Types of White Paint: Understanding Undertones
Whether you’re looking for the perfect white bedroom color or suitable trim colors for white walls, learning about undertones will help your decision. A pure or clean white is almost like computer printer paper, with little discernible undertone. Warm white paint colors — antique, cream, vanilla — have undertones of yellow, pink or red (check accompanying hues on the color swatch and you’ll see). Grayed whites have cool undertones of gray, blue or green. Color shades of white vary slightly from those shown.
Pure Whites
The whitest colors are referred to as pure whites. These whites conjure images of snow, linen and fine china. Colors in white on walls and trim make a clean backdrop for slate gray décor items, green plants and the warmth of a wood floor. Pure whites invite just about any accent colors.
- Pure white layers beautifully for a tone-on-tone effect.
- They work well with all décor styles.
- Pure whites have the least amount of undertone and keep a clean look in rooms with abundant natural light.
- Consider white with black, then add an accent color or a piece of colorful artwork to create an elegant mood.
- Also consider white for ceilings. A pure white ceiling brightens a naturally dark space.
Warm White Paint Color
Warm whites suit traditional, modern and casual styles beautifully. Antique or creamy whites lend a restful, mellow air against natural wood, neutrals and warm colors. These warm whites can freshen and open up a kitchen to direct attention to colorful elements like rugs or chairs. They can also provide a striking contrast to dark floors, furnishings and accents.
- Traditional rooms and older homes with plastered walls take on a warm glow with warm whites.
- Try them on kitchen cabinetry — warm white cabinets look clean yet not too stark or cold.
- The best warm white paint color works in both natural and artificial light and in rooms with either north- or south-facing windows. They counterbalance cool-hued natural light from the north and complement warm tones from south-facing windows.
Cool White Paint Color
These whites have undertones of gray or blue. They’re fresh and sophisticated and pair especially well with contemporary furnishings or the warmth of a wood floor.
- When used in layers, cool whites can impart a sense of serenity.
- They’re a vibrant backdrop for wall art.
- Cool white paint colors look good in rooms with south-facing windows, where there’s warm light most of the day.
- Check the color sample against your furnishings. If they’re cream-colored, make sure the cool whites don’t make them look off-color.
What to Think About When Choosing White
Can't decide which white paint color is best for your space? Here are some extra elements to consider.
What’s in the Room?
Examine all the items that will be in the room and what color palette they’ll create. If you find your room filled with bright, warm colors, go for a warm white; if the theme is cool, pair it with a cool white paint color.
Type of Lighting
Both natural and artificial light affect white color paint. If your room relies on artificial light, think about what types of lightbulbs you normally buy. Match warm artificial light with warmer white undertones and brighter artificial light with cooler whites.
Take natural lighting into account. South and west-facing windows receive warmer natural light than north and east-facing windows that get color light.
Look at Undertones
Compare multiple paint swatches and samples in a different light to see how they look. You can pin swatches to a wall or paint test strips in a room, then check at different times of day to see the difference.
When using color swatches, mark your favorites with a pen so you remember and avoid getting similar options confused.
How Does White Make You Feel?
Some find pure white to be too clinical, while others think off-white looks dirty. We all have our preferences and it’s important to express yours.
What Finish Should You Choose for White Paint?
A paint’s finish makes a big difference. You’ve heard of finishes like semi-gloss, matte or eggshell, but why is this important? The finish affects how durable the paint will be and how easy it is to maintain.
Eggshell
If you look at a chicken egg, you’ll find its shell is matte but with a hint of sheen. This is what an eggshell finish looks like. It’s great at covering imperfections, but rates in the middle of the durability scale.
Satin
A satin finish has a little luster that brightens the white paint. Its biggest flaw is that it shows application imperfections and touchups easily. It rates high on the durability scale.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss white paint is a great fit for high-traffic areas and areas with moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. It has high durability too.
High Gloss
High gloss paint is the most durable. It is also the easiest paint to clean. The luster of high gloss is often too much for indoors as it shows application areas and touchups easily.
How Do You Make the Color White with Paint?
White paint is created by simply incorporating white pigment. Some of the most common pigments employed for this purpose are calcium carbonate, lead carbonate, zinc oxide and calcium hydroxide.