It’s difficult to say which colors are the “best” for any room, as so many factors affect how paint colors appear. No paint color looks the same from house to house or even room to room. When I am on the hunt for the best white paint color, I always start by figuring out which direction the natural lighting comes from. You can do this by using the compass app on your phone. Choosing a white paint color based on lighting direction can help enhance the lighting & overall atmosphere of the space. I don’t need to figure out the “atmosphere” we want to create with color psychology because we already know. White represents peace and stimulates growth and creativity. Here is a quick guide on how to select paint colors based on natural lighting:
One. Consider Natural Lighting
How much natural lighting does the room get throughout the day and at different times of the day? Rooms with northern exposure usually receive indirect light, while south-facing rooms get a lot of natural light throughout the day. East-facing rooms receive the most light in the morning, and west-facing rooms receive the most light in the afternoon. This can also depend on obstructions outside your home, such as fences, awnings, and trees.
Two. Understand the Impact of Light on Paint Colors
Light plays a significant role in how we perceive paint colors. For instance, northern light tends to make colors appear cooler and darker, while southern light can make colors appear warmer and brighter. Eastern light is bright in the morning but softer and cooler than Western light, which is very warm and more intense in the afternoon. Understanding these nuances can help you make the right choice when selecting a white paint color for your space.
Three. Choose White Paint Colors Based on Light Direction
Northern Facing Rooms:
Look at warm whites with yellow or creamy undertones to add warmth and brightness.
Eastern Facing Rooms:
Check out clean whites with a slight yellow undertone. These colors will complement the cool(er) morning light.
Western Facing Rooms:
Consider whites with cool undertones to balance the warm afternoon light.
Southern Facing Rooms:
Start with cool or neutral whites without strong undertones to keep the space bright and airy without overwhelming it with warmth.
Four. Consider Other Paint Colors & Furnishings in Your Home
If you have a large emerald green sofa in the room, chances are it may reflect some of that green onto the walls.
Five. Consider Other Lighting Sources
If you have recessed lighting, table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps, etc., the temperature of the lighting will impact how paint colors appear in your home. Lighting temperature could be, and most likely will be another whole blog post, but to keep it simple, if you have cooler-tone light bulbs, often called “daylight” or “bright white” (5500-6500K), they can make paint colors appear cooler. Warmer-toned light bulbs, often called “warm white,” will make colors appear, you guessed it, warmer. If, no matter what you do, a white paint color in a room looks too yellow or too blue, check the lighting.
Six. SAMPLE
Before committing to a paint color, test samples on the walls and observe how they look under natural light, artificial light, and at different times of the day. I like to use these peel & stick paint samples rather than paint big swatches on every wall but I don’t care how you do it, as long as you sample!
Seven. Ask For Help if You Need It
After considering all of these things, you’re still unsure which white paint color to choose, consider consulting with a professional interior decorator or paint color consultant. I offer different paint color consultations and can customize packages based on your project needs.
Best White Paint Color Suggestions
Here are some white paint colors to try based on the direction of the natural lighting. These are purely based on natural lighting, so remember that other factors in your home may affect how these paint colors appear. So it’s a starting point, but make sure you sample!
North Facing:
- Sherwin-Williams Creamy
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
- Benjamin Moore Ballet White
East Facing:
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Steam
West Facing:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Sherwin-Williams Snowbound
- Benjamin Moore Distant Gray
South Facing:
- Benjamin Moore Dove Wing
- Sherwin-Williams Eider White
- Sherwin-Williams Origami White
Most Versatile White Paint Colors:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
Paint Color Used: Benjamin Moore White Dove
At the end of the day, these are just a few suggestions, and it really comes down to sampling to make sure the color looks good in the room you’re painting. There are THOUSANDS of white paint colors that will look good in your home. Just be sure to sample paint colors in the room(s) you’re painting! I am always happy to answer any questions you have about my blog posts and paint color consultation services. If you want to contact me directly, reach out at hello@justhaleyhomes.com.
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