How to Choose a White Paint Without Regretting It

White seems like the safest paint color, until you put it on the wall and it looks yellow, gray, blue, or pink. There are hundreds of whites, and the differences between them are subtle on a chip and obvious in a room. A little understanding goes a long way.

Every White Has an Undertone

Whites are rarely pure. Most have a subtle undertone:

• Warm whites lean yellow, cream, or red. They feel soft and cozy.
• Cool whites lean blue, green, or gray. They feel crisp and clean.
• Neutral whites sit in between and stay balanced in more lighting conditions.

The easiest way to see undertones is to hold several white samples side by side, or against a sheet of plain white printer paper. Differences that disappear on their own become obvious in comparison.

Consider Your Lighting

Light has a big effect on how white looks:

• North-facing rooms get cooler, indirect light. Cool whites can look gray or dull here, so a slightly warm white often works better.
• South-facing rooms get warm, bright light. Warm whites can look yellow, while neutral or slightly cool whites stay fresher.
• East and west rooms change throughout the day.
• Light bulbs matter too. Warm bulbs push whites toward yellow, and cool bulbs push them toward blue.

Look at What's Already in the Room

Fixed elements influence how white reads: flooring, countertops, cabinets, stone, brick, and large furniture. A white that looks perfect next to gray tile might look dingy next to warm oak floors. Choose a white that works with the things you're not changing.

Check the LRV

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a color reflects, from 0 (black) to 100 (pure white). Most popular wall whites fall in the 80s to low 90s. Very high LRV whites can feel stark in bright rooms, while slightly lower ones feel softer.

Sheen Changes Whites, Too

The same white can look different in flat on a ceiling, eggshell on walls, and semi-gloss on trim. Higher sheens reflect more light and can look brighter or cooler.

Always Sample

Paint chips are too small to judge accurately. Test large samples on several walls and look at them in the morning, afternoon, and at night before deciding.

The STRIPES Takeaway

Identify the undertone you want, choose a white that works with your light and fixed finishes, and test large samples in the room. A few days of sampling can save you from repainting a whole house in the wrong white.

Planning an Interior Painting Project in Atlanta?

STRIPES PAINTING CO. paints interiors throughout the Atlanta area, from single rooms to whole homes and kitchen cabinets. Contact us to schedule a free estimate.

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