How to choose the right white paint

On the surface of things, choosing a white paint seems about as simple as making your routine coffee order on the commute to work, however stylist Shaynna Blaze says this is not quite the case. 

So which white is right for your space? Here are Shaynna's tips for finding the perfect one for you.

Warm or cool 

Cool whites have a blue or black base which means they're crisp and suit a minimal home. They also work well in rooms which get a lot of sun during the day as they neutralise incoming light. 

To create a cosy, natural room or to compliment earthy organic furnishing tones (for example, woods or rust-coloured fabrics) choose warm whites as they have yellow and red undertones. 

"There is fine line between a white palette in the home that's fresh and relaxing, and one that feels sterile and cold. Ultimately, your surroundings will determine what the best shade of white is for you but it's best to test out shades on your wall and leave it for a couple of days to see how it looks in different weather conditions," Shaynna says. 

Acing your base

Now you know if you're opting for a cool or warm tone, Shaynna suggests considering the undertone and tint colour. "To reveal the different tints in your white paints, my advice is to paint a test swatch and then hold it against a piece of pure white paper," Shaynna says. 

Globe-trotting

Your light globe can completely affect the look of white so be aware of a warm or cool globe in your light fittings. "Even the temperature of a light globe can impact the colour reflected in the room," Shaynna says. "If you are going for a brilliant white, a cool globe can make the interior very clinical so experiment swapping a couple of globes to get the right effect."

White-on-white

A simple palate of white on white can look fantastic on the walls, trims and doors. There are two ways you can go: for layering of white, use a pure white on the trims and contrast with a white with a very slight grey tint so the room doesn't feel flat. Another option is using a high gloss on the trims — this will add that extra layer of depth and difference, rather than being 'flat' and clinical.

For tips and advice on prepping and painting, check out the range of how-to videos at Taubmans.com.au