Our Brightest, Cleanest White Paint Colors
One of the most common questions Benjamin Moore gets from homeowners is “What is Benjamin Moore’s ‘most pure’ white paint?” They’ve narrowed it down to two hues: Chantilly Lace OC-65 (LRV 90.04) and Super White OC-152 (LRV 87.36). These whites have little to no visible undertone, making them two of their ‘whitest white’ paint colors. These two hues are adaptable. Color combination with either of these colors is effortless. They are super bright and have a high light reflectance value (reflect a lot of light).
Photo from Driven by Decor – Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
What is LRV?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement commonly used by design professionals—such as architects and interior designers—that expresses the percentage of light reflected from a surface. LRVs range from 0-100, with 100 being pure white and 0 being absolute black.
Additional “Cool” Whites
Cool, crisp whites include green, blue, and violet undertones. Here are some whites we would consider having a cool undertone:
Decorator’s White, OC-149 (LRV 82.68). A touch of cool gray gives this go-to white sleek, stylish appeal.
Photo from The Turquoise Home – Decorator's White (OC-149)
Paper White, OC-55 (LRV 74.41). Like a fresh sheet of paper, a touch of blue-gray lends a clean, crisp feel to this appealing white.
Image from Architechtural Digest - Paper White (OC-55)
Frostine, AF-5 (LRV 86.32). Crisp and slightly cool, this wintery white is highly versatile.
Warm Whites:
Warm white paint colors have undertones of red, orange, and yellow, resulting in a soft glow and welcoming vibe. Here are some whites we would consider having a warm undertone:
Simply White, OC-117 (LRV 89.52). The slightest hint of warmth makes this clean, crisp white a favorite to use anywhere in the home.
Cloud White, OC-130 (LRV 85.05). Soft and balanced, this go-to white can effortlessly buoy a space.
White Dove, OC-17 (LRV 83.16). Unerring style defines this clean and classic white.
Photo from Havenly – White Dove (OC-17)
Swiss Coffee, OC-45 (LRV 81.91). An essential white with just the right amount of warmth.
Atrium White, OC-145 (LRV 85.08). A fresh, youthful white with a flattering touch of pink.
Photo from Decorated Life – Atrium White (OC-145)
Differentiating with Sheen
Sheens help differentiate any paint color, including white. Use a high gloss sheen to turn up the drama and highlight architectural details. The higher the sheen, the greater the shine and durability. On the other end of the sheen spectrum, a matte finish offers an understated, elegant finish when paired with rich surfaces like marble countertops. In the middle, an eggshell sheen—a homeowner favorite—offers a soft hint of gloss and easy-to-clean practicality. Andrea Magno, Color & Design Expert at Benjamin Moore says, "If you already have white walls, you can paint the trim and ceiling the same color and use sheen to create contrast."
Test Your White Paint Colors
White paint colors are especially prone to taking on different tonalities from morning to evening, under both natural and artificial lighting conditions. Purchase paint samples of white paints you like, and test each one on the wall before you buy.
Leading color consultant, Kylie M. of Kylie M. Interiors says, “White is THE most reflective color. What does this mean to you? It means that white LOVES to mess with you. It will take colors from its surroundings and flash them on the walls – giving you a color that you maaaaybe hadn’t bargained on…hop into your local Benjamin Moore store to see the samples in REAL-life.”
Click here to purchase Benjamin Moore paint samples to find your perfect white for your next project!
