Choosing the right white paint color can be tricky. Some whites can take on a yellowish cast, especially in rooms with little natural light. This yellow tinge can make a space feel dull and dated. The good news is there are several white paint colors that stay crisp and bright. The key is finding a white with cool undertones that counteracts yellowing. With so many white paint options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. This article will explore popular white paint colors that don’t look yellow, as well as tips for picking the perfect white for your space.
The Problem with Going Too White
Many people assume that selecting a bright white paint with maximum brightness is the best way to avoid yellow undertones. However, the opposite is often true. Whites on the pure end of the spectrum, with no gray or cream added, reflect more light. This can emphasize any yellow in the paint, making it look dingy. Additionally, stark whites show more flaws in application and on walls. So if you choose the brightest white possible, any imperfections will be glaringly obvious. The key is finding a white with just a hint of softness that disguises yellow, not overpowering it with brightness.
The Best White Paint Colors
Here are some of the most popular white paint colors that stay fresh and clean:
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is a popular white paint color that looks great in any room. It has a depth that comes from subtle gray undertones that counteract yellowing. Chantilly Lace is bright and airy but also grounded enough to disguise imperfections. Its versatility makes it one of the best all-around white paint colors.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Pure White by Sherwin-Williams is a crisp, clean white with a slight hint of coolness. Rather than completely stark, it has faint gray undertones that keep the color fresh and bright. Pure White has enough texture to hide flaws but still feels bright and contemporary. For those seeking a versatile white with modern appeal, Pure White is an excellent choice.
Behr Ultra Pure White
As the name implies, Behr Ultra Pure White is an extremely clean white paint color. It has a brighter appearance than many other whites. To keep it from looking too sterile, it has subtle hint of gray. The gray tempers the brightness just enough to prevent yellowing. Ultra Pure White is ideal for contemporary spaces where you want a fresh, white backdrop.
Valspar Swiss Coffee
Valspar’s Swiss Coffee is warmer than many white paint colors. It actually falls somewhere between white and beige. The hint of cream color helps counteract yellow from the start, making Swiss Coffee a fail-safe white paint. Especially in rooms with yellow-toned lighting, the beige undertone prevents Swiss Coffee from looking dingy. For a warm but very light neutral, Swiss Coffee is a great choice.
Avoiding Yellow with Trim, Flooring, and Lighting
White paint is vulnerable to reflecting the colors around it. Warm wood trim, natural flooring, and yellow lighting can all impart a yellowish cast. Here are some tips for avoiding this:
- Select bright white or gray trim colors. Avoid wood tones.
- Use tile, vinyl, or gray wood-look flooring rather than yellow-toned hardwood.
- Choose lighting with a daylight or cool white bulb. Avoid soft white.
Your choices in adjoining spaces impact how white paint looks. Keep everything else fresh and bright so your white paint doesn’t end up looking creamy or dingy.
Lighting Tips for Showcasing White Paint
Proper lighting is crucial for making white paint look its best. Here are a few quick tips:
| Lighting Strategy | Why it Works |
|---|---|
| Ensure plenty of natural light through windows and skylights. | Natural daylight has a cool, blue tone that balances out yellow. |
| Use supplemental lighting in dark corners. | Illuminate dim spaces where yellowing is most noticeable. |
| Bounce light off the ceiling and walls. | Soft, indirect light minimizes shadows that can emphasize flaws. |
| Layer lighting throughout a room. | Combining multiple light sources creates even, consistent lighting. |
The right lighting highlights the crisp, clean look you want from white paint. Include layers of well-placed lighting during your paint project.
Conclusion
The biggest keys for finding a white paint color that doesn’t look yellow are opting for a white with a hint of cool gray undertone and ensuring the space has plenty of natural and supplemental lighting. Top paint color choices like Chantilly Lace, Pure White, and Ultra Pure White have just a touch of softness to counteract yellowing without losing vibrancy. Complementary trim, flooring, and lighting also helps white paint stay looking fresh. With the right white paint color and setup, you can enjoy clean, bright walls that hold up beautifully against yellowing.
