Among the finer points when it comes to choosing a paint: whether it has warm or cool undertones (which can have a surprisingly big effect on a room, adding an extra complication when it comes to choosing a shade). Luckily, we have a panel of paint masters to consult. We asked the experts in the Remodelista Architect & Designer Directory for their favorite cool-toned whites and neutrals, all with undertones of green and blue, rather than red and yellow. Among the benefits of cool-toned whites: They have more dimension than a “pure” white and make walls and ceilings recede more than warm whites do (making spaces feel bigger). Here are eight vetted picks from the experts.
![the selection ranges from crisp white to ice colored to distinctly blue toned w 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cool-white-paints-mel-walbridge-copy-733x489.jpg)
![mlk studios tends to go for dkc 68 by donald kaufman color when looki 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dkc-68-donald-kaufman-color-733x475.jpg)
![scavullo design interiors favors ici paints’ winter\2\ 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/winters-day-ici-paints-733x475.jpg)
![nickey kehoe uses farrow & ball’s james white for a paint that 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/james-white-farrow-and-ball-733x475.jpg)
![ellen hamilton of hamilton design associates considers farrow & ball’ 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wevet-farrow-and-ball-733x475.jpg)
![michael howells from howells architecture and design recommends farrow &a 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cabbage-white-farrow-and-ball-733x475.jpg)
![patriotic white by benjamin moore is a favorite of kriste michelini interiors. 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/patriotic-white-benjamin-moore-733x475.jpg)
![lindsay crozier of brooklyn based made recommends benjamin moor 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/gray-owl-benjamin-moore-733x475.jpg)
![jon call of mr. call designs in new york city opts for sherwin willi 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lattice-sherwin-williams-733x475.jpg)
And one more: Marie Fischer Interior design prefers Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, describing it as simply “the best.” (It was also Medium Plenty and Amy A. Alper‘s pick in Architects’ 8 Favorite Pure White Paints.)
N.B.: For white paints with a creamy, old-fashioned bent, see Architects’ 8 Favorite Warm Gray Paints.
More in the world of neutrals:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Architects’ White Paint Picks
- Architects’ 8 Favorite Warm Gray Paints
- Remodeling 101: How to Choose the Perfect White Paint
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