Choosing a trim color can be hard, but I’m here to help you find the best Sherwin Williams white paint color for your interior trim.
As you’re already aware, not all whites are created equal. Having “white” in its name doesn’t necessarily make it a good trim color.
Some whites have entirely too much color in them and won’t give you that fresh, crisp look you’re going for. Even if you want to avoid getting too bright, you still need to watch out for certain undertones.
To help simplify the search, I’ve put together this guide to choosing a trim paint, which includes four of the most popular whites available at Sherwin Williams.
We’ll also cover a handful of whites to avoid, plus a few tips to help you decide which white works best in YOUR house, and then I’ll answer a few frequently asked questions.
But first…should you paint your trim white?
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Should You Paint Your Trim White?
White trim will give your space a clean, modern look and it pairs well with almost any color. Of course, before painting your trim white, you’ll want to get some samples to see how it looks in your space — because white isn’t merely white.
There are a number of different undertones in white paints (but you must already know that since you’re here reading this article!).
We’ll get to the best Sherwin Williams white paint colors for interior trim shortly — as well as a few that you should avoid.
Before we get to that, though….
If your trim looks outdated, and you don’t want to replace all of it, you have a few different options:
- Paint your trim with white paint.
- Stain it in a darker color.
- Take the attention off of your trim with other changes.
That last one simply means: changing up your wall color to complement the wood tone, updating furniture, or drawing the eye away from the trim and toward a focal point, such as a larger piece of artwork.
That does take a certain knack, however, and for most people, it’s simply easier to paint it with a fresh coat of white. Nothing wrong with that!
So, what are the four best whites?
What is the Best Sherwin Williams White for Trim?
Nominees for the best Sherwin Williams white paint color for interior trim include:
- High Reflective White SW 7757 (order a sample)
- Alabaster SW 7008 (order a sample)
- Snowbound SW 7004 (order a sample)
- Pure White SW 7005 (order a sample)
Next to each of these Sherwin Williams whites, you’ll notice that I’ve included links to Samplize, where you can order a sample made with two coats of real paint, so that you can check it out in your home’s lighting (rather than relying on your device’s screen and being sadly disappointed).
These peel-and-stick samples are awesome because:
- They’re made with real paint and are color correct.
- They’re cost effective and environmentally friendly.
- They arrive at your doorstep in just 1-3 days.
Use code FIRSTFIVE for a discount on your first Samplize order!
Now we’ll go over each of these paint colors in a little more detail. (Make sure you stick around to find out which Sherwin Williams whites you should AVOID when painting your trim!)
Quick Note: LRV = Light Reflectance Value (measures the percentage of light a paint reflects; a higher LRV means it reflects a lot of light)
1. High Reflective White SW 7757
With a LRV of 93, High Reflective White SW 7757 is the whitest white in Sherwin Williams’ collection. It does, however, have a slight touch of warmness to it without looking yellow.
All these things together make it a gorgeous color for not only your trim, but for your kitchen cabinets, as well.
It’s a nice clean white that, while it does lean slightly warmer, pairs well with cooler colors and with gray materials. Keep in mind that it could pick up on the colors around it, and it could look a little too stark against a wall or floor that is a really warm hue with golden undertones.
Grab a sample of High Reflective White SW 7757 here.
2. Alabaster SW 7008
If you’re looking for an off-white, Alabaster SW 7008 is another beautiful Sherwin Williams trim color with a LRV 82. It’s a softer white with light cream/pale green undertones.
In addition to trim, Alabaster looks beautiful on the walls (Alabaster painted shiplap could make a beautiful accent wall). It typically works best with other colors that have warm undertones.
It looks beautiful in both North and South facing rooms, although it will look even warmer in South or West-facing evening light.
Grab a sample of Alabaster SW 7008 here.
3. Snowbound SW 7004
Snowbound SW 7004, with a LRV 83, just barely makes it into the white category. It’s a softer white with pinkish undertones. It could pair well with cooler hues, but I’d stay far away from any whites or colors with yellow undertones.
If you plan on painting the walls and trim white, then Snowbound could be a good choice for both (for a little depth, go with a semi-gloss paint finish for trim and satin on the walls).
Snowbound is a highly popular color, although it’s pretty finicky, so you’ll want to carefully consider your wall colors and the other materials when using it as a trim or cabinet paint color!
Grab a sample of Snowbound SW 7004 here.
4. Pure White SW 7005
Pure White SW 7005 is an incredibly versatile, soft white that is neither stark nor creamy. It has the slightest touch of black and yellow, softening it up without leaning towards off-white at all.
This one picks up color from its surroundings, and can look vastly different depending on its surroundings, time of day, and even the type of light it reflects.
It’s a gorgeous color choice for both trim and cabinets, and even works wonderfully on the walls.
Grab a sample of Pure White SW 7005 here.
Avoid These Sherwin Williams White Paint Colors
While these are certainly beautiful (and popular) options, they might be better suited for your walls.
Avoid these whites when painting your trim:
- Creamy SW 7012
- Roman Column SW 7562
- Antique White SW 6119
- Dover White SW 6385
- Extra White SW 7006
If you’re considering any of these colors for your trim, you might notice that off-whites like Creamy and even the ever-so-popular Extra White are hard to pair up with wall colors. Due to their undertones, they just aren’t nice, clean whites like the four recommendations above.
How Do You Choose White Trim Paint?
Now that we’ve gone over four great options for your white Sherwin Williams interior trim, you might be wondering, “How do I narrow it down to just one?!”.
- Sample, sample, sample.
- Complement your home’s existing colors.
- Consider your lighting.
First of all, I would grab a peel-and-stick sample of each white you’re considering (you’ll find direct links to each color above). I promise, this way is much more cost effective than buying all of the paint and painting materials, plus it’ll save you a trip to the store.
Once you have your samples, bring them from room to room, looking at each of them in the different types of lighting. Make sure to do this several times throughout the day because your lighting will change significantly as the sun moves from East to West.
Look at it from different angles and place it next to all of your home’s materials — anything that you don’t plan on replacing. If you’re not going to re-paint the walls, then you’ll definitely want to make sure your white complements the wall color.
Once you’ve settled on a favorite, you might still want to start with just one can of paint and test it out, either on an extra scrap of trim or in an inconspicuous area. Apply a couple of coats, let it dry, and then take another look to make sure you really want it throughout the entire house.
Do I Need to Paint All Trim the Same White?
As a general rule, any trim that you plan on painting should be painted the same white color for a cohesive look. You would also want to paint any doors and cabinets in this white as well.
Of course, this is a huge generalization. You might have some areas of the house where you would rather leave the trim in its dark stained color or you might want to paint your cabinets in a navy blue.
However, when choosing your trim color, select it with the idea that this is your home’s main white, and make sure it plays well with any existing materials and paint colors that you don’t plan to change out.
You might also want to change it up in personal spaces, such as bedrooms, and go for a totally different look — that’s absolutely okay. Or, you might want to create two entirely different looks between two different levels in the house.
The idea behind choosing one white color for all of the trim is to keep everything simple and cohesive, and to avoid agonizing over whether two different white trim colors work together or not.
What is the Best Sheen for Trim?
Semi-gloss is our recommendation when painting trim. It’s durable, yet not too shiny, and it’s resistant to moisture.
Satin has slightly less shine, but it’s not as durable or as washable, and high gloss is typically too shiny for most people’s taste.
BUT, the reflection of the semi-gloss trim will really pop against a satin or eggshell wall! The only drawback is that a higher sheen can highlight minor imperfections more so than a paint with less sheen.
Best Sherwin Williams White Paint Color for Interior Trim
Now that you know which four white paint colors from Sherwin Williams are best for trim, which one will you choose? Are you looking for wall colors to coordinate with your white trim? Then you’ll want to head on over to this article on ideas for whole house color palettes from Sherwin Williams.
(FYI: Each of the five color palettes features ONE of the trim whites from this article, along with four coordinating Sherwin Williams paint colors!)
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Painting Walls for Beginners: How to Paint a Wall by Yourself
How to Arrange Wall Art in the Living Room Like a Pro
How to Wash Walls Before Painting (Using Vinegar)
Thank
You so much for writing this post! We’re in the process of doing small cost effective updates to our home to prepare it for selling and interior painting (for the trim) was next on our list!
It’s going to look awesome when you finish it! We have a long list of updates for our house, and I’m sure we’ll end up painting (or replacing-it’s hideous!) the trim at some point.
Hi, which Sherwin-Williams white here would you recommend for trim with SW Crushed Ice walls? It’s for an open-space condo, 10-foot ceilings, with lots of windows (NE to NW light), and prominent trim. Thanks!
Hi Mary, I would consider using Pure White with Crushed Ice. Pure White is nice, soft white that shouldn’t look too stark in all that northern light. I would definitely try a sample first, though, before making a decision, and you could consider High Reflective White as an alternative. Hope that helps!
Hello. I’m painting living room, dining area, and kitchen repose gray. All open area in a ranch house. I want a fresh ( comfortable)look without it being shocking. What trim color do you recommend with repose gray?
Hi CC, I would suggest either Pure White or High Reflective White with Repose Gray. -Tonya
My walls are painted repose gray. Our new kitchen counter top will be super white quartzite. We are having difficulty picking white color for kitchen cabinets doors, trim, fireplace and book shelves beside fireplace. We recently updated upstairs with Dover white doors and trim but wonder if this has too much of yellow undertone for all the first floor new addition and kitchen cabinets. Help?
Hi Julia! I would definitely be careful when pairing Dover White with Repose Gray. Personally, I would lean toward either Pure White (for a softer look) or High Reflective White (for a cleaner look). Having two different white trim colors shouldn’t be a big deal if they’re on separate floors. Good luck!
Hi Tonya! I am planning to paint several rooms in our new house as well as the kitchen cabinets Alabaster white. What color should I paint the trim, doors, and wainscoting in the dining room? I am also in between agreeable gray and colonnade gray for my other main color. Any advice is appreciated!
Hey Sarah! You could absolutely go with Alabaster for the trim, doors, and wainscoting, as well, especially since you’ll have Alabaster cabinets. However, if you’re looking for something “whiter” for a little more contrast, then I’d go with Pure White. Agreeable Gray is slightly warmer, so that would be my choice to accompany the Alabaster white. I assume you’ve already grabbed some samples to look at in your new home, but if not, definitely do that to make sure you like how they look together. Congrats on the new house, and good luck!
Hi Tonya,
Just came accross your article on white trim. We will have bright white cabinets in our new house and I am trying to decide on a white trim. Any suggestions? I was thinking of Pure White but not sure. The walls will be a blue/gray (from another paint company). I would appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Kim – I would definitely try a sample of either Pure White or High Reflective White to see how it looks in your space. It really depends on how close the trim and cabinets are to each other and whether the bright white has any undertones, so you’ll want to take a look and see how you feel about the colors together. I think either of these whites should work with a blue gray, though. Hope that helps! -Tonya
Hey Tonya,
Great information. I have extra white in my walls but I haven’t decided what color I should use for the trims and doors. Any suggestions? Thanks 😀
Hey Carlos! Personally, I would use Extra White on the trims and doors as well. 🙂
We think we want to use gray screen for the entire house. What color white would work best for the baseboards, cabinets and doors?
Hi April – I think any of these whites would work (except Alabaster, which would be too warm). For a nice, crisp contrast, you could try High Reflective White, while Pure White will look a bit softer. If you’re interested in Snowbound, I would definitely sample it next to Gray Screen to see how they look together in your house, since it does have pinkish undertones. Good luck! -Tonya
Hi Tonya,
Terrific information, thank you! What trim color would you suggest with Dover White walls?
Hi Karen – I would probably take a look at Pure White and see how it looks with Dover White in your space. -Tonya
Hi Tonya!
Thanks for the advice above! Super helpful. We are planning to paint our inferior kitchen cabinets Urbane Bronze by SW. We were planning to pain the superior cabinets white, along with some of the walls in the adjacent dining room. Do you think it would be odd having the superior cabinets and the walls the same color? Was considering Pure White or Snowbound.
Not at all! You could always do the same color with a different sheen — for example, semi-gloss for the cabinets and flat or satin on the walls — to give it a bit of depth.
We are looking for a mid century modern update to our whole house. We have chose Alabaster white in an eggshell finish, but what color and finish should we pain the trim, crown moldering, etc? There will be natural wood elements and few pops of bold color and also some industrial looking sleek hardware. Should we pain the trim the same color in a different finish or go with a different color?
You could absolutely use the same color in a different finish! I would use semi-gloss for the trim, and something less shiny for the walls — ranging anywhere from flat to satin. But if you are looking for a whiter paint for the trim, maybe consider Pure White? It totally depends on the look you’re going for!
Painting bathroom Grassland. Should I use Alabaster for trim or…could trim also be painted Grassland? I am terrible decorator ☹️
I would try Alabaster 🙂 If you haven’t already, you could grab a couple samples to make sure you like the combination before committing to it!
Hi! I’m hoping you will be able to help on this post, as I am horrible with paint choices! I love SW modern gray, will alabaster work well for kitchen cabinets, trim and doors? I didn’t know since they were both considered warm tones? Thank you!
Hi Emily – I certainly think Modern Gray and Alabaster could look pretty together. I would definitely sample it first in your home, since the colors can look drastically different depending on your lighting and any other materials in your house. Good luck!
My handyman did some repair and painting in one room of my 2005 house. Since I figure it’s time for a refresh, was trying to figure out what trim color is slightly warmer than the contractor paint #5820 that he used. It’s very bright. Can’t find a match to his color and trying to decide if I repaint the trim he did or update the rest of the house to this same color #. I’m going from yellows and greens to blues, grays and soft tans. Thanks for your help!
I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with that number, but if you want something a little softer and not too stark, you could try Pure White. Alabaster would be a creamier choice. I would definitely try some samples, though, to be sure you’re getting the color you want!
Is Sherwin Williams Pro-Classic a good trim paint or do you recommend another type?
Hi Joan! Pro-Classic is a premium self-leveling paint, but I would definitely practice on a piece of wood (especially if you’re spraying, but even if brushing) to get the hang of it first.
Hi. Thank you for the informative article. We are painting our new cabinets Magnetic Gray (SW 7058). I like Snowbound (satin finish) with it for our walls. Would you recommend the trim being the same color but in a semi-gloss? We plan on painting all the doors in Tin Lizzie (SW 9163) for contrast.
Thank you
Hi Terri – that sounds like it could work! If you haven’t already, I would suggest grabbing some samples of each color to make sure you like how everything looks together in your home. But generally speaking, using Snowbound on the walls and trim should work well, and using a different sheen on the trim will help add depth. 🙂
I am painting SW Natural tan on my walls. What SW color white for interior doors and trim.
With Natural Tan, I would use either Pure White or High Reflective White for the trim and doors.
Great article. I have SW version of Revere Pewter (a little more gray tone than BM) with some walls at 50%. I have Alabaster for all trim, doors and window frames. It is nice and warm, but I would like a little more pop/white on the trim. Would pure white work? My house is either very bright (South windows) or very dark (North windows).
Yes, Pure White is a nice neutral white that works well with almost any color!
We painted walls in different Rooms using Taupe Tone, Accessible Beige and Svelte Sage. Currently redoing doors and trim. Can you recommend a white color to go along with the colors I’ve mentioned for the doors and trim please?
I would sample Pure White and High Reflective White, and possibly Alabaster if you prefer a warmer white.
I have a ranch style house facing east/west that tends to be dark inside. I want to repaint the whole inside, ceilings/trim/walls. I tend to lean toward more warm tones. Don’t know if I want white walls, but need to decide on trim and ceiling. Any suggestions?
If you don’t have wall colors yet, I would go with either Pure White or High Reflective White. HRL is definitely brighter, so it’ll have a much higher contrast with warm colors. Pure White is a nice go-to trim color.
We have walls that are painted in SW Sanderling. Which white would you recommend to go with it for trim and doors.
Hi Jim – that’s a tough choice, since Sanderling seems to have both warm and cool undertones I think any of these whites would work. Pure White is a personal favorite!
All walls in our new build are already painted Pearly White 7009. It appears to be much whiter than I had imagined. Thought it would look like a very light gray. What color white would you use on trim/doors. I was thinking of using Greek Villa 7551. Am I off base on that idea – will they just blend too much together. I’m not looking for a stark contrast but don’t want it to look the same as walls. Thank you.
Hi Corrine! Pearly White seems to have a slight gray/greige undertone, while Greek Villa leans a little more yellow. Personally, I don’t know that I would pair them together in an interior, but it completely depends on your personal preference. If you haven’t already, try samples of a few different whites. Pure White is a nice, soft, neutral white that should work nicely- I think High Reflective White might be too much contrast for your liking, but you could try a sample to see how you feel about it. Otherwise, if you truly don’t care for the contrast, consider painting your doors and trim Pearly White in a different sheen (semi-gloss is my recommendation) to keep everything cohesive, while adding a bit of depth. -Tonya
Our painter says he sees snowbound trim used in most of his jobs so I just assumed we would use it too. However I do not see you suggesting it here and wonder if we should use a different trim color. We have lots of trim to do including doors and arched windows and of course the ceilings. Right now for the walls,I am leaning towards alpaca on the back half of our first floor kitchen, 1/2 bath and den and taupe of the morning for all of our upstair bedrooms and the front 2 rooms on the first floor. I am still searching for a white or off white transition color yet for the entry way and up to the up the stairs to the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Would you suggest pure white or would snowbound work as the trim with all the Taupe colors? I have been using the sample size products for weeks in different light and really like these 2 versions of taupe so far. What white trim color goes best with these 2 colors and what color would you suggest for the transition color I want to incorporate in the hallway downstairs through the entryway and up the open stairway to the hallway to the bedrooms. Thank you I’m advance for any ideas.
Hi Gina, Snowbound is one of the four recommended trim colors in this article, so I would say it’s definitely an option. You could also try Pure White or High Reflective White. I would suggest trying samples of each to see which you prefer. -Tonya
My walls are SW natural choice, kitchen cabinets are SW oyster bar. Can I paint trim and doors SW westhighland white?
Hi Gina – I think it should work, but definitely try out samples before committing!