How to Pick the Right White Paint
White is white, right? Not quite. See 8 white paint picks for 8 very different effects
I have to admit that I don’t have a single white room in my home. However, I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges of selecting white paint: When my husband and I put our previous home up for sale, we decided to repaint the entire house white, and we allowed the contractor to choose the paint. After all, white is white…right? Wrong! After the painting was completed, I walked into the house and almost grabbed my sunglasses. I was shocked at how bright the walls looked. That’s when I truly understood that white can be as vivid (or soft) as any other color. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. As a color consultant, I thrive in colorfully painted spaces, but I realize that many people enjoy the simplicity of white rooms. So, here are some tips for picking the right white paint.
More: How to Pick the Right Gray
More: How to Pick the Right Gray
2. Cool white. In this space, the cool white walls perfectly match the white furniture and window treatments. This creates a serene, homogenous space that has very little contrast and/or distraction. Cool, pure whites work well in contemporary spaces because they provide a feeling of newness.
Paint pick: Extra White 7006 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Extra White 7006 by Sherwin-Williams
3. Soft white. Pairing white with black creates a very elegant, Art Deco feel. Even with so much contrast, this look is still a blank canvas for adding any other color. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall color is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.
Paint pick: Pure White 7005 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Pure White 7005 by Sherwin-Williams
4. Snow white. A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint color. This look also works great in a more contemporary space, as shown here. The same tone of white is seen on both the furniture and wainscoting, which creates a harmonious look.
Paint pick: Super White by Benjamin Moore
Find a local painter to get white walls of your own
Paint pick: Super White by Benjamin Moore
Find a local painter to get white walls of your own
5. Antique white. For a more traditional space, antique whites work best because they provide a lived-in feel to a room. In dining areas, this shade of vanilla is a great choice because it's considered a 'delicious' color.
Paint pick: Antique White 6119 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Antique White 6119 by Sherwin-Williams
6. Ivory white. Many people like the look of white cabinetry in the kitchen, but they don’t want the space to appear too cold. In this case, look for a white that has a slight ivory undertone. You can also add warmth to your kitchen with wood flooring, and by using clear halogen lighting.
Paint pick: Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
Paint pick: Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
7. Gray white. A crisp, grayish-white wall color will always make a sophisticated, museum-like backdrop for artwork and vivid accent hues.
Shop artwork on Houzz
Paint pick: Dune White 968 by Benjamin Moore
Shop artwork on Houzz
Paint pick: Dune White 968 by Benjamin Moore
8. Warm white. The use of whites with khaki undertones, along with natural materials create an organic feel in this dining room. These types of colors are very warm and welcoming.
Paint pick: Natural Choice 7011 by Sherwin-Williams
More:
Find Your Style: Choose Your Favorite White Room
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Paint pick: Natural Choice 7011 by Sherwin-Williams
More:
Find Your Style: Choose Your Favorite White Room
Hot Ideas for Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right Blue
How to Pick the Right Gray
Paint pick: Dover White 6385 by Sherwin-Williams