White is white, right? Not quite. See 8 white paint picks for 8 very different effects

I have to admit that I don’t have a single white room in my home. However, I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges of selecting white paint: When deciding to repaint an entire house white, we allowed the contractor to choose the paint. After all, white is white…right? Wrong! After the painting was completed, I walked into the house and almost grabbed my sunglasses. I was shocked at how bright the walls looked. That’s when I truly understood that white can be as vivid (or soft) as any other colour. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. As a designer, I thrive in colourfully painted spaces, but I realise that many people enjoy the simplicity of white rooms. So, here are some tips for picking the right white paint.

1. Creamy white

A white bedroom can be a very relaxing haven. For best results, use a few different tones of white and layer them in the space. Creamy white walls can be combined with crisp white curtains and ivory coloured bedding to prevent your space from looking too stark.

1. Cool white

Cool white walls can be made to perfectly match the white furniture and window treatments. This creates a serene, homogenous space that has very little contrast and/or distraction. Cool, pure whites work well in contemporary spaces because they provide a feeling of newness.

1. Soft white

Pairing white with black creates a very elegant, Art Deco feel. Even with so much contrast, this look is still a blank canvas for adding any other colour. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall colour is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.

1. Snow white

A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint colour. This look also works great in a more contemporary space, as shown here. The same tone of white can be done on both the furniture and wainscoting, to create a harmonious look.

1. Antique white

For a more traditional space, antique whites work best because they provide a lived-in feel to a room. In dining areas, this shade of vanilla is a great choice because it’s considered a ‘delicious’ colour.

1. Ivory white

Many people like the look of white cabinetry in the kitchen, but they don’t want the space to appear too cold. In this case, look for a white that has a slight ivory undertone. You can also add warmth to your kitchen with wood flooring, and by using clear halogen lighting.

1. Grey white

A crisp, greyish-white wall colour will always make a sophisticated, museum-like backdrop for artwork and vivid accent hues.

1. Warm white

The use of whites with khaki undertones, along with natural materials can create an organic feel in a space. These types of colours are very warm and welcoming.