How to Pick the Right White Paint
White is white, right? Not quite. See 8 white paint picks for 8 very different effects
Kelly Porter
16 May 2011
Houzz Contributor
I have to admit that I don’t have a single white room in my home. However, I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges of selecting white paint: When my husband and I put our previous home up for sale, we decided to repaint the entire house white, and we allowed the contractor to choose the paint. After all, white is white…right? Wrong! After the painting was completed, I walked into the house and almost grabbed my sunglasses. I was shocked at how bright the walls looked. That’s when I truly understood that white can be as vivid (or soft) as any other color. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. As a color consultant, I thrive in colorfully painted spaces, but I realize that many people enjoy the simplicity of white rooms. So, here are some tips for picking the right white paint.
More: How to Pick the Right Gray
More: How to Pick the Right Gray
1. Creamy white. A white bedroom can be a very relaxing haven. For best results, use a few different tones of white and layer them in the space. In this bedroom, creamy white walls are combined with crisp white curtains and ivory colored bedding. This type of variation will prevent your space from looking too stark.
Paint pick: Dover White 6385 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Dover White 6385 by Sherwin-Williams
2. Cool white. In this space, the cool white walls perfectly match the white furniture and window treatments. This creates a serene, homogenous space that has very little contrast and/or distraction. Cool, pure whites work well in contemporary spaces because they provide a feeling of newness.
Paint pick: Extra White 7006 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Extra White 7006 by Sherwin-Williams
3. Soft white. Pairing white with black creates a very elegant, Art Deco feel. Even with so much contrast, this look is still a blank canvas for adding any other color. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall color is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.
Paint pick: Pure White 7005 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Pure White 7005 by Sherwin-Williams
4. Snow white. A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint color. This look also works great in a more contemporary space, as shown here. The same tone of white is seen on both the furniture and wainscoting, which creates a harmonious look.
Paint pick: Super White by Benjamin Moore
Find a local painter to get white walls of your own
Paint pick: Super White by Benjamin Moore
Find a local painter to get white walls of your own
5. Antique white. For a more traditional space, antique whites work best because they provide a lived-in feel to a room. In dining areas, this shade of vanilla is a great choice because it's considered a 'delicious' color.
Paint pick: Antique White 6119 by Sherwin-Williams
Paint pick: Antique White 6119 by Sherwin-Williams
6. Ivory white. Many people like the look of white cabinetry in the kitchen, but they don’t want the space to appear too cold. In this case, look for a white that has a slight ivory undertone. You can also add warmth to your kitchen with wood flooring, and by using clear halogen lighting.
Paint pick: Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
Paint pick: Atrium White by Benjamin Moore
7. Gray white. A crisp, grayish-white wall color will always make a sophisticated, museum-like backdrop for artwork and vivid accent hues.
Shop artwork on Houzz
Paint pick: Dune White 968 by Benjamin Moore
Shop artwork on Houzz
Paint pick: Dune White 968 by Benjamin Moore
8. Warm white. The use of whites with khaki undertones, along with natural materials create an organic feel in this dining room. These types of colors are very warm and welcoming.
Paint pick: Natural Choice 7011 by Sherwin-Williams
More:
Find Your Style: Choose Your Favorite White Room
Hot Ideas for Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right Blue
How to Pick the Right Gray
Paint pick: Natural Choice 7011 by Sherwin-Williams
More:
Find Your Style: Choose Your Favorite White Room
Hot Ideas for Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right Blue
How to Pick the Right Gray
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Warm Tones and Luxurious Surfaces in a City Townhouse
An earthy colour palette, hidden storage and well-placed texture add character and practicality to this London home
Full Story
Gardens
5 Inspiring Before and After Garden Transformations
Check out what a difference designers have made to these once dull plots, visually expanding spaces and creating privacy
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Kitchen Tour: A Gorgeous Extension With a Leafy Glasshouse Feel
By Kate Burt
When the owners of this terraced house extended, they were keen to retain its period feel and highlight the garden
Full Story
Gardens
How to Disguise Rubbish and Recycling Bins Outside Your Home
Need to hide unsightly bins in your garden or driveway? Take a look at these clever ideas for inspiration
Full Story
Renovating
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Bare Roof Terrace Becomes a Pretty, Sociable Space
By Kate Burt
A retired couple got help transforming their large rooftop into a gorgeous, welcoming, multi-functional retreat
Full Story
Living Rooms
8 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Small Living Room
Swerve these common design errors to make a big impact in your compact sitting room
Full Story
I am trying to decide on which color of white to use on new kitchen cabinets. I have already purchased the counters - quartzite, yosemite falls which has is off white and grey. The kitchen is part of a very open floor plan so that the family room, dinning room, living room, and kitchen are all one large room. I love the color of the paint that I have on the walls now and it goes with the Spanish style of the house. It is Benjamin Moore (elmira white) which usually looks like it has a slight grey cast although occasionally it can look like it has a beige cast to it and it very soft. Any suggestions on which color of white to use on the kitchen cabinets? The window in the kitchen faces West. Here are a few pictures of the kitchen counter slab and a wall in my living room. I am also including a picture of the paint from Benjamin Moore's website but it is much darker and more beige than it looks in the house so I included a picture of the living room wall which is much more accurate. Thank you for any suggestions you can provide.
My favorite is Benjamin Moore's White Dove OC-17. It may be described as having more of a hint of grey, but its still described as being soft without any hint of yellow. Try some on a piece of wall board and place it where the cabinets are. Look up Laurel Bern - she is a paint color "expert" - her blog has several articles on the best whites with great descriptions. Good luck!
Thank you for your suggestions