21 August Painting Perspectives: How to Pick the Right Shade of White For Your Home August 21, 2023 By sma DIY, Home Decor ceiling, lighting, new homeowner, painting, walls 0 PAINTING PERSPECTIVES: HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SHADE OF WHITE FOR YOUR HOME August 21, 2023 | DIY, Home Decor | painting, lighting, new homeowner, walls, ceiling Moving into a new home or giving a home new life through a renovation is very exciting! Understandably, new homeowners waste little time in finding ways to make their spaces feel like theirs - a visual nod confirming they’ve embarked on a new chapter in life. Over time, homes tend to naturally take on the personality of the people who live in them, but the best way to kick off this identity on the right foot is with a fresh coat of paint. Of all the creative, bold, and eye-catching options out there, some might wonder why people so often end up just going with white. For starters, white has remarkable staying power and versatility! White is closely tied to modern aesthetics, but it also fits well with classic architectural styles. Homeowners who would rather not overly experiment with their paint choices don’t have to worry about their white walls going out of style in a couple years. Plus, (depending on the shade) white can be used to emphasize virtually any furniture layout or interior design concept. Painting your home white is a fantastic choice, but with over 350 different shades of white available on Home Depot's website today, navigating the right choice for your home can be intimidating. To help you navigate your next home or room makeover, here’s a few tips for selecting the right option! Wait, There’s More Than One White? That’s right! For those that haven’t attempted to weave through the seemingly endless options of hues and shades of white paint out there yet, there are indeed many different kinds of white paint. White can be warm or it can be cool, and it can be glossy or flat. Different shades work better in different situations, and even those that think they’re color-illiterate will be able to tell very quickly that they’ve entered a room with some clashing shades. The key to understanding the different shades of white paint is to look at undertones and finishes. “Cooler” whites have undertones of cool colors (like blue, purple, or green). Likewise, “warm” whites carry shades of warm colors (such as red, orange, yellow, or pink). A paint’s finish, meanwhile, refers to the level at which it reflects light. Glossy finishes reflect the most light, matte (or flat) finishes reflect the least amount of light, and finishes like eggshell or silk sit somewhere in the middle. In short, different combinations of these features are what leads to so many different shades of white - but it is to the homeowner’s benefit! Depending on taste and context, some whites are much better suited for the situation. Take Context Into Consideration Ultimately, a white paint might seem nice in concept, but a strong shade that succeeds in one home might not do the job in another. This is all because of that context. Starting with natural light, rooms that lack windows or other access to light will generally not work very well with cooler shades of white. In these areas cooler whites often become too exaggerated, pulling seemingly further towards its blue or green shades than intended, and warm whites in areas with a lot of natural light can start to appear yellow. Regarding finishes, flat and matte finishes can perform better in heavily-trafficked rooms (especially in homes with rowdy kids or pets) since they can be touched up so easily. This doesn’t mean that glossier finishes should be off limits, of course! It’s just best to apply them to areas where they are less prone to scuffs or dings. Your paint will ultimately need to match well with your furniture and the overall feel you’re planning with your home. Again, while these rules work in concept, the best thing to make the right choice is to try your favorite shades in person. Make Comparisons To A Constant Once it is determined whether a warmer or cooler white is needed, homeowners should grab a sheet of plain white printer paper and head to the store (the paper makes determining shade much easier). No one wants to repaint a room, so grabbing more options to test than necessary is better than grabbing too few. After having your options in hand, test them in the spot where you plan on painting. Hang your swatches, or paint your walls and ceilings then watch how they look in the morning, during the day, and at night. Warm, cool, glossy, flat - if your shade of white doesn’t work for you, then none of that matters in the end. Ultimately, just pick the shade that seems to fit your home the best and, if white isn’t doing the trick, there are other options. Make Comparisons To A Constant Once it is determined whether a warmer or cooler white is needed, homeowners should grab a sheet of plain white printer paper and head to the store (the paper makes determining shade much easier). No one wants to repaint a room, so grabbing more options to test than necessary is better than grabbing too few. After having your options in hand, test them in the spot where you plan on painting. Hang your swatches, or paint your walls and ceilings then watch how they look in the morning, during the day, and at night. Warm, cool, glossy, flat - if your shade of white doesn’t work for you, then none of that matters in the end. Ultimately, just pick the shade that seems to fit your home the best and, if white isn’t doing the trick, there are other options. On Second Thought…Maybe Don’t Pick White One of the biggest reasons why people love white so much is that it can go with anything…until it doesn’t. When white isn’t doing the trick, there are tons of other more neutral shades that make great paint choices. From tan to taupe and gray to greige, there are many colors that can effectively brighten your kitchen, bedroom, or living spaces while featuring your furnishings well. And hey, if paint isn’t doing it for you, wallpaper is coming back into style in a big way! So, what are you waiting for? For more tips on interior design trends and home living hacks, stick right here on NPI’s home blog! To schedule your annual home maintenance inspection, contact your local NPI property expert today. Comments are closed.