How to choose the right white paint?

White paint isn’t just ‘white’. Every white has an undertone, and that undertone quietly shapes how a space feels. Let me demonstrate using the same room with 5 different whites:

Pure White - this white is the most neutral. No obvious warmth, no cool tint. It feels clean, crisp and architectural. Pure white works best when you want clarity and contract. It works well in bright, modern spaces, but can feel stark if the room needs softened or flat in low light or cosy schemes.

White with green undertones - this subtle green undertone softens the white without warming it. It makes the room feel fresh and clean rather than bright. It works well with greens (which will enhance the undertone making it feel intentional not accidental), and blues (adding balance without coldness). It’s less suited to strong warm palettes, very yellow based lighting or spaces that you want warmth and cosiness.

White with warm undertones - here gentle yellow and red pigments warm the space. It feels softer, more inviting, warming and relaxing. Warm whites are ideal for living spaces where you want comfort and ease, especially alongside warm woods and earthy colours. It’s less suited to very crisp or cool schemes where the warmth can ready creamy rather than clean.

White with blue undertones - Blues undertones puh white cooler and brighter. It feels fresh, clean and contemporary. These whites work well in spaces that get good natural light, modern architectural spaces, kitchens and bathrooms. Rooms with low or uneven light will make it feel cold and clinical. It’s less suited to warm schemes and can feel cold if paired with warm furnishings as you can see in the image.

White with cool grey undertones - Grey pigments mute the white slightly and adds depth. It feels calm, refined and understated. This is a great option if you want a white that feels sophisticaed, calm and sublte rather than bright or stark. However if warmth is the goal, go with a warm white. If you need brightness in the room, for example a north facing room, it can look dull rather than calm.

I hope this is helpful, if you have any questions or need help selecting colours for your home or project, I’d love to help - do get in touch, Anna.

Pure white

White with blue undertones

White with green undertones

white with grey undertones

White with warm undertones