Paint Colors
Choosing a White Paint for an Older House
I receive many questions about the antique white paint I used on the walls, trim, and kitchen cabinets in my older home.
I love this particular paint color for older houses. It reads as a soft, subtle cream rather than a stark, cold white or a full beige. If you want a warm, gentle white that still reads clean and classic, this is a great option. It pairs beautifully with muted yellows; in my kitchen I used a buttery yellow subway tile (Pratt & Larson) that complements the cabinetry. Photographs don’t always capture the exact contrast, but the tile is distinctly more yellow than the painted cabinets.
Keep in mind every paint looks different under different lighting, so always test samples first.
I initially used Sherwin Williams Antique White throughout much of the house to create a cohesive, fresh base. Because kitchen cabinets endure heavy use, I had the cabinet paint professionally mixed and applied by Benjamin Moore for greater durability.
Years later, the Benjamin Moore finish still looks great.
To maintain consistency for future touch-ups, I had the Benjamin Moore store custom mix a match to the Sherwin Williams sample. That way the trim color is uniform throughout the house and I don’t need to track multiple formulas.
The photo above was taken with my phone and is a little blurry, so here is the Benjamin Moore formula as typed:
OY 16 GY 12 BK 0.5 OG 0.5
This shade felt perfect for my older home. A pure white would have appeared too new against the vintage architectural details and the textiles I have; the hint of yellow gives an authentic, lived-in look without veering into beige.
For these cabinets my painter used an oil-based semi-gloss, which has held up nicely and gives a durable, slightly lustrous finish.
Important notes:
- Not every paint labeled “Antique White” is the same. Benjamin Moore’s Antique White differs from Sherwin Williams’ Antique White, and manufacturers may update their formulas over time.
- If you want the exact color I used, provide the formula to the paint store and have them mix that specific recipe.
- Always test paint in your own home. Lighting, wall texture, and regional light quality affect how a color reads. Observe samples at different times of day before committing to paint a whole room or cabinetry.
Looking for more inspiration?
I discovered another favorite for my new house: White Dove. It’s a soft white like the one I used previously but reads a touch brighter. I used it in my new kitchen and it has a clean, warm presence without being stark.
If you enjoy white kitchens, these posts provide further ideas and examples:
A Tour of my Old House Kitchen
White Kitchens I Love
A Cottage Kitchen
Also available:
Photos of my new house for additional inspiration.