A Guide to Choosing the Right White Paint Color
Selecting the perfect white paint color can be daunting. With so many shades and undertones, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In this video, Ashley Bryant from Home like you mean it, a true color expert and decorator, provides insight into navigating the world of white paints. She explains three distinct categories of white paint, the best applications for each, and offers suggestions for achieving cohesive and harmonious interiors:
Table of contents
Gradations of White
White paints can be categorized into three main gradations: blue white, true white, and off-white. Each comes with unique undertones that influence how they interact with other elements in a room.
- Blue White: This is a crisp white with a cool blue undertone. Examples include Benjamin Moore’s Pure White and Sherwin Williams’ Ceiling Bright White. Blue whites are ideal for ceilings, especially when paired with cool-toned elements like marble with blue veining.
- True White: True whites, such as Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Oxford White, have no undertones. However, they can be stark and too bright for most wall applications unless accompanied by enough white furniture and décor to balance out the intensity.
- Off-White: Off-whites come in a range of undertones, usually yellow or gray, and can vary in depth. Popular off-whites include Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster. These whites are softer and more versatile, making them suitable for many spaces, especially when paired with warmer finishes like quartz countertops.
When to Use Blue White
Blue whites are particularly well-suited for ceilings and spaces with cool-toned tiles or marble. If you are working with a cool palette, blue whites create a clean contrast without overwhelming the space. Avoid pairing them with warmer elements, as they can create a jarring contrast.
When to Use True White
True whites are best reserved for ceilings or very minimalist spaces with ample white décor and furniture. While many people desire bright, white walls, true white can often be too harsh unless balanced with plenty of light and complementary elements. For walls, consider how the brightness will affect the overall feel of the space and sample the paint with your fabrics and finishes.
When to Use Off-White
Off-whites are the most versatile of the white paint categories. These shades pair beautifully with warmer materials like quartz countertops and softer fabrics. The subtle undertones in off-whites provide a soft, warm feeling without being too stark or too creamy. Off-whites like Cloud White or Simply White work well in kitchens and living spaces where a softer, inviting aesthetic is desired.
Matching Paint with Fabrics and Finishes
Choosing the right white paint doesn’t stop with the paint itself. Ashley emphasizes the importance of comparing paint samples with your fabrics and fixed elements, such as tiles or countertops. For example, pairing a creamy off-white with quartz countertops works well, while combining cool-toned finishes with off-white paint might result in a visually discordant space.
Ashley’s final advice is simple: always sample before you commit. Test your paint colors against your finishes, fabrics, and overall color palette to ensure everything works together seamlessly.
Conclusion
White paint can be a powerful design element when chosen thoughtfully. Whether you prefer the cool crispness of blue white, the brightness of true white, or the warmth of off-white, understanding the differences will help you make a more informed decision.
Do use use white in your home. If so, what kind of white and why? Let us know your thoughts on white paint in the comments below.
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