For decades, white paint has been a safe option for interiors and exteriors alike. White paint can look sleek and modern in most homes, but it may not be the best neutral choice for everyone. Retailers and designers often turn to white paint when staging a home because it makes the space feel pristine. Choosing a neutral paint color can help your home remain cohesive, especially as you add decor or colored furniture pieces. Let’s look at some concerns of white paint that aren’t discussed by homeowners or professionals that often. This blog will also share how other neutrals may be a safer option for future home designs.
Lighting Concerns
White paint is highly reflective, which means that it will create odd lighting effects around your home. While the white paint may look clean and modern, it can also make a room feel cooler than necessary. Different times of the day can alter how your paint looks as well. As the sun moves throughout the day, the shade of the paint can be altered. While you may be investing in a white paint, the color can change multiple times a day, making it difficult to curate a cohesive look.
Reflecting Surrounding Colors
Another lighting concern is that white paint will reflect other bright colors around your home. Outside trees, surrounding paint colors, or strong UV rays can change the color of your paint over time. Not only will white walls, floors, and ceilings reflect the colors throughout your home, but they could also change the color of the paint over time. While paint may be white, outside elements can change it to have colored undertones.
Few Paints Are Actually True White
All white paints are not created equal, even though all paint starts out as white, some may actually be off-white or cream when applied to your walls. There are hundreds of shades of white, all with different undertones. Cool whites, warm whites, creams, and more are all marketed as pure white paint. Unless you have a sharp eye to detect the differing shades, you may end up having clashing components.
It Feels Staged Or Artificial
A fresh coat of white paint can do wonders for an older home. Adding white paint can prep a home to sell or make it look more modern without expensive remodels. Some homebuyers don’t see the appeal of white paint because it makes the space feel too commercial. Adding white paint to your trim or walls could cause it to feel lifeless. Especially if the room is staged with other white furniture, buyers or guests to your home may feel unwelcome. Creating a room that appears full could impact the rest of the home as well.
White Now, Yellow Later
While a true white paint will look bright and visually appealing now, it can yellow over time. The sun or dirt can cause the paint to look dingy, especially if it is not maintained and cleaned. Leaving your white paint exposed to the sun, dirt, dander, and furniture can cause yellowing or color bleeding, making your home feel older than it truly is.
Other Neutral Paint Options To Choose From
There are other safe, neutral options when it comes to paint. Instead of choosing white and risking any of the mentioned negatives, you can choose a warm or cool-toned neutral that will complement other materials in your home. Other neutral colors can make it easier to decorate your home with contrasting colors and will avoid the fading that comes with white paint.
Some other common neutral colors to implement in your home include:
- Taupe
- Muted Greens
- Khaki
- Sand
- Grey
- Black
- Biege
- Champagne
- Walnut
Professional Painting From American Town Painting
While white paint may work for some, other neutral colors can last longer in a residential space. American Town Painting offers interior and exterior painting services to help improve the look and feel of your home. Our painters are passionate about each project that we complete across Utah.
In addition to painting, we also offer wallpaper installation. Having paint and wallpaper will give your home more depth and interest. No matter what project you want to complete, our professionals can help limit stress during a home remodel. Working with American Town Painting will give you peace of mind, long-lasting wall solutions, and a friend in the painting industry. Reach out to us to get a quote today!