Top white paint picks

2 Jul

There are hundreds of white paint colours available, but in reality, I find myself returning to a smaller group because they work the best. Choosing a white isn’t as simple as selecting ‘white’. Some whites lean warm and creamy, while others feel crisp, cool or grey. The right white can make a home feel calm, sophisticated and timeless. The wrong one can feel sterile, yellow or flat. To make navigating the world of whites and neutrals a little easier, I've broken my favourite

whites into four categories. First are the crisp whites, perfect for those who love a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Then come the warm whites, which offer a softer, more welcoming feel. I've also included a category I often find myself recommending: barely-there neutrals. Finally, I've shared my favourite neutrals for those wanting a richer, more grounded backdrop that still feels timeless and versatile.

PRO TIP: Remember to consider your natural light - South-facing homes often benefit from warmer whites, and North-facing homes can comfortably handle cooler whites. Shelley

Crisp Whites

These are whites with a black base that are very crisp and cool, suit interiors with white, grey and black accents, and help tone down warm bright light. These whites work beautifully in contemporary, coastal and modern European-inspired homes where the goal is a crisp yet inviting backdrop. These are the whites I reach for when I want a fresh, architectural feel with subtle grey undertones.

Top Crisp Whites

Resene Black White A subtle grey-based white that works beautifully in contemporary homes.
Resene Alabaster One of my most-used - a true white. Team it with Double Alabaster for trims.
Dulux Okarito Sophisticated and understated with a slight grey undertone.
Dulux Mt Aspiring A cool white with a hint of grey, sometimes known as a black-white.
Aalto White Space A crisp, cool-toned white, Ideal for a minimalist, modern scheme.
Aalto Gallery White The perfect blank canvas white for showcasing art.

Warm Whites

Warmer whites are perfect when you want a home to feel softer, more welcoming and a little more relaxed. To the eye they still look very white, but they work better in homes with lots of timber, natural stone and warm-toned furnishings, than homes with cooler tones.

PRO TIP: Paint your entire interior the same white, including ceilings, skirtings, architraves and doors to create a more high-end, modern look. Vary the sheen levels for practicality, like semi-gloss for frames and doors and ceiling paint tinted to your chosen white for ceilings.

top warm whites

Resene Half Rice Cake A clean, chalky white with a hint of warmth and softness in it.
Resene Half Carrara Perfect when you want a little more softness and warmth.
Dulux Cardrona A favourite for modern coastal homes.
Aalto Powdered Wig A classic soft chalky white with a hint of warmth.
Aalto Iota A chalky white ideal for modern interiors.
Dulux Epsom A creamy, warm white that invites a relaxed, cozy feel.

Barely-there neutrals

Sometimes white can feel a little too crisp, while a true neutral can introduce more depth than you're looking for. That's where I love using what I call ‘barely-there neutrals’ – those beautiful shades that sit somewhere in between, they are my absolute faves. These colours have just enough pigment to add warmth, softness and dimension, while still feeling light, airy and timeless. They can help a room feel more layered and considered than a pure white scheme, without making the space feel noticeably coloured or darker. I often turn to these shades when clients want their home to feel calm, sophisticated and inviting, but are nervous about moving too far away from white.

PRO TIP: Always test large samples in morning, afternoon, and evening light. The same white can look completely different depending on orientation and natural light.

top barely there neutrals

Resene Merino A soft, warm off-white with a hint of grey undertones
Resene Sea Fog A crisp yet subtle off-white with balanced grey undertones
Dulux Cardrona A sophisticated warm neutral with earthy undertones
Dulux Manorburn Half A light, refined greige with a contemporary feel
Aalto Cloudy White A barely-there warm neutral white
Aalto Salt A beautifully balanced off-white creating a calm, natural feel

Neutrals

If you're looking to create a home that feels warm, inviting and effortlessly timeless, but you're not quite ready to commit to a colour, neutrals are often the perfect place to start. Far from being boring, the right neutral palette can create depth, softness and character while allowing furniture, artwork and textures to take centre stage. The key is choosing neutrals with enough warmth and undertone to feel welcoming rather than stark, and combining them with natural materials, texture and lighting to bring them to life. Here are my favourites.

PRO TIP: Try different strengths of the below neutrals you like most – there’s a lot of variation between eighth, quarter, half and full strength and chances are your perfect match can be found somewhere in between. Shelley‍ ‍

best neutrals

Resene Blanc A Parisian white that’s soft, creamy and incredibly versatile without feeling yellow
Resene Truffle A versatile soft warm light beige, that works with naturals or grey tones
Dulux Narrowneck A timeless neutral with sophisticated grey-green undertones
Dulux Opononi A warm greige neutral that is a great choice for both interiors and exteriors
Aalto Scrubbed Pine A soothing taupe colour with a natural subtlety
Aalto Newton An organic neutral that provides a calm, warm, and sophisticated aesthetic

Bones & Nudes

Bone and nude tones are some of my favourite colours for creating a soft, sophisticated backdrop. They have just enough pigment to add warmth and character, while still feeling light and airy.

“Bone, nude and taupe tones are often the perfect solution when white feels too stark and grey feels too cool. They create warmth and depth without dominating a space, making them ideal for homes that are designed to feel relaxed, timeless and welcoming.”

best BONES & NUDES

Resene Bone A warm, soft neutral with subtle beige undertones
Resene Cashmere A gentle warm neutral with a refined, creamy depth
Dulux Hicks Bay A sophisticated neutral with balanced warm and cool undertones
Dulux Hopelands A light warm beige with understated depth
Aalto Ballet Shoes A delicate off-white with the softest warm blush-beige undertone
Aalto Barre. A beautifully balanced warm nude tone that feels classic and refined

Best Taupes

Taupes sit between grey and beige, creating a layered, sophisticated backdrop that feels both contemporary and timeless.

best TAUPES

Resene Truffle A warm, earthy greige with subtle taupe undertones
Resene Tea A light, warm neutral with gentle beige undertones
Dulux Narrowneck A refined contemporary warm white with a hint of greige
Dulux Cashmere A soft, creamy off-white that adds warmth without being yellow
Aalto Starch A crisp but gentle off-white with subtle warmth
Aalto Essential A sophisticated barely-there greige

How to test white paints:

Start by selecting a few whites you like from a fandeck or sample cards.
Pick up A2 cards, testpots and testpot paintbrushes from your local paint shop.
Paint each white on a different card, leaving a white border to create visual separation from any other colours when you hold it up to the wall.
Place the cards in different rooms at different times of the day and night to see how the white varies.
Notice how the white looks with your furnishings – are the undertones off?