Key takeaways
- Every white has an undertone: yellow, pink, blue or grey.
- The room’s light reveals that undertone.
- Test several whites side by side on the wall.
The white families
- Warm whites: cream or yellow undertone, for a welcoming feel.
- Neutral whites: little visible undertone, versatile.
- Cool whites: blue or grey undertone, for a crisp, modern look.
Depending on the light
In a north-facing room, a cool white can look greyish; a warmer white balances the light. In a sunny room, most whites work well.
Putting whites to the test
- Paint three or four samples side by side, at least 60 cm (2 ft) wide.
- Watch them in the morning, afternoon and evening.
- Compare them to your trim, ceilings and floors.
- Consider the room’s artificial lighting.
Walls, ceiling and trim
The ceiling white does not have to be the wall white. Many combine a flatter white on the ceiling and a glossier finish on trim, in the same tone or a neighbouring one.
Frequently asked questions
- Which white makes a small room feel bigger?
- A bright white with a high LRV, in a matte or eggshell finish, helps reflect light.
- Why does my white look yellow or pink?
- Because of its undertone, revealed by light and neighbouring colours. Test it in the room before deciding.
