Insights

White is still the most popular paint colour for interior decorating, probably due to its incredibly versatile nature and crisp visual appeal. However, the vast number of shades of white can be extremely overwhelming when choosing the perfect paint to complement your home. The right white can set the mood, ambience and feel of the room. With different undertones and levels of warmth you can easily get it wrong, so we’re going to share a few tips to help you choose the perfect shade of white…

Warm Whites

As expected, warm whites create intimacy, warmth and bring softness into a space. They complement earthy tones and natural shades, so if your furniture resembles these warmer more natural hues, your paint probably should too.

Cool Whites

Cool whites most typically have a blue undertone. They are sharp, crisp and modern so can work perfectly in contemporary style homes or industrial spaces. They are superb at creating visual impact in a minimalist area. Cool whites are typically suited to rooms that receive a lot of direct sunlight, as they neutralise and calm bright light.

Try before you buy

Always get sample pots and trial the different tones and shades on a generous patch of wall before committing. This allows you to make a direct comparison and allows you to better visualise how the white would compliment the space. Be sure to inspect the sample patch at various times of the day including morning, afternoon and at night to see how the light manipulates the colour at different times of the day.

Things to consider

Before you take the plunge with paint, seriously consider how you want the room to make you and others feel. Do you want a warm cosy atmosphere? Or are you going for an ultra-sleek modern vibe? Think about the furnishing and fittings in the room and what will suit the overall style and finish you are trying to achieve. You’ll also need to consider the texture, type of paint, paint finish and how many coats will be required to accomplish your desired look.