These Are the Best White Paint Colors, According to Leanne Ford

If you always choose white paint over any other wall color, you know that there is no such thing as just white. This hue comes in various tints and shades, and choosing the right one for a space can prove to be more challenging than you initially thought — but HGTV’s Leanne Ford is here to help. She recently shared a few of her favorite white shades that she always returns to when designing spaces for clients, and they’re the dreamiest colors that add so much depth to rooms.

“Our greatest hits — paint edition,” Ford wrote in the caption of a recent Instagram post. “These are the shades we come back to again and again — from soft whites to grounding earth tones that make any space feel cool, calm, and wonderfully homey.”

Ford notes in her caption that it’s essential to remember that any paint color, including white, will appear differently from one space to another, depending on the lighting and the type of finish chosen.

“Always test your paint in your own home (and on a few different walls too!) to see how it plays with the light in your space,” she wrote. “That said, these tones have proven themselves pretty failproof for me — time and time again … ”

If you’re looking for your new favorite paint color, or just want to know what an iconic interior designer is interested in, then you’re in luck. Ford’s favorite white paint colors include some amazing classics. 

Sherwin-Williams’s Shoji White (SW 7042) is described as a “warm, creamy white that borders on greige.” When more pure whites are placed next to this tone, the color almost resembles a super-light beige tan. However, when paired with warm neutral tones, it appears as a buttery antique white.

Behr’s Crisp Linen (MQ3-13) is a “true beige” that brings warmth into a space while maintaining brightness. It looks like natural linen fabric, and as a result this shade feels lived-in, homey, and comfortable.

Go for Ford’s favorite Behr’s Natural White (DC-005) if you’re looking for a classic white with just a touch of warmth. It “creates an elegant layer of luxury,” as its description on Behr’s website describes, and creates a cozy feeling without leaning too far into beige territory.

If you’re looking for the crispest, brightest white to lighten up a space, Ford recommends Behr’s Ultra Pure White. It’s the perfect “clean slate” shade if you want your walls to be a basic base to build off of with furniture and decor.

If Leanne Ford keeps coming back to these white paint colors, chances are you probably will too!