The right white

Not all white paints are mixed the same. Shades of difference can make a big difference in the look of a room.

By Terri Sapienza, Washington Post
Published October 27, 2007

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Think all shades of white are the same? Take a look at the portable guide of Inspirational Whites from Pantone paints, a fan deck of 68 shades from pure white to beige. Seeing the colors grouped so closely makes it easier to detect the subtle variations that can make so much difference when picking paint color.

Here are some thoughts about whites from Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute:

- Pure, pristine white is cool, is highly reflective and can appear to have a blue undertone. It can be a good choice for low ceilings, large spaces that are very bare or minimally decorated, and rooms with lots of art.

- Any shade of white with a dollop of color can warm up a room considerably.

- If you choose white for kitchen walls, be aware of other whites in the room. For example, a white white on the walls can make almond-colored appliances appear dirty by comparison.

- White with a pink or peach undertone is good for a bathroom because it flatters skin tones.

- For ceilings, add white to the wall color or add a bit of the wall color to white for a seamless blend.

The $20 Inspirational Whites guide and a list of retailers are available at www.pantonepaint.com.