Joanna Gaines is widely known for her impeccable sense of style and knack for interior design. As co-founder of Magnolia Homes and host of Fixer Upper, Joanna has created beautiful spaces for countless homes. Her aesthetic often features neutral palettes, natural elements, and subtle pops of color.
When it comes to white paint colors, Joanna has several tried-and-true favorites that she uses over and over in her designs. Choosing the right white paint color can be tricky because not all whites are created equal. The undertones really impact how a white paint color looks in a space. Joanna tends to prefer soft, warm whites rather than stark, clinical whites. Her favorite white paint colors are versatile neutrals that add a light, airy feel to any room.
Joanna’s Favorite White Paint Colors
Here are some of Joanna Gaines’ most used and recommended white paint colors:
Swiss Coffee by Behr
One of Joanna’s signature whites is Swiss Coffee by Behr. This is a soft, neutral white with warm undertones. Swiss Coffee reads as a true white but has enough depth to prevent a clinical feel. Joanna has used this creamy white on walls in living spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, and more. She often pairs it with natural wood tones and textures for a cozy aesthetic.
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Another beloved white paint color for Joanna is White Dove by Benjamin Moore. This versatile white has a touch of gray undertone that gives it a clean, bright look. However, it still has enough warmth to be cozy and inviting. Joanna has featured White Dove in many home designs. She often accentuates it with black metal hardware and accents to create contrast.
Decorators White by Sherwin-Williams
Decorators White by Sherwin-Williams is a popular choice for Joanna when she wants a true white with just a hint of softness. It’s a stark white, but it has faint yellow undertones that keep it from looking too sterile. Joanna uses this bright white to make spaces feel open and airy. She balances it with plenty of textures and natural elements.
Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams
For a slightly warmer white, Joanna goes with Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. This white has a creamy, welcoming look while still feeling light and fresh. Joanna has used Alabaster in a wide range of spaces from kitchens to bathrooms to accent walls. Its versatility and softness make it a classic neutral that works with Joanna’s signature farmhouse style.
Extra White by SW 7006
When Joanna wants a true white with no undertones, she chooses Extra White by Sherwin-Williams. The absence of gray or yellow tones gives this white a bright, clean look. Joanna often uses it on trim, shiplap, cabinets, and other accents when she wants something crisp and fresh. Extra White has a modern feel that pairs well with Joanna’s affinity for vintage finds.
Accessible Beige by SW 7036
Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams is Joanna’s top choice when she wants a warm, inviting white with subtle creaminess. This versatile neutral works well in any room. Joanna has used it in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and more. She often combines it with natural wood tones and black accents for contrast. The warmth of Accessible Beige prevents it from reading as stark white.
Key Factors in Choosing White Paint Colors
When selecting the perfect white paint color for a space, here are a few key factors Joanna considers:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Undertones | The subtle gray, yellow, or blue undertones impact how the white appears. |
| Depth | Some whites appear flat and one-dimensional while others have more complexity and depth. |
| Lighting | The natural and artificial lighting in a room affects how white paint colors are perceived. |
| Existing Elements | Joanna chooses a white tone that coordinates well with existing furnishings, flooring, etc. |
| Purpose | Bright whites feel energetic in active spaces while warmer whites are cozy in bedrooms. |
The undertone has a big impact on the look and feel of a white paint color. Joanna usually prefers whites with slight warmth rather than cool grays. Lighting is also key – white paint can look much more intense in bright, direct light. Joanna pays attention to how existing furnishings will interact with new white paint. She selects shades that enhance rather than fight with what’s already in the space. And she chooses whites tailored to the purpose of the room, opting for refreshing brights in kitchens and comfortable creaminess in bedrooms.
Achieving Joanna’s Favorite White Paint Finishes
In addition to choosing the perfect white tone, Joanna is an expert at selecting the right paint finish to complement each space. Here are some of her go-to white paint finishes:
Matte Finish – Matte or flat finishes have no sheen. They minimize imperfections and add cozy texture. Joanna often uses matte whites on walls and ceilings.
Eggshell Finish – With just a hint of sheen, eggshell finishes have classic appeal. Joanna uses them in spaces like living rooms, offices, and bedrooms.
Satin Finish – With medium shine, satin finishes have a smooth, polished look. Joanna chooses satin white for trim, cabinets, front doors, and other accents.
Semi-Gloss Finish – Semi-gloss is shiny and durable. Joanna uses it for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms that need frequent cleaning.
High-Gloss Finish – High-gloss finishes are ultra-reflective. Joanna employs them selectively on tiles, intricate trimwork, or for bold contrast.
Combining her favorite white tones with the appropriate finishes allows Joanna to design light-filled, welcoming spaces that still feel grounded and lived-in. Her strategic use of different paint sheens provides visual interest through contrast and texture.
Joanna’s Tips for Decorating with White Paint Colors
Here are some of Joanna Gaines’ top tips for effectively decorating with white paint colors:
– Layer whites together: Using all the same stark white can feel cold. Joanna layers whites with different depths and undertones to add subtle interest.
– Add contrast: Bold black accents, black window frames, black hardware, and dark wood provide contrast that keeps white paint from feeling washed out.
– Incorporate texture: Soft furnishings, natural fiber rugs, sheer drapes, wood accents, and woven textures prevent whites from reading as too clinical.
– Use bright white sparingly: Joanna recommends bright whites like Extra White just for accents like trim or shiplap rather than entire rooms.
– Test paint swatches: The way white paint colors look is extremely dependent on the specific lighting and surroundings, so testing swatches on walls is essential.
– Consider sheen: Glossy paint can feel imposing in big doses, so Joanna uses it selectively. Matte paint minimizes flaws but can read dull if overused. Eggshell or satin are flexible middle grounds.
Following Joanna Gaines’ lead by thoughtfully layering white paint tones, finishes, and textures allows you to design a space that feels both cozy and fresh. The right whites enhance the architecture without overpowering the furnishings and accessories that add personality.
Conclusion
When it comes to determining Joanna Gaines’ favorite white paint colors, she certainly has some tried-and-true standbys. Her signature white paint colors include Swiss Coffee, White Dove, Decorators White, Extra White, Accessible Beige, and Alabaster. She has an expert eye for selecting whites with subtle complexity, depth, and undertones that complement each space perfectly. Joanna often layers multiple white paint colors throughout a room for added dimensions. She combines her favorite white tones with thoughtful finishes and strategic placement of bolder blacks and woods. The resulting spaces are quintessential Joanna Gaines – casually elegant, cozy yet fresh, and full of beauty and warmth. Her keen understanding of how to use white paint demonstrates Joanna’s unmatched talent for designing homes that balance functionality and livability with graceful, welcoming style.