Once you decided to paint your walls white, you might have thought the decision was over, right? Wrong – the white section of the paint store is bigger than any other color’s because every space needs a different type of white. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the shades of white, here are some tips from professional designers on choosing the right one.
Choosing Shades by Lighting
Depending on how warm or cool the lighting is in your room, you may opt for a certain shade to counteract that.
Rooms with Cold Light
Rooms that face north will have cold light. For these rooms, you’ll want a warmer shade of white to balance that out.
Rooms with Warm Light
Rooms that face south will have warmer, yellow light. You’ll want a cooler white to counteract the warmer light from the sun.
Just Right Rooms
If your room is not naturally warm or cool, meaning it doesn’t face directly north or south, or doesn’t have any natural light at all, you’ll want a more neutral white.
Choosing Shades by Décor
Depending on the overall aesthetic of your space and décor, one white may be more appropriate than another.
Modern décor
If decorating a modern space, a neutral white with no undertones will probably look best.
Showcasing Art
If showcasing art, a neutral white will also be the best option. Any additional grading within the white will make the wall color more noticeable and therefore detract from the art.
Lacquer Finish
If you want the glossy, polished look, a neutral white is also best. While it may look cool as a sample, it does provide its own natural glow due to the shine. Using a shiny white with any creamy undertone will come off more yellowish.
Rustic or Traditional Décor
For rooms that are more rustic or traditional in style, a warmer white is the better choice. A stark white would create contrast with furnishings, but a warm white will make these spaces feel more cohesive.
Beach Décor
If you are going for a seaside getaway, use a warm white. The creamy warmth will balance out the blue shades in your décor.
Large Windows in a Forest Setting
Windows will always reflect whatever is outside them. If you have large windows that overlook a lush, green setting, you will want to consider a cooler white.
Once you’ve decided on the best color for your home, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help with the work. X is a professional company that can not only verify that the white you’ve chosen will look nice in your space and help you achieve your desired aesthetic, but they can also help you with interior painting.