Where to white paint?

White can be assumed to be the classic fallback paint color, a failsafe default for kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. But choosing the right hue for you and your space’s needs can be shockingly difficult. With so many nuances and undertones available, white isn’t just white anymore: It’s off-white, ecru, cream, ivory...must we go on? And just like every other color, the decision requires special consideration of architectural details, finishes, and lighting.

Just ask Patrick O’Donnell, color expert and Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador, who holds that the color—or noncolor—has a calming effect in a room. “The color of purity, it is the very essence of projecting a clean and ordered environment,” O’Donnell says.

So where do you even begin to choose the perfect paint color? To help, top designers share the best shades of white and where to use them. With any luck, you’ll spend less time attempting to decipher the difference between two hues that are practically indistinguishable and spend more time enjoying your space.

Before you start to browse paint decks and swatch your walls, it’s important to take stock of your space’s qualities, like the amount and direction of light coming into your room. “If it’s a north-facing room, a clean white will feel too chilly, so consider whites that have underlying red or yellow notes through them,” O’Donnell says. On the flip side, whites with cooler undertones will help balance out the intensity of the light in a south-facing room.

Another thing to consider? How your white in question will work with the rest of your color palette. “If using whites on your trim and moldings to go with your chosen wall color, think of a white that has underlying tonal notes of your wall color,” O’Donnell adds. “For a dark green such as Green Smoke, consider a slightly dirtier white with green undertones like Old White from our traditional neutrals; this will create a softer contrast than a ‘true’ white.” And before you commit to the look, consider what other elements will be in the space—from artwork to furniture pieces to boldly patterned drapes.

Once you’ve figured out the type of white your space needs, it’s time to peruse these top, designer-approved tones.

For a tried-and-true neutral that has chameleon tendencies, you can’t go wrong with Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. “It’s one of my favorite whites because it’s warm without being too yellow,” explains Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions. “It has a very clean undertone—no green, blue, or pink hues.” Though it’ll look like a true white when solo, it’ll take on a greige tone when coupled with other hues.

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Looking for the perfect pigment for a kid’s space? White may not be the first color that comes to mind, but Benjamin Moore’s Atrium White is designed to appeal to the entire family. “If you want your home to feel really calm and relaxing, I suggest using a white that has a creamy tone to it,” designer Michelle Gerson says. “Benjamin Moore’s Atrium White has a little bit of a peach tone.”

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There’s a reason why Cool December by Dunn Edwards has been Breegan Jane’s go-to white for 10 years and counting. “[It] strikes the perfect balance and always seems to do the trick for me,” the designer shares. “Plus, it’s touch-up-friendly and works well with Magic Erasers, [which is] important for moms like myself who have active kids.” Icy and bright, this option strikes a happy medium between cool and clinical.

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White is a foolproof option for your kitchen—and the cool undertones of Moderne White by Sherwin-Williams will look squeaky clean and pure. To keep the look from going too sterile, designers and Moderne White fans Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry of Pulp Design Studios recommend pairing it with bolder hues. “We like to add a little twist to our mostly white kitchens, like with a burst of orange on a barstool or a boldly patterned backsplash,” the duo explains.

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Pair your rich, wooden finishes with Benjamin Moore’s Ivory White, a creamy white that designer Christina Kim stands behind. “Sometimes you need a creamy white, which can be tough to get right. It’s easy to veer too yellow, [which is why] I really love Benjamin Moore’s Ivory White,” she says. “This creamy white works best when you envelop the room completely and paint the trim, walls, and ceiling in it.”

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Don’t let its name fool you: Benjamin Moore’s Snowfall White will look good in any type of climate. As a crisp, icy white, this hue will perfectly reflect what’s outside. “For the perfect, crisp, icy white, we used Benjamin Moore Snowfall throughout this sky-high pied à terre,” shares Kendall Wilkinson. “When the signature San Franciscan fog rolls in, you feel like you are floating on a cloud.”

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For Joelle Smith, the key to finding the perfect white is identifying the mood you want to create. If a cozy, welcoming space is what you’re going for, Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams has you covered. Mimi Meacham of Marian Louise Designs is also a fan: “It’s the perfect fresh, warm white. It doesn’t read too creamy but still falls soft and stays crisp.” Ready to create contrast? Smith loves to pair Alabaster with Naval, which is also from Sherwin-Williams.

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According to designer Stephanie Brown, Oxford White is a reliable shade that’s super adaptable to modern and traditional spaces alike. With the slightest cool cast, think of this hue as a perfect match for bright, crisp rooms. “It reads beautifully on walls and trims,” Mona Hajj adds. “It has a crisp and soft feeling with both natural and applied light.”

