Seems pretty easy, right??? You walk into pick up some white paint…done. Well, not quite so easy. If you remember the earlier article on picking a great paint color either for your interior walls or your exterior, you need to test some samples.
White paint colors, believe it or not, can be even more affected by their surroundings and the amount of natural light the room they are in receives. It is under these varying circumstances that you can see a pronounced difference between a white that has a blue undertone or one that has a yellow undertone. And take my word for it, there is nothing worse than realizing that white you’ve had painted is just a bit off, or that the color looks great in the morning when the sun is streaming in but appears yellow other times.
As I have moved from painting rooms various shades of tan, through grey shades to now primarily whites there is a classic and clean feel that accompanies these shades.
The ability to use a single shade for walls, trim, and even ceilings is also a possibility when you are using these shades of white.
As always, the best way to find the right white for you is to paint samples. Make sure that they are large enough to easily observe how the light and the surroundings work together. This is especially important if you have any other white elements that you will be working with, such as exisiting trim or cabinets.
Here are a few of my favorites from past projects that you may want to try as you consider your next white paint selections. If you have recommendations make sure to share those in the comments as well.
White Dove Benjamin Moore
A soft white that can be used for walls or for trim
Swiss Coffee Behr
My long time staple for trim especially
Simply White Benjamin Moore
For a true white this has worked well in a variety of spaces (including exteriors)
Snowbound by Sherwin Williams
This is a color I have sampled but have not used on a large scale. The tones are beautiful and it is on my “to use” list.
Hopefully this list will help you narrow down your selections. And as always, if you have recommendations make sure to share those in the comments as well.
Want to buy a property and renovate it?
Looking to buy a house to renovate? Check out the fixer upper checklist to help you find the perfect house.
For more inspiration for home renovations, follow me on Pinterest @thresholdhomesmn
