How to Choose the Right White Paint (It's Harder Than You Think!)
Choosing white paint seems simple until you're staring at dozens of swatches that all look... well, white. Here's how to pick the perfect shade for your space.
You'd think choosing white paint would be the easiest decision in home improvement. After all, it's just white, right? Wrong! Walk into any paint store and you'll be greeted by what seems like hundreds of white options - from crisp bright whites to creamy off-whites, each with their own personality. The truth is, picking the right white paint is one of the trickiest choices in home decorating, but getting it right can transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
The Secret: It's All About Undertones
The key to choosing white paint lies in understanding undertones - those subtle hints of colour that make each white unique. Think of it like ordering coffee: some whites are like black coffee (cool and crisp), while others are like a flat white (warm and creamy).
- Warm undertones - These whites have hints of yellow, red, beige or peach, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for living rooms and bedrooms
- Cool undertones - These contain subtle blue, green or gray tones, giving a crisp, modern feel ideal for kitchens and bathrooms
- Neutral whites - The chameleons of the white world, these balance warm and cool tones and work well in most spaces
To spot undertones, compare multiple white swatches side-by-side. The differences become obvious when you see them together!
Lighting Makes All the Difference
Your room's lighting can completely change how white paint appears. It's like how your mate looks different in pub lighting versus daylight!
- North-facing rooms get cool, blue-toned light - balance this with warm undertone whites to prevent the space feeling cold and stark
- South-facing rooms receive warm, golden light - here, cool undertone whites will keep things from looking too yellow
- Test swatches at different times of day to see how natural and artificial lighting affects the colour
Popular White Paint Choices for 2024
Here are some tried-and-tested white paints that designers love:
- Simply White OC-117 (Benjamin Moore) - A warm, welcoming white with yellow undertones that creates cozy spaces
- White Dove OC-17 (Benjamin Moore) - The versatile choice with soft green/yellow undertones that works with both warm and cool decor
- Chantilly Lace OC-65 (Benjamin Moore) - A crisp, clean white with very subtle blue undertones, perfect for modern spaces
- Alabaster SW 7008 (Sherwin-Williams) - A popular warm white with subtle yellow undertones that's both welcoming and sophisticated
Your White Paint Checklist
- Always test large samples on your actual walls before committing
- Consider your room's purpose - warm whites for relaxing spaces, cooler whites for task-oriented areas
- Look at your white against fixed elements like flooring, countertops and trim to ensure undertones don't clash
- Check the LRV (Light Reflectance Value) - higher numbers mean more light reflection
Final Takeaway
Choosing the right white paint isn't about finding the 'perfect' white - it's about finding the perfect white for your specific space, lighting and style. Take your time testing samples, observe how they change throughout the day, and trust your eyes. The right white will make your space feel brighter, larger and more cohesive, while the wrong one can leave your room feeling cold or dated. Remember: when it comes to white paint, the devil really is in the details!