I was once working on a project where a contractor looked me square in the eye and said ‘C’mon, there is only ONE shade of white!’. To say this couldn’t be further from the truth would be the understatement of the century, or at least to the design world! I mean there are designers out there that dedicate their whole career to specifying the right shade of white! Although it may take an expert eye to decipher the subtle nuances of white paint or wall color, the fact is there are several tones and shades in white that we’ve all experienced in Interior Design before. When faced with a whole host of white at a paint store let’s say, finding the right hue can seem like a daunting task to say the least. It’s easy to get caught up in the name of the color, comparing multiple whites with each other or other accent colors however, based on the light, sheen, and other objects throughout the space, the white paint will tend to show its subtle nuances in it’s tone. This could be great when working with white paint on its own as it offers a beautiful and bright sophisticated interior.
If this still leaves you scratching your head, read on for my tips on how to find the shade of white that’s right for your next project!
I’m all about color but, often times, white is really all you need. It’s the ultimate neutral backdrop for any given space. Since white reflects the most light, it will always look brighter against other darker colored objects or materials in a space. Take the photo above for example. The shade of the orange-colored sofa almost reflects off the surrounding walls, giving the white paint color a subtle aged-look while maintaining a sense of charm and sophistication.
The last thing any designer wants is to approve a paint color that is ‘creamier’ than intended especially when everything else in the space is meant to work around beautiful and bright white walls. If you find there is a yellowish tint in your space, it’s likely you’ve specified the wrong shade of white on your walls (gasp!). Not to panic because, unlike other finishes and materials, paint is easily interchangeable. Swap those vanilla looking walls with a cool-toned white for a crisp effect. Warm whites often have that aged look associated with them that is not always desired whereas, a cool white almost has a very subtle blue to it, while enhancing the colors in the remainder of the space.
Paint fan decks and little swatches are great, but they are no way to determine the right paint color, especially the right shade of white. Think big and request larger samples or paint draw downs that allow you to review the exact paint right out of the can. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting! You’ll also want to review these samples along with the other finishes and materials selected for the space like flooring, fabrics, or hardware to ensure they all work together like a loving, happy family. But, like with many other finishes and materials, lighting is still key here. Consider both the natural and artificial lighting in the space as it can have a huge effect on your white walls. You may find that certain architectural features in a space, even with the same white paint finish applied, can look completely different (i.e. lighter, darker) depending on the lighting.
Still wondering which shade of white will work for your space? Consider some of my tried and true suggestions below:
Benjamin Moore – CC-40 Cloud White
Benjamin Moore – OC-65 Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore – OC-66 Snow White
Benjamin Moore – OC-64 Pure White
Benjamin Moore – 2144-60 Cloud Nine
Benjamin Moore – OC-21 Winter White
Sherwin Williams – SW7006 Extra White
Do you have a go-to shade of white that’s been successful on your projects? Let me know in the comments section below!
