Selecting the “Right” White Paint Color for Your Home
Listen, I have to tell you, white paint is more than just, well, white paint. I've found myself saying this more times than I can count over the years.
The fact is, there's a whole world inside a can of white paint that you might not notice at first glance. Let me break it down for you, so you can explain it to your significant other the next time they question your obsession with the perfect shade of white!
Now, we all know that some whites are warm, and some are cool, right? It all comes down to the paint's undertone, or the hidden hue that forms the basis of that particular white. Cool whites have undertones of blue, green or purple, while warm whites tend towards red, yellow or orange. This might sound like basic art class stuff, but did you know that the light that hits the color can also influence how these undertones appear? No matter the time of day, the amount of natural light can have a big impact.
Choosing the perfect white for your home is not as simple as it seems, trust me. Three key factors can make or break your decision.
Firstly, let's talk about natural light. If your home isn't blessed with an abundance of sunshine, you might want to steer clear of whites with strong yellow undertones. They could end up making your space feel more beige than bright. Stick with neutral whites like Sherwin Williams' Pure White or Benjamin Moore's Simply White to maintain balance.
Second up, the flooring. Pay attention to its base undertones as they will have a big say in the paint color you choose. Complementing your floor's undertones with the right white can make a world of difference. For cooler, darker floors, try a neutral white with blue or green undertones. If your floors are warmer, a neutral white with yellow or red undertones may be the way to go.
Finally, don't forget about your furniture. It's not just about the color, but also the undertones of your larger pieces. Do they lean towards warm or cool? Try to keep tones complimentary to create a harmonious look. But remember, there's room for a bit of mix and match, especially with smaller items like drapes, pillow covers, and rugs.
At the end of the day, these are just guidelines. If you feel like bending the rules, go ahead! For those who find making decisions a bit daunting (especially when it comes to white paint), this is for you. A foolproof trick if you're unsure about the undertones is to paint everything the same color. This way, the room is filled with one color, leaving no room for clashes.
