Off-White Paint Color Decisions

A client recently asked me to select an off-white interior trim color for a home “freshen-up.” She’d narrowed down her choices to Benjamin Moore Simply White and Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White. We met to review the colors and tones of her walls and furnishings, and we decided to go with Decorator’s White. It’s cool toned and has a little gray in it, while Simply White is creamy with a hint of warmth. The meeting emphasized that it can be challenging for clients to choose paint colors. There are so many excellent options, and I’m here to provide help and expertise based on many years of specifying color!

Off-whites remain incredibly popular, especially for those looking to create a clean, light, and airy space without the starkness of true white. Some of the most beloved off-white shades include Benjamin Moore White Dove, a soft, warm white that works well in almost any setting. I’ve specified White Dove for walls, trim, cabinetry, and built-ins many times. Cloud White is a versatile hue with subtle undertones that pair beautifully with both traditional and modern design elements. It’s also perfect for walls, trim, and cabinetry, offering a neutral backdrop that enhances other design features without overwhelming the space.

I often work on multi-unit residential construction projects in which one standard paint color is used for trim in all units, to keep things neutral and appealing to a wide audience. In those cases, Benjamin Moore Super White is usually the preferred off-white color for trim, with Decorator’s White a close second. Super White is a nice, clean neutral, and Decorator’s White is similar, but a little cooler, with gray tones as mentioned above.

In a world filled with almost endless possibilities, let a pro help with color selections. It’ll save time and it’ll help you make choices with confidence.

Scroll through to compare off-whites. All color images courtesy of Benjamin Moore.