When choosing a white paint color, it’s common to want a white that has subtle undertones to avoid a flat, stark white. While many white paint colors lean warm with yellow or beige undertones, some homeowners prefer a white paint with a hint of cool blue. This can create a crisp, clean white without being overly cold. The tricky part lies in finding the right balance of white and blue to achieve the perfect nuance of color. This article will examine if white paint colors with blue undertones exist and provide recommendations on the best options.
The Challenge of Finding a True White with Blue Undertones
Most white paints on the market today are not pure white but rather have warm yellow, creamy beige, or greige (a mix of gray and beige) undertones. This is because pure white paint mixed only with titanium dioxidecontains no hint of color and can read as stark and sterile. The natural warmth of off-whites is generally more pleasing to the eye.
Finding a white paint with obvious blue undertones is more difficult. The tinting process required to add enough blue pigment to register a hint of coolness also runs the risk of the paint taking on a grayish or icy cast. The key is finding the perfect balance where only a subtle nuance of blue comes through.
Whites with Slight Blue Undertones
While a bold blue-white may be hard to find, there are several major paint brands that offer white hues with just a whisper of blue. These include:
| Benjamin Moore | Simply White |
| Behr | Ultra Pure White |
| Sherwin-Williams | Pure White |
| Valspar | Swiss Coffee |
Simply White by Benjamin Moore is frequently cited by designers as having a bare hint of blue, just enough to offset a flat, vacant look. Behr Ultra Pure White also has a crisp subtle blue cast. Sherwin-Williams Pure White leans the coolest of their white palette with muted blue-grey undertones. Swiss Coffee by Valspar has more noticeable grey undertones but also reads as lightly blue.
While not marketed as having blue undertones, many designers recommend these hues as having a whisper of blue that comes through when painted on walls. The blue is subtle enough to avoid looking icy or stark.
Bolder Blue-Tinted Whites
Some white paint colors contain a more visible amount of blue pigment. These whites visually read as cooler than the hues above and some may veer slightly into greige territory while still maintaining an overall white impression. Blue-tinted whites in this category include:
| Benjamin Moore | Chantilly Lace |
| Valspar | Seagull Gray |
| Sherwin-Williams | Greek Villa |
| PPG | White Nantucket |
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore is a popular choice for those seeking a true blue-toned white paint. With a higher tint strength rating than Simply White, Chantilly Lace contains more blue pigment for a cooler, more noticeable blue effect.
Seagull Gray by Valspar goes a step further into greige territory while still reading as a blue-infused white. Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa is also promoted as having obvious blue undertones. White Nantucket by PPG similarly leans into the blue and gray side of the white spectrum.
While these whites are strongly influenced by blue hues, some may still perceive them as more gray than true blue. It depends just how much blue pop you prefer in your white.
Achieving a Blue-White Look
If you decide the blue-tinged white paint colors above are still not enough to satisfy your cool undertone preference, you can enhance the effect by choosing complementary paint colors for your home’s trim and decor.
Some tips for making your white paint take on a bluer vibe:
| Paint interior doors and trim a contrasting color like navy blue, cobalt, or ink for extra pop. |
| Choose carpets, rugs, and furniture in shades of blue and cool-toned gray. |
| Add blue and white porcelain, vases, throws, pillows, and other decorative accents. |
| Opt for blue-gray stone surfaces like marble or soapstone. |
Using accent colors and materials in various shades of blue will work together with your blue-white wall color to create the feeling of walking into a cool oasis.
Test Paint Swatches to Get the Right Blue-White Balance
Since the amount of blue that comes through in a white paint can depend heavily on lighting, sheen, and placement, the only way to know for sure is to test out swatches. Paint several large swatches of your top blue-white contender directly onto the wall where you plan to use it. Move the swatches around to different spots at different times of day to see how much blue is perceptible.
Make sure you’re happy with how the white reads in those varied settings before committing to the color. Benjamin Moore Simply White could be stunning in one room but look too dull and flat in another with different orientation or lighting. Testing swatches in situ is the best way to avoid a paint mishap.
Consider LRVs for Desired Contrast
When selecting a white paint color, you’ll also want to consider the LRV or Light Reflectance Value. This refers to how much light (on a scale of 0 to 100) the painted surface reflects back. A higher LRV reading translates to more reflectivity and a lighter color.
If your goal is a crisp, bright blue-infused white, look for one with an LRV above 80 like Chantilly Lace (LRV 86). Lower LRVs in the 70s will yield a softer blue-white. Compare the LRV to adjacent surfaces to make sure you achieve the visual contrast you desire.
Matching Undertones in Adjacent Rooms
For a cohesive look when painting multiple rooms white, match the undertones even if you choose different tints. Staying in the same undertone “family” keeps the hue flowing from space to space. The blue-gray feel of Swiss Coffee in one room will coordinate beautifully with the blue-tinted brightness of Ultra Pure White in the next. Just avoid mixing warm whites and cool blues in adjacent spaces for the best flow.
Conclusion
The quest for a white paint color with hints of blue undertone does not have to end in disappointment. While a bold blue-white may be unattainable, there are many fine white paint options with a subtle whisper of blue. A few more saturated hues like Chantilly Lace also offer a solid blue impression.
Test large paint swatches in your environment and room to find the perfect barely-blue white balance. Accent with blue carpeting, furnishings and architectural details to enhance the effect. Following these tips will help you achieve the clean, crisp, cool vibe you crave from a blue-tinged white paint.
