Are You Painting Your Room White?

White rooms have been given a bad "rep" lately! We think white and we envision hospital, stark and cold. But white can be a surprisingly warm color - if you pick the right white.

You have to be very, very careful when picking a white for your room. Whites can have undertones of gray, yellow, pink, blue, or green that can clash with other colors in the room.

My recommendation? Go to your local stationary or office supply store and pick up several sheets of white paper from different manufacturers. When you compare them side by side you will discover that white...isn't necessarily white. Pick one sheet that seems the warmest to you and another that seems the coolest. Now hold each sheet up to your furniture. Which looks best - warm or cool?

After you choose between warm or cool, go to your local paint store and ask to see their chart for cool or warm whites - depending on which looked best. Pick your favorite and have them prepare a pint or quart can. Take it home and paint a large sample on your wall. Does it feel too cool or too warm? Try an even warmer shade if it feels too cool and paint another sample. Repeat until you feel comfortable with the color you have chosen!

But a word of warning! Don't, don't, don't chose a white until you have seen it in both natural and artificial light. That white that seemed soft and lovely under a yellow artificial light may seem more the color of old mop water the next day!

And if you're in doubt, always opt for warm!

If you want more tips about choosing paint, read "Before you Buy Paint"