Choosing The Right White Paint Color

I'm not a color expert (yet), but I'm diving deep into learning how crucial it is to consider every element in your home when selecting a color scheme. This means not just picking colors you love, but ensuring they work harmoniously with the permanent features in your space—think countertops, floors, and even cabinets. If you want your home to have a cohesive look, where everything flows together rather than looking hodgepodge, you must pay attention to the undertones of each element. Yes, even the color of your cabinets plays a significant role in creating a unified aesthetic.

This brings me to my current situation in the condo I'm working on: I'm dealing with oak cabinets that I'm stuck with for now due to budget constraints, and they have a distinct orange undertone.

 (Before Photo of Kitchen. Stay tuned for the “After”!)

Because of this, I need to be very intentional with my paint choices and the overall color scheme for the house. I have to decide whether I want to complement or tone down that orange, and I also need to think about how the natural and ambient lighting in the house will affect the paint color at different times of the day.

Talk about stressful!

After much deliberation, paint swatches, and input from my husband (who made the final decision so easy—oddly enough, I'm an over-thinker), I’ve narrowed down my choices:

- Sherwin-Williams Soji White for the walls throughout the home

- Sherwin-Williams Pure White for the doors and trim

The rationale behind these choices is that I wanted to embrace the warmth of the orange in the cabinets, but I didn’t want a paint color that had too much yellow or orange in its undertone. I needed a color that was ‘just right’—versatile and timeless.

Understanding the Undertones and LRV of SW Soji White and SW Pure White

SW Soji White has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 74, which means it reflects a fair amount of light, making spaces feel brighter and more open. The undertones in Soji White are subtle and warm, with a hint of greige that can balance out the orange in the oak cabinets without clashing or overly emphasizing the warmth. It’s a soft, adaptable shade that works well in different lighting conditions, making it a great choice for a cohesive look throughout the home.

SW Pure White, on the other hand, has an LRV of 84, so it reflects even more light, which is why it’s perfect for doors and trim. Pure White is known for its clean, crisp finish, but it also has a very slight warmth that prevents it from feeling too stark or cold. This subtle warmth in the undertone means it won’t compete with the Soji White or the orange in the cabinets but will instead complement them nicely, keeping the overall look of the home fresh and inviting.

 Bedroom in Shoji White by Studio McGee

Tips and Reminders for Choosing the Right White Paint Color

When it comes to choosing a white paint color, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you pick the right one for your space:

1.        Consider the Undertones: White isn’t just white—each shade has its own undertone that can lean warm (with hints of yellow, red, or orange) or cool (with hints of blue, green, or purple). The key is to choose a white that complements the other elements in your space. For example, if your home has warmer elements like wood floors or cabinets, a white with a warm undertone might work best.

2.        Test in Different Lighting: White paint can look drastically different depending on the time of day and the type of lighting in your home. Always test your paint samples in various rooms and at different times of the day to see how the color changes with the light. Natural light, incandescent bulbs, and LED lighting can all affect how white appears.

3.        Think About the Space’s Function: The function of the room can also influence your choice. For example, in a kitchen or bathroom where you want a clean, crisp look, you might opt for a cooler white. In a living room or bedroom where you want a cozy, inviting feel, a warmer white could be more suitable.

4.        Don’t Be Afraid to Mix: Sometimes, the perfect white isn’t just one shade. You might use one white for your walls and a slightly different one for your trim to create a subtle contrast that adds depth and dimension to the room.

By considering the undertones and how they interact with the fixed elements in my home, I aim to create a color scheme that feels both cohesive and timeless. It’s all about finding that perfect balance—and I’m learning more with each step and phase in this project!

Stay Tuned!

Brittany