An off-white paint color offers the perfect blend of warmth and brightness. Soft and delicate, it creates a clean and crisp backdrop without looking too stark. “We’re seeing a move toward effortless luxury with refined neutrals to give our homes an elevated look that brings warmth back into the home—off-white is the perfect comforting hue to bring into the home,” says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.
Not all off-white paint colors are alike—some have warm undertones and lean more toward taupe or even pink when paired with white trim, while others have green and gray undertones and pair well with a cool color palette. Off-white paint colors are incredibly versatile, they work with any style and color scheme, and their gentle brightness makes rooms feel larger.
They are also a timeless choice. “Off-white never goes out of style,” says Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert. To choose just the right off-white paint color for your space, we asked paint industry experts to tell us their go-to shades.
Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
Alabaster is a tried and true Sherwin-Williams classic that’s one of the most popular off-white paint colors on the market. “It perfectly balances the brightness that many homeowners want in a white with the warmth to create a cozy and inviting space,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. It works well as an all-over wall color for a home as it sets a clean yet inviting backdrop for any style and color palette.
Paint color: Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
Linen White by Benjamin Moore
Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
“Softly infused with a touch of cream, Linen White exudes timeless elegance,” says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore. It’s fresh yet delicate, and Yeo recommends layering it with Wind’s Breath and Simply White for a white-on-white look, or creating a refreshing atmosphere by pairing it with Revere Pewter and Wedgewood Gray. “Versatile enough for modern interiors, farmhouse charm, and everything in between, this creamy hue brings warmth and invites comfort into any space,” Yeo says.
Paint color: Linen White Benjamin Moore
Whipped Cream by Behr
Courtesy of BEHR
For an off-white shade that works particularly well in a natural color palette, look no further than Whipped Cream. “It’s a delicious off-white tone that’s the perfect blend of light and airy with a grounding undertone,” says Cara Newhart, interior designer and Behr ambassador. She recommends using this off-white paint color on walls and cabinetry. “With a warm slightly green undertone, this shade helps ground natural color palettes and pairs well with blues and other colors with golden undertones,” she says.
Paint color: Whipped Cream by Behr
Focus by Glidden
Courtesy of Glidden
Focus is a warm, creamy, and classic off-white paint color. “Its subtle undertones and fresh appearance give it a timeless quality, ensuring versatility and longevity in your space,” McCollum says. It sets a gentle and relaxing tone and pairs beautifully with other neutrals such as greige, tan, and gray. If you’re looking for a color to use as an accent in this neutral color palette, bring in a deep blue shade to create contrast in a calming way.
Paint color: Focus by Glidden
Simplified White by Dutch Boy Paints
Courtesy of Dutch Boy Paints
“Simplified White is a versatile and elegant off-white, making it perfect for both contemporary and traditional spaces,” says Lisbeth Parada, interior designer and color marketing manager at Dutch Boy Paints. It’s clean and understated, and creates a lovely backdrop for cool-toned shades. “Its subtle warmth helps create a soft, welcoming atmosphere while maintaining a modern aesthetic,” Parada says. She says this off-white shade is ideal for open floor plans, hallways, and kitchens where you want a fresh and neutral backdrop.
Paint color: Simplified White by Dutch Boy Paints
Natural Linen by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Courtesy of HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Natural Linen exudes timeless elegance. “It’s an off-white hue that radiates warmth, is perfect for entry spaces as it embraces natural light and makes a small space feel larger,” Banbury says. Highlight the shades gentle and delicate nature by adding picture frame molding to walls—it’s a sophisticated way to add visual interest and subtle contrast while allowing a paint color to shine.
Paint color: Natural Linen by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Blank Canvas by Behr
Courtesy of BEHR
Blank Canvas is one of the most popular off-white paint colors out there and Newhart describes it has her go-to off-white shade. “It’s light and bright with a creamy undertone to help it feel welcoming and not too stark,” she says. It works with any color palette, whether warm or cool, and Newhart shares she also loves using this shade for trim work.
Paint color: Blank Canvas by Behr
Horizon by Benjamin Moore
Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Horizon is a sophisticated off-white hue which sets a serene and refreshing tone thanks to its delicate blue and gray undertones. “This subtle yet impactful shade serves as a blank canvas, inviting you to infuse your unique style and personality into the room,” Yeo says. The pale shade is a timeless choice for any space and Yeo adds, “Whether you’re showcasing artwork or adding decorative accents, this hue effortlessly complements a variety of design elements.”
Paint color: Horizon by Benjamin Moore
Wevet by Farrow & Ball
Courtesy of Farrow and Ball
For a translucent, barely-there shade of off-white, go with Wevet by Farrow & Ball. “Wevet contains very little color like the spider webs it is named after,” says Joa Studholme, color curator at Farrow & Ball. This soft off-white paint color is clean, understated, and easy to pair with other colors. “A white with the merest tinge of grey, it is delicate and hushed in tone, but feels clean and modern in most spaces,” Studholme says.
Paint color: Wevet by Farrow & Ball
Ultra White by Dutch Boy Paints
Courtesy of Dutch Boy Paints
“Ultra White is a bright, clean off-white that works exceptionally well in contemporary spaces,” Parada says. It makes for a beautiful all-over wall color, and because it reflects light well, it makes rooms feel larger and more open. “This color pairs wonderfully with modern decor or bold accent pieces, creating a contrast while keeping the overall space fresh and airy,” she says.
Paint color: Ultra White by Dutch Boy Paints
Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
Create a soft and calming backdrop with Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams. It has a slight green-beige undertone which makes it simultaneously stylish and serene, and it looks especially beautiful when layered with natural finishes or dramatic pops of color. “It’s a great off-white for those looking to achieve quiet luxury sophistication in their space,” Kantz says.
Paint color: Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams
Dimity by Farrow & Ball
Courtesy of Farrow and Ball
“Dimity has the most compelling warm undertones,” Studholme says. It’s a chameleon of a paint color that leans towards taupe or pink based on what you pair it with. “It could be considered a very pale taupe when combined with white trim,” she says. To read more pink, layer it with Farrow & Ball’s All White and Pointing. Studholme says it’s also her go-to complimentary white for earthy warm tones on the wall.
Paint color: Dimity by Farrow & Ball
Blank Canvas by Glidden
Courtesy of Glidden
Glidden’s Blank Canvas works well as an all-over wall color when paired with other warm neutrals like beiges and tans. “It has a warmer undertone which creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to any home” McCollum says. It’s a beautifully balanced off-white hue that leans toward beige, especially if you bring in natural woods through flooring, decor, and furniture. Brighten the space with crisp white trim and accents for an updated feel.
Paint color: Blank Canvas by Glidden
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