Tips for Decorating Right With White
If you're decorating and want a fresh, inviting look, read on to see how to get the white look right for bedrooms, bathrooms and more
Laura Gaskill
31 May 2016
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
White has long been beloved by architects and interior designers for its versatility and freshness. But as anyone who has ever tried to choose from among hundreds of shades of white paint can attest, decorating with white isn’t as easy as it sounds. We’ve pulled together the best tips – starting with how to choose that perfect paint colour – so you can decorate in white with confidence and style.
How to choose the right white paint
Why is it that the same white paint that makes one room look fresh and crisp can make another seem stark and cold? It all comes down to the light. By working with the natural light in your space, you can find a shade of white that enhances your room’s best qualities.
TIPS:
Why is it that the same white paint that makes one room look fresh and crisp can make another seem stark and cold? It all comes down to the light. By working with the natural light in your space, you can find a shade of white that enhances your room’s best qualities.
TIPS:
- Before painting a room white, identify its orientation to the sun.
- Use a clear white paint (neither too warm nor too cool) in rooms that face away from the noonday sun.
- If you have a south-facing room in a colder area, clear white will feel too chilly; try a warmer off-white instead.
- North-facing rooms receive the most intense sun during the day; use a cool white with grey undertones here to reduce glare.
How to choose the right white trim colour
On its own, a white paint swatch simply looks white – but put several side by side and you should start to notice that some white paints appear warmer (more beige or a touch yellow) while others appear cooler, like a very pale grey. So, which one to choose? Picking the right white trim depends on what colour the walls are painted: generally speaking, warm goes with warm, cool with cool.
TIPS:
On its own, a white paint swatch simply looks white – but put several side by side and you should start to notice that some white paints appear warmer (more beige or a touch yellow) while others appear cooler, like a very pale grey. So, which one to choose? Picking the right white trim depends on what colour the walls are painted: generally speaking, warm goes with warm, cool with cool.
TIPS:
- Take a cue from the colour palette in the room: if the walls are a cool colour (green, blue, grey, purple), choose a cool white trim; if the walls are a warm hue (red, pink, brown, orange, yellow), choose a warm white trim.
- For cool white trim, try ‘White on White’ by Dulux, or Resene’s ‘Sea Fog’.
- For warm white trim, try Dulux’s ‘Whisper White’, or ‘Crisp White’ from Taubmans.
How to use white in the bedroom
To ensure that white walls don’t feel like an afterthought in the bedroom, consider other elements that can make your space feel inviting and comfortable, from architecture to textures.
TIPS:
To ensure that white walls don’t feel like an afterthought in the bedroom, consider other elements that can make your space feel inviting and comfortable, from architecture to textures.
TIPS:
- Exposed wood framing (as seen here) looks rustic and charming when painted fresh white.
- Shiny metallic and reflective surfaces add glamour; just keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
- Layer in light greys for a cooler palette or off-white for a warmer feel.
How to refresh your bedroom with white linens
White bedding is classic, chic and totally effortless. It’s a can’t-miss choice if you’re looking to refresh your bedroom.
TIPS:
White bedding is classic, chic and totally effortless. It’s a can’t-miss choice if you’re looking to refresh your bedroom.
TIPS:
- Add a textural pillow or two to a bed made with simple white linens for a luxurious look.
- White bedding makes other neutrals look richer; it’s a good choice in a bedroom with beige, cream, brown or grey walls and details.
- If you love changing the look of your bedroom frequently, white bedding is easy to update with colourful throws and pillows.
How to use white in the kitchen
A white kitchen is timeless, but without a bit of contrast it runs the risk of feeling cold. This kitchen is a beautiful example of how to get a white kitchen right: with glossy stainless steel and warm wood accents.
TIPS:
A white kitchen is timeless, but without a bit of contrast it runs the risk of feeling cold. This kitchen is a beautiful example of how to get a white kitchen right: with glossy stainless steel and warm wood accents.
TIPS:
- Wood adds warmth, charm and character to a white kitchen: hardwood floors, a rustic farm table or wooden stools look especially welcome against a backdrop of white.
- Because white reflects more light than other colours, quality is important when choosing your materials – consider beautiful white marble, glossy subway tiles or perfectly simple Shaker cabinets.
- The expanding quality of white makes it a good choice for compact kitchens.
How to use white in the bathroom
As in the kitchen, an all-white colour palette in the bathroom can feel a bit clinical if you’re not careful. But done right, a white bath feels clean, refreshing and spa-like – and who wouldn’t like that?
TIPS:
As in the kitchen, an all-white colour palette in the bathroom can feel a bit clinical if you’re not careful. But done right, a white bath feels clean, refreshing and spa-like – and who wouldn’t like that?
TIPS:
- Use white in the bathroom as a foil for really interesting and beautiful fixtures, such as a gorgeous claw-foot tub or unique sink.
- A white scheme, when paired with good lighting, can make even the darkest windowless interior bathroom feel light and bright.
- Pair white with warm, rich wood for an organic modern look. Even small details (like a wooden bath mat and sink-side accessories) can add interest to an all-white bath.
How to use white in an open-plan space
When multiple rooms of a home are visible at once, the use of one wall colour throughout helps the space feel more serene. White is a good choice because it goes with everything, and it makes compact spaces feel larger.
TIPS:
When multiple rooms of a home are visible at once, the use of one wall colour throughout helps the space feel more serene. White is a good choice because it goes with everything, and it makes compact spaces feel larger.
TIPS:
- Update your white space whenever you like simply by swapping out colourful accessories.
- Enhance a summer mood with beach-inspired textures like seagrass, sisal, linen and cotton voile.
- In the winter, bring in cosy textures like faux fur and wool, and add some candlelight.
How to refresh your space with white curtains
White curtains are a classic, and they work in any room of the house. Take a cue from the dreamy space shown here and give a canopy bed a tropical makeover with sheer white curtains draped about the corners.
TIPS:
White curtains are a classic, and they work in any room of the house. Take a cue from the dreamy space shown here and give a canopy bed a tropical makeover with sheer white curtains draped about the corners.
TIPS:
- Hang sheer white curtains in the living room for a breezy, beach-inspired vibe.
- Create an alfresco dining destination with floor-pooling white curtains enclosing a porch or patio with a welcome note of softness.
- Give your tie-top or tab-top white curtains a natural look by using a found branch as a curtain rod.
How to use white on your home’s exterior
Wondering what colour to paint your house? With a few exceptions (Victorian and Craftsman homes come to mind), white almost always works. It looks fresh, simple and classic, and if you tire of plain white you can always punch up the colour on the door, trim and shutters.
TIPS:
Wondering what colour to paint your house? With a few exceptions (Victorian and Craftsman homes come to mind), white almost always works. It looks fresh, simple and classic, and if you tire of plain white you can always punch up the colour on the door, trim and shutters.
TIPS:
- Use white to make a modestly sized home, like a bungalow or cottage, appear larger.
- Use parchment or antique white to enhance a historic home from the 18th or early 19th century.
- White stucco looks fresh and cool, ideal for sunny, tropical locales.
How to embrace easygoing off-white
Warmer and more welcoming than stark white, this creamy hue is easy to work with – and also happens to be right on-trend.
TIPS:
Warmer and more welcoming than stark white, this creamy hue is easy to work with – and also happens to be right on-trend.
TIPS:
- Use off-white to warm up a white kitchen – it’s more forgiving than clear or cool-toned white.
- Pair creamy off-white with a range of other neutrals like grey and brown for a rich, timeless look.
- Play up interesting architectural details by painting an entire room in crisp off-white.
How to embrace simplicity with bright white
This non-hue is beloved by architects, and it looks amazing in beach cottages. Bright white is the heart and soul of simplicity.
TIPS:
This non-hue is beloved by architects, and it looks amazing in beach cottages. Bright white is the heart and soul of simplicity.
TIPS:
- Use bright white from floor to ceiling for a really fresh, light-filled look.
- Bring a bright white space to life with a few pops of bold colour, like turquoise or lemon yellow.
How to pair white with off-white
Can’t decide between bright white and creamy off-white? Use them both! Pairing subtly different whites and off-whites highlights texture and makes for a sophisticated look that will stand the test of time.
TIPS:
Can’t decide between bright white and creamy off-white? Use them both! Pairing subtly different whites and off-whites highlights texture and makes for a sophisticated look that will stand the test of time.
TIPS:
- Ground a white and off-white scheme with a touch of grey or black somewhere in the room.
- Use warm off-white on retro appliances in the kitchen for a charming yet subtle look.
- Create a warm and welcoming cocoon in the bedroom with a mix of white and off-white hues in a range of touchable textures.
How to gather colour inspiration from nature
Think of freshly fallen snow, a clutch of white eggs, the papery skin of garlic, bunches of white daisies – start noticing white in the great outdoors and you may be surprised at how it’s hardly ever ‘just white’ – there’s always a hint of blue, grey, green or yellow.
TIPS:
Think of freshly fallen snow, a clutch of white eggs, the papery skin of garlic, bunches of white daisies – start noticing white in the great outdoors and you may be surprised at how it’s hardly ever ‘just white’ – there’s always a hint of blue, grey, green or yellow.
TIPS:
- Earthy whites (think of creamy milk or a woolly sheep) work well with other warm neutrals, as well as rich hues like barn red and turquoise.
- Winter whites are cooler, and work well to emphasise shapes and architectural features.
- Beware of going overboard with absolutely pure white in the home – too much white with no break would feel akin to being stuck in a blizzard.
How to add colour to a white-walled room
It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but white walls can actually be one of the best choices for people who love bright, bold colour. The reason? With white on the walls, you’re totally free to go hog-wild with colour and pattern in the rest of the space, and you can change it all on a whim.
TIPS:
It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but white walls can actually be one of the best choices for people who love bright, bold colour. The reason? With white on the walls, you’re totally free to go hog-wild with colour and pattern in the rest of the space, and you can change it all on a whim.
TIPS:
- Bring in bold colour with a statement light fixture – or a pair of lights, as shown here.
- Add colourful chairs around the dining table.
- Hang one oversized piece of artwork as a focal point.
- Layer on colour with rugs, curtains and rich upholstery.
How to liven up a white kitchen
All-white kitchen a bit too blinding? Don’t fret; there are plenty of ways to bring in colour, from the big (appliances) to the small (cookbooks).
TIPS:
All-white kitchen a bit too blinding? Don’t fret; there are plenty of ways to bring in colour, from the big (appliances) to the small (cookbooks).
TIPS:
- When it’s time for new appliances, choose retro models in a juicy hue like turquoise or cherry red.
- Pile up your favourite (colourful) cookbooks.
- Display a collection of colourful pottery on open shelving.
- Add a burst of colour: paint the ceiling or the interior of glass-front cabinets in a bright hue.
How to use white as an accent colour
Have lots of deep or rich colours in your space? Flip the usual formula on its head and use white as an accent rather than the main event.
TIPS:
Have lots of deep or rich colours in your space? Flip the usual formula on its head and use white as an accent rather than the main event.
TIPS:
- Bring much-needed light to a deep, dark-hued room with bright white accents.
- Highlight intricate architectural details with white paint.
- Break up a dark wall with framed artwork that uses oversized white mats.
- Use white to give the eye a place to rest in a room with lots of busy patterns.
How to keep your white spaces white
White spaces look fresh and clean … as long as they are fresh and clean! Say goodbye to dingy white linens, wall scuffs and more with these tips for keeping your beautiful white spaces as clean as can be.
TIPS:
White spaces look fresh and clean … as long as they are fresh and clean! Say goodbye to dingy white linens, wall scuffs and more with these tips for keeping your beautiful white spaces as clean as can be.
TIPS:
- Vacuum white walls every few weeks to keep dust from accumulating; use a Magic Eraser to remove marks.
- Install draperies, blinds or window film in the kitchen to protect white cabinets from yellowing in the sun.
- Invest in removable, washable white slipcovers for upholstered furniture. (Replace while still slightly damp after washing for the best fit.)
- Launder white sheets separately in hot water with regular washing powder; add bleach as needed to keep them looking fresh.
- Wash delicate white linens by hand in a tub and air dry.
- Consider a no-shoes policy to keep white floors white.
- Frequent light cleaning is best for white kitchen and bath fixtures; avoid abrasive cleansers and scouring pads, which can cause damage to the finish.
YOUR TURN
Are you a fan of decorating with white? Show us how you’ve done it by uploading photos in the Comments section.
Walls painted in ‘Decorator’s White’: Benjamin Moore
Are you a fan of decorating with white? Show us how you’ve done it by uploading photos in the Comments section.
Walls painted in ‘Decorator’s White’: Benjamin Moore
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Non-white kitchen that functions as a working kitchen. (My 80+ year old Mom thinks it's amazing. Family can cook together.)
Left off the angle showing fridge. I'm a terrible photographer, but excellent chef.