Think picking out white paint for trim is simple? That’s what I thought too – until I found myself staring at hundreds of nearly identical swatches at the store.
From warm and creamy to crisp snow white – these seemingly tiny differences in shades can make or break your entire interior. Think of trim as a picture frame: it gives your room that polished look and brings out its personality.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best white shades for every type of trim – from baseboards and door frames to crown molding and ceiling details that designers swear by for creating perfect interiors.
- Why White Paint is a Great Choice for Trim
- 1. White Dove by Benjamin Moore
- 2. Simply White by Benjamin Moore
- 3. Extra White by Sherwin Williams
- 4. Decorators White by Benjamin Moore
- 5. Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
- 6. Cotton Balls by Benjamin Moore
- 7. Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
- 8. Linen White by Benjamin Moore
- 9. Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
Why White Paint is a Great Choice for Trim
White paint for trim isn’t just classic – it’s practical. When you pick the right shade, white creates the perfect frame for your walls and makes architectural details pop.
The secret to choosing white trim? Look at the undertones. Cool whites make your space modern, while warm ones make it feel cozy. For light walls, go slightly lighter with your trim to create a subtle contrast. With dark walls, opt for a brighter white – it’ll make clean, crisp lines in your space.
Here’s a bonus: white trim can actually make your room look bigger. When you have a contrast between your walls and white trim, it adds depth, making your ceilings appear higher. This trick works especially well with tall baseboards!
For the perfect finish, think about going with semi-gloss. It’s not just practical – it reflects enough light to highlight details without looking too shiny.
1. White Dove by Benjamin Moore
White Dove has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile whites for trim. Looking at the interior photo, you can see how it creates a clean but gentle contrast with lighter walls. You’ll notice this, especially around door frames and stair railings.
Unlike stark whites, White Dove has a subtle creamy undertone that helps blend transitions. You can really see this where the trim meets the wall – the transition looks natural rather than stark.
Here’s something important – this shade stays true over time without yellowing, which is crucial for trim. The photos above show how White Dove keeps its original tone even as lighting changes throughout the hallway.
White Dove plays nicely with modern design elements too – whether you’ve got abstract art or geometric light fixtures. It doesn’t compete for attention but instead creates a perfect backdrop.
2. Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Simply White by Benjamin Moore has become a go-to trim color for a good reason. Unlike many whites that feel cold or sterile, this one stays fresh and clean. When paired with patterned wallpaper, you can really see how it frames everything beautifully without stealing the show.
The paint has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 91.7 – bright enough to stand out on trim but not so bright that it creates harsh contrasts with darker walls. This balance really matters when you’re working with bold wallpaper or rich wall colors.
What makes it unique is how it works with both warm and cool colors in your space – it’s truly a chameleon that adapts to whatever color scheme you’re working with.
3. Extra White by Sherwin Williams
Extra White by Sherwin-Williams is that perfect “true” white that trim dreams are made of. It’s spot-on for trim work, with no yellow or gray sneaking in. Look at this modern kitchen – the trim and cabinets look fresh and clean without being blindingly white.
Like the others we’ve discussed, Extra White stays crisp even under warm lighting. And don’t worry – it won’t give you that sterile hospital feeling. It just brings a clean, fresh look to your space. Put it next to gray or beige walls, and it highlightes architectural details in the best possible way.
4. Decorators White by Benjamin Moore
When it comes to trim colors, Decorators White by Benjamin Moore is one of those colors that just gets it right.
Take a look at this bright hallway – you can see how perfectly it defines the door frames and baseboards without being overpowering. The color maintains its beautiful neutral tone without yellowing or turning too cool under different lighting conditions.
It plays really nicely with the cool grays and blues you can spot in the pillows and decor. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance without going over the top – this is definitely worth considering.
5. Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is one of those rare shades I can recommend for trim in a heartbeat. Just look at this dining room (painted completely in Alabaster), and you’ll see why – instead of screaming, “Look at me, I’m white!” it quietly enriches the overall design.
There’s something special about this color – its subtle yellow undertones make spaces feel more inviting than stark white options. With an LRV of 82, it brightens up a room without being blindingly bright.
Alabaster really shines as a trim color – it plays well with both neutral walls and dark furniture, just like you see here. Just keep in mind that rooms with plenty of natural light will bring out its warmer side – perfect if you’re going for that cozy vibe.
6. Cotton Balls by Benjamin Moore
Cotton Balls is another go-to white for trim and other architectural details. Think of it as classic white with a soft, creamy twist that adds warmth.
In this interior, you can see how Cotton Balls creates this smooth transition with the light walls. It’s especially lovely in rooms that get southern or western light, where that hint of warmth really comes through.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants a white that does its job without stealing the show.
7. Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
Atrium White from Benjamin Moore is basically crystal white with just a whisper of warmth that makes moldings and trim details look naturally refined rather than stark.
Looking at this tall room with its classic details, you can see why it works so well – it’s not fighting for attention but instead lets every design element shine.
I love how it works with warm touches – like those soft pink curtains and gray furniture. In sunlight, it gives spaces this gorgeous, airy feel.
8. Linen White by Benjamin Moore
Linen White is kind of special in the world of white trim colors. It has this lovely creamy quality that’s warmer than a typical white but not overwhelmingly so.
Check out how it works in this dining room – it’s fantastic with the hardwood floors and wooden furniture, bringing out their natural warmth.
The best part? It’s still neutral enough to work with any style you throw at it, whether you’re going modern or traditional.
9. Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
Chantilly Lace is a real gem if you’re after an almost-pure white for trim. It looks particularly stunning against wood – look at how it plays off those railings. The best part? You won’t have to worry about it yellowing over time, and it looks great no matter the time of day.
