Valuable Advice on Selecting the Ideal White Paint for Each Area in Your Household

Selecting the perfect white paint isn't a straightforward decision. We consulted paint and interior design specialists to guide you in picking the most suitable white paint for your residence.

If you believe that white paint is uniform across the board, you might be surprised by the myriad choices available at paint stores. This encompasses various hues for both interior and exterior paint, along with an assortment of finishes to consider. These options expand the possibilities, as a particular white shade might suit your living room beautifully in a satin finish but not as appealing in an eggshell variation. Similarly, another shade might shine in semi-gloss but appear lackluster in a matte finish.

With numerous white paint shades that could either elevate or disrupt the visual appeal of a space if improperly used, seeking advice from experts is essential. They can guide you in discovering the finest white paint shades and determine which areas benefit from fully white walls, when white paint should be reserved for trim, moldings, and doors, and when consulting professionals becomes crucial in choosing between a creamy white or a pristine white.

Before delving into choosing a specific white shade, it's important to understand when it's suitable and when it's not recommended to use white paint at all.

When should you opt for white paint?

Before diving into selecting the appropriate white paint shade for a room, it's crucial to assess the room itself. Deirdre McGettrick, home expert and co-founder/CEO of ufurnish.com, advises: "When contemplating painting a room white in your house, there are a few factors to consider before deciding on the ideal shade. Firstly, consider the room's orientation and the natural light it receives. Typically, a north-facing room receives less light, resulting in a cooler atmosphere, while a south-facing room tends to be bathed in sunlight for most of the day, creating a warmer ambiance. Consequently, it's essential to determine the desired ambiance for the room."

Although the perfect white paint shade might appear stunning in your dining room in its emptiness, it's crucial to envision how the space will look when furnished. "The next aspect to contemplate is your furniture and decor. What will you be placing in this room?" McGettrick suggests. "What wood tones, fabrics, and furnishings? These factors will all impact the white shade that suits your space."

Remember this: abundant natural light results in a warmer room, hence a cooler white might be more suitable. Conversely, rooms with less sunlight tend to feel cooler, prompting McGettrick to recommend a "warmer-toned white." Additionally, opting for a color other than white might be preferable in spaces with cooler lighting.

Lane Ball, Zibra's marketing director, notes, "While white is probably the most popular choice for painting interior rooms, it can also be one of the most challenging to find the right shade for your area. Factors to consider when making this decision include the ambiance you aim to achieve in the room, the lighting conditions—both natural and artificial—and the paint finish."

Opting for a safe choice, a bright white paint serves as a suitable wall color for spaces like hallways, stairways, basements, and bathrooms, where natural light is limited. Additionally, white often works well for doors and trim, even in rooms with darker or richly colored walls. However, if you're selecting white paint not just for its practical attributes related to lighting or spatial elements but rather treating it as a distinct color, the considerations go beyond defining it as warm or cool.

Selecting the appropriate white paint hue

In navigating the selection of a white paint shade, design and color expert Donald Kaufman advises focusing on the individual qualities of each shade. "A common mistake is fixating on color names or comparing whites against each other," Kaufman notes. Instead, visualize how the white paint will interact within the space alongside furniture, flooring, artwork, and other elements; refrain from direct comparisons between various white shades like Chantilly Lace, Swiss Coffee, or Alabaster.

Rather than comparing white shades in isolation, consider a few white hues you genuinely like, giving them the same level of consideration as you would with darker tones like navy blue, dusty rose, or burnt sienna. Test these colors within the space using paint swatches on sturdy illustration or foam boards. "Take into account any existing accent colors and the natural warmth from sunlight, as these factors can significantly affect how white appears," Ball explains. "To accurately assess, paint each selection on separate large test boards and place them in different areas of the room at various times of the day. This way, you can gauge their effect without actually painting the walls."

And mind the other colors that sneak into whites; Tracy McLaughlin, real estate agent in Marin County, California, says: “Oftentimes, people select whites that have either far too much yellow mixed in or, at the opposite problem, too much gray or black mixed in. When too much yellow is mixed in, the room lacks the needed ‘crispness’ to showcase it as updated. At the opposite end of the spectrum is when there is too much gray mixed into the white, resulting in it feeling ‘hospital-like.’ That color is very, very off-putting. It makes everything feel stark and cold. It also doesn’t make the room’s occupants feel attractive.” If you’re unsure if your white paint has a yellow undertone or too much greige, you can always ask the friendly folks at the paint store about the mix or use the paint sample tip above to make sure you’re not missing anything in different lighting.

Common inquiries about white paint

We've discussed selecting and utilizing the finest white paint, cautionary measures to avoid, and suggestions for leveraging this highly adaptable color. However, despite our comprehensive review, our research indicates that numerous individuals still have numerous queries about white paint. Therefore, we've compiled and addressed many of those inquiries to conclude our discussion on paint.

What are the rooms that derive the most advantage from white paint?

Any room can be stunning in white. McLaughlin advocates for an entire house in white, with the addition of gloss to window frames. She believes that every room should have white walls, possibly accented with textured wallpaper, shiplap, or other unique designs.

Which white paint is optimal for wall applications?

McLaughlin expresses her fondness for Simply White, emphasizing her current practice of using the same white color across all surfaces in homes she prepares for the market. She appreciates the harmonious outcome achieved by applying this consistent white shade to moldings, ceilings, walls, and trim, creating a fresh ambiance that evokes a recently constructed space.

Which white paint is most commonly used?

After extensive research for this article, it appears that Sherwin-Williams Pure White, also known as SW 7005, stands out as the prevailing choice for white paint. Benjamin Moore’s Paper White (OC-55), BEHR’s Polar Bear 75, and Decorator’s White remain close contenders, with the latter being a timeless classic.

What should you do if you're undecided between different white paints?

Rely on experts. "I've observed many clients hastily deciding on the 'right white' for their homes and eventually needing to repaint when involving a designer," remarks McLaughlin. "This is a decision one should avoid attempting alone unless they possess a solid understanding of spaces, design, and how the chosen color will impact future design elements like fabrics, wall coverings, and accessories."

What defines a pure white paint

In brief, a pure white paint doesn't reveal its undertones and is genuinely neutral. It lacks excessive "brightness" often associated with a touch of yellow added to the mix, which softens the starkness without introducing any distinct color.

Is white paint currently trendy again?

Absolutely, yes. Colored paint is no longer in vogue. "I wouldn't recommend my clients to opt for deeply saturated wall colors," McLaughlin suggests. "Let vivid colors stand out in accessories like pillows or in contemporary wallpaper rather than on the walls." White paint is perpetually stylish and can be extremely popular at times, and its popularity is currently soaring.