4 steps to choosing the perfect white for your interior
Is there any colour more versatile than white? From Hamptons to contemporary and everything in between, white is the go-to hero for almost all interior projects around the world. But white isn’t just white, is it?
There are endless shades of white, and that’s why finding the perfect white for your interior can be such a challenge. Given that spaces, lighting, personal preferences and even moods all vary, there are many factors to consider when settling on a particular white.
Educate yourself
First and foremost, you need to know one thing: white isn’t just white. What we mean by this is that white isn’t one colour. Technically, white isn’t even a colour, but a shade. And it comes in many, many variations. White paints can come with bluish, reddish, yellowish, and even greenish undertones – and thus, some whites will appear ‘whiter’ than others.
To see the variety, head to your local paint shop (like Bunnings) and have a good, long browse at the white paint collection. This exercise isn’t designed to overwhelm you, but to help you see the variety of undertones while comparing different whites side-by-side. Grab a sheet of white paper with you and hold up various sample cards against it – you’ll notice the difference right away.
Comparing different white paints this way can help you physically see the difference between them. And hopefully, this exercise will help you narrow down your choices. And it’s not just handy for choosing paint – this can help you review any white furniture or décor choices as well.
Consider the space
Before selecting your perfect shade of white, size up the palette of everything that will be in the particular space you plan to use it in. Everything in the room – from the furniture to the rug and even door handles – can affect your perception of your chosen white.
One of the best questions you can ask is, are the colours of your furnishings and décor warm or cool? If you already have your furnishings, this will be fairly simple. If you’re starting from scratch, a mood board is a must. If your furnishings are of the warmer hues, you’ll want to choose whites with warm-coloured undertones (such as pink, orange, red or yellow). If they’re cool, then cool-inflected whites would be the best choice (think undertones of blue, purple, or green).
And what about neutrals? If you’re a neutral palette lover, then warmer whites are generally a good go-to option; they will bring out the warmth in any neutral tones. On the other hand, if you’re more of a colour fiend, then a cooler white will help those colours shine (and reduce the likelihood of the white interfering with the true colour of the rest of your décor).
Assess the lighting situation
Lighting – it’s one of the most important elements in any interior design decision. And choosing the right white is no exception. Because colour is a phenomenon of light, the amount of natural and artificial light in the room will impact the tone of your chosen white. For example, a pure white looks best with a lot of natural light, as the natural light will literally make the white shine brighter. If your space has less natural light, then a more pigmented white will work well.
The other thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to lighting is that natural light (aka sunlight) shifts throughout the day. So, don’t rush through this part – be sure to assess your space throughout the day to see how the light flows. Artificial light (such as lamps or pendants) can also create a different light depending on the type of bulb you use.
At-home trial
Take what you’ve learned about the furnishings and light in your room and choose a few whites. No matter how much prior research you do, you’ll never really know if the white you have chosen will work in your interior. That’s why the only way to get the right white is to try it. Grab a few samples of the white shades that have made it onto your finalist list and test them in this actual space you plan to use them.
A trial run at home is a great way to narrow down to the perfect white. A white that seemed warm on a smaller paint chip may suddenly look too pink or sallow. Likewise, a white that looked crisp and modern may feel way too cold in a larger application. Colours shift from ceiling to wall, wall to wall, room to room. It is all about direction of exposure, proximity to windows, and artificial light. So don’t just trial a swatch in a dark corner of the room – take the white to several different parts of the space to really get a feel for the shade.