White walls are a seemingly endless conundrum. If you simply tell a contractor you want to paint your walls white, you will get a blank stare in response because there are hundreds of variations on white.
In addition to the large variety of options, when choosing a white you need to take into consideration various factors:
How will the floors reflect on the walls? For example, cherry flooring can leave a red shade on the walls adjacent to it. What color is your furniture? A bright red chair can do the same. White can be easily influenced by its surrounding colors.
What color will you do the trim and the ceiling? Choosing a different white can make them slightly darker or lighter, which can be a good thing...or it can look really odd.
Are you looking for a cool, warm, or neutral white?
What finish do you want?
With SO many whites and so many factors, I've compiled to Top 3 White Paint Colors in this post. These are my "go to" whites that can look absolutely stunning when used in the right room.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
Chantilly Lace is a universal white because it has virtually no undertones, making it workable in many different areas.
Benjamin Moore Decorator's White OC-149
Decorator's White is a cool white that makes a fantastic trim but can also be used for walls and cabinets. I view it as the frosting on the cake when doing the finishing trim on a room. It gives a clean look and looks wonderful in semi gloss.
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
White Dove is a creamy white that really shines in rooms with a lot of natural light. It is a warm white that, in my experience, can lean yellow under certain low light conditions. It is a popular color for walls but also makes a great finish on cabinetry and millwork.
My closing advice,
If you choose a paint color from a supplier, whether that be Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Farrow & Ball, etc. Get the paint mixed from that supplier.
Especially with whites, just the slightest change in formula can result in a color completely different from what you were expecting. I know its tempting to have your hardware store color match, but at least for these whites, trust me and get the authentic color straight from the source.
Are you still overwhelmed with your white wall dilemma? I do color consults to find the perfect paint color for your space. Send me an email - I look forward to helping you!
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