8 White Paints That Show Which White is Right
This simple colour comes in an array of tones that offer different looks
Kelly Porter
21 September 2017
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 colour. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. As a colour consultant, I thrive in colourfully painted spaces, but I realise that many people enjoy the simplicity of white rooms. So, here are some tips for picking the right white paint.
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 coloured bedding. This type of variation will prevent your space from looking too stark.
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 coloured bedding. This type of variation will prevent your space from looking too stark.
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.
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.
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 colour. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall colour is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.
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 colour. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall colour is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.
4. Snow white
A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint colour. 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.
A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint colour. 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.
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’ colour.
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’ colour.
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.
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.
![Modern Entrance by thirdstone inc. [^]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/entryways/sd-house-thirdstone-inc-img~c751ba1e004a5d40_8544-1-05d18b0-w618-h463-b0-p0.jpg)
7. Grey white
A crisp, greyish-white wall colour will always make a sophisticated, museum-like backdrop for artwork and vivid accent hues.
A crisp, greyish-white wall colour will always make a sophisticated, museum-like backdrop for artwork and vivid accent hues.
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 colours are very warm and welcoming.
Make your white room glow with a touch of metal
TELL US
Do you have a favourite white? Or any tips for selecting white paint? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
How to Test Paint Colours
The use of whites with khaki undertones, along with natural materials create an organic feel in this dining room. These types of colours are very warm and welcoming.
Make your white room glow with a touch of metal
TELL US
Do you have a favourite white? Or any tips for selecting white paint? Let us know in the Comments section.
MORE
How to Test Paint Colours
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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