Design Diaries; Working With White
by Aman Than
Tips and tricks for choosing the best whites for your home.
White is a timeless shade that embodies simplicity and elegance in design. It's a favourite among designers like myself and homeowners alike for its versatility and ability to create a sense of space and light. It makes the perfect canvas for your design and decor to stand out. However, working with white isn't as straightforward as it might seem. I bet you're thinking, how hard can it be to pick the right white? With countless shades and undertones to choose from, selecting the right colour can be challenging. Here are some tips and rules to help you navigate the world of white, including the best whites for cabinetry, walls, trims, and some beloved hues.
Understanding undertones
Before diving into specific whites, it's crucial to understand undertones. White can have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Warm whites have hints of yellow, red, or brown, which can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Cool whites contain blue, green, or grey undertones, offering a crisp and modern look. Neutral whites are balanced and versatile, working well in various settings.
Best Whites for Cabinetry
When choosing white for cabinetry, consider your kitchen or bathroom's overall style and mood.
- Benjamin Moore's White Dove: This is a soft, warm white with subtle undertones of grey and yellow, making it a favourite for cabinetry. It provides a gentle contrast without being too stark.
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster: A warm, creamy white. Alabaster is perfect for creating a welcoming and comfortable space. It's versatile and pairs well with a variety of other colours and finishes.
- Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White: This classic white with a slight hint of yellow gives it a warm glow. It's an excellent choice for traditional and contemporary cabinetry alike.
Best Whites for Walls
Walls set the tone for any room; choosing the right white can make a significant difference.
- Benjamin Moore's Simply White: This bright, clean white is perfect for walls. Its slight warmth keeps it from feeling too clinical, making it an excellent backdrop for any decor style.
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White: A true white with no strong undertones, Pure White offers a crisp and clean look. It's ideal for modern and minimalist interiors.
- Behr's Ultra Pure White: One of the whitest whites available, Ultra Pure White is perfect for spaces where you want to maximize light and create a fresh, airy feel.
Best Whites for Trims
Trim colour can accentuate architectural details and create a polished look.
- Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace: This is a bright, crisp white with no noticeable undertones, making it perfect for trims. It complements a wide range of wall colours and styles.
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White: A clean, sharp white, Extra White is ideal for highlighting trims and mouldings. It works well with both warm and cool wall colours.
- Farrow & Ball's All White: This pure, neutral white is excellent for trims. It provides a seamless, elegant transition between walls and ceilings.
Tried, Tested and True
Some whites have earned a special place in the hearts of designers and homeowners due to their versatility and timeless appeal.
- Benjamin Moore's Cloud White: A warm white with a touch of cream, Cloud White is beloved for its ability to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's versatile and works well in any room.
- Sherwin-Williams Snowbound: A soft white with a hint of grey, Snowbound is perfect for creating a serene and calming space. It's a favourite for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Farrow & Ball's Pointing: This warm white with a slight yellow undertone is named after the colour of lime pointing used in brickwork. It's a timeless choice for creating a traditional yet fresh look.
Finishes
Choosing the right finish for white paint can really transform your space. Here's a more personal take on where different finishes shine:
Flat / Matte
- Great for: Ceilings and cozy bedrooms.
- Why: It hides imperfections wonderfully and gives a soft, sophisticated look. Perfect for rooms where you want a calm, non-reflective surface.
- Keep in mind: It's not the best for high-traffic areas because it's harder to clean.
Eggshell
- Great for: Living rooms and dining rooms.
- Why: It has a subtle sheen that adds just a bit of warmth and is more durable than flat finishes. It’s a good balance between looking nice and being practical.
- Keep in mind: It’s still best for spaces that don’t get a lot of mess.
Satin
- Great for: Hallways and family rooms.
- Why: It’s durable and easy to clean, with a soft sheen that adds a nice glow to your walls. It's perfect for areas where the family gathers and plays.
- Keep in mind: It can show wall imperfections a bit more than flat or eggshell.
Semi-Gloss
- Great for: Kitchens and bathrooms.
- Why: It’s super durable and very easy to clean, plus it gives a sleek, modern look. It’s perfect for surfaces that need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
- Keep in mind: It’s quite shiny, which can be a bit much for large wall areas but is perfect for highlighting architectural details.
High-Gloss
- Great for: Trim, doors, and cabinets.
- Why: It’s super durable and very easy to clean, plus it gives a sleek, modern look. It’s perfect for surfaces that need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
- Keep in mind: It’s very reflective, so it shows every little bump and imperfection on your walls and shows fingerprints on the cabinets as well.
When picking a finish, think about how each room is used and how much wear and tear it will see. A flat or eggshell finish can make a bedroom feel serene, while a satin or semi-gloss finish can keep your kitchen looking fresh and clean. And don’t forget the trim and doors – a bit of gloss will create a bit of depth.
So, you have picked your perfect paint. What next? Always test paint samples in your space before making a final decision. Whites can look different depending on lighting and surrounding colours. Natural and artificial lighting can significantly affect how a white appears. Make sure to check how the colour looks at different times of the day. Working with white requires careful consideration, but the results can be stunning. Whether you're choosing whites for cabinetry, walls, or trims, these tips and hues will help you create a beautiful, cohesive space.