Guide to Choosing the Right White Paint

White paints would lead you to believe they are the easiest to work with because of the nature of the color. Just the opposite is true. It’s complicated because of tones, undertones, and sheens. Here’s our simple guide to choosing the right white paint.

White paint can be tricky to select, there are many options, shades, and sheen to choose from and it can be difficult to know what is best for your space.  A pure white hall with a natural white light bulb can seem off yellow. The same wall across from a blue wall will take on the tint of the color. White trim against a green wall will also look a bit green. For all of these reasons, getting the white wall or trim you want is more difficult than it seems.

People commonly ask us what is the difference between white, extra white, or pure white. The truth is, none will be exact white, because of the surrounding furniture, accessories, and walls.

Here are a few guidelines to get you started with your choice.

Lighting Changes How it Looks

If your space has lower natural light, a cool white will look shadowy and gray. Pick a white with warm undertones to make it look more welcoming. If the room is lacking in outside lighting through windows, consider even a greige instead. The space will feel white and opened up, but not cold.

The opposite is true as well. If your room has an abundance of natural light flooding in, a cooler white with blue tones will keep the color from presenting as yellow.

Suggestions:
Sherwin-Williams Extra White for a well-lit room with a modern look.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White for a lower light room that has a soft feel.

White on Trim and Molding

Almost all of the time homeowners overthink their trim. Experts suggest always going for an untinted white. Don’t worry about tones and shades. The white will be fine in small amounts, like trim, and won’t show up as a tinted, toned color.

The only exception to this rule is with kitchen cabinets. When it comes to larger projects like cabinets, choose either Sherwin-Williams Extra White or Benjamin Moore White. It’s a bit softer of a color than the untinted white and the color will hold up well.

Vary the Shade & Color

Choosing to paint a whole room white can give it a very sterile feel. Instead, vary the colors by several shades within the same warm or cool family. Using creamy or blue-toned whites will give the room more depth while still reading white.

Finish & Sheen

Another way to give depth to your whites is by using different finishes. Flat works great for ceilings, especially when paired with eggshell or satin for the walls and semi-gloss trim. It gives the room definition while still being white.

Test with Samples & Swaths

The surest way to know if a color will work in your home is to do a thorough test. Bring home sample and paint a large swath of the color on the wall. If you aren’t sure you want to paint, experts suggest painting a poster board and hanging it in various places around the room to test for color, lighting, and furniture compatibility.

If your getting ready for a bit of painting (in white or any other color) why not give CertaPro of Rochester Hills, MI. Schedule a free estimate for your project today!