When it comes to choosing the perfect shade of white for your internal walls, it can be a little daunting flicking through the hundreds of paint swatches! There’s no one-size-fits all when it comes to picking the right shade of white for your home, however our interior experts have shared their tips for narrowing it down.
COLLECT THOSE SAMPLES
When it comes to selecting a white paint for your new home, there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s important to recognise what tones you have flowing throughout the home whether it be through other selections or products, furniture or soft furnishings. Our recommendation is not to shy away from sample pots. If you can, collect a few pots and paint these directly onto an existing wall as this will give you a much better indication of how the colour will look in your home.
If testing them on a wall isn’t possible you can instead collect a bunch of white paint swatches (ideally about 8-10) and stick them up on a wall at home. Lighting is important in this step, so try to place them near an external window which will allow natural light to hit the samples rather than your internal downlights. You might even like to use the swatches and create a flatlay with your other interior selections to help visualise the tones together.
Doing this will allow you to identify which undertones jump out at you and give off a slightly off-white colour. You’ll be able to narrow them down this way by removing colours that do not fit into your space. For example, the natural light might make some of the swatches look too green or pink.
WHEN TO CHOOSE A COOL WHITE
Cool undertones are best if you’re wanting a very stark, bright white. Cooler toned whites tend to appear quite vivid and reflect more light, making your home feel bigger and more open. If your home interior is quite modern and minimal, cooler tones work well here with contrasting monochromatic finishes throughout the home. Cool whites can feel quite clinical and clean, so are a great option in modern bathrooms or kitchens. If Hamptons is your vibe, a cooler toned white would be the perfect choice! Here’s our picks:
- Wattyl Winter Mushroom
- Wattyl Feather Dawn
- Wattyl Cape Horn
WHEN TO CHOOSE A WARM WHITE
Warm undertones work best if you want to achieve a cosier, more relaxed vibe within your home. Warmer shades of white are perfect for bedrooms, theatres or living rooms. These shades pair well with warm, natural timbers and furniture in rich-hues. When it comes to interior styles, warm whites work fabulously in a coastal or mid-century designed home. Choosing a soft warm white can really assist with creating a calm and relaxing feel to your home. Here’s our picks:
- Wattyl Freesia
- Wattyl Calcium
- Wattyl First Snow
KEEP IT COHESIVE
Some people like to mix it up and use varying shades of white throughout the home, but our suggestion is to keep it cohesive. Opting for just the one colour throughout the entire home helps marry all the elements together, making your home feel more spacious and open. We know it can be hard to find a white that matches everything in your home, so if this is you we’d suggest picking a white with a neutral undertone that will work with both cool and warm colours.
Our favourite all-rounder is Wattyl Floral White – a safe, neutral toned white to suit any interiors.
Many people often get overwhelmed when choosing a white, as they want to get it right from the start – we get it. But try not to get too caught up on making a decision, you can always paint over it down the track! Have some fun and experiment with different shades. When in doubt, opt for a neutral white that encapsulates both warm and cool tints as they will be more likely to match with many interior styles.
Walls are just the canvas; it’s the styling and furnishings that really bring a home to life. So have some fun, and be creative; the possibilities are endless!
