Cool white paint colors feel crisp, fresh, and clean. Unlike warm whites that contain yellow or cream undertones, cool whites typically feature subtle blue, gray, or violet undertones.
Below are 10 cool white colors by Benjamin Moore, listed in no particular order.
1. Chantilly Lace
Undertones: Very subtle cool gray
LRV (light reflectance value): 90.04
Best For: Trim, cabinets, modern interiors
Chantilly Lace is one of the cleanest whites available. It feels bright and crisp without obvious warmth.
2. Decorator’s White
Undertones: Cool gray with faint violet
LRV: 84.61
Best For: Contemporary spaces, trim
Decorator’s White reads slightly cooler than Chantilly Lace and can show a whisper of violet in certain lighting.
3. Paper White
Undertones: Soft gray-blue
LRV: 74.97
Best For: Bedrooms, north-facing rooms
Paper White is technically a very light gray but often reads as a cool white on walls.
4. Oxford White
Undertones: Clean cool white
LRV: 86.54
Best For: Trim, ceilings, bright spaces
Oxford White feels slightly cooler and crisper than many traditional whites.
5. Intense White
Undertones: Gray with subtle blue
LRV: 73.67
Best For: Open-concept homes, modern interiors
Intense White straddles the line between white and light gray, giving it depth without heaviness.
6. White Heron
Undertones: Neutral-cool gray
LRV: 89.52
Best For: Whole-home color, trim, built-ins
Benjamin Moore White Heron is bright but balanced, making it one of the safest cool whites.
7. Ice Mist
Undertones: Soft gray with blue hint
LRV: 87.2
Best For: Bathrooms, airy spaces
Ice Mist gives off a clean, spa-like feel without looking sterile.
8. Wickham Gray
Undertones: Blue-gray
LRV: 67.47
Best For: Bedrooms, coastal interiors
Wickham Gray leans more into light gray territory but often reads as a cool white in bright rooms.
9. Nimbus
Undertones: Medium cool gray
LRV: 68.12
Best For: Accent walls, modern interiors
Nimbus is deeper than most whites but works as a cool backdrop in contemporary spaces.
10. Gray Owl
Undertones: Gray with green-blue influence
LRV: 65.77
Best For: Living rooms, open layouts
Gray Owl is technically a light gray, but in bright spaces it often behaves like a soft cool white.
What This Means for Your Home
Cool white paint colors create contrast and crispness, especially when paired with:
- Black accents
- Decorative plasters and specialty finishes
- Marble countertops
- Chrome or polished nickel
- Modern architecture
The key is lighting. In north-facing rooms, cool whites may feel even cooler. In south-facing spaces, they often soften slightly. Before committing:
- Test samples on multiple walls.
- Compare against flooring and cabinetry.
- View in both daylight and evening lighting.
- Get a FREE Benjamin Moore paint sample here.