White paint. It should be simple, really. Your local hardware store may have dozens of white shades to choose from. Being faced with such a huge selection of white can be overwhelming. Let us walk you through our top five shades of white, with a few tips of the trade to consider when painting.

(Note: all shades are Dulux, this is NOT a sponsored post, we simply use their brand of paint for its high quality, durability & ease of application.)

1. Dulux Natural White

This is a great, white white. It has a fresh, clean look suited to both open, modern living areas, but will also brighten up a smaller room with less light.

2. Dulux Antique White USA

One of the top five paint colours in Australia for a reason. It is a warm, yellow based white with a lovely, creamy feel. Very complimentary to a traditional, classic interior style. This is a relaxing, easy colour to live with that warms up timber furniture really well and gives a room an inviting, nostalgic glow.

3. Dulux Vivid White

This is a clean, brilliant white. Neither warm nor cool, it is one of the purest whites on offer, lending a real crispness to a room. It is really suited to a modern, contemporary home. Vivid gives a feeling of cleanliness and openness. It’s a great selection for skirting boards and architraves, as it will contrast beautifully against any other neutral/white you have on the walls.

4. Lexicon Quarter.

Another cool white. It has a soothing, milky appearance, both brightening and softening a room at the same time.

5. Dulux White on White.

A cool and fresh white without being too white. A popular selection in Australian homes for its fresh, versatile tone.

It is important to consider a few key things when selecting a shade of white. Firstly, bear in mind that all whites are either warm or cool. Whites with red or yellow bases are warm, while whites with blue, black or grey bases are cool. To determine whether you will want a warm or cool white, consider factors such as; the layout and style of the home; how much natural light each room receives; floor coverings and furniture choices.

For example, if you pair a cool white such as Lexicon Quarter with a minimalist interior style, with lots of cool grey tiles and benchtops, the result can feel quite stark. So you may want to ”warm up” the space with some timber features or flooring, or even consider a warmer white.

Our top five white shades are among the most popular in Australian homes for a reason: they look clean, open, fresh and are generally complimentary to most interiors. You will be surprised by how much of a lift a fresh coat of paint will give to a room. Just remember to consider what kind of effect you are going for, to determine whether to use a warm or cool white.

Article originally published at Source by Sophie Hendry