When looking to brighten up a space or make it appear larger and more open, many people opt for white paint. White paint is versatile, clean, and bright. However, finding the right shade of white can be tricky. There are many options for white paint colors, ranging from stark bright whites to soft off-whites with subtle undertones. The key is choosing the right white for your needs. Here are some tips on how to choose what color white paint to use in order to achieve the look you desire.
Different Types of White Paint
There are a few main categories of white paint:
Bright White
This refers to paint colors that are true, clean whites without undertones. They reflect light very efficiently, creating a crisp, bright look. Popular bright white paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
– Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White
– Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White
– Valspar Swiss Coffee
Soft White
These whites have subtle warm or cool undertones. They don’t reflect light as brightly as stark whites, creating a softer, more relaxed feeling. Popular soft white paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Decorators White
– Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
– Behr Premium Plus Ultra White Dove
– Valspar Seaside Villa
Warm White
These whites have yellow or beige undertones, giving spaces a cozy, welcoming look. Popular warm white paint colors include:
| Benjamin Moore Simply White |
| Sherwin-Williams Extra White |
| Behr Premium Plus Cloud White |
| Valspar Totally Clean |
Cool White
These white paint colors have hints of blue or gray, creating a clean and airy look. Popular cool white paint colors include:
| Benjamin Moore White Dove |
| Sherwin-Williams Pure White |
| Behr Premium Plus Polar Bear |
| Valspar Clean Canvas |
Choosing the Right White Paint
When deciding what color white paint to use for your space, here are some factors to consider:
Natural Lighting
The type and amount of natural light a room gets should impact your white paint decision. North-facing rooms with low light often look best with a soft, warm white. Meanwhile, south-facing rooms awash in sunlight can handle a crisper, cooler white.
Artificial Lighting
Like natural light, the type of bulbs used in a space should be considered. Yellow incandescent lighting pairs nicely with warm white paint. Cool fluorescent or LED lights complement cooler whites. Mixing bulb temperatures can let you use a variety of white tones.
Room Size
Small spaces usually look best with bright, clean white paint colors that reflect light and visually expand the space. Large rooms can handle softer off-whites without appearing dark or closed-in.
Ceiling Height
In rooms with high ceilings, bold true white paint helps enhance verticality. For lower ceilings, softer whites are gentler and prevent the space from feeling too tight or confined.
Existing Trim/Furniture
The current color scheme of your wood trim, floors, and furniture should be matched to an appropriate white wall color. Cool-toned greys and browns work well with crisper whites. Warm wood tones pair nicely with off-whites.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, choosing a white paint shade comes down to personal preference. Do you like clean and contemporary or cozy and relaxed? There are so many white options to fit any style.
Test Paint Swatches
Once you’ve narrowed down the general white tone you want to use, the next step is testing paint swatches. Painting 2-3′ squares with different whites is the best way to see how they look in your actual space before committing. Be sure to view the swatches at different times of day as lighting changes the look. Also pay attention to how the whites interact with your existing colors and textures.
Top White Paint Colors
Based on popularity and versatility, here are some of the top white paint colors to consider:
Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
A crisper, contemporary white with just a hint of coolness. Light reflects brightly off its clean finish. Works well for modern spaces or rooms with lots of natural light. Provides an airy feel.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
This is one of the most popular whites, straddling the line between crisp and soft. It has a hint of warmth that creates a versatile, welcoming look in any room. Reflects light well while still being gentle.
Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White (WU-1)
As the name implies, this is an extremely clean, bright white that maximizes light reflection. Provides a contemporary, spacious look. Great for rooms with lower ceilings or less natural light. Very neutral background.
Valspar Swirling Smoke (6003-1A)
A warm, inviting white with a beige undertone. Has more character than a flat white. Ideal as a comfortable and cozy neutral shade. Works well with artificial, incandescent lighting.
| Brand | Paint Color Name | White Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Pure White (SW 7005) | Crisp, cool white |
| Benjamin Moore | Chantilly Lace (OC-65) | Soft, versatile white |
| Behr | Premium Plus Ultra Pure White (WU-1) | Bright, clean white |
| Valspar | Swirling Smoke (6003-1A) | Warm, cozy white |
Achieving Different White Tones
In addition to choosing an already-formulated white paint color, you can also achieve various white tones by mixing paint yourself. Here are some options:
Add white to any color to make a lighter version
Adding white paint, or a “tinting white” like titanium dioxide, to any color will lighten and mute it. The more white you add, the closer to true white the paint will become. This lets you easily customize a white tone.
Mix complementary paint colors
Some white tones can be created by blending complementary colors. Mixing shades of yellow and violet will make an off-white, for example. Blue and orange also combine to a creamy neutral.
Adjust undertones with colorants
At most paint stores, you can have white or neutral base paints adjusted with colorants to create different undertones. Adding a bit of green will cool down the white. Brown and red will warm it up. Gray and blue create clean whites.
Add white to paint with undertones
For a more hands-on approach, start with an existing white or grey paint that has undertones you like. Then mix in white to lighten the shade and reduce the intensity of the undertones.
Best Finish for White Paint
In addition to choosing the shade, the finish of the white paint also impacts its look. Here are some top finish options to consider:
Matte
Matte or flat white paint has no sheen. It reflects very little light, creating a classic, subtle look. Matte works well for ceilings and in low-traffic areas. It can hide imperfections in surfaces.
Eggshell
Slightly more reflective than matte, eggshell finish has a soft glow. It adds a bit of richness without being overly shiny. It’s easy to clean and durable in high-traffic areas like hallways.
Satin
With a smooth, velvety look, satin strikes a nice balance between durable and elegant. It reflects some light for visual interest. Popular for living spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss offers increased light reflection and sheen compared to satin. It’s very stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and kid’s rooms.
High-Gloss
A high-gloss finish reflects the most light for a shiny, wet look. It has the most durable, scrubbable surface, good for accent walls and high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Shows more surface imperfections.
Application Tips
To ensure you get the best results from white paint:
Properly prep the surface
Any gloss or dirt should be removed for proper paint adhesion. Fill any cracks or holes. Sand if needed to smooth the area. Wipe away dust.
Prime first
Use primer designed for your surface material. Priming seals the surface so paint goes on smoothly. Prevent bleed-through on dark surfaces with tinted primer.
Use quality applicator
Invest in good paint roller covers and brush suited for the finish you choose. Apply paint in a thin, even coat using overlapping “W” strokes.
Work quickly
Maintain a wet edge as you paint to prevent lap marks and variances in sheen. Divide larger walls into sections.
Sand between coats
Gently sanding between coats improves adhesion and creates an ultra-smooth look with higher sheens.
Conclusion
Choosing what color white paint to use may seem simple, but there are many options to consider. The right white can transform the look and feel of a space. Assess the room itself along with your personal preference and décor. Test potential shades and finishes to ensure you land on the perfect white for your needs. With so many whites to pick from, you’re sure to find one that brightens up your room beautifully.
