Choosing the right white paint color can be daunting, especially with the overwhelming lists and recommendations available online. You’ve seen these headlines!
“34 best white paint colors that designers love!” “ 40 best whites that designers prefer! “ The top 20 all-time whites!”
It made me cringe. How is that supposed to help anyone?? Why on earth would one make your life so complicated? I know that there are 50 shades of anything out there, but narrowing it down to 8, maybe 10 is enough already!
To SIMPLIFY the process and help you make an informed decision, I am going to break it down into bullet points (you know I love my bullet points!)
Stay focused my friends, you do not want to miss this!
Before you can choose a white paint color, there are a few things you need to know about:
- Understanding Hue Families (aka Undertones)
- Distinguish between warm and cool colors
- Light Reflective Value (LRV)
- The impact of natural light
- Effects of Kelvin temperatures on white paint colors
- Color in context
- Paint Sheens
- Compare and test!
1.Identifying Hue Families
Hue families, in layman’s terms refer to as undertones, can be tricky to identify but are crucial in determining how a white paint will look in your space. The underlying hues can affect the color’s appearance based on lighting and surrounding colors.
Undertones are SUBJECTIVE. The white (or any other neutral for that matter) that looks perfect in your friend’s house, might look entirely different in yours.
To identify undertones, compare a few color chips on a white background. In isolation, many white paint swatches appear neutral, but when compared, you can see which ones lean towards yellow, green, red, blue etc. The aim is to work with the same colors already in the space. If you have an orange wood floor, do not choose a bluish-white. Instead, opt for a color such as Alabaster SW7008, which belongs to the yellow family, but it will look crisp and clean against your warm wood floors.
2. Distinguish between warm and cool whites
You need to be able to distinguish between warm and cool whites
In the world of design, there might only be a handful of designers that will opt for cool stark whites such as Chantilly Lace as the overall color. But I have found that not many people like the coldness of a cool, neutral white.
3. Understanding color temperature
- Warm or creamy whites belongs to the yellow, red, pink, orange hue family
These whites tend to create a cozy, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere. They can soften a space and add warmth. Examples: Sherwin Williams “Alabaster” (SW 7008), Benjamin Moore “White Dove” (OC-17).
- Cool or off-white belong to the blue, green or gray or lavender family
Appearance: These whites tend to create a crisp, clean, and modern look. They can make a space feel more open and refreshing. Examples: Sherwin Williams “Extra White” (SW 7006), Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace” (OC-65). In my experience, there are maybe 0.1% of the local population that actually prefers a stark white paint on their walls. People want to feel comfortable in their homes and live in it!
3. Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
LRV measures the percentage of light a paint color reflects. Whites with higher LRVs reflect more light, making rooms appear brighter and larger. For example, Benjamin Moore’s “Simply White” has an LRV of 91.7 while Sherwin Williams’ “Extra White” has an LRV of 86.
Why LRV Matters:
Colors with LRV above 50% reflect more light, making them ideal for brightening up spaces. Below 50%, colors absorb more light, making rooms feel darker. Understanding LRV helps you choose the right white for both walls and trim, ensuring the room has the desired brightness.
4. The Impact of Natural Light
The magic of using white paint with success, lies in its lighting!
In rooms with an abundance of natural light, white paint colors with cool undertones can help balance the brightness and create a refreshing feel. However, be cautious with very high LRV whites as they can sometimes feel too stark or glaring. Slightly warmer whites can add a touch of coziness while still keeping the space bright and airy.
In rooms that lack natural light, white paint colors can look dull and gray if not chosen carefully. Whites with warm undertones or a slightly lower LRV can add warmth and prevent the space from feeling cold and uninviting. For example, a white like Sherwin Williams’ “Alabaster” (LRV 82) or Benjamin Moore’s “White Dove” (LRV 85.38) can bring a soft, warm, but still a white look, to dimly lit rooms.
Here’s how different lighting conditions can affect your choice:
- North-Facing Rooms: Receive cooler, indirect light, making them feel darker. Choose whites with warm undertones to add warmth.
- South-Facing Rooms: Get warm, direct sunlight most of the day. Whites with cool undertones can balance the brightness, while high LRV whites enhance the light.
- East-Facing Rooms: Receive warm light in the morning and cooler light later. Whites with slight warm undertones can balance the changing light.
- West-Facing Rooms: Benefit from warm, golden light in the afternoon. Whites with cool undertones can balance the intensity and maintain a serene ambiance.
Understanding how Kelvin Temperatures affect paint colors
2700 Kelvins (Warm Light)
- Produces a warm, yellowish light that can make white paint appear softer and more yellow.
- Best suited for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- 3000 Kelvins (Soft White)
Effect on White paint color: Slightly less warm than 2700K, offering a balance between warm and neutral. Adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the white paint.
4000 Kelvins (Neutral/Cool White)
Effect on White Paint:
Emits a neutral light that can make white paint appear truer to its actual color.
Helps to reduce any yellow or blue undertones in the paint.
5000 Kelvins (Daylight)
Effect on White Paint: Produces a very cool, blueish light that can make white paint appear crisper and more clinical.
Best for areas needing bright, clear light, such as kitchens or workspaces.
- Surrounding Elements – Context Matters
Any color, even neutrals like white, needs to be chosen in context. Consider the colors of your furniture, flooring, and other decor elements.
Warm whites complement creamy colored fabrics wood tones and warm-colored furnishings, while cool whites suit modern, sleek decor.
Compare your white samples with your light fabric furniture. If you have a linen sofa, avoid a yellowish white. Rather opt for an off-white such as Simply White oc-117 or Snowbound SW7004
- Paint Sheen
The paint finish affects both appearance and durability. Higher gloss finishes reflect more light and are easier to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Painting the same white on your trim as well as walls and ceiling, could also be an option if you are aiming for an all-white look, it will just all be painted in the appropriate sheen for that specific surface.
8.Sample Testing
Test Before You Commit:
It’s crucial to test several white paint samples on your walls. Instead of buying messy paint samples, consider using peel-and-stick samples from a trusted company. Place them on your walls and observe them in different light conditions throughout the day to see the true appearance of the color in your space.
I have partnered with Samplize to make it as easy as pie for you to order your reusable peel and stick samples, using REAL PAINT, not ink!
No mess, no fuss! Delivered to your door! And the best of all, no storing a gazillion messy samples in your garage!
It’s worth it my friend! Who has time to paint subpar samples nowadays??
By understanding these factors, you can focus on what works best for your space, lighting, and personal style to achieve a beautiful and cohesive look in your home.
