Here's a tool for testing what paint colors might look like in a picture of your own room, or you can look for one from other paint companies.
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/f...l-color-viewer
A friend who consulted a professional decorator said that she was advised that many museums use taupe as a wall color because it sets off other colors nicely. Depending on how much and what kind of light is available in your basement room, you might be happier with a lighter shade, but I think a stark white would not enhance the look of other things in the room. Even builders of tract homes usually use an off white because it's easier on the eyes than white-white.
My sewing room is the shade of beige chosen by the previous owner of our house. Every room of the house was freshly painted, and it's a comfortable enough color. It's about one shade darker than builder's antique white. We painted some other rooms, but I think I like the beige in the sewing room.