Choosing the Right Shade of White
You’ve gathered your inspiration for your design project and you’re feeling the white wall vibes. Now what? Choosing the right shade of white can be an overwhelming task and with so many hundreds of choices out there, let’s face it: it’s tricky figuring out where to begin. So how do you choose the right shade of white?
The answer isn’t entirely simple. We have a few favorite go-to choices that we love, but deciding on the right white for a project makes a great foundation for a room. There are so many things to consider, from the size of the space to the amount of natural lighting in the room, to the tones of the lighting design in your space, how the lighting in the space flows from day to night, or if the rest of the color in the room is cool tones or warm tones. You might try getting a few samples and painting a small section of the area you’re considering then check out how it feels! (FIX THIS www.samplize.com) Warmer whites have undertones of yellow and pink vibes, where cooler whites have undertones of blue and green.
Another thing to consider is texture. Typically, flat paint goes on walls and a glossier or semi-gloss for cabinets and trims, but it all depends on the look that you’re going for, and, frankly, we aren’t afraid to break the rules and the finish of any space really depends on how you’re going to live in it.
Here are a few of the shades we love…
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. Considered to be Benjamin Moore’s truest white, Chantilly Lace is described “as delicate and refined as the lace it was named after”. This crisp, clean white evokes images of pure silk, soft linen and simpler times. Its blue and gray undertones make it a more neutral/cool white. Chantilly Lace is an excellent choice for trim, cabinets, walls and exteriors.
Color Sample Link: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/oc-65/chantilly-lace?color=OC-65
Sherwin Williams Snow Bound. Sherwin Williams Snowbound is a crisp, clean white with a slight gray undertone. It’s tone balances both cool and neutral making it come across as a more cozy than cold white. Snowbound is most commonly used on trim but can be used on walls, ceilings, furniture and exteriors as well, especially shiplap.
Color Sample link: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7004-snowbound
Benjamin Moore Simply White. This one is best described as “fresh as the first snowfall”. It is a crisp, clean multi-purpose white much like Chantilly Lace but contains a hint of yellow making it a warm white in comparison to the cooler, blue toned Chantilly Lace. It is also popular for use on trim, ceilings, walls and cabinets.
Color sample link: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/oc-117/simply-white?color=OC-117
Benjamin Moore White Dove. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is described as a “classic, softly shaded white”. It is a warm white with a creamy undertone and a touch of gray as opposed to yellow. When compared to the more “true white” Chantilly Lace, White Dove appears creamier and more of an off-white. It is light and luminous and often used for moldings and trim.
Color sample link: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/oc-17/white-dove?color=OC-17
Benjamin Moore Cloud White. Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White is a timeless, elegant and versatile white that is described as “reminiscent of vapor clouds on a clear day”. Considered “lightweight and luminous”, Cloud White won’t act like a white since it has more warmth to it from its soft creamy yellow undertone and neutral base. It falls between yellow toned whites that are too warm and whites that are crisper and cleaner. Cloud White can be used on walls, trim, cabinets and ceilings.
Color sample link: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/967/cloud-white?color=967
Still stumped? Our E-Design services can help you…click here to check it out. Or better yet, let’s do a full remodel together.