How to choose the perfect white paint colour.

What is the perfect white paint colour for you? How do you determine which white is best for your space?

What is the perfect colour of white paint?

As a Design and Colour Consultant with Benjamin Moore, I get asked this question several times a day. Well the perfect shade of white paint for one person, may not necessarily be the perfect shade of white for someone else. Just like that deceiving one size fits all size label, there is no one size fits all white paint colour.

Do you already have white in your space? What does that look like?

Here are some questions I ask to help determine the perfect shade of white for you.

Do you have any white currently in the space?

This existing white in the space will determine the undertone of white you need to use ? Many people do not realize they have an existing white until I start questioning and probing. It could be the obvious, countertop, cabinets, flooring or fabrics. If none of those items are white, dig a little deeper. The not so obvious for many people, trim, doors, window coverings or appliances. These items may serve as the bases for your white. A jumping off spot to help you source your white. If there is no existing white in the space, you get to start from scratch and choose whatever white you find visually appealing.

Hard surfaces and fixed items are your guides to the white to introduce.

Are we introducing any new white items into the space?

Does the introduction of the new white item, look good with the current white in the space? Are the undertones the same? Stark white cabinetry will not work with a warmer white countertop. You need to make sure that the new white undertone is the same as the existing white. They do not have to be the exact same white , but work well and layer together within the same family of whites. Those brighter whites will make those warmer whites look creamy and yellowed. A crisp white paint can have your off white sofa fabric appearing dingy. You always want your whites to look fresh and clean.

Use your countertops as a jumping off white!

What is the light exposure of the room and where is the room situated in the home or office?

Lighting is everything when it comes to picking the perfect paint colour. A south or west facing room will saturate a paint colour, making it appeared to be brighter or lighter . A north or east exposure will hold it’s weight in colour making the undertones more visible. Yes, even whites have colour. I mix them and have an understanding of what colorants go into making paint colors. All white paint has some colorant in them. Is the room on an upper or main floor? Is it below grade or lower level with little or no natural light? A white below grade will now appear to be a light colour instead of a white. Whatever the undertone is in the colour of white, will be brought forward and more apparent. A white with a gray undertone will now seem light pale gray and not white at all. View your paint in the space you will be using it and when you will be in it most. If you are only in your dining room in the evening, then judge the colour then.

What directional natural light do you have?

Guidelines when sourcing white paint:

Bring home colour chips options.

• Always start by bringing home paint swatches, then narrow them down on site . Give yourself options. Like that outfit you tried on at the store, it can look different at home. The one you favour most at the store may not be the one that you like best in your space. Whites are almost chameleon like, changing with their surrounding. A colour on the floor can cast up colour onto the wall. This influences how you see the white. A stark white may have a slight pink appearance when paired with a red toned floor.

Sample pots are cheaper than the wrong gallon of paint.

• Purchase a sample pot of paint. A small investment, being much cheaper than the wrong gallon of paint. Paint it directly on the wall or paint a piece of foam core. This allows you to move it from room to room if you are not just yet committed to painting the space .

The importance of primer.

• When painting with white, always start with primer if going over a deep based, yellow or pink based colour. Whites contain the least amount of colorant resulting in the least amount of coverage. It is half the price of paint and will prevent you from having to purchase another gallon of paint. With white , apply one coat of primer and 2 top coats of paint for the best results.

I hope I have assisted you on your journey of picking your perfect white paint colour.

Colour consultations available. www.carolineloondesigns.com

Caroline Loon Designs

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