Any interior designer will tell you – there is a science to choosing white paint.  It seems so simple – white is white!  But when it comes to paint, white comes in a dizzying array of shades and tones.  I’ve always struggled with picking paint of any color (particularly white!) so I was thankful a designer shared a few tips with me.  Here is what I’ve learned:

Tip 1: Check the Undertone

The undertone is where “white” paints really start to differ.  Each has a grey, blue or yellow undertone, all of which will shine through in your room.  An easy way to tell the undertone is look at the full color strip; the darkest color at the bottom will show the undertone (if you just have the one square, compare it to a piece of white printer paper).  Choose a “cool” white (one with a strong blue undertone) and it can make your “white” bedding look dingy.  A “warm” white (with a strong yellow undertone) can look faded next to crisper tones.  PRO TIP: NEVER pick paint from the small chip at the store!  It’s a dangerous practice with any paint color but especially so when choosing white paint, which can be a chameleon in differing light.  Always get a sample and make a large swatch on the wall in the room.  You’ll be so glad you did!

Tip 2: Consider the Light

Although there are exceptions to every rule, generally speaking warm whites can handle the warmer lighting in rooms with a southern exposure, while cool whites are better for northern-facing rooms.  Rooms with lighting from the east or west can often work with either warm or cool tones.  Neutral whites are versatile enough for any space.  PRO TIP: The “sheen” or finish of the paint is also super important.  High sheen paints are easy to wipe down, but will show every imperfection.  Lower sheen paints can cover a multitude of drywall sins, but are harder to keep clean.  A good rule of thumb is eggshell finishes for durability, matte for low-traffic areas and satin for any spaces that will get touched.  Even if you opt for a low-sheen finish, consider painting base trim a higher gloss; it cuts down on marks from the vacuum.

Tip 3: Buy Quality

Buy the best paint and primer you can!  Higher quality paints are heavily pigmented and won’t show as many brushstrokes.  They’ll also require less coats, last longer and show less wear.  It’s worth it!  Pro Tip: Always go with what the pros use!  My father is a contractor, and he swears by Rodda paint.  It goes on smoothly and the pigments are fabulous.  I recommend it to all my customers!  (I really should get commission or something, but I don’t). 🙂

BONUS TIP: When it comes to choosing white paint, not even the pros agree.  Every designer has their own go-to color.  But there are a few I see cropping up again and again in magazines:

Cool:  Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore (blue undertone)

Warm: White Dove by Benjamin Moore (yellow undertone)

Neutral:  Oxford White by Benjamin Moore (grey undertone)