When was the moment you first realized ‘white’ didn’t just mean white? Perhaps it was a blank stare from the paint person at the counter of your local home improvement store when you asked for the white paint needed to patch a small area of paint on the wall?
More likely it was during a meticulous process of gathering handfuls of Sherwin Williams paint cards for your renovation or new build to find (or match) the perfect shade.
So how do you know which color white is the right choice, when Sherwin Williams now has over 100 shades of white, with undertones ranging from cool to warm?
From Cool to Warm, which white is right for you?
Cool whites are defined as having blue, green, or violet undertones. They are used for more crisp modern looks and often used to compliment minimalist architecture and clean design.
Warm whites are defined as having yellow, or red undertones, seeming to produce a glow. These shades are often found in more traditional spaces that create a cozy environment.
Matching Existing Surroundings
Look at the undertones in the room, from existing fixtures such as flooring and furniture, and choose a color that compliments these tones. If the dining space incorporates cool pastels such as lavender or grey and natural elements, a cool bright white will intensify this room. Conversely, if the living area has wood floors and comfy dark furniture, a warm white paint will intensify the room.
You can see in this dining room, the cool white throws to the green of the plants and brings a modern, crisp feel to the room. In comparison, the living room image has the warm tones of the wood flooring and furnishings.
Assess the Light
Another consideration for your white selection is the amount of light in the space. If a room receives a lot of natural light, cooler tones will neutralize the light, whereas warmer whites will intensify the color and throw more yellow tones. Rooms that don’t get that natural light will benefit from the warmth of a white with beige undertones, which will avoid the feeling of a cold and dull space.
Pick Your Perfect Match
To narrow your selection for simplicity and ease of decision-making, TWO offers 13 standard white paints to choose from. However, should you find this limiting with your customer’s existing décor or paint finish, we offer the flexibility of ordering custom paint options for the perfect match.
