From cool, to warm, to neutrals and everything in between, the number of white paints available can be overwhelming so it’s worth knowing your tones and hues.
Finding the perfect tone is a priority but the benefit of a white base is that it is the perfect canvas to build from due to its versatility and visual impact. Whether you’re envisioning an all-white kitchen, bathroom or home, white works perfectly with every colour palette due to its timeless appeal and bonus - it makes changing your furniture/styling around in future a lot easier.
With hundreds of shades of white available, you’ll be amazed at how white paints can look completely different in various rooms and lighting. To help you out we’ve compiled a few tips for choosing the right white for your walls!
The difference between cool vs warm paint colours
First things first, how do you know whether to select a cool white or a warm white? The key difference between the two is the undertones they feature.
Cool whites often carry blue, grey and purple undertones whilst warm whites tend to have a subtle yellow, pink or beige undertone – this is where thinking about what type of atmosphere your home wants to evoke is important as there is a fine line between a fresh, crisp relaxing feel and giving off a stark clinical vibe.
Cool whites are great for adding a modern and minimalistic edge to any space and can give your home the illusion of a larger space, particularly for spaces that get a lot of sunshine. Warm white variations invite a relaxed warmth into your home, creating a cosy atmosphere that helps soften spaces that don’t get a lot of sun.
‘It’s recommended to consider both cool and warm shades of white before narrowing down your final selection. Below we have listed six popular Taubmans white paint colours across both undertones that can easily transform any space from warm and inviting to clean and crisp” – Rhonnie Athanasiadis, Henley interior designer.
Cool – Cotton Ball, White Sheets and Everyday White (fun fact, Henley uses Cotton Ball as the default ceiling colour in all display homes!)
Warm – Snowies White Half, Ghost White Quarter and Intuitive White.
Swatch your white paint colours
Once you have a selection of various white paints you are considering, it’s important to paint large swatches on either an existing wall or by purchasing a large wooden board and applying 2 or 3 coats depending on what your builder offers to match their coat process. Paints are also available in full, half and quarter strength so depending on the size of the room and amount of light, you can play around with the different strengths to get the balance right.
By doing this, it gives a clear indication of the difference between the whites and the ability to see the colours in differing light throughout the day as this changes the way they look depending on the time of day.
Compare other finishes/materials next to your swatches
Another way to determine the undertone of your paint selections and to truly see if they are a match made in heaven with your cabinetry, benchtop or tile selections is to compare them by placing a sample up against your paint swatch. Put a cabinet finish, benchtop sample or tile alongside your paint to see how they look side by side. This will ensure your chosen colour scheme all blends seamlessly together throughout your home.
Matching architraves and skirtings with your paint colour
“If you’re opting for a true white wall paint colour such as Taubmans Cotton Ball, matching your skirtings and architraves in the same colour will give you a beautiful and minimalistic look throughout your home. This technique is only recommended for true whites as this helps avoid contrasting whites throwing different undertones such as yellow/creamy whites which can make the space look aged” - says Rhonnie.
Another option clients can opt for is to use a full strength colour on the walls, paired with the matching half or quarter strength colour on their architraves and skirtings. This creates a subtle contrast between the walls and trims, adding a bit of interest. Alternatively, even going for a much whiter colour on the trims for a dramatic contrast is highly appealing, creating a timeless yet elegant look.
Whether you decided on keeping your home chilled with cooler whites or heating it up with warm whites; with white as the base, each room will become the perfect canvas to express your interior décor and taste. Interior designers, like the ones you’ll meet at the Henley showroom, have years of experience and knowledge when it comes to guiding you through the paint selection process.
Even with the trickiest of schemes and hundreds of white colours to choose from, you’ll be guided in the right direction to ensure that the best result is achieved for your new home!