Pure white can feel stark and clinical, which is why designers so often reach for a softer white instead. These colors like white keep the brightness and freshness but add warmth, elegance, and a gentler feel.

This guide covers the best colors similar to white, how each one differs, and a ready-to-use palette for every shade. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.

The quick answer: colors like white #

The six closest alternatives to white are:

  • Ivory, a soft, warm off-white
  • Cream, a warmer, yellow-tinged white
  • Off-white, a gently softened white
  • Eggshell, a pale, subtle off-white
  • Bone, a warm, slightly gray white
  • Alabaster, a clean, soft white
Shades similar to white

1. Ivory #

Ivory is a soft, warm off-white with a gentle yellow undertone. It feels elegant and a touch formal. See more in our guide to what goes with ivory.

Ivory palette

2. Cream #

Cream is a warmer, yellow-tinged white with a cozy glow, softer than ivory. See more in our guide to what goes with cream.

Cream palette

3. Off-white #

Off-white is a gently softened white, barely warmer than pure white. It is the easy, versatile alternative for backgrounds and walls.

Off-white palette

4. Eggshell #

Eggshell is a pale, subtle off-white with the faintest warmth, like the shell of an egg. It feels crisp yet soft.

Eggshell palette

5. Bone #

Bone is a warm, slightly gray-beige white. It feels natural and organic, a touch deeper than other soft whites.

Bone palette

6. Alabaster #

Alabaster is a clean, soft white with the gentlest warmth, named after the smooth stone. It feels fresh and modern.

Alabaster palette

How to choose the right shade #

Match the white to the mood: ivory and cream for warm, elegant, cozy looks; off-white and alabaster for clean, versatile modern designs; and eggshell or bone for a soft, natural in-between.

Build your own palette #

Use the PaletteDeck generator to build a palette around any of these soft whites, browse our most popular palettes, or explore more color guides.