The Best White Paint Colors For Bedrooms, According To Designers

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or one who’s scarred by past decorating choices, picking a paint color can be a nerve-wracking process. What if you commit to the wrong one? White is generally considered a safe, low-risk selection, but even so, nailing down the right one can be tricky. We asked a handful of Southern designers to weigh in with white shades that dial up the serenity and warmth, while still providing a blank canvas for all your other design decisions. Here are the best white paint colors for bedrooms, according to Southern designers. 

Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17)

“It's the perfect white without being too white, [and it doesn’t pull] in any yellow tones [that would make] it overly creamy,” notes Brelan Owen Pearson of The Owen Group in Houston and 30A. “It is bright and crisp, and I use it everywhere—on walls, ceiling, and trim—for an elevated clean look.” Atlanta-based designer Liz Williams agrees: “It’s so versatile and works well with both warmer and cooler color palettes.”

Benjamin Moore's Capitol White (CW-10)

Birmingham designer Jeremy Clark notes his white of choice “is a decadent hue that casts a warm glow on its surroundings, encouraging a palette that is rich, soulful, and far from stark.”

Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster (SW 7008)

“I use this for more transitional spaces when [the homeowners] want something a bit warmer and cozier that doesn’t skew yellow,” says Alexandra Killion, who has a Houston-based design firm. “It is a very versatile white.” 

Benjamin Moore’s China White (OC-141)

“This is a beautiful soft white with lots of depth and undertones in brown and putty,” notes Gainesville, Georgia, designer Maggie Griffin. “It’s not your typical stark white and reads as very restful.”

Farrow and Ball’s Shaded White (No. 201)

“When painting a bedroom white, I lean towards warm whites or soft cotton white tones over high reflective whites. These warmer tones help avoid a sterile feel in the room,” says Gabriela Eisenhart, who owns Silo Studios in Atlanta and calls this Farrow & Ball shade (shown on the home exterior above) a “warm, earthy” pick. 

Sherwin-Williams’ Natural Choice (SW 7011)

“In order for this to read more like a soft white and not throw undertones, we paint the trim and the walls the same color, [and pair it] with Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster (SW 7008) on the ceiling,” say Rachel Anderson and Natalie Roe, the sisters behind March + May Design in Mobile, Alabama.

Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee (OC-45)

Atlanta designer Andi Morse  “really loves” this shade. “It's a warmer white and is soothing for a bedroom paint color,” she explains. Austin decorator Ashley Ferguson agrees: "Swiss Coffee is definitely not a stark white, but more of a moody and subdued white, if that's even possible. I think it's a perfect wall color choice for anyone who wants to create a fresh yet serene ambiance in their bedroom."

Benjamin Moore’s Early Morning Mist (1528)

“This color is a non-white white that feels like a soft hug when the walls and trim are all painted this color but in different sheens,” say Anderson and Roe.  “It is a subtle, warm, gentle color that goes with anything.”

Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound (SW 7004)

“It’s a great white for more modern spaces,” notes Killion, whose work appears above. "It is my go-to when I need a crisp and clean look, and such a cool contrast to the black in this monochromatic bedroom.” The shade is a favorite of Austin designer Meredith Owen too.

Benjamin Moore's Cloud Cover (OC-25)

A tinge of gray-blue gives this shade, a favorite of the duo behind Jackson Warren Interiors, some welcome dimension.

Farrow and Ball's Wimborne White (No. 239)

Says Dallas designer Peyton Riley of her must-have shade, "It’s a creamy versatile white that won’t look too stark in direct sun."