In the world of interior design, few elements are as versatile and timeless as the color white. One might assume that choosing a white paint color is a straightforward task, but the many varieties available can quickly overwhelm even us designers.

When selecting a white paint color, it’s essential to consider its undertones. Warm whites, with undertones of yellow, pink, or beige, create a cozy ambiance, perfect for traditional or rustic interiors. On the other hand, cool whites, featuring hints of blue, green, or gray, impart a crisp, modern aesthetic, ideal for contemporary or minimalist spaces. We always suggest sampling a few different white options and view the colors during different times of the day. The natural light that comes through our windows greatly impacts the way a color looks during the morning compared to the artificial light we use during the evenings.

Some of our favorite white paint colors here at D|A Design are:

1. 1.  Shoji White by Sherwin Williams

1. 1. Simply White by Benjamin Moore

1. 1.  Swiss Coffee by Dunn-Edwards

1. 1. Whisper by Dunn-Edwards

So you have the perfect paint color, now what sheen are you supposed to pick? That task can be almost just as daunting as picking the color itself. As a rule of thumb, we normally stick to these sheens (with some variety depending on the project): Walls/Ceiling in matte, trim in satin or egg shell, interior doors in satin or egg shell, exterior doors in satin or semi-gloss, and exterior in egg shell or satin.