How is it that the white section of the paint store is bigger than any other color’s? Because every space needs a different type of white, says designer Nicole Gibbons. “White is the hardest color for most people to pick—there are so many options,” says Gibbons, who recently launched her own paint brand, Clare, that offers just three variations—a warm, a cool, and a neutral. Her advice? Consider your light. “For a north-facing room, you’ll want a warm white to balance out the cold light,” she says. “In a south-facing room, cooler whites counteract the yellowness of the bright sunshine.” And when the light’s just right, fall back on a neutral white.

Neutral: Decorator’s White OC-149

This neutral white is designer Timothy Brown’s go-to when the decor skews modern, like in this Hamptons project: “It’s crisp, but it has depth." A neutral white is also perfect for showcasing art. "There’s a reason why galleries use pure white—any undertone will make the wall color noticeable,

Neutral: Simply White OC-117

Since whites often appear yellower with a lacquer finish, says Katie Lydon, steer clear of creamy tones if you’re going the high-gloss route. A true neutral white like this one is a safer bet. "It looks cool on the chip, but actually has a nice glow to it,

Neutral: Marble White OC-34

“It’s bright without being stark,” says Jeffry Weisman of his pick for a client’s Bay Area apartment.