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Paint Home Decorating Design Dilemma

What shade of white should I paint the living room?

2 years ago

Are there any white paint colors that you have used and loved?

My living room does not get a lot of natural light, so most whites will look a bit gray. The ceiling and trim will probably be something close to Ben Moore White (doesn’t have to be that color though). Kitchen cabinets will probably be close to Sherwin Williams Pure White, but those are in another room that can be closed off. I just installed a white ceiling fan that is a little off-white. The fireplace is red brick with highlights and lowlights. I may whitewash the fireplace later, or not. Floor is wood plank tiles close to natural pine color but a bit more brown/neutral.

Current furniture and decor is medium gray, espresso wood tones, aqua and navy accents which can easily be changed. I will add more color in accessories later.

I would like to paint the walls a white color that contrasts slightly with the trim and ceiling. Not sure if I should go with yellow or pink or peach tones, or just a general color that is off-white.

I had a creamy yellow BM color called Collector’s Item is a sunny room in my previous home. It was nice, but a totally different room. I don’t think I want to go that yellow in here. I dislike traditional cream and ivory colors. (I like grays and beiges and taupes, but not for this room.)

Any suggestions? I am not good at blending white paint colors. I just need more natural light reflecting in here.

Here is the floor sample:

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Comments (5)

kelli_ga
Original Author
2 years ago
Here is an inspiration photo for the fireplace but I may not whitewash the brick. My fireplace currently goes up to the ceiling.
dona315856
2 years ago
I just completed white washing my fireplace with milk paint. The only wood I had was the fireplace mantel with fireplace running to the 8 foot ceiling. The fireplace was as you described (colors). I was very pleased with the outcome. The milk paint can be added, adjusting the water ratio to the milk paint until you are pleased with the outcome. My fireplace took on a whole new dimension. I have very little natural light in my livingroom and used Ben Moore Swiss Coffee and white paint for ceiling. The combo brightened up the area tremendously.
kelli_ga thanked dona315856
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kelli_ga
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you! Here is a screen shot of swiss coffee with the related shades. Looks like a green tint, which is the color outside my windows.
chloebud
2 years ago
We used Swiss Coffee in the family room of a previous home. It all depends on your lighting, but in that room it looked like a really nice soft white.
kelli_ga thanked chloebud
kelli_ga
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
i was playing around with colors on the ben moore site and came up with this comparison, then I got tired. The white in the middle looks gray online, but white IRL. So I am ready to go to the store and collect paint chips.

I think you two picked a great color.

Most of my lighting is around 4000K. I think they call it ”bright white”. I don’t care for warmer lighting as I am drawn to blue tones and some green tones.

I’d still like to know what whites worked out well for people. Some colors just work better than others.

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