Top White Paint Picks

Design

8 Jun

White paint creates a fresh foundation for any interior but choosing the right one can make you go cross-eyed. I’ve chosen my favourite white Resene paints for three interior styles.

contemporary white, three birds renovations via pinterest

Contemporary whites

These are whites with a black base that are very crisp and cool, suit interiors with white, grey and black accents, and help tone down warm bright light.
Top down: *Quarter Merino*, *Karen Walker Quarter Wan White, Black White,* *Alabaster*, all from Resene.
Complementary accent colours: Blues, purples, greens.

Natural whites

These are almost-whites that have a subtle warm undertone and suit modern interiors with lots of natural tones and textures.
From top down: *Karen Walker Quarter Milk White, Eighth Thorndon Cream, Eighth Rice Cake, Eighth Wheatfield.*
Complementary accent colours: sand, ivory, taupe, dusky pastels.

Modern Classic whites

These are whites with warm undertones and suit cosy interiors that have lots of rich, natural furnishings, or cooler spaces that need warming up. These are perfect for the Modern Mediterranean interiors trend.
From top down: Resene Eighth Biscotti, Resene Pearl Lusta, Resene Half Blanc, Resene Half Carrara.
Complementary accent colours: coral, peach, terracotta, mustard, ochre, rusty reds.

PRO TIP: Try different strengths of the whites you like most – there’s a lot of variation between eighth, quarter, half and full strength.

How to test white paints:

Start by selecting a few whites you like from a fandeck like the Resene Whites and Neutrals palette.
2. Pick up A2 cards, testpots and testpot paintbrushes from your local paint shop.
3. Paint each white on a different card, leaving a white border to create visual separation from any other colours when you hold it up to the wall.
4. Place the cards in different rooms at different times of the day and night to see how the white varies.
5. Notice how the white looks with your furnishings – are the undertones off?

PRO TIP: Paint your entire interior the same white, including ceilings, skirtings, architraves and doors to create a more high-end, modern look. Vary the sheen levels for practicality, like semi-gloss for frames and doors and ceiling paint tinted to your chosen white for ceilings.