Why White Paint is So Popular
White is one of the most popular colours for interiors because it’s incredibly versatile. It can make a room feel:
- Brighter: White paint reflects light, making spaces feel larger and more open.
- Timeless: White works with every style, from modern minimalist to classic traditional.
- Calming: A neutral backdrop of white creates a serene atmosphere.
However, not all whites are created equal. Some may appear too stark, others too creamy or grey in certain lights. This is why it’s important to think beyond just "white" and consider the undertones, lighting, and function of the room before making a decision.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing White Paint
1. Understand Undertones
Every shade of white paint has an undertone, which is the subtle hint of color that influences how it looks. The main undertones you’ll find in white paints are:
- Warm undertones: These whites have hints of yellow, red, or pink, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. They work well in spaces that you want to feel comfortable and inviting, like living rooms or bedrooms.
- Cool undertones: These whites contain shades of blue or green, giving them a crisp, clean, and modern look. They are great for bright, contemporary spaces or bathrooms.
- Neutral undertones: These whites are more balanced and don’t lean too warm or too cool, making them perfect for creating a pure, clean backdrop that works in a variety of spaces.
Pro tip: Compare white swatches against a piece of printer paper to see the undertones more clearly.
2. Consider the Natural Light
The amount and type of light a room receives throughout the day can dramatically impact how a white paint colour looks on your walls.
- North-facing rooms: These rooms tend to have cooler, more muted light, which can make white paint look a little dull or grey. Opt for whites with warmer undertones to balance this effect.
- South-facing rooms: Rooms with southern exposure receive warm, bright light all day, which can make whites with warm undertones feel even warmer. A cooler or neutral white might provide a better balance here.
- East-facing rooms: These rooms get warm morning light and cooler light in the afternoon, so a white with a bit of warmth can help maintain balance throughout the day.
- West-facing rooms: These spaces receive cooler light in the morning and warmer light later in the day. If you spend most time in the room in the afternoon, a cooler white can balance out the intensity of the light.
Tip: Test out paint swatches in different areas of the room and observe how they change throughout the day.
3. Think About the Room's Function
The purpose of the room also plays a role in determining the best shade of white. For example:
- Living rooms: Whites with warmer undertones can create a cozy, inviting feel.
- Kitchens: Crisp, cool whites can make the room feel clean and bright.
- Bedrooms: A soft white with a slight warmth can feel restful and serene, perfect for unwinding.
- Bathrooms: Cool-toned whites with a hint of blue or green can give a fresh, spa-like vibe.
4. Test Before You Commit
The best way to find the perfect white paint is to test it in your actual space. Buy sample sizes of a few different shades and paint large swatches on the wall. Take a few days to observe how the paint looks in various lighting conditions, both natural and artificial.
- Look at it throughout the day: The way a white paint colour looks at noon can be very different from how it looks at dusk. Check the swatches in different lighting to see if the colour holds up.
- Try different walls: Paint swatches on multiple walls in the room, as shadows and angles can affect the colour.
5. Consider the Finish
While the colour is important, don’t overlook the paint finish. The finish you choose can impact how the white looks and performs in your space.
- Matte/flat: Great for low-traffic areas like bedrooms, this finish gives walls a soft, velvety appearance but is harder to clean. There are some amazing paints in matte that have a high scrub rate. Water based eggshell or intelligent matte has less of a sheen and is ultra wipeable making it a great choice when you have small children and pets.
- Eggshell/satin: This finish has a bit more sheen and is easier to wipe down, making it a good choice for living rooms and hallways.
- Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss is more reflective and durable, ideal for skirting, doors, and high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Gloss: The highest sheen, gloss is very reflective and durable. It’s best suited for accents like skirting, architrave or cabinets.
Popular White Paint Shades to Consider
Here are a few popular white paint colours from top brands that are well-loved by designers and homeowners:
- Little Greene Slaked Lime: A pure and neutral white that gives a soft and warm appearance. I have used Slaked Lime many times on projects due to its versability.
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: A crisp, clean white that works well in modern spaces. With barely any undertones in a warm room it can give the slightest hint of warmth. Making it an excellent choice for cloudy days or north facing rooms as it is unlikely to look grey.
- Farrow & Ball Pointing: A slightly creamy, warm white that is versatile. It is one of Farrow and Balls red based whites. It can be used on large walls and will create a feeling of warmth and light.
- Behr Ultra Pure White: One of the purest, brightest whites, perfect for high contrast looks. With barley no undertones, this is the closest you will get to a brilliant white.
- Farrow & Ball White Tie: A creamy yellow, warm white with a classic feel.
Take Your Time and Choose Wisely
While white may seem like the simplest choice, it’s worth taking the time to find the right shade for your space. By considering undertones, lighting, the room’s purpose, and how the colour looks in different finishes, you can select a white paint that enhances your home’s beauty and personality. When in doubt, always test before you commit and choose a shade that makes you feel comfortable and happy in your space.
If you buy samples and paint them on to large cardboard swatches, you can move them around the room to see what the shade looks like with shadows, at different times of the day, and under artificial lighting.
Have you found your perfect white paint yet? Let us know your experiences or ask questions Contact Us.
