(Updated for 2025 with new insights on selecting the perfect white paint colors for your trim to Complement Your Walls and Finishes.)
When it comes to choosing the perfect white for trim, the options can be overwhelming. The right white can brighten a space, complement walls, and elevate your home’s overall design. As a designer, I’ve worked with countless shades of white, and I’ve compiled my top 5 favorites that always deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re looking for a clean, crisp look or something with a bit more warmth, these shades will help you create the perfect trim for your home.
1. Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore OC-45)
Why It Works:
Swiss Coffee is a warm, soft white that creates just the right amount of contrast without feeling too harsh or stark. It’s a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of wall colors, particularly those with subtle undertones like gray or beige. It’s ideal for spaces where you want to keep things light and airy but still maintain a bit of depth and richness.
Best Use Cases:
Perfect for kitchen trim, baseboards, and cabinetry. It’s also a great option for those who want to add warmth and contrast without the cold, sterile feel that can sometimes come with cooler whites.
Client Example:
I recently helped a client choose Swiss Coffee for her kitchen cabinets. We paired it with a sage green island and walls painted in OC-41. The Swiss Coffee provided just the right contrast without feeling overwhelming, allowing the sage green accents to pop. The client loved how it tied the space together and now considers using it for all the woodwork throughout her kitchen. The picture provided is via Trim Design Co – I will update when my client’s kitchen is photographed.
We saw the absolutely beautiful design work that Magda put together at our friends’ home. So when we had the daunting job of choosing paint colors for our kitchen cabinets, we asked Magda to help us. We are so happy with her suggestions. Magda has a lovely personality and a great gift for design.
2. White Dove (Benjamin Moore OC-17)
Why It Works:
White Dove is a soft, muted white with the faintest hint of gray, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a slightly off-white without too much warmth. It’s perfect for creating a calm, serene space that feels timeless and elegant.
Best Use Cases:
This color is ideal for trim, moldings, baseboards, and even doors. It’s also a popular choice for cabinets and will blend seamlessly with a wide range of wall colors, from light neutrals to more saturated shades.
White Dove is often a go-to for many clients, especially when they’re looking for a warm, welcoming feel in their home. It pairs beautifully with more neutral or even slightly cooler tones. In the above picture White Dove is used on the walls in a flat finish and on the trim work in a semigloss finish that helps still hang a delicate contrast. Shades of grey and cream are mixed into this room giving it balance and interest even though it is a very neutral color room.
3. Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore OC-65)
Why It Works:
If you’re seeking a true, crisp white without any overpowering undertones, Chantilly Lace is a perfect pick. It’s a clean, sharp white that offers a bright and modern look without leaning too warm or cool.
Best Use Cases:
This white works beautifully for high-contrast designs, such as pairing with dark walls, as it brings in an element of freshness and brightness. It’s also a great choice for modern or minimalist spaces, where a sharp, clear white is preferred.
Client Example:
For clients who want a high-contrast look, I recommend Chantilly Lace. It pairs particularly well with darker colors, making it a great option for trim and cabinetry in modern, contemporary kitchens.
4. Simply White (Benjamin Moore OC-117)
Why It Works:
Simply White is another versatile and soft white that’s a little warmer than pure whites but still bright and clean. It has just enough warmth to feel inviting without being overpowering, making it ideal for creating a soft, cohesive look in any room.
Best Use Cases:
Simply White is a popular choice for trim, baseboards, and doors, and can also be used for cabinets if you’re aiming for a clean, bright look that’s not too stark. It complements both warm and cool tones, making it a great option for almost any design.
Client Example:
A client once used Simply White for trim in a room with both wood finishes and light-colored walls. The result was a seamless look that felt elegant and timeless, enhancing the natural light in the space without making it feel too sterile.
5. Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams SW 7008)
Why It Works:
Alabaster is a soft, creamy white that adds warmth to your space while maintaining a light, airy feel. It’s perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, particularly in rooms where you want a touch of richness but don’t want to veer into beige territory.
Best Use Cases:
This is a great option for trim, baseboards, and even wall finishes. It’s particularly effective in spaces with a lot of natural light, where its soft warmth can really shine without overwhelming the room.
Client Example:
Alabaster works wonderfully in cozy spaces like living rooms and bedrooms for a warm, inviting atmosphere. One client used it in their living room trim, and it balanced perfectly with their neutral-colored walls and wood finishes.
Bonus Designer White: Benjamin Moore – Decorator’s White
If you’re looking for a white with a subtle undertone of gray, another designer’s favorite is Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White.. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to soften the brightness while maintaining a fresh, clean look. We used it in this kitchen remodel on the cabinetry and the walls and ceilings, but be mindful using it. In certain lighting conditons it tends to look cooler/grayer or it can clash with warmer finishes. It is a wonderful option but just like any other neutrals, you need to pay attention to the undertones.
Tips for Pairing Whites with Other Finishes
Choosing the right white for your trim isn’t just about picking a color—it’s about making sure it complements the other elements in your space. Here are a few tips to ensure your whites work in harmony with the rest of your finishes:
- Consider Undertones: Always check the undertones of your wall colors and finishes. For example, if you have cool-toned walls, you may want to avoid warmer whites like Alabaster.
- Don’t Overdo the White: While white trim can make a room feel bright and open, too much white can make a space feel stark and cold. Pair white trim with warm accents, such as wooden elements or colorful decor, to keep the space feeling balanced.
- Test the White: Always test your whites in the actual room to see how they look under different lighting conditions. Whites can look very different in the store (and even in your house in different lights and seasons-just to make everything more complicated!) versus when applied to your walls,
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect White for Your Trim
Choosing the perfect white for your trim doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you prefer a warm, soft white like Swiss Coffee or a crisp, clean white like Chantilly Lace, there’s a shade that will work perfectly in your space. If you need help selecting the right white—or any other design advice—don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help make your design dreams come true!
Ready to transform your space with the perfect white paint color? Let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life with the right paint choices and design solutions. Contact me for personalized interior design advice.