White paint is a timeless choice for many spaces, thanks to its versatility and clean aesthetic. However, the sheer variety of white paint shades available (over 150!) can make the selection process overwhelming.

Why It Matters for Your Space and Well-Being

Choosing the right white paint for your home takes time, each shade comes with a critical element: undertone. The undertone you choose can make or break the ambiance of your space, impacting both its look and feel.

Understanding Undertones

White paint undertones can be subtle but crucial. They typically fall into four categories: red/pink, blue, grey/green, and yellow. Choosing the right undertone is key to achieving the desired effect in your space.

Red/Pink Undertones: These add warmth and are ideal for spaces needing a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Blue Undertones: These provide a cooler, brighter feel, perfect for creating a crisp and refreshing environment.
Grey/Green Undertones: These offer a fresh and uplifting vibe, great for contemporary and minimalist designs.
Yellow/Brown Undertones: These create a warm and cosy ambiance, making spaces feel more intimate and comfortable.

The Impact of Geography - Choose the Right White Paint for Different Lighting

Believe it or not, your geographical location influences the best shade of white for your space. The Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience different lighting conditions, which can alter the appearance of paint colours. For instance, a north-facing room tends to have cooler, bluish light, making it essential to choose a white with a warm undertone to balance the coolness. Conversely, a south-facing room benefits from warm, bright light, which can be enhanced with cooler undertones. Westerly and easterly rooms experience changing light throughout the day, necessitating thorough testing of chosen whites in various lighting conditions.

Warm vs Cool White Paint

Lots of Natural Light - A warm room: Cool white works best.
Less Sunlight - Cooler feel: Warmer-toned white is ideal.

Tips for Choosing the Right White

Test Against True White: Compare your chosen white paint to a true white to reveal its undertones clearly.
Test in Different Lights: Paint a square of your chosen white in the room and observe it at different times of the day and in various weather conditions to see how it changes. If you don’t want to paint your walls you can use a large sheet of foam board. Once your test board is dry, you can position it throughout the room at different times of the day.
Consider the Room's Light: For shaded, darker rooms, opt for warmer undertones like pink or red to create a cosy feel. For well-lit spaces, these same undertones can produce a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Customise for Each Room: Remember that a shade of white that works in one room may not necessarily work in another due to differences in lighting and space.
Avoid Reliance on Paint Chips: Always test the actual paint on your walls rather than relying solely on paint chips, as the colour can look very different when applied.

Choosing the right shade of white is more than a design decision; it's about creating a space that feels right for you. A thoughtful selection can enhance your well-being, making your home not just a place to live, but a sanctuary.

We have seen many clients who have rushed their choices and ultimately have wasted money on the wrong decision so please take the time to explore and test... your perfect white is out there!

If you need expert advice on how to pick the right white paint for your space please get in touch.