HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHITE FOR YOUR HOME
White might be the classic go-to when refreshing a room, but picking the right white? That’s where it gets interesting. Back in the 1940s, titanium dioxide revolutionized paint, giving us a bright, durable white, and it quickly became a favorite for modern homes. Fast forward to today, and white is still a beloved choice—but if you choose the wrong one, your space might end up feeling more like a sterile clinic than a cozy haven. Not ideal, right?
Here’s how to make sure you find that perfect white to suit your home and your life.
UNDERSTAND UNDERTONES (THEY MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE)
White isn’t just white. It comes with subtle undertones—hints of grey, pink, yellow, and even green—that can entirely change the mood of your room. The trick is to embrace those undertones and make them work for your space. A pure, brilliant white can make a statement, but depending on the light, it can also feel cold or stark. What you really want is a white that compliments both your natural and artificial light and the character of the space.
GET TESTERS (LOTS OF THEM!)
Forget squinting at tiny swatches or browsing online—those don’t capture the richness of undertones you’ll see in real life. Get yourself a collection of tester pots, and paint generous swatches side by side on your wall. Don’t forget to also throw in a pure brilliant white to use as a reference point. Observe them at different times of day, under sunlight and in the evening with your lamps on. You’ll start to see how some shades will work magic in your space while others simply won’t.
KNOW YOUR ROOM’S ORIENTATION (GRAB THAT COMPASS!)
The direction your room faces matters—a lot. North-facing rooms tend to be cooler and darker, which means a white with warm undertones (think yellow or red) will help keep things cozy. On the other hand, a south-facing room bathes in sunlight all day and can handle cooler undertones, like grey or blue, without feeling chilly.
East- and west-facing rooms are the trickiest, as the light changes throughout the day. East brings warmth in the morning but cools down as the day progresses, while the opposite is true for west. That means, in the end, it’s all about how you intend to use the space and the vibe you want to create.
Would you believe that the image below from our Fulham project, is the same white on both sides? One has the morning sun streaming in on it and by the end of the day, the colour will change to the opposite side.
THINK ABOUT THE WHOLE LOOK (NOT JUST THE WALLS!)
Before you commit to painting, consider your overall design—your furniture, textiles, and even art. A living room filled with warm-toned pieces might sing with a white that has a creamy undertone, whereas a sleek, minimalist look might thrive with a fresher, cooler white. Sometimes, using different whites within a room—on the walls, woodwork, or ceilings—can create a layered, more interesting space that feels sophisticated and welcoming. It’s all about giving depth and dimension to the room rather than a one-note feel.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL THE PROS!
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing white—who knew there could be so many?! That’s where a designer comes in handy. We can help you visualize the impact of each tone, considering everything from light orientation to the mood you want to create. We’re here to help you go from “not quite right” to absolutely loving your home—no stress, no second-guessing, just a space you can’t wait to come back to.
If you’re thinking of a fresh lick of paint and want a second opinion before going all in, I’d love to help. From hourly consultations to the full design package, I’m here to guide you to a home you love.
