How to Choose the Right White Paint (Because Not All Whites Are the Same!)
When it comes to decorating your home, white paint seems like an easy choice—until you’re faced with dozens of swatches. You find yourself staring at names like "Cloud White," "Simply White," and "Chantilly Lace," that all look pretty identical to the naked eye. However, very shade of white is slightly different and can subtly change the feel of the room. So, how do actually go about choosing the right white paint?
Here are a few top tips to take on board:
Understand your natural light
Lighting can have a huge impact on the appearance of white paint, which is impacted by the placement of windows to the time of day. In rooms with limited sunlight, cool whites can come off as too clinical with grey undertones, so a warmer white can give a cosier feel.
If your room doesn’t get much light, a greige or warm grey might be a better choice than pure white. On the flip side, rooms that get a lot of natural light, especially those with south-facing windows, can make white paint look more intense. In these situations, warm whites may have a slight yellow tinge, so a cooler tone will help balance out the warm sunlight glow.
Test paint samples
Before you can make a concrete decision on which white paint is right for you, it’s always best to test samples. Don’t be fooled – a shade that might look ideal on a small swatch can look completely different once it’s applied. To get a true feel for the tone, start by painting large sections of your chosen sample on multiple walls. This helps observe how the colour changes depending on the angle and how it interacts with the natural light. Observe how it looks at different times of day—what may seem fresh and bright in the morning light can appear warmer in the evening.
Decide on the right finish
The finish off the paint doesn’t just change its appearance aesthetically, but can also impact its durability. Some of the most common paint finishes include:
- Matte: This finish has a soft, non-reflective surface and is particularly good at hiding imperfections like small cracks in the walls. However, matte finishes tend to be more challenging to clean, so they’re not ideal for high-traffic areas or places where marks and stains are likely, such as kitchens or hallways.
- Eggshell/satin: These finishes have a subtle sheen, and are typically easy to clean when it comes to mucky fingerprints or scuff marks!
- Glossy: If you want a highly reflective finish that is durable and easy to clean glossy finishes are the way to go. It is best for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms, where surfaces are regularly exposed to moisture and dirt. They’re typically resistant to stains, which means they can be wiped down easily without damaging the paint. However, the high level of reflectivity can highlight wall imperfections, so it’s important to ensure that your walls are in good condition.
Don’t forget trims and ceilings
When choosing a white paint for your walls, don’t forget to consider the trims and ceilings—they really help bring the whole room together. The trim acts like a frame for the space, so a crisp white is a great choice if you want to highlight the room’s architectural features. However, if you’re going for a softer feel, a warm off-white trim works beautifully. Shades like beige, ivory, or light taupe can add a cosy vibe to the room. As for the ceiling, many people choose to paint it the same white as the walls. But if you want to make the room feel more open and airier, try picking a white for the ceiling that's just a shade lighter, to help reflect more light.
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