Finding the Right Shade of White: More Complicated Than You Think

If you thought Fifty Shades of Gray was overwhelming, imagine having to choose from over 1,500 shades of white! Who would have thought that picking the perfect white paint could be so challenging?

Choosing the best white for your home isn’t just about your favorite shade — it’s about the room, the light, and the mood you want to create. White may be one of the most popular paint colors, but in our opinion, it’s also the most versatile. It makes the perfect backdrop to highlight any décor style. Don’t worry — I’m not about to dive into all 1,500 shades of white (or even 50!).

White Isn’t Just White Anymore

When you think of “white,” a pure, clean color probably comes to mind. But when you start comparing white paints side by side, you’ll quickly notice that each has its own undertone — some lean warm (think creamy or yellowish), while others feel cool (hinting blue or gray). These undertones dramatically change how a white looks once it’s on your walls.

Lighting also plays a major role. Have you ever painted a wall and wondered why it looks darker or lighter than you expected? That’s because sunlight direction affects how paint appears.

• If your room faces north, you’ll want a warm white to balance out the cooler, bluer light.
• If your room faces south, opt for a cooler white to offset the warm yellow light that floods in.

It’s all about balance — finding a white that complements your space rather than competing with it.

A Quick Lesson on LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

Now for a little design science that can make a big difference: LRV, or Light Reflectance Value. It sounds technical, but it’s actually simple and super helpful when choosing paint colors.

LRV measures how much light a color reflects on a scale of 0 to 100, where:

• 0 = pure black (absorbs all light)
• 100 = pure white (reflects all light)

The higher the LRV, the lighter and more reflective the color. The lower the LRV, the darker and more light-absorbing it is.

Knowing a paint’s LRV helps you predict how bright or muted it will look in your space — especially important when you’re working with whites. For example, a white with a lower LRV can feel cozy and grounded, while one with a higher LRV makes a room feel open, airy, and expansive.

The Bottom Line

White is anything but simple — it’s nuanced, layered, and surprisingly complex. The key is to test samples in your actual space, under your actual lighting, and at different times of the day. With the right shade, white can be timeless, sophisticated, and the perfect foundation for your home’s design story.

1. Alabaster White — Sherwin Williams SW 7008 (LRV 82)

Alabaster White is one of the most versatile and timeless neutral whites out there. Named Color of the Year back in 2016, it continues to be a designer favorite years later—and for good reason.

With an LRV of 82, Alabaster reflects plenty of light, making any room feel warm, bright, and inviting without being stark or cold. If your goal is to create a cozy yet airy atmosphere, this shade is a perfect choice.

I personally chose Alabaster for both the exterior and interior of my own home because of how beautifully it interacts with sunlight. Its soft warmth gives my home a clean, crisp, and welcoming curb appeal, while indoors it provides a neutral backdrop that lets the décor truly shine—because let’s be honest, the décor should always be the star of the show.

Alabaster strikes that ideal balance between fresh and comforting, making it a go-to color for anyone who wants timeless warmth without sacrificing brightness.

2. Swiss Coffee — Benjamin Moore OC-45 (LRV 83.93)

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. To be clear, we’re talking about Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee, not Behr’s version—they’re slightly different!

Swiss Coffee is a creamy, soft white with subtle gray and green undertones, giving it a warm and inviting character. Compared to Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster White, which feels bright and crisp, Swiss Coffee leans a bit creamier and can cast a delicate yellow warmth depending on your lighting.

Originally created in 1931, this shade has truly stood the test of time—over 90 years later, it’s still a go-to for designers and homeowners alike. 3SI Design often uses Swiss Coffee on walls, cabinetry, and even exteriors, proving just how versatile and timeless this color really is.

If you’re looking for a soft, lived-in white that brings a touch of warmth and sophistication to any space, Swiss Coffee is a classic choice that never goes out of style.

3. White Dove — Benjamin Moore OC-17 (LRV 85.38)

You might think White Dove is just another white paint color—but remember, Some may look similar at first glance, but the undertones tell a completely different story. It’s kind of like sisters: they may share a resemblance, but each has her own personality. Just like 3SI Design!

White Dove has subtle yellow and gray undertones, giving it a soft, creamy warmth that’s elegant without feeling stark. Compared to Alabaster, which leans slightly more beige, White Dove feels a touch cooler and more balanced.

This shade is incredibly versatile, working beautifully in both traditional and transitional spaces. Pair it with a gray-toned accent like one of my personal favorites—Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore—for a classic and timeless combination.

If your home has gray-toned floors, furniture, or accents, White Dove complements them perfectly. It brings warmth to cooler spaces without losing that clean, modern feel.

Now, a little designer PSA: if you’re thinking about painting an entire room gray—pause right there! Grays can easily feel cold and uninviting if you don’t choose the right one (but that’s a topic for another blog post). With White Dove, you get the best of both worlds—a refined, gray-white balance that feels soft, welcoming, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect White

Choosing the right white can feel overwhelming—especially when the differences are so subtle yet so impactful. But whether you lean toward Alabaster White, Swiss Coffee, or White Dove, each one brings its own personality and charm.

• Choose Alabaster if you love a warm, soft white that feels cozy, bright, and timeless. It’s perfect for open, sunlit spaces or anyone looking for a crisp yet welcoming feel.
• Choose Swiss Coffee if you prefer something a bit creamier and more classic. Its gentle warmth and versatility make it ideal for creating that lived-in, designer look that never goes out of style.
• Choose White Dove if you want a balanced, elegant neutral that bridges warm and cool tones effortlessly. It pairs beautifully with gray finishes and transitional spaces.

If you’re still torn between the three, our best advice is simple: test them in your own space. Lighting, flooring, and décor can dramatically change how each shade looks. Paint a few samples, observe them throughout the day, and trust what feels right to you.

At 3SI Design, we believe that the perfect white isn’t just about color—it’s about how it makes your home feel. Each of these shades has earned a spot on our favorites list for good reason, and whichever one you choose, you truly can’t go wrong.