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Designer Cortney Bishop swears by Farrow & Ball’s Schoolhouse White, a soft off-white that never fails to create a welcoming and comfortable home. “It’s a timeless off-white that promotes old-world warmth and is a solid foundation that marries architectural features, materials, and accent colors,” she shares.

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Looking for a shade that offers the best of both worlds? You can’t go wrong with this option from direct-to-consumer brand, Clare.“Snow Day is the perfect cool white that has just enough warmth to keep it from feeling sterile,” says Nicole Gibbons. “This is a great option for a south-facing room or for a bright white to pair with cool colors.” Buy Now

If you want to keep hidden undertones of blues, yellows, and pinks to a minimum, Pure White by Sherwin-Williams is designed to deliver. “[It's] an elegant white, which grounds the space and creates a nice neutral background to allow your furniture to shine,” designer Eileen Keshishian shares.

Best of all? This fail-safe white can be used just about anywhere. “It has a brightness that’s soft and welcoming,” designer Joy Williams shares. “It looks great on trim in any setting—indoors and out—without being too harsh. I’ve used it on kitchen cabinets, and it makes them look clean and welcoming but not sterile like some whites.”

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There’s a reason why Benjamin Moore’'s White Dove is a crowd-pleaser among the design community. Simply put, this warm white looks good virtually everywhere. “White Dove has a creamy undertone that brings a lovely warmth to homes in urban environments or those in climates that often experience gray and overcast skies,” Emilie Munroe explains. “Meanwhile, in more traditional settings, White Dove reads as a crisp white without being too cold or modern.”

Other fans include Christine Markatos, Kari Whitman, Bria Hammel, and Maria Viola-Kuttruff of Viola Interior Design.

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The reason everyone love Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is...well, quite simple. “Benjamin Moore Simply White is always a crowd-pleaser,” insists Kristen Peña. “It’s a warm but true white that looks both crisp and cozy in every space.” Since this true white has the slightest warm tinge, it can look great in a breadth of spaces. Victoria Hagan loves Simply White in kitchens, while Meridith Baer prefers it in darker rooms with little-to-no natural sunlight. Or, if you want to double down on the simplicity, Chauncey Boothby applies it on both the walls and trim to create “the feel of a warm, sun-splashed room.”Buy Now

According to Nicole Green, Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore is the most universal paint color—and rightfully so. “I find myself going back to it again and again in order to create a bright white space that is warm and welcoming rather than sterile and cold,” she shares. “In a sea of whites, this is my tried and true!”

With a subtle, cool gray base, this is a clean, pure white that offers the perfect blank canvas. In fact, designer Rosa Beltran used this shade in every room of her Spanish Modern home in Los Angeles.

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Depending on the environment, Sherwin Williams’s Extra White can read a bit blue in cooler lighting. However, if you’re looking for a pristine white that feels so fresh and so clean, it can’t be beat. “This color is crisp and clean but not too stark,” says Robin Strickler. “It complements all different interiors.” Buy Now

Designer Janie Molster is having “a love affair” with Benjamin Moore’s Dune White, which has muted, grayish-green undertones. “I veer away from whites that are too clear and absent of pigment,” she shares. “I like the knocked-down elements of Dune White. It’s a warm, flattering color inside and outside. I tell my clients it’s a true white with the dimmer switch dialed down.” Buy Now

Want to brighten your space? Designer Tali Roth relies on the sightly cool Super White. “It’s too cool for some people’s preferences,” she explains. “For me, it’s spot on!” Jon Call agrees, noting that its cool nature reminds him of the walls at the Gagosian Gallery. “What I love about this color is that it makes your furnishings stand out like a piece of art,” he says.

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Not only does Benjamin Moore’s Calm have a warm gray undertones—giving it a warm, inviting flair—but it can also adapt to its surroundings with ease. “Calm is particularly responsive to changes in lighting, whether natural or artificial,” shares Allison Babcock. “It’s extremely versatile no matter what style, color scheme, or room you are working with.”

But, where to put down a fresh coat of Calm? Dayna Dabek recommends your personal quarters. “What could be more appropriate in one’s bedroom retreat than the feeling of calm, promoting quiet, reflective, and relaxing moments?” Buy Now

“The biggest challenge with white paint is when it leans gray or blue or yellow and skews the look you were going for,” explains Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at Modsy. That’s exactly why she’s so fond of Farrow & Ball’s All White, which is categorized as a pure white.

“It’s like a good friend,” Brad Ford adds.” Easy to be around, dependable, and it makes you and all the things around you look terrific. It stays consistent in any light, but in the afternoon, it can really make a room feel like it’s glowing.” Buy Now

With a touch of yellow, C2 Cotton is a soft white that will emphasize your home’s charming architectural features. “It’s the perfect backdrop to enhance wood, and I especially love it in bedrooms,” Elizabeth Martin shares. “It makes skin sparkle.”

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If you can’t resist a pure white, Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White hits that sweet spot between cool and modern. “Nothing beats a clean, crisp white wall, and my go-to is Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White,” Ohara Davies-Gaetano explains. “It’s crisp and slightly cool, making it the perfect backdrop to pop other colors used within a room.”

While Decorator’s White is a great fit for any room that requires a bright, clean hue Jeff Andrews shares that he specifically uses this shade for ceilings and woodwork.Buy Now

On the hunt for the perfect white paint for your kitchen or bathroom? Katie Ridder is a big fan of Paper White, which has the perfect dose of gray undertones. “It melds the grays of Carrara marble and the stark white of sinks and toilets,” she says. That way, this fresh coat of paint will set your luxurious stones do all of the talking.Buy Now

If a warm ivory is what you’re going for, consider Farrow & Ball’s Pointing, which Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects says is reminiscent of “an old piece of parchment paper”—in the best way, of course. “I am drawn to colors that are what I call noncolors, such as Farrow & Ball’s Pointing,” she shares. “A sunny day can intensify the hue even more, bringing a great glow to a space.”

Tilton Fenwick’s Anne Maxwell Foster and Suysel dePedro Cunningham also love the tint because it can look at home in both a sun-drenched farmhouse or one-windowed city bedroom. “This is the perfect ivory for almost every setting—not too bright and not too creamy,” the duo shares. “We’re all about striking that balance.”Buy Now

Though Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White has a touch of yellow, designer Amy Sklar insists it’s not too warm. “It has just a hair of yellow, but does not read too warm,” she shares. “It really just feels like a perfect, clean white. Because of the depth of Farrow & Ball’s formulas, it has a certain richness to it. It’s the white I tend to favor for more traditional interiors.”

Want to give your white paint some extra pizzazz? Suzanne Kasler recommends using this shade in high-gloss to achieve “a very chic and modern look without using a real lacquer.”Buy Now

Classic and creamy, Swiss Coffee is the perfect warm white that doesn’t have too strong yellow or pink undertones. “There should be one cozy room, such as the living room, in every home,” says Trip Haenisch. “In this type of space, I like to use white paint as the backdrop for an amazing collection of art, which brings a pop of color.” Buy Now

We admit, designer Joe Nahem gave us the tip-off on this one. And we were taking detailed notes. In the primary bedroom of the ELLE DECOR Penthouse, he used both Strong White and Skimming Stone (below), which together achieved an effortlessly cohesive scheme. The light gray undertones of this cool white work well in modern architectural spaces, exuding a satisfying sense of spaciousness.

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While this hue pairs handsomely with the aforementioned white, it stands well enough on its own too. This stony off-white takes its name from a 19th-century skim, or plaster color, but also calls to mind lazy childhood afternoons skipping stones. Its subtle, warm light gray undertones prove to emit a cocooning effect, making it ideal for bedroom schemes. While it’s considered one of Farrow & Ball’s Contemporary Neutrals, it’s very versatile and can be paired with the lighter Strong White (above) and darker Elephant’s Breath for a clean and contemporary look, but it can also be used in a darker statement scheme alongside Pelt or London Clay.

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If a paint color could have a personality, this one would be very easygoing. “White-ish and cool-ish, White 02 is spot on when you don’t want to commit to a white that’s too stark,” the website description reads. It’s an off-white, gray-tinted hue that has a crisp and paperlike matte finish. Like many matte hues, White 02 works well in minimalistic color schemes that shine with just the right dimensional finish.

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Another Lick signature, White 03 Matt is a soft, creamy white that is elevated with yellow undertones for a cheery neutral. The website description says it was “designed to soak up rays of sun before reflecting them back into the room so it feels lighter and brighter.” If you live in a location devoid of year-round sun rays, this is the uplifting paint color for you.

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Lime paint’s thicker mineral consistency—made with lime and powdered marble—makes for a subtly pleasing texture that complements both traditional and modern settings. When combined with water, Vasari’s Natural White lime paint creates the trending lime wash look in a light and bright, classic, no-frills white hue that is a true, bright white paint.

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From whites with cool and warm undertones, to picking a shade that works with the light levels and the other colors present in the rest of the room, there is a range of different factors to consider before you start decorating with white.

So, we have spoken with a collection of paint experts who have shared their advice on how you can choose the best white paint for your white room ideas.

White is one of the most timeless and popular colors to use for paint ideas in interior design, and judging exactly the right shade that you need requires careful consideration, so our paint experts are on hand to help you with your journey to find the best white paint for your home.

Joa Studholme, color curator at Farrow & Ball (opens in new tab) shares her expertise on the nuances of sourcing the right white paint shade, with Farrow & Ball white paints in mind.

‘Choose your white depending on whether you want a subtle, muted feel or a fresh, graphic scheme. The best way to "read" a white is by putting a pure white like magical All White (opens in new tab) behind it so you see the underlying color. It is impossible to judge the color bias without this contrast.

'White can indeed be dramatic if it is used in a very single-minded way on both walls and woodwork or if it is contrasted with a really dark tone like Railings (opens in new tab). White full gloss on walls or ceilings creates a really strong statement that is right on trend.

'The cooler whites like Wevet (opens in new tab), Blackened (opens in new tab), and Strong White (opens in new tab) pack more of a punch than the warmer tones which are designed to soften spaces. Red- and yellow-based whites like Dimity (opens in new tab) and White Tie (opens in new tab) are always deemed to be gentler and pretty, so are often popular in bedrooms, while simple Pointing (opens in new tab) and Wimborne White (opens in new tab) never fail in kitchens, which most people want to be the lightest space in their house.’

‘The wrong white can look stark, drab or can have undertones that simply don't work with your chosen wall color,’ says Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab). ‘It’s also important to understand how the appearance of colors tends to shift throughout the day with the changing tones in natural daylight, as well as with different artificial light sources.

White paint colors are especially prone to taking on different tonalities from morning to evening. Be sure to test your color before taking the plunge. Our US pint-size tester pots are deliberately large – it means you can paint a large area out on several walls (or on some lining paper) and check the color at different times of day, in different weather conditions and with your particular artificial lighting, too.

Choosing a warmer hue works particularly well in a dark shaded space, thanks to the pink undertones, especially when layered with natural colors and textures in throws, pillows and fabrics. In rooms with a lot of natural light, any underlying warm tones in white paint - like yellow, red, or brown - will be amplified to create a creating a soft, calming feel.'

Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux (opens in new tab) shares her expert advice; ‘white is one of the most popular colors in the world and so it’s no wonder there are so many to choose from. The simplest white of all is just called White and you can buy it at all DIY stores. If you want your simple white crisp and zingy, opt for Pure Brilliant White (opens in new tab) or Absolute White (opens in new tab).

'The best advice on finding the perfect white is to remember that the same white will look different in other rooms and so you may have to choose more than one if you want white throughout your home.’

‘There are no rules when it comes to white paint,’ counters Jane Ryder, European marketing director at Valspar (opens in new tab). ‘White is an incredibly versatile color, perfect for any room – you can pair it with literally any other color for a fresh but striking aesthetic.

'When you think of white paint you probably think of a brilliant, bright shade, but the truth is there are so many different hues that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

'For lighter, south-facing rooms, cooler white hues such as Fresh Beginning (opens in new tab) and Spring Respite (opens in new tab) are perfect to reflect the sunlit environment and enhance an airy feel. Alternatively, soft whites with hints of pink and gold like our shade Milk and Honey (opens in new tab) are brilliant for adding warmth, and depth and opening up smaller rooms, particularly in white bedrooms. For larger spaces, I’d recommend opting for a neutral white like Seven Sisters (opens in new tab) to help to lift the space without making it feel too sterile.’

Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene (opens in new tab) advises, 'when selecting a white shade, firstly, consider the undertones within the color as this may not be immediately obvious and yet will have an impact on the overall finish.

A blue-based white will make a room feel brighter and cooler, a brown-based white or a white with a hint of yellow will bring warmth and coziness to a space, a green-based white will bring a fresh feel to a room and an off-white will provide a more subtle, muted tone.'

Andy Greenhall, head of design at Paint & Paper Library (opens in new tab) says, 'always take into account other colors you will be using within the room and of course existing tones, you can then choose a complementary white.

For example, if you are looking for a warm scheme to sit in a room with existing pinks and dark woods then a white with a pink, and red oxide base will be most suitable. If the room has natural materials such as oak floors or sisal, then