When choosing a white paint color for your home, you may come across terms like “warm white,” “cool white,” or white paints that supposedly have “blue undertones.” This can get confusing quickly. What do these terms mean, and is it true that some white paint colors contain hints of blue? Let’s take a closer look.
The Science Behind Paint Color
To understand whether white paint can have blue undertones, we first need to understand a bit about the science of color. Paint gets its color primarily from pigments – particles suspended in the paint that selectively absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light. For example:
- A red pigment absorbs most wavelengths of light and reflects back red.
- A blue pigment absorbs most wavelengths and reflects back blue.
- A white pigment reflects back most or all visible wavelengths of light fairly evenly, so it appears white to our eyes.
However, even white paints are rarely pure white. Most contain tiny amounts of color-producing pigments that can give the white a hint of a color “cast” or undertone. These undertones are more apparent when the white paint is placed next to another white.
The Undertones in White Paint
White paints are often categorized by the undertones they possess:
Warm Whites
Warm white paints have subtle yellow, peach, or reddish undertones. The pigments that produce these warm undertones include:
- Yellow and red iron oxides
- Raw and burnt umber
- Raw sienna
Warm white paint colors work well in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where you want an inviting, cozy feel.
Cool Whites
Cool whites have subtle hints of blue, green, or purple. These undertones come from pigments like:
- Phthalocyanine blue
- Phthalocyanine green
- Ultramarine blue
- Manganese blue
Cool whites are popular for more sterile spaces like medical offices. They can also make a room feel larger.
Neutral Whites
Neutral white paints do not have noticeable warm or cool undertones. They are considered “true” whites. Titanium dioxide is the most common white pigment used to produce neutral whites.
Do White Paints Contain Blue Pigments?
While some white paint colors may appear to have blue undertones, most do not actually contain blue tinting pigments. Here’s why:
- Adding too much blue pigment would make the paint appear visibly blue, rather than white.
- Most blue pigments are more opaque than white pigments, so they reduce clarity and hide-covering power if added to white paint.
- Blue pigments are usually more expensive than white pigments, so paint companies avoid adding them to keep costs down.
Instead of using blue pigments, paint companies usually create whites with cool undertones by adding a small amount of black or gray pigment. The gray reduces the intensity of the white slightly, giving it a cooler, softer look.
But some premium designer white paints do contain blue pigments. Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite No. 274 is one example. This very pale, cool-toned white contains the blue pigment ultramarine. So in rare cases, yes – you can find white wall paint that actually includes blue.
How are Cool White Undertones Created?
While blue pigments are rarely used, paint companies have other tricks for giving white paint cool, blue-ish undertones:
Additives
Small amounts of optical brightening additives can be added to the paint. These additives make the white appear brighter and “whiter than white” by emitting a faint blue glow.
Sheen
Higher sheens like gloss and semi-gloss have more intense surface reflection. This can enhance the perception of coolness.
Contrast Effects
Placing a white paint next to warm colors like tans and reds will make it appear cooler and bluer in contrast. Paint companies can use this effect when displaying swatches.
Should I Choose a Warm or Cool White Paint?
There’s no universally perfect white paint. Choose warm or cool undertones based on the room and your personal taste:
| Best For | Warm White | Cool White |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrooms | Yes | Maybe |
| Bathrooms | Yes | Yes |
| Kitchens | Yes | Maybe |
| Offices | Maybe | Yes |
| Clinical spaces | No | Yes |
| North-facing rooms | Yes | Maybe |
| South-facing rooms | Maybe | Yes |
As a general guideline:
- Warm white paint works best in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces where you want a cozy, inviting mood.
- Cool whites suit kitchens, bathrooms, offices and work spaces where you want a clean, bright feel.
You can also choose white paint with no strong undertones for a neutral backdrop in any room.
Testing White Paint Colors
To see undertones for yourself, paint white swatches on a wall and view throughout the day. The light will change how cool or warm the whites appear. Cool whites may look cleanest in bright midday light. Warm whites can feel cozy in incandescent light.
You can also paint swatches of different whites side-by-side to compare undertones. The relative colors will be more noticeable. Be sure to label your swatches!
Conclusion
While some designer whites contain blue pigments, most common white wall paints create cool undertones using additives and contrast effects rather than blue tinting pigments. Choosing between warm and cool whites depends on the room and your preferences. Test swatches at different times and in comparison to really see the undertones. This will help you find your perfect white!
