IN THIS POST
– Choose the Perfect Shade
– Consider the Natural Light
– Select the Right Finish
– Impact on Home Décor
– Upkeep and Maintenance
White walls may appear basic, but the truth is that a lot of time and work goes into selecting the right hue for each room. Sometimes, a coat of white paint can make a room look bigger and brighter. However, sometimes it can completely ruin the aesthetic of a space and wreak havoc on its ambience. So, if you are thinking about choosing white paint for walls, here a few things you should keep in mind before picking up the roller brush and getting to work.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing White Paint for Walls
These are a few things that nobody would tell you about painting your walls white.
Let’s take a look.
Not All Whites Are Created Equal
There are numerous shades of white out there – and no, all of them do not appear identical.
Even if you have decided on a neutral colour palette, you must take your time picking and choosing the perfect shade of white that works for your space. Though buying the purest, brightest white on the shade card may seem tempting, but you must always make sure the hue doesn’t make your walls look like they have only been coated with a primer.
If you have trouble identifying between different shades, just keep in mind that there are two main types of white: cool and warm. Cool or pure whites have grey or blue hints whereas warm whites have yellowish, reddish or brownish undertones. While cool whites can make your room appear cold and harsh, warm white can make it look cosy and homely.
Natural Light Can Create a Huge Difference
Natural light can have a notable visual impact on white walls. Whether your room appears brighter and bigger or cold and dull after being painted white largely depends on the type and amount of natural light it receives.
According to the experts, cool or pure white is ideal for rooms that receive plenty of sunlight. Meanwhile, selecting warm white paint for walls would be a better choice if your space only gets a small amount of natural light throughout the day.
Therefore, it is important to test out multiple shades and see how your space looks at different times of the day before painting your walls white. You may also have to replace your light bulbs to something cooler or warmer to make the room look lively and comfortable. Here’s a guide on choosing warm vs white bulbs for various rooms at home that may help you out.
You Have to Be Smart about the Finish
Ranging from high gloss to flat, there are different types of paint finishes available in the market.
Choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the right shade. It can also have a huge impact on the overall appearance of the room. However, if you are having a hard time deciding between various finishes of white paint for walls, here is a general rule of thumb you should follow.
- Flat finishes can give an impression of receding walls
- A matte finish can absorb light and have a velvety appearance
- Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are reflective and allow light to bounce through the room
- Eggshell and satin finishes usually create the perfect balance between matte and gloss paints
Your Colour Palettes Dictates Your Décor Choices
This one goes without saying, but your home décor choices must complement the colour of your walls.
If you are opting for cool white hues, consider going with modern or minimalist furniture with sleek edges, smooth curves and neutral colours. On the other hand, if you are a fan of a maximalist or traditional décor, warm white shades would be a better choice.
One of the main benefits of white walls is that they allow you to incorporate different colours into your décor. However, in case you are planning to go with all-white décor, please keep in mind that it can be extremely hard to pull off in real life and usually only look good in magazines. More often than not, spaces with white walls and furniture can end up looking rather boring and lifeless.
But that doesn’t mean it always turns out bad. Start by choosing high-gloss white paint for interior walls, then layer the space with different materials, hang artwork and add some texture to your décor to make your space look brighter and livelier.
White Walls Require More Upkeep
Another thing you must know about painting your walls white is that they require a lot more maintenance and upkeep than most other colours. No matter how careful you are, the area surrounding the light switches is most prone to dirt marks. Similarly, whenever a door, cabinet or other furniture bang up against a white wall, those spots will become very visible.
Of course, if you have young children or pets, you should prepare yourself for countless touch-ups, as any sort of stain will stand out against the white background. This is also one of the main reasons why most interior designers don’t recommend white paint for kitchen walls.
Satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are usually more durable and easier to wipe clean compared to flat and matte paints due to their high sheen factor.
To conclude, the natural light, home décor, and finish determine which white would be perfect for your shade. Also, you can’t paint every room in your home the same shade of white. When it comes to painting your walls white, take into consideration your lifestyle requirements and the factors mentioned above before making any decisions.
On a side note, if you are planning to buy paint for your home, here are some key differences between exterior and interior paints that every homeowner must be familiar with. In addition to that, check out our beginner’s guide to painting the interior of your home as well as tips on preparing your walls and ceiling for paint.
For more home improvement tips and tricks, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the top lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can also get in touch with us by emailing at blog@zameen.com. Moreover, don’t forget to subscribe to the Zameen Newsletter and Facebook page to receive the latest updates about real estate trends in the country.
