One thing people always ask us: How do you choose the right white paint color? Picking white paint colors can be tough. Do you go for a bright hue or for something more mellow? Start with 10 of the most popular white paint colors from Sherwin-Williams and how our house painters have used them.
1) Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
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Alabaster is often considered one of the most popular white paint colors because of its creamy undertone and versatility. It balances brightness with warmth, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms and living spaces where comfort matters most. Unlike stark whites, this shade provides a welcoming atmosphere without feeling yellow or dull. It’s no surprise that Alabaster frequently tops the list when people ask what the most popular white paint color is.
For homeowners who want a neutral backdrop that complements both modern and traditional décor, Alabaster is a go-to solution. Its subtle depth makes it one of the most common white paints for walls, trim, and ceilings alike. Whether paired with natural wood or bold accent shades, it creates a cohesive look. If you’re looking for a safe yet stylish option, Alabaster may be the most popular white paint for walls in a wide range of home styles.
2) Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551)
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Greek Villa offers a parchment-like tone that works beautifully in modern interiors. It’s slightly warmer than pure white, giving it a refined softness that keeps spaces from feeling too stark. This shade is particularly effective in black-and-white design schemes where you want to temper bold contrasts with a touch of warmth. Greek Villa is one of the most popular white paints for walls when creating a clean but welcoming look.
Because it leans just a bit creamy, Greek Villa adapts to natural light throughout the day. Morning sunlight highlights its soft undertones, while evening lighting gives it a cozy glow. It’s often chosen as the most common white paint color for homes seeking sophistication without the chill of a bright white. For homeowners wondering what the most popular white paint color is, Greek Villa is always a strong contender.
3) Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice (SW 7647)
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Crushed Ice is a pale gray with just enough warmth to read as a modern white in many spaces. Its versatility makes it one of the most popular white paint colors for walls in rustic-modern and transitional interiors. It pairs beautifully with wood, blush tones, and natural stone, enhancing earthy palettes while keeping rooms airy. Homeowners often choose it when they want the look of a soft white with a hint of contrast.
This shade works equally well in bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms, thanks to its balanced undertones. It reflects light without being too bright, which makes it more forgiving than some of the whitest white paint colors. Crushed Ice can serve as the most common white paint for homes that want subtle dimension instead of a stark canvas. For those asking what the most popular white paint color is in rustic-modern spaces, Crushed Ice deserves serious consideration.
4) Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006)
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Extra White lives up to its name as one of the brightest white paint colors you can choose. Crisp, cool, and reflective, it maximizes natural light and creates a gallery-like effect in living spaces. Designers often recommend it for contemporary rooms with bold accents or colorful art. If you’re wondering what the whitest white paint color is, Extra White is always high on the list.
Because of its high reflectivity, Extra White works particularly well in sun-drenched spaces. It maintains its bright appearance even in artificial light, making it one of the most common white paints for walls and ceilings in open-plan homes. Paired with vibrant furnishings, it ensures every accent shines. For homeowners looking for the most popular white paint color that feels clean and energizing, Extra White is a timeless choice.
5) Sherwin-Williams Rhinestone (SW 7656)
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Rhinestone is a blue-toned white that’s ideal for coastal-inspired spaces. Its subtle cool undertone brings to mind sky and sea, making it one of the most popular white paints for homes near the water. Used in bedrooms and breezy living rooms, it creates a tranquil environment without overwhelming the senses. Homeowners looking for the most common white paint with a touch of personality often gravitate toward Rhinestone.
Because it has a hint of gray-blue, Rhinestone pairs beautifully with sandy neutrals, navy accents, and light wood tones. It provides just enough contrast to highlight trim and moldings while keeping the overall palette light. This makes it a great choice for those who want a soft white with coastal charm. If you’ve ever wondered what the most popular white paint color is for beach-inspired interiors, Rhinestone belongs in the conversation.
6) Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
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Pure White is one of the most popular white paint colors for homeowners who want a timeless, flexible choice. It sits right in the middle of the spectrum—not too warm, not too cool—which makes it incredibly adaptable. This shade works beautifully on both walls and trim, especially when you’re aiming for a seamless, modern look. For many homeowners, Pure White is the answer to the question: what is the most popular white paint color?
Another reason Pure White is so well loved is because it adapts easily to different lighting conditions. In bright rooms, it looks clean and crisp, while in dimmer spaces it softens without appearing dingy. Designers frequently recommend it as the most common white paint for walls, ceilings, and cabinetry alike. If you want one color that consistently delivers across styles, Pure White is one of the brightest and most reliable options.
7) Sherwin-Williams Snowbound (SW 7004)
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Snowbound is a warm, cozy white that instantly makes small spaces feel brighter and more inviting. It’s a popular choice for kitchens, especially eat-in areas, because it creates an open and welcoming vibe. Unlike cooler whites, Snowbound softens hard edges and brings warmth into spaces that might otherwise feel clinical. That’s why it often shows up on lists of the most popular white paint colors for homes.
This shade also pairs well with both warm wood tones and contemporary finishes like stainless steel. Its versatility makes it one of the most common white paints for walls in kitchens, hallways, and bedrooms. Snowbound is especially loved by homeowners who want a white that doesn’t feel stark but still keeps rooms light and airy. If you’re searching for the most popular white paint for walls in family-friendly homes, Snowbound deserves serious attention.
8) Sherwin-Williams Creamy (SW 7012)
Creamy is exactly what its name suggests: a soft, warm white that feels inviting and comfortable. This color is often chosen for traditional living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms where a more relaxed atmosphere is desired. Unlike the brightest white paint colors, Creamy adds just enough depth to feel cozy without veering into beige territory. It’s often named one of the most popular white paint colors because of its balance of warmth and sophistication.
In coastal and cottage-inspired interiors, Creamy is a go-to shade that complements soft blues, sandy neutrals, and natural materials. It provides a timeless backdrop that allows accent colors to shine without competing for attention. As one of the most common white paints for walls, it creates a sense of calm that works across a variety of design styles. If you’re trying to decide what the most popular white paint color is for classic, comfortable spaces, Creamy should be on your list.
9) Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White (SW 7757)
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High Reflective White is one of the brightest white paint colors available from Sherwin-Williams, making it ideal for ultra-clean, modern spaces. It reflects more light than most other whites, which makes rooms feel expansive and fresh. In bathrooms or small spaces, this shade maximizes brightness while complementing colorful accents or bold fixtures. It’s often considered the whitest white paint color in the Sherwin-Williams collection.
Because of its purity, High Reflective White is also a favorite for ceilings and trim. It works especially well in contemporary designs where crispness and clarity are priorities. While it may be too bright for some interiors, it remains one of the most common white paints for homes that want a dramatic, gallery-like effect. For anyone asking, what is the whitest white paint color?, High Reflective White is the clear answer.
10) Sherwin-Williams Dover White (SW 6385)
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Dover White is a creamy, classic white that works beautifully in cottages and traditional homes. Its slightly warm undertones make it a natural complement to wood floors, stone countertops, and rustic details. Homeowners often choose it for kitchens, cabinetry, and trim when they want something softer than the brightest whites. Dover White is consistently ranked among the most popular white paint colors because of its timeless appeal.
This shade is also versatile enough to work across both interior and exterior applications. It has enough depth to stand out against darker rooflines and landscaping, yet it still feels light and airy indoors. As one of the most common white paints for walls, trim, and cabinetry, it brings harmony to a wide variety of spaces. If you’ve ever asked what the most popular white paint color is for cozy, traditional homes, Dover White may be the perfect fit.
How to Choose Between Warm and Cool Whites
When deciding on a white paint color, understanding undertones is essential. Warm whites like Alabaster, Creamy, and Dover White create a welcoming feel and pair well with earthy neutrals and wood finishes. On the other hand, cool whites like Rhinestone and Extra White bring a crisp, refreshing look that complements modern design and colorful accents.
The most popular white paint colors often fall into one of these categories, so choosing the right one depends on the mood you want to create. A warm white can make a space feel cozy, while a cooler white can enhance brightness and clarity. Asking yourself whether you prefer a soft glow or a sharp contrast will help you decide which undertone works best for your home.
The Whitest White Paint Color from Sherwin-Williams
If your goal is to find the brightest, purest shade possible, Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White is the top choice. Known for being one of the most reflective whites in the collection, it bounces light around the room to create an airy, expansive effect. Many consider it the answer to the question, what is the whitest white paint color?
However, while High Reflective White works beautifully in contemporary and minimalist homes, it can feel too stark in some settings. For those who want brightness without harshness, Extra White or Pure White may be better alternatives. These shades still fall into the category of the brightest white paint colors but offer a slightly softer finish.
Most Common White Paint Colors for Trim vs. Walls
When painting interiors, it’s common to use different whites for trim and walls. For trim, homeowners often choose the most popular white paint colors that are bright and clean, like High Reflective White or Pure White. These shades highlight architectural details and create contrast against warmer wall colors.
For walls, softer whites such as Alabaster, Greek Villa, or Snowbound are among the most common white paints because they add depth without overwhelming a space. This strategy ensures that rooms feel layered and dimensional, rather than flat. Choosing complementary whites for walls and trim is one of the best ways to achieve a polished, balanced look throughout your home.
Benefits of Choosing a Popular White Paint Color
Opting for one of the most popular white paint colors comes with several advantages. First, these shades have proven their versatility across a variety of design styles and lighting conditions. Whether you’re designing a modern loft or a traditional cottage, these whites provide a safe yet stylish choice.
Additionally, popular whites like Alabaster, Snowbound, and Dover White are frequently recommended by real estate professionals because they appeal to a broad audience. Using one of the most common white paints can increase your home’s resale value and create a timeless backdrop that won’t quickly feel outdated. Choosing a shade from the most popular list ensures you’re making a decision that blends beauty with practicality.
FAQs About White Paint Colors
What is the most popular white paint color right now?
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster consistently ranks as one of the most popular white paint colors. Its creamy undertones give it warmth without making it feel yellow, which makes it a versatile choice for both walls and trim. Other favorites include Pure White, Snowbound, and High Reflective White, each offering a different take on brightness and undertone. Ultimately, the most popular shade depends on your home’s lighting and the atmosphere you want to create.
What is the whitest white paint color from Sherwin-Williams?
The whitest white paint color is High Reflective White. Known for its exceptional brightness and reflectivity, it creates an ultra-clean, modern look. It’s a favorite for trim, ceilings, and minimalist spaces where clarity is the goal. If you want the brightest white paint color for walls, this is your top option, though Extra White offers a slightly softer alternative.
What is the most common white paint for walls?
Pure White is often considered the most common white paint for walls because of its balance between warmth and coolness. It adapts well to a variety of lighting conditions and design styles. Snowbound and Alabaster are also popular choices for walls since they provide softness and comfort without feeling too stark. Each of these whites is frequently chosen by both homeowners and designers for their reliability.
How do I choose between warm and cool whites?
The easiest way to decide is to consider the other colors in your space. Warm whites like Creamy and Dover White pair well with natural wood, beige, and earthy tones, while cool whites like Rhinestone and Extra White complement blues, grays, and crisp modern designs. Looking at how the color reacts to natural and artificial light in your home is also key. Sampling a few of the most popular white paint colors before committing is always a smart step.
Transform Your Home with the Most Popular White Paint Colors
Whether you’re searching for the brightest white paint color or a creamy shade that feels timeless, Sherwin-Williams offers a range of options to fit your style. From Pure White’s balance to High Reflective White’s clarity, these shades represent the most common white paints that designers and homeowners alike trust.
If you’re ready to bring fresh life to your home, our professional painters can help you choose the most popular white paint color for your walls, molding, or trim. Get started today with a free, instant online quote, and let us help you transform your space with one of these timeless shades.