TwiTalk: The Best White Interior Paint...Ever

By Erin Loechner of Design for Mankind (Subscribe to Erin Loechner's posts)
Feb 9th 2010 10:10AM

Categories: Decorating, Color, Design, etc

Which white is right for you? Credit: Erin Loechner

In our column "TwiTalk," we reach out to our readers on Twitter for their opinions. Today's topic: White paint.

We're introducing a new weekly column here at ShelterPop as a way to get you lovely readers involved with, well, the awesomeness of home decor. If you're following us on Twitter, feel free to join along, as we'll ask a weekly question and seek your advice on whatever it is that we're stumped about!

Today's question has left us reeling for years. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the best interior paint brands, but how do you choose the best color (I personally have the hardest time with white!)?

We sought the advice of some of our favorite Twitter followers, and here's what they suggested.

We asked: What is the best white interior paint you've used, and why?

You answered:

@paintedroom
BM (Benjamin Moore) Linen White is warm; BM Swiss Coffee is versatile; BM White Dove is safe for trim.

@HGTVcanada
Blogger Elana recommends Benjamin Moore 925 Ivory White. It's the best creamy, antique-ey white I've found.

@OurDesignedLife
I have used Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee in art galleries. A little off white; its great next to art as it doesn't compete.

@simplygrove
I love Behr Ultra Pure White. I used it recently and it covered really well and didn't feel too glossy. It lays very flat.

@Charles_Hudson
Behr Navajo White is warm and suits an indoor/outdoor space well.

@finediving
Golf Tee White by Ralph Lauren. Not too bright white, not too cream, absolutely no grey. Perfect all purpose balance!

Great options here; thanks Twitter friends! Up next week? How our favorite Tweeps plan to incorporate turquoise in their home... join the conversation on Twitter!

Craving more color? Read on:
-Pantone Unveils Color of the Year: Turquoise is Sooo 2010
-Inspired By... Black and White

Comments (14)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

gerrilie 2-15-2010 @ 7:06AM

I am having an awful time with my living room color. It is off white, not cream, and it is so ugly. It is also laquer, and not water based, which gives it a slick look. I guess a texture can go out of style.

Suzanne 2-15-2010 @ 9:04AM

Jerrilie, this can be fixed. scuff up the laquer but try not to make dents or marks so use a fine sanding block.

Prime these walls with a good oil base primer. Now you are ready to paint with latex. There is the new Matte finish that can be washed and it looks amazing on the wall. Benjamin Moore is a great paint but any good quality paint works well.

HAROLD 2-15-2010 @ 8:06AM

I'M OLD AND HAVE USED THEM ALLSHERMEN WILLIAMS TOP END SIMLER TO WHAT I CALL EGG SHELL, BUT ALITTLE BETTER.WE GOT GREATGANDBABIES NOW THIS STUFF WIPES UP AS GOOD AS ENAMEL AND HARD TO BELEVE BUT LOOKS RICHER

Donna 2-15-2010 @ 8:41AM

My new favorite white is "Linen Thread" by Valspar. It's rich and looks incredible as a trim paint with nearly any wall color.

Marie Hay 2-15-2010 @ 9:29AM

Stubs paint from Pennsylvia is the best paint. Authentic antique colors. Found in speciality shops

Betty 2-15-2010 @ 9:34AM

Anyone ever try Manor Hall from Pittsburgh Paints? It's the best paint you will ever use! They can color match any color you select, doesnt matter where you get the color chip. It is durable and very resonably priced.

jshaffran 2-15-2010 @ 8:02PM

Ben Moore paint is pretty, but sucks. I have eqqshell and white oil based trim and it all has yellowed after 2 years, So not worth the money. Good ol Dutch Boy is real good.

BK 2-15-2010 @ 10:52AM

Hands Down, best white, Sherwin Williams Kestral White. It is on their standard White chart. By far our most popular wall for over 25 years in Custom Building

micky eggs 2-15-2010 @ 12:57PM

almost all ceilings should be painted white.i found the best way to make your white ceiling whiter. simply ask the clerk if he could put 1 drop of violet to your can. this will make the white seem brighter because the hint of violet will catch the sun or lamp brightness and kick it up a notch

Dave Osborn 2-16-2010 @ 12:17PM

I'm a retired housepainter, and the best white paint I've ever used (and I've put thousands of gallons of all sorts of paint on) is Porter's Ceiling White. Ceilings are tricky to make look good; too white and the room looks dingy by comparison, too "off" and the ceiling looks like it needs paint, instead of having just been painted! And you can use the color itself everywhere; Porter's can, on request, make you the exact same color in their Teflon(TM)-enhanced wall paint, "Perfect Touch Wall Enamel," or for trim, "Glyptex(TM) High Gloss Oil Enamel." (Use that last only with proper ventilation.) Don't have Porter's stores in your area? Go to any store that caters to pro painters and ask; they can probably come really close to duplicating Ceiling White. Happy painting!

Bill Cooney 2-15-2010 @ 12:55PM

Famed Interior Designer "Sister Parrish" favored Navajo White. Don't know what else was available but, this color remains a favorite even until today.

CAROL MIRRA 2-15-2010 @ 2:00PM

BENJAMIN MOORE KITCHEN WHITE IS THE GREATEST IT'S SO WASHABLE I LOVE IT

The Voice of Truth 2-15-2010 @ 1:59PM

Behr is the very best...it is sold by Home Depot...

Valspar is the worst...it is sold by Lowes...

Since I will NO LONGER but anything at Home Depot, Benjamin Moore is a great second choice...hey, it's paint