How To Choose A White Paint! | My Top 5 favorite Benjamin Moore White Paints

In this video we go over the 3 things you should consider about the space you are painting. How lighting effects white paint, how white paints are affected by the mood you are creating and how white paint should be coordinated with the other elements of your room.
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[@dramarama1000]

I've watched many videos about white paints and this one is the best hands down. Appreciate your work.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thank you! I tried to not just list my faves but instead explain why you would choose each one depending on circumstances. Glad it helped!

[@staceyrollins5031]

Mayonnaise white worked for me

[@jennleiker1823]

Agreed! Working with the fixed elements you have (like my warm oak hardwood throughout) is surprisingly not mentioned by other (otherwise great/experienced) design vloggers. Thanks, Nick!

[@louiecolton621]

Instablaster...

[@Trenchant468]

@@Nick_Lewis Yes, and much appreciated.! It's a real surprise that other designers don't mention light conditions which is everything. (Well, mood too...) That said, I liked the LRV and crispness of Simply White in my north facing rooms, but it read yellow. White Dove had complexity, but wasn't reflective enough. I went with White Dove 25% lightened. Yikes. I hope I got it right.

[@stephaniekitchen4819]

I have made SO many poor choices in paint colors! Now, wanting to go with a white, I’ve learned to research and not trust my eye in a store. Your video is probably the most helpful, clear, reasoned explanation of white paint choices. Thank you!

[@carolannnoble3981]

I like your examples of when and when not to (go warm white/cool white). This is one if the better “white” videos I’ve seen.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thanks! Yes I tried to explain the “why” behind my favourites!

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

You didn't mention it, but years ago when our parents let me and my sister choose our bedroom colors, we picked this orange-y white ceiling and the loudest blood red walls you can imagine. Parents were absolutely horriefied but a promise is a promise so they painted it for us that way. Man. That combination was SO GREAT! To this day i think that the contrast was superb and combined with ocre-ish and terracota floor tiles and warm pale wood of furniture the whole room was just so warm and bright. Then when the sunrise hit our window, all those colours turned orange and gold yet at the night red walls were so dark that it was perfect for sleeping. A bonus - plants just POP against that. Anyway, even when the white isn't the main colour, even as an accent it can give the whole area just the best kick ever.

[@kapc4823]

Subscribing to Nick's channel seems like a crash course in interior designing. Very informative but doesn't bore you

[@amandah2935]

I tested 10 different whites for my house, some Benjamin Moore, some Sherwin Williams. We ended up choosing Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls. It is a warm white (we wanted a friendly cozy vibe) and it is one of the brightest whites. It’s much brighter than I expected to go. The LRV is 90. My house doesn’t have great light. The main windows are on the north side and the south side has a covered porch so we basically have no direct sunlight anywhere in the house. A lot of whites ended up looking dingy. When we went brighter with Cotton Balls it all came together and we absolutely love it.

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

"Cotton balls" sounds great, described as warm but bright.. ☆

[@clubsoda7421]

Did you paint the trim the same color?

[@StacyForest738]

So glad you mentioned your windows. Ours are east and covered porch south. Good to know about cotton ball.

[@amandah2935]

@@clubsoda7421 yes we painted the trim the same color but different sheen. We went with washable matte for the walls and Pearl for the trim

[@mgalvez8219]

Thanks for sharing! What did you paint on the interior doors?

[@barbg6494]

Wow! I've really gone down a rabbit hole watching your videos. I just found you the other day and you're my favorite designer. Your explanations are so good and you teach in a simple matter-of-fact manner. Nothing super expensive and no drama or overacting, like I've seen with some others. THANK TOU SOOOO MUCH!

[@LetsTravelThisYear]

Totally agree.

[@trinaroe5132]

Instead of painting samples on the walls I buy several large white poster board sheets and paint on them to within 1-2” of the edge (having the white poster board edge is especially helpful when trying colors rather than whites). Then I tack the swatches up around the room in different places. They are way large enough to get a good feel, but do not mess up your current paint, so if you have company over or entertain before making up your mind you can simply take them down and the tiny tack hole will not even be noticeable. It also allows you to try different colors without the previous large sample influencing the color, and again the white edges help prevent the current wall color from influencing how the color reads in the space.

[@finnomara4148]

I'm thanking the universe for finding this genius. I've wasted about 30 hours this week alone trying to not screw up deciding what to do to my new kitchen living space and bathroom. Succint, great delivery, great information, references everything he says so you know exactly what he is talking about of you are not familiar with decor and design. Keep up the good work.

[@bonzaiandcactus]

Appreciated that you gave the example of living in a west facing condo, but surrounded by other condos so not much natural light. Every other video on white paint only mentions west facing as though it gets all this warm light and so suggesting cool whites, versus taking into account lots of shade due to blocked sunlight even though west facing, and so a bit of warmth to the white looks good.

[@joanmccain5634]

Cloud White. Love, love, love. Used it on all my trim in 3 houses over 30;years. I had wood floors so the warmth of it was perfect.

[@tatyanaranson]

Soooo I’ve been binge watching Nick Lewis videos for the past hour... so glad I found you!!

[@murtazalalli3338]

I really needed that relax part at the end! Great videos! Appreciate you!

[@drkatiesmith]

Thank you so much. Been feeling very confused over which paint to go with, and your advice has made it so much clearer!

[@shannonreyn]

Thank you so much Nick. I'm learning so much from you. Your delivery is great and I feel like I'm gaining valuable info after every video. I'm so looking forward to being able to renovate with better understand of what I can do and what I did think about before I do it.

[@by00000]

Thank you for coming straight to the point. So refreshing. And thanks for the advice to relax 😉✌🏽

[@sjblack9135]

I cannot even describe how helpful you and your content are. Thank you!!!

[@lynncrf]

Love that you actually explain everything. All the other articles/vids I found assume you have so much knowledge already.

[@toschaferguson5749]

Every single one of your videos is fantastic. I love your vibe- very relaxing and your knowledge is so amazing. I just go from one to the next and on and on.... thank you!!

[@kellyv7710]

Awesome help. Quick snd to the point. Thank you for not trying to entertain as much as teach/inform.

[@clairedudan2521]

Love your videos Nick! You have such an affable manner, wonderful advice and insight. My husband and I are in the process of redecorating our entire home, so jotting down all your fabulous tips as we watch your videos, thank you!

[@NecoBabbles]

This is the best white paint video I've come across! You explain white paint like makeup foundation colors and it's amazing.

[@poolsaysoupsss1982]

Awesome video! I even took notes haah! I love how you have actual photos and your own examples in your house and what they go well with.

[@christina9207]

The best explanation of white paint selection. So clear and great examples. It's nice to finally have clear guidance on this tricky topic. Thanks!

[@carolegeddes998]

Brilliant! This is the best! You are the best! Thank you so much for helping us avoid major errors.

[@anitas5817]

My whole house is newly Cloud White and I am so happy with the luscious cream!! Great video! Thank you. Enjoying your videos.

[@EnergyAnn]

Sooooooooo helpful!!!! I am now excited instead of daunted! Thank you and I love the way your on screen demeanor

[@carolharrison8762]

cleared up a lot of questions, importance of light, floor color, etc. great help!

[@flagal519]

Many years ago, I lived in an old house, that had mahogany beamed ceilings and the interior was painted white ( it had not been painted in several years). When I went to re-paint, instead of taking a sliver/ chip of the original paint to Home Depot to have them mix up a match, I was not experienced in any of this, and started painting this old place with a crisp bright white, which really emphasized the old-ness of the house, the slightly worn elements, etc. It was a disaster. Then I went back to the paint store and I got a paint that was a french vanilla, almost white, but a tish of cream undertone and it went perfectly. without the glaring ' bright white effect." ( I don't recall the brand but it was before I knew about Benjamin Moore.)I have learned by experience, but I find that Nick's directions are so excellent re: paint and anything involving decor... I wish I would have found Nick in the past, which would have saved me many decorating nightmares ! LOL

[@bethvanhorn3200]

I really like your explanation. You helped me confirm that I made the right paint choices!

[@christyronsick4945]

This is THE best video on white paints that I have seen and I’ve been watching loads of videos on this subject! Thank you. I especially liked your admonition at the end, “it is only paint”.

[@estellabolger65]

Great video! I’m painting basically my whole house Gallery White by Behr. I chose it because it was the most harmonious with the white trim all through the house that I don’t want to redo. I think it’s a true neutral and with the light in my rooms it’s even a little warm.

[@escazuzu9950]

We are looking to repaint the interior, and I was looking for a white paint. I am definitely going to settle on simply white because many of the wood tones in our home are similar to yours. This was a great help. Thank you.

[@kaymarshall2469]

Buying my first house, and just came across your videos. They are so helpful. Love your Condo, it’s beautiful. Thank you so much x

[@dhrtiwalter8670]

I painted my bedroom ceiling simply white - gorgeous! Thank you Nick!

[@michaelmartinez625]

I love your videos! They are so informative and easy to grasp for us newbies who know nothing about design. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us :)

[@vanessab2726]

Thanks so much for this wonderfully informative video! You have really helped me to understand about how to choose the right colours from my home. ❤️Thank you so much!

[@marylavoie7404]

For some reason, today, you appeared on my list of KZbin channel and I am thrilled! I started with your “what to get rid of after 2020” (or similar title) and just ended with the “how to choose a white.” We are building a house this year and I am a nervous wreck about all these decisions. It is truly overwhelming. I will continue watching what I’ve missed and have already subscribed. Thank you for sharing your expertise and being a great teacher.

[@moniquedolan6789]

Thanks for this video, Nick - really helpful. My daughter in law used Glacier White on a room in my house and I loved it. Now I am looking to paint another room and will possibly use Glacier White again but will first check out some of your recommendations.

[@annettemcdonald6502]

Great advice! Looking for a warmish white for my bedroom. You’ve pointed me in the right direction. Thank you, Nick.

[@allegrayang9904]

Awesome! Thanks! You explained it perfectly

[@cindybrandner3063]

Chantilly Lace is hands down my favourite white. I used it for the trim in my bathroom and the cabinets as well along with the Wedgewood Grey from Benjamin Moore and it gives everything such a clean, crisp edge.

[@MultiMelcat]

BM Simply white is hands down my favorite white paint color. I have it in my open floor kitchen/dining room which has loads of natural light and it’s absolutely perfect. Just enough cream where it doesn’t look stark and clinical but super clean and bright. LOVE your videos, so happy I found you!

[@esmorris40383]

Love how you simplified this so I can be more confident in my decision for trim paint.

[@silvasilvasilva]

I don't know if you have seen it, he has a video specifically on trims. You might want to check it out.

[@kathrynclaridge6476]

This video came at the right time. I have been wanting to paint my bedroom white for the longest time but have been hesitant to choose the wrong white! I have very little natural light except for early morning. So I feel a little more confident to move forward. Thanks for a great video explaining the different whites and where to use them. I will rewatch this video. 🤔

[@shoshanachavab]

I have just found you and a. Binge watching as I am about to decorate an apartment. Very helpful thanks. Old love to see your space

[@Nick_Lewis]

Welcome!! Enjoy your binge!

[@billiejotucker3160]

This video gives all the earthy info one needs when choosing a white paint color. Lots of info but it flows together to ultimately know how to choose a white paint color.

[@LetsTravelThisYear]

Great video. You always explain things so clearly. All the trim in our house in simply white. It goes great with our other warm colors.

[@doloresgormley9101]

Fantastic information Just what I needed as I am planning to paint the master bedroom! Thank you!

[@gwenkearney3743]

This video is awesome! I have watched dozens of videos about different whites and yours is so helpful! They way you discussed the fixed elements and described them made such a difference for me!

[@Nick_Lewis]

You are so welcome!

[@okashi10]

So helpful. I'm a renter and can't even paint right now, but I'm saving this so I can come back to it in a few years when I (hopefully) own my own place.

[@LK2972]

Thank you, I have been planning on painting my house inside white, but as you mentioned, there are hundreds of white tones. The issue I have is that there are some areas in my house that don’t have too much natural lighting so I had assumed that in that case I was supposed to use more cooler tones (currently painted in gray tones) because other colors I had used prior tended to look too warm making it look darker, but now I’m going to try a more warmer tone white since the area I’m referring to has more wood tones. I can’t wait to see the difference in this case. Thanks again. Video was very helpful.

[@lauracr108]

Best explanation on white paint I’ve come across!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad it was helpful! Have you picked a white paint Laura?

[@jenniferh5174]

This was so helpful, thank you! I’ve been spinning on this for months for ny north facing new construction home.

[@cindyellis765]

I have become addicted to your channel. Your advice is so down to earth and understandable for the average person. We just bought a new house and even though the walls are already painted white there is too much of a creamy undertone. I will be adding most black And white furniture with a little brown and rust and turquoise accessories. Not too much natural light from the windows so I’ll be going with Chantilly Lace, which we had already chosen. Thanks so much for sharing you kind expertise.

[@agnieszkaryska2644]

This was amazing! I’m renovating my house and this makes for one easy decision making! Thank you!

[@TM-zi2ov]

Very educational & helpful! I am ready to select my warm white! Thank you!

[@Natasha.berg1]

Watched tons of videos on paints and this is the best. Thank you!

[@SarahUzelac]

I keep coming back to this one. Thank you, vintage Nick! 😘

[@rosiepetals8488]

Your videos are so thorough, thank you. Love how you explain everything

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thanks so much!

[@Catbirdmom2]

Thank you for mentioning west-facing rooms! My townhouse is oriented West-East, with the front to the west and back to the East but I have 1 window in that den and there is a covered patio that joins into the covered parking. So, yes, after say 10 am, it’s a dark room whereas the living room gets full sun from noon to sunset. Everyone posting color choice videos always mentions North or South-facing and I get why, all that light is great in pics but it leaves some of us wanting. Thank you again!

[@thickinthekitchen4483]

I am in the process of buying my first home and picking a white has seriously been the most stressful part of decorating thus far. The ones that I like in concept is White Opulence for the walls and Chantilly Lace for the ceilings and trim. But now having watched your video I think I need to consider that I will have black cabinets and white based quartz countertops. Ugh this beyond hard.. lol.. your video has been very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@riohenry6382]

My decorator put cloud white against my grey kitchen and sofa. I’ve always wondered why it looked so dingy until now. I can’t wait to paint now ! Thanks buddy !

[@shawnasomers9127]

My favourite is Chantilly lace. I have it on my kitchen cabinets and on my upstairs walls. I’m about to choose a white for my living room so i just decided not to overthink it and stick to what i know. i now feel validated. Thankyou Nick.

[@woteverism]

Such great videos from you. Very informative. Thank you.

[@joshbenshoof1540]

I didn't even know I needed to know anything about different whites but here you go. Thank you so much

[@joykruczay]

I rarely comment on videos, but that was so absolutely outstanding and informative! You are very engaging and your knowledge is greatly appreciated. I paint watercolors and your explanation was wonderful. I especially appreciate your empathy that one is spending a lot of time and money and does not want to make the "wrong" decision. This is pertinent to our situation as we have textured plaster walls, so if one keeps painting with a different choice, the texture will be lost. That is why we are carefully considering our options and our so thankful for people like you. We are heavily leaning to Classic Gray for the walls of our kitchen/dining room (after a complete remodel) and Simply White for the trim and ceiling.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Oh thank you so much! Classic Gray with Simply White trim sounds lovely. I think you will like the video I'm doing tomorrow about combining trim and wall paint.

[@ursulafitzgerald3207]

Thank you for the info.. it was very helpful .

[@deborahwhitley1892]

Thank you for giving information on what color to use with certain decor. I liked your paint and thank you for giving the color Simply White. You are very clear in helping me to understand what color is warm or cool tones! Im going with Chantilly Lace in large living/kitchen area. I purchased 1 gallon of Chantilly Lace and 1 gallon of Simply White, trying to decide! Thank you Lewis!

[@verenawebster]

I choose Chantilly Lace for my living room kitchen combo thanks to you! I am very happy with the results, my ap. is so clean and bright, looks amazing. And I get a lot of natural light, since I am in Miami. I was afraid this color would make the room too bright, but it is perfect 🥰. Thanks for all the amazing tips. I painted the bedroom Revier Pewter and it was a great decision too, make the bedroom feel warm and cozy.

[@HaloReachMaster11]

I cant make a design/decorating move without Nick Lewis! 🥰

[@migueldominguez2009]

I enjoyed the passion that you put into this video.It is very informative so far is onevof the best videos that i have watched thanks for all your input.

[@lilg1397]

So sophisticated when u explain everything easy to understand love ur videos brotha keep up the good work on my own perspective i love cool 🤍🐻‍❄️ white

[@carolhansen4657]

In addition to the excellent information and plethora of examples, I compliment your video and audio editing and your very smooth delivery. Not a wasted second, ever, in your videos!

[@paulallen579]

I just found you. I love how you in spite of all your years of experience with this still manage to relate to us, your audience. You're very pedagogical and I can tell your heart is in these videos. Thank you so much! Moving into a new apartment soon and want to put more thought into it this time.

[@vmg9165]

I just painted our bathroom Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee and its such a lovely warm white!

[@samanthasuarez4567]

I used Ballet White for my main space. Its been 5 yrs and I still love it.

[@ap3008]

I chose exactly Chantilly Lace for our house...I wanted the most white-white I could find for the walls. It now looks great. Love it!

[@shilam]

Greetings from Calgary! Doing a full gut reno here, and deliberated on the white…it was between Chantilly Lace and White Heron. I chose White Heron. It isn’t up yet, but after watching this I think I made the right decision. My condo is SW full floor to ceiling windows so very bright, and my cabinetry is a dark grey with bluish undertones (Fenix grigio bromo). The floors are a large format concrete look. Your channel is great! Thank you

[@bigkittylittlekitty1740]

My 1960's ranch was painted (nearly everywhere except for the icky out-dated wallpaper) in Benjamin Moore's China White. I like this warm white and now, thanks to the video, I understand why it works well with my lighter colored woods. Even though I don't have to make the "white paint decision", this video was really informative and fun.

[@goodmorningbeautifulhumans1638]

Very much a mcm white!

[@drlessismore]

You are such a good teacher. it’s like a masterclass. I love Canadians. A warm white Vs a cool white. 👍🏼

[@julsg123]

Thank you for the information! We are remodeling a house and need to pick a white paint color. I like the idea of breaking the colors of white into the three categories. I think I'm leaning towards a neutral white. Although the idea of a slightly warm undertone sounds great too for our project.

[@Nick_Lewis]

It's always a tough decision! Simply White has a touch of warmth to it but is still clean and bright!

[@esmeraldagallegos2802]

I bot a used house and I been living here for one year and picking colors for the rooms and I can't rap my head around one I like ! You video really helped !! Thank you

[@AV-tm5zf]

I bought a small can of kilz with primer in eggshell white for my living room and I'm really loving the softness of this white on my ceiling: as it was a high gloss previous. HUGE difference. Im learning. White paint has so many opportunities to make our space not just stark in color yet comfortable. I'm learning. I needed your pep talk. Thanks again. Stay safe and be well.

[@Nick_Lewis]

You are so welcome! Glad I could help!

[@MsFancypants9]

lol I LOVED the last piece of advice, "Calm down." I'm right in the middle of choosing colours for my new condo. this was great, thank you

[@bobby350z]

Man, this is so helpful, so much better than other videos.

[@Kacola1420]

OMG I have seen soooo many videos on whites too and I agree with the comment before me. This is THE BEST and ONLY helpful video!! Thank you!!!

[@kathrynbartlett6058]

This has been so helpful. Thank you!

[@delicatevenusflytrap9091]

I like oxford white too - great vid as always Nick !

[@elainehuynh941]

This is super helpful Nick! Thank you for touching upon the nuisances of light and undertones.

[@leticiaruvalcaba-arballo3181]

I agree, best videobest video on white paints, really thorough information, thank you so much for the tips.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patriciakelly69]

I have loved your advise on how to work with colours. I make so many mistakes, because I love colour I often get it wrong and end up painting over my mistakes. I usually get what I’m aiming for but at a cost. You have given me such confidence to be able to make better choices. I love your videos. I would like to see how you work with different coloured sofas using paints that make the room cosy. I have a terracotta sofa and a deep pink sofa. I know the mix probably doesn’t sound as if it would work, but they look good together as the rooms large. The difficulty I have is choosing paint to go with them. At present I have a light grey wall on the fire 🔥 side . To the left of the patio doors and the back wall it is muted Yellow or mustard. And the right side is white. It seems to work and people tell me that it looks cosy, but I’m never sure. X

[@fatimafoy1045]

Thank you! This is the most useful information I’ve ever learned about choosing paint colors. I have an entire house to paint. Thank you for teaching this!

[@kelly51757]

Thanks Nick we are in the process of building our dream home and it’s not even build yet and I’m already overwhelmed 🙃

[@JustYFriend]

Thank you so much for these tips! I have a south facing bedroom that gets a ton of natural light, so I think I'll go with a cooler undertone. I hope it will go well with the white IKEA Hemnes dresser. I'm trying to keep it simple. 😊

[@Nick_Lewis]

Bright rooms always look beautiful with cool tones. Plus, bedrooms feel more relaxing with a cooler colour palette. Thanks for watching!

[@justinthefarm]

thank you very much! that was extremely helpful.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad it helped!

[@emmamatos5416]

Great advice and video! Thank you.

[@snetside]

Thank you for your advice! I went warm with Sherwin Williams Greek Villa and went with a semi-gloss of the same color on the trim. It seems to change as the light in the room changes and it is really perfect.

[@kathleenmay3530]

Love your idea about the semi gloss on the trim. I’m deciding between Greek Villa and white dove. Hard decision.

[@jergervasi3331]

We did the same in our house. Love it.

[@windidiot]

I used Chantilly Lace and have almost black cabinets with lots of light woods. It is amazing. I love it.

[@Nick_Lewis]

That sounds stunning!

[@andrewphillips3715]

Thank you! So informative and helpful!!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

You are so welcome!

[@michellec3452]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad it was helpful!