When choosing interior paint colors, one of the most important considerations is the undertone of the white paint. There are two main types of white paint – cool whites and warm whites. Cool whites have blue, green, or gray undertones, while warm whites contain yellow, peach, or red undertones. The undertone of the white paint you choose can dramatically affect how your room looks and feels. This article will examine the key differences between cool white and warm white paint to help you select the best shade for your space.
The Color Temperature of White Paint
White paint colors are categorized by their color temperature, which is measured on the Kelvin scale. Lower Kelvin temperatures indicate warmer paint shades, while higher Kelvin temps produce cooler whites. Here’s an overview:
| Color Temperature | Type of White |
| 2700K – 3500K | Warm White |
| 3500K – 4100K | Neutral White |
| 4100K – 5500K | Cool White |
As you can see, warm white paints fall in the 2700K to 3500K range. They get their warm, cozy look from hints of yellow, peach or red. Cool white paint colors range from 4100K to 5500K. They have a crisp, clean appearance thanks to hints of blue, green or gray. Neutral white paints straddle the line at 3500K to 4100K, providing a more balanced white shade.
The Look of Cool White Paint
Cool white paint colors have a bright, clean appearance. Since they contain blue undertones, they are reminiscent of daylight. Cool whites create a crisp, airy look and help make small spaces appear larger. Here are some of the defining characteristics of cool white paint:
– Appears brighter and more luminous
– Has an icy, bluish undertone
– Looks clean and fresh
– Opens up and enlarges spaces
– Pairs well with grays and metals
– Works well in modern, contemporary spaces
Some popular cool white paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
– Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
– Behr Ultra Pure White
– Valspar Shiplap
Cool white paint works beautifully in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. The clean, fresh look is also well-suited for modern homes and condos. Cool whites complement sleek decor, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and bold accent colors like black and navy blue.
The Warmth of Warm White Paint
While cool whites have a crisp, icy look, warm white paint colors are cozy and inviting. Warm white paint gets its toasty appearance from yellow, peach, and red undertones. If you want a welcoming, comfortable feel, warm white paint is an excellent choice. Here are some defining features of warm white paint colors:
– Has a welcoming, cozy look
– Contains yellow, peach or red undertones
– Feels traditional and classic
– Pairs well with wood tones
– Works in any room including living room, bedroom, and kitchen
– Coordinates nicely with gold and brass accents
Some popular warm white paint colors include:
– Benjamin Moore Simply White
– Behr Marshmallow White
– Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
– Valspar Swiss Coffee
Warm white paint excels in living spaces where you want a relaxed, inviting ambiance. It’s particularly well-suited to bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces. Warm white paint colors pair beautifully with wood furniture, antique decor, and metals like brass and gold. The warmth also balances cool tile or stone.
Cool White vs. Warm White: Key Differences
Now that we’ve examined the characteristics of cool whites and warm whites, let’s summarize the key differences:
| Cool White | Warm White |
|---|---|
| – Crisp, clean appearance | – Cozy, welcoming look |
| – Blue, green, or gray undertones | – Yellow, peach, red undertones |
| – Higher color temperature (4100K – 5500K) | – Lower color temperature (2700K – 3500K) |
| – Expands and enlarges rooms | – Feels soft and comforting |
| – Pairs well with gray, black, metal | – Pairs well with wood tones, gold, brass |
| – Works in modern, contemporary spaces | – Suits traditional, classic rooms |
As you can see, the main differences come down to appearance and undertone. Cool whites have a bright, airy look with blue/green hints, while warm whites are cozy with yellow/peach tones.
Which Rooms are Best Suited to Warm and Cool Whites?
When choosing paint, take the purpose of the room into account. Here are some guidelines on which rooms are best suited to warm white and cool white paint:
| Cool White Paint | Warm White Paint |
|---|---|
| Bathrooms | Bedrooms |
| Kitchens | Living rooms |
| Laundry rooms | Dining rooms |
| Modern homes/condos | Traditional homes |
| Offices | Entryways |
| Kid’s rooms | Studios/craft rooms |
Cool whites work well in rooms where you want an energizing, cleansing ambiance. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and kids’ rooms benefit from the bright, clean look.
Warm white paint is ideal for relaxing, intimate spaces like living areas and bedrooms. The cozy vibe is perfect for traditional homes. Warm whites also suit creative spaces where you want a comforting, inspiring feel.
Tips for Choosing Between Warm and Cool White Paint
When deciding between warm or cool white paint, keep these tips in mind:
– Consider the amount of natural light – cool whites work best in spaces with abundant natural light, while warm whites are cozy in dimmer rooms
– Take note of the room furnishings – cool whites pair well with grays, modern furniture and metals while warm whites complement antique, wooden furnishings
– Think about the architectural style of your home – cool whites suit modern spaces, while warm whites work well in traditional, classic homes
– Consider the room function – cool whites are energizing in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, while warm whites are comforting in relaxing rooms like bedrooms
– Decide on the overall mood you want to create – cool whites feel crisp and clean while warm whites are soft and welcoming
– Paint test swatches to see the undertones and how they look in the room
– Experiment with neutral white paints which straddle the line between cool and warm
Achieving the Perfect White Paint Color
Choosing between cool and warm white paint ultimately comes down to your personal preference. To find the perfect white for your space, experiment with paint swatches and consider the mood you want to create. A warm white like Benjamin Moore Linen White is an approachable option working well in varied spaces. Or go bold with a crisp cool white like Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White to open up a small room. With so many white paint possibilities, you can easily find the ideal shade to light up your interior while showcasing your personal style.
