UNDERSTANDING WHITE

Depending where and how it is used, white can be a classic or contemporary choice. White paint can have a transformative impact on the mood of your environment.

It is important to remember, there is not one single, brilliant white. In fact, selecting a shade of white that is sympathetic to the light and orientation of a space and the colours present can be a complex task. The Paint & Paper Library palette includes an array of different whites, each of which contains subtle undertones that influence how the shade behaves in a space.

Choosing a white colour scheme

A white based on ochre, such as Capuchin, has a small hint of brown that brings warmth to a space, while a blue-based white like Flat Light can make a room feel cooler, starker and brighter. Perhaps use these cooler shades of white in concentrated amounts, in rooms where you want to create focus, such as home studies.

For the perfect alternative to brilliant white, consider a white based on charcoal which delivers a more subtle, muted hue. Minim is an excellent choice here.

Walls: Minim

Units and Highlight Stripe: Opus

Island: Kohl

Capuchin

Charbone

Thames Mud

Explore this Look

Clean White

New Black

Explore this Look

Before committing to a specific white, ensure you give careful thought to other elements in the room. White walls can make a room feel more spacious, but can also attract attention to areas you may not have considered. Warm whites work best in rooms with natural materials, pairing well with both oak flooring and concrete floors.

Eau de Violette is based on red oxide and delivers an inviting, cosy feeling when used in bedrooms and living spaces. Our ultimate neutral, Cashmere I, creates a soft, soothing backdrop for north-facing rooms that are lacking in light.

Wall: Eau de Violette

Surround/Architrave: Pontefract

Smaller Highlight Stripe: Rouge II

It is certainly possible to create a striking scheme with a white palette. Try encasing the ceiling, walls and woodwork in white for a clean, contemporary feel.

Alternatively, use white in combination with black to create a strong contrast with plenty of impact. In such monochromatic designs, it is important to use the tones in a 90/10 or 80/20 proportion. This will prevent overwhelming the space as the colours fight against each other.

It is equally important to consider how the undertones in each shade will interact. For example, pair Ilex with Raw Chalk, using the earthy green-blue Sobek as an accent, for a perfectly coordinated scheme based on natural green pigments.

Ceiling and Wall: Raw Chalk

Door and Balustrades: Ilex

Highlight Stripes: Sobek

Paper I is a pale Architectural colour with yellowish undertones, that can be used as a white with co-ordinating colours. For a harmonious scheme, combine with different strengths of the same pigment, Paper III or V. Or, for a slightly bolder finish, pair with Muga or Rufus. Adhering to the undertones will create schemes that combine perfectly.

Ceiling: Muga

Wall: Paper III

Lower wall: Paper V

Door architrave: Paper III

Far room: Morning Room and Paper I

Browse all white paint.

Our colour card has been designed to demonstrate which whites, neutrals and colours will work in harmony due to their related hues.

Request a Paint & Paper Library Colour Card.