Choosing the Right White Paint for Your Home

May 11, 2025

Deciding on white might be seen as playing it safe by some, but you know that white is the best choice to truly express your creativity. 

Whether you’re chasing that summer in Greece look or just want a timeless classic look on which to build your home, choosing the right paint may feel overwhelming. 

With hundreds of shades at your fingertips, choosing the right one can elevate your space—enhancing natural light and complementing your personal style. But the wrong shade? It might leave your space feeling cold and sterile instead of inviting and warm.

So how do you decide what’s best for you?

Well, below is the best-curated guide out there to help you on your journey of making your dream a reality.

First Let's Set The Tone By Choosing The Right Tone For You

Not all things are created equal and that’s true for this too, like anyone interested in clothes or jewellery would tell you, TONES MATTER. Thankfully, instead of reading an entire rant about them here are the three things to consider,

  • Warm Tones

With undertones of red, yellow and brown, these shades are usually best if you’re chasing that cosy snuggle atmosphere. 

These whites work well in traditional homes and spaces with warm lighting, timber flooring, or an earthy décor. They add warmth to any room and can make large spaces feel more intimate and welcoming.

  • Neutral Tones

Sitting comfortably in the middle these paints have minimal undertones, making them flexible for really any setting. 

Neutral whites are usually ideal if you’re seeking a timeless and adaptable shade that pairs effortlessly with a mix of décor elements, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with any aesthetic of your choosing.

  • Cool Tones

These paints usually feature blue, grey, or green undertones, offering a crisp, modern, and fresh appearance. 

So, if your vibe is having an abundance of natural with very minimalist designs, this tone could be for you. Cool whites can enhance brightness and give interiors a sleek, airy feel, making them popular if you want a modern or industrial design.

A Quick Rundown On Finishes

Choosing tones is just half the job, the paint’s finish is also just as important. Having a poor or wrong finish means that you will have to redo your walls more often, which makes cleaning a lot harder and could just highlight any issues with your house.  

So let’s be real

Why not just avoid this hassle and save yourself time and money for more important things like that new kitchen remodel?

  • Matte: If you want a smooth and even look, this type of finish is great at hiding imperfections on walls, making them ideal for older homes where any surface flaws might be visible.
  • Gloss: The most durable and reflective of all finishes. It helps create a sleek, polished look and is often used for trims, cabinetry, and furniture. Due to its high shine, it is great for creating contrast with matte or satin walls.
  • Low-sheen: This finish helps strike a balance between durability and aesthetics. They have a soft glow that subtly reflects light, adding depth to walls while still maintaining an elegant, understated look. These finishes are easy to clean, making them a very popular choice for interiors especially if you have kids or pets.

Now at this point, hopefully, you’ve decided on a few different options and you’re not pulling your hair out at all the technicalities of paint choosing. 

So, even if you didn’t read all of the above and instead have skipped to the point where you’ve chosen a few colours, don’t worry,  because below is an all-in-one guide to ensuring that you make the right choice.

So, How Do You Make The Right Call?

Before you jump the gun and paint your home with what you would agree to be the most beautiful shade, you consider a few more things. 

1. Natural Lighting

As any kindergartner would tell you, white paint reflects light.  So, natural light is hugely significant and affects how your paint looks throughout the day.

  • North-facing rooms tend to receive cooler, bluish light, which can make certain whites appear icy or stark. To fix this, a warm white with subtle yellow or beige undertones can add warmth and balance. 
  • South-facing rooms, on the other hand, get a consistent flow of warm natural light, which can make warm whites appear even more golden. In these cases, a cool white with slight grey or blue undertones can help neutralise the warmth and prevent an overly yellow appearance.
  • East-facing rooms receive soft, warm light in the morning but cooler light later in the day. A neutral white is a great option as it remains adaptable throughout different lighting conditions, keeping the space balanced. 
  • West-facing rooms, however, get intense afternoon sunlight, which enhances warm tones. So, if your space receives strong sun exposure in the afternoon, a cooler white can help counteract the intensity, while a warm white will highlight the golden glow.

Don’t worry if this is a bit confusing, there’s an easy way to know if your paint colour works in that room you just can’t seem to figure out. Simply take the samples and paint 30cm by 30cm swatches on the wall and observe it throughout the day. 

2. What else does your room have?

Warm whites pair well with natural materials such as timber, warm-toned stone, and earthy colour palettes. So if you want that rustic, classical or coastal style home, this paint tone could add the warmth and softness that you’ve been searching for.

Cool whites, in contrast, are better suited for modern and minimalist designs featuring materials like concrete, steel, or marble. Their crisp, fresh finish enhances contemporary interiors and creates a sleek, clean aesthetic.

If your home features both, neutral whites offer the best versatility. They can mix well with different tones without making the space feel too stark or too warm. Neutral whites are especially effective in open-plan living areas where multiple materials and finishes coexist, ensuring that everything blends together seamlessly.

3. Inside Or Outside, Does It Matter?

Where you’re going to paint matters beyond just beauty.

Practically interior paints will usually get scuffed and dirty over time, quicker if you have kids or pets. Making sure the paint is resistant to dirt and washable is a huge factor in keeping your long-term peace of mind. 

But, probably the biggest reason to never use exterior paint inside is to keep your air clean and breathable. Interior paints are specially made to have low VOC content meaning fewer toxins and chemicals. 

On the other hand exterior paint needs to be able to adapt to Australia’s ever-changing weather.  That includes making sure your paint doesn’t peel under the harsh UV rays, while also being mould resistant on those cooler rainy days. If you live near the ocean be sure to check if your paint can help protect any materials in your house that could fall prey to salt damage.

Your Vision Your Dream

Congratulations! Now you know how to navigate the maze that is white paint choosing and the importance of creating the right atmosphere, balancing lighting conditions, and ensuring a finish that complements your home’s aesthetic.

But, with so many variations and finishes available, it’s always a good idea to test your choices in different lighting conditions before making a final decision. 

But why take any chances? 

At ER Seven Painting, we specialise in helping homeowners bring their vision to life with expert colour advice and flawless applications. Whether you’re refreshing your interior or transforming your exterior, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s choose the perfect white for your home!

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