How to Choose White Paint Colour for your Home

A white dining room with a table and chairs.

It is very difficult to choose the perfect white paint for your wall even if white shows purity and simplicity. When you step in a room which is painted in white the space feels balanced. However, when you enter a room which is too-yellow or too harsh the walls scream out for negative attention. To choose a white paint you need to look at various aspects says interior designer Thomas Peasant.

Bright modern living room interior design with colorful accents.
Bright modern living room interior design with colorful accents.

Every shade of white can be linked to an emotional response. Consideration of mood is extremely important for you start to paint. The shades of white can be compared to the temperature of water. The brightest and purest white can be considered to be cold water whereas warmest ivory can be considered as being hot water. The brightest bold white can be considered as a dip into the pool with cool water which stimulates and awakens you. You can think of ivory white as a time that you spent in a warm tub and this relaxes and calms you.

A white living room with black and white floral wall art, perfect for painting ideas.
A white living room with black and white floral wall art, perfect for painting ideas.

The shade of white that you will choose will help you in determining the style. If you want to give your room a bolder or modern look you should go for brighter whites. This will create sharp contrast when colourful and neutral fabrics will be used. But if you are going for a mellow look go for warmer whites which create an artificial glow even on rainy days.

A white kitchen with a painted white floor.
A white kitchen with a painted white floor.

Before you paint a room, consider the purpose of the room. If you are painting a room which is used to relax such as a bedroom or a sitting room choose a shade of mellow white. But if you are painting a place which gives a stimulating feeling, the colour needs to feel warm.

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A room with painted white floorboards.
A room with painted white floorboards.

After you have determined the mood, style and purpose for the space test the shades. It is recommended that at least three different shades should be tested in the same room with the brightest spot, darker corner and ceiling. According to Peasant, whites are reflective so one needs to look at them on a sunny day and in the evening. Also environment and lighting have an enormous impact on the perception of colour.

Ceiling is often overlooked but it plays an important part in the overall look and feel of the room. Ceilings always appear darker so you will want to brighten a naturally dark space. Consider mixing pure white pigment with shade of white that you selected for the ceiling. You may not notice the difference but this mixing will brighten your space.

Summary

Choosing the perfect white paint for your walls is more complex than it might seem, as it significantly affects the room’s ambiance. According to interior designer Thomas Peasant, each shade of white can evoke different emotional responses, similar to the way different temperatures of water affect us. Bright, pure whites are likened to cold water, stimulating and awakening, while warmer ivories are compared to warm water, relaxing and calming.

The choice of white should be influenced by the desired mood, style, and purpose of the room. For instance, brighter whites suit bold, modern looks and create contrast with colorful and neutral fabrics, whereas warmer whites offer a cozier feel, beneficial on gloomy days. Before painting, it’s crucial to test multiple shades in various lighting conditions and room parts, including the often-overlooked ceiling, to ensure the color reflects well throughout the day and enhances the room’s overall appearance. Peasant emphasizes the importance of testing at least three shades in different room areas and under various lighting conditions to accurately gauge the impact of the color on the room’s ambiance.

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Related Interests

People interested in selecting the perfect white paint for their interiors might also explore topics such as the psychological effects of color in interior design, how lighting affects paint colors, and the best practices for sampling paint colors. Additionally, there might be an interest in understanding color theory to apply in other areas of home decor, such as selecting complementary colors for furnishings and accents.

Learning about the trends in interior paint colors and how different hues can influence the perception of space and light in a room could also be of interest. Moreover, enthusiasts might seek out advice on choosing paints with the right finishes for their specific needs and exploring eco-friendly paint options for a healthier living environment.

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