Bloody Whites
This is probably controversial however I am going to say it any way because it would not be like me to keep my opinions to myself, people need to stop asking for the “perfect” white!! It just doesn’t exsist, well actually it does just in many many many forms. You see there are so many whites and each and everyone of them has a place. So instead of asking which white is the “perfect” white, I want people to understand the best way to pick a white in order to suit their home, colour palette and style.
So here are my few suggestions…..
Select any other colours you’re going to use first. This way you can pick the white based on the undertones that are complimentary to the other colours you picked.
Try and determine whether you are looking for a warm white or a colour white because even if you don’t get the white exactly right if it is the right temperature it won’t be anywhere near as offensive. Generally speaking you want to keep your colours similar in temperature so they aren’t clashing. Temperature of colours is determined by the undertone of the colour, if you are looking for a warm white you want to be able to see yellow and pinky undertones and if you are looking for a cool white you are looking for blue and grey and sometimes green undertones. To check undertones the best why is to put your white sample onto of a clean white surfaces (such as a piece of paper) and you will suddenly see those undertones pop out more.
Once you have narrowed down whether you are looking at warm or cool white have a look at the white samples your selected supplier has. Most paint companies clearly indicate which whites are warm and cool. Now because we cleverly selected our other paint colours in the beginning we can place the samples together seeing which work nicely together. Always make sure you are looking at these samples in the room you will be painting. You want to see the affects of the light in the room on the colour.
Now when you think you’re on to a winner its time to get sample pots or colour swatches from your supplier. seeing samples at a bigger scale helps the colour appear more like what it would in the space and it will give you a better indication if any unwanted undertones are going to pop through.
** Handy tip, Paint your samples onto a piece of timber or large card so you can move it around and don’t have lots of big ugly paint samples on walls. **
Once you’ve seen your samples and your happy with your colour you’re good too go!!
If your still really stuck and you just want want the whitest white you can find my suggestions is @Dulux Vivid White. It is as close to white (without an undertone) you can get. @Dulux Vivid White is great for trims, skirtings, windows and door frames when you are selecting another white on the walls as it gives a clean crisp finish allowing the white on the wall to pop out.
xx
