Why Are the Benjamin Moore “Whites” So Popular?

August 3, 2016

There is no question that another paint company has a better selection of Whites and Off-whites as that of Benjamin Moore. Their palette contains the most extensive selection of whites which give so many tried and true choices. This is a good thing, but can make it difficult when struggling with selecting that perfect shade of white. Suffice it to say, when my clients (designers included), are struggling with paint colors, the whites are usually the hardest of their decisions to obtain that perfect one that works with everything.

The sheer multitude of choices in the Benjamin Moore palette ensures that this is a good place to start when looking for that perfect white. With over 150 selections that are pigmented with a drop of this or that to give you that special undertone you are seeking. So many of the “OC” colors or Off-White collection were derived from the Classic Colors. Some of these include Cloud White, China White, Linen White, Navajo White, and of course my personal Fav “WHITE DOVE” !!

And “NO DO NOT Call it Dove White” (a personal pet peeve) as so often clients mispronounce my favorite white. This is a warm white, with just enough color to take the edge off. It almost always works, and definitely don’t try to have this one matched by another paint company or in lacquer, it is rarely the same.

The foundation of the whites first consisted of the ready-mixed colors starting with Decorator’s White, White, & Super White. When the Color Preview palette was created, so many new “Whites” were added including White Chocolate, Mountain Peak White, Sandy White, White Wisp, Vanilla Milkshake, and many more. The varying degree of color is so dependent on the natural light in the space. The cleaner, whiter whites look the best with the cooler tones. If you are looking at the “greys”, some of the best whites to pair up with for your trim and ceilings would include: OC-65 Chantilly Lace, OC-18 Dove Wing, OC-26 Silver Satin, OC-19 Seapearl, and OC-25 Cloud Cover.

I see clients that want that perfect “cream” or “ivory”. Linen White is one of the most popular and classic colors that provides just enough warmth, and still staying light. Acadia White is another warmer tone that is a bit cleaner with a slight green undertone, or you can opt to go a little more muted like a Soft Chamois. Whatever your project, we can provide that perfect complementary ceiling or trim color to finish off the space. Or a great look is to do a tone-on-tone look using the same color for walls, ceiling, & trim and just use a different finish or sheen level. This creates an “enveloping of the room” with color and is seamless and elegant. I like to specify: Walls to be a Matte Finish, Ceilings in a Flat Finish and trim in Satin.

So many of these “Whites” can be stand alone colors that you can use by themselves, like China White, Pale Oak, Windsbreath, and Maritime White. These tones will stand the test of time, keep the space bright and provide that special backdrop for your art, fabrics, and furnishings.