Baseboards and trim give the walls and floors a polished appearance while framing your room.
However, with so many options, choosing the best white paint can be difficult. Your room may feel chilly, dingy, or just strange if you choose the wrong shade.
I know how important it is to make the right decision because I’ve tested dozens of whites on my own trim.
Based on professional advice and actual results, this guide discusses the top 9 white paints for baseboards and trim.
You’ll find which whites complement various styles, undertones, and finishes. You’ll know precisely which paint to purchase for your house by the end.
What to Look for in White Trim Paint
Selecting trim paint requires attention to finish, undertone, and durability to get professional-looking results.
Finish
Semi-gloss is the standard choice for trim. It’s durable, easy to clean, and has a slight shine. Satin provides a softer appearance with good durability. Gloss creates a high-shine, traditional look for formal homes.
Undertone
Warm whites feel inviting and pair well with beiges, taupes, and warm grays. Cool whites appear crisp and modern, complementing blues and grays. Neutral whites offer versatility and work with almost any wall color.
Durability and Application
Choose trim-specific formulas like enamel paints for smoother, chip-resistant results. Latex or hybrid paints perform best long-term with easier cleanup than oil-based options.
List of 9 Best White Paints for Trim and Baseboards
Choose your style from the best options:
1. Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
A soft, creamy white loved by designers for traditional and transitional homes with subtle balance.
Why It’s Great
White Dove offers a soft, creamy appearance with subtle gray undertones. Designers choose this color constantly for traditional and transitional homes because it adapts so well.
Pros
- Warm but balanced tone that never looks too yellow
- Complements most wall colors beautifully
- Provides excellent coverage and long-lasting durability
Cons
- Can appear dingy in very cool spaces with low natural light
2. Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
A versatile go-to for modern homes that’s clean but not stark, pairing well with all colors.
Why It’s Great
Pure White serves as the go-to choice for modern homes. It reads as clean without feeling stark, making it ideal for pairing with both cool and warm wall colors.
Pros
- Extremely versatile and suits every design style
- Reflects light well without creating glare
- Works equally well for trim, baseboards, and ceilings
Cons
- Looks slightly flat in north-facing rooms unless you use warm lighting
3. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
The truest bright white available, offering crisp freshness and high contrast for modern spaces.
Why It’s Great
Chantilly Lace delivers the truest bright white on the market. It’s crisp, fresh, and a designer favorite for creating high-contrast looks.
Pros
- Perfect for modern or minimalist interiors
- Shows zero noticeable undertones
- Creates great contrast with darker wall colors
Cons
- Can feel too stark in traditional or warm-toned spaces
4. Clare Whipped
A soft, warm white that adds coziness without turning yellow, working for walls and trim alike.
Why It’s Great
Whipped offers a soft, warm white that feels cozy without turning yellow. It works beautifully for both walls and trim.
Pros
- Dreamy, creamy tone that adds warmth to neutral interiors
- Zero-VOC and eco-friendly formula
- Easy to apply with low odor
Cons
- Not ideal for pairing with very cool or gray walls
5. Clare Fresh Kicks
A bright, true white with no visible undertones, perfect for clean contemporary trim work.
Why It’s Great
Fresh Kicks delivers a bright, true white with no visible undertones. It’s perfect for clean, contemporary trim that makes a statement.
Pros
- Crisp, energizing, and modern appearance
- Works beautifully for tone-on-tone white walls and trim
- Zero-VOC and fast-drying formula
Cons
- Can emphasize imperfections on older trim
6. Clare Timeless
An off-white with creamy undertones that complements warm walls and traditional interior styles perfectly.
Why It’s Great
Timeless is an off-white with creamy undertones that complements warm walls and traditional interiors perfectly.
Pros
- Adds subtle vintage softness to any space
- Reflects light beautifully throughout the day
- Works excellently with beiges, taupes, and greiges
Cons
- Too warm for cool color palettes
7. Sherwin-Williams Extra White (SW 7006)
A cool, crisp contractor favorite for modern homes that keeps rooms bright and professional-looking.
Why It’s Great
Extra White appears cool, crisp, and professional-looking. It’s a contractor favorite for modern homes that need brightness.
Pros
- High LRV (light reflectance value) keeps rooms bright
- Ideal for pairing with cool wall colors
- Durable and easy to clean regularly
Cons
- Can feel clinical in low-light rooms
8. Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117)
A warm, sunny white that adapts to changing light, serving as a designer go-to for years.
Why It’s Great
Simply White is a warm, sunny white that adapts easily to changing light conditions. It’s been a designer go-to for years.
Pros
- Versatile and forgiving in various lighting conditions
- Adds subtle warmth to crisp color palettes
- Works across traditional, coastal, and farmhouse styles
Cons
- Can appear yellowish under incandescent lighting
9. Clare Snow Day
A cool, serene white that looks lovely against blue, green, or gray wall colors.
Why It’s Great
Snow Day is a cool, serene white that looks lovely against blue, green, or gray walls.
Pros
- Refreshing, crisp tone ideal for coastal or modern homes
- Softens northern light beautifully
- Low-odor, eco-friendly paint formula
Cons
- Can appear bluish under some LED lights
Expert Tips for Painting Trim and Baseboards
- Use a high-quality brush or angled trim brush for clean, sharp lines with fewer visible brush strokes
- Choose semi-gloss or satin sheen for the best balance between durability and refined appearance
- Prime your trim if necessary, especially for stained, dark, or raw wood surfaces that need coverage
- Keep a consistent trim color throughout your home to unify spaces visually and create flow
Conclusion
Depending on your wall color, lighting, and style, you can choose the best white paints for baseboards and trim.
Last year, I used White Dove paint for my trim, and I really liked how it warmed up my cool gray walls. Every room felt more completed, and the difference was noticeable right away.
Before purchasing gallons, test swatches in your real space. Everything is altered by lighting when using white paint.
For your trim, which white do you have in mind? Leave a comment below with your thoughts!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular white paint for trim?
Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin-Williams Pure White are the most popular choices. Both offer versatile, balanced whites that work with various wall colors and design styles.
Should trim be glossier than walls?
Yes, trim should typically be glossier than walls. Semi-gloss or satin trim contrasts nicely with matte or eggshell walls and is easier to clean.
Can I use the same white for walls and trim?
Yes, using the same white for walls and trim creates a seamless, modern look. Choose a true white like Chantilly Lace or Fresh Kicks for best results.
What white paint hides imperfections best?
Softer whites with slight undertones like White Dove or Simply White hide imperfections better than stark whites. Satin finishes also show fewer flaws than high-gloss.
Do I need to prime trim before painting white?
Prime trim if it’s stained, dark-colored, or bare wood. Primer ensures better coverage, prevents bleed-through, and helps your white paint look its best.
