.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Joanna Gaines’ favorite overall neutral is Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008), which she used throughout her own farmhouse. Within her exclusive paint line, she frequently relies on Silos White for warm walls and True White for trim.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
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.
Sherwin-Williams selected Universal Khaki SW 6150 as its 2026 Color of the Year. This earthy, warm neutral bridges the gap between beige and gray, creating a cozy and grounding atmosphere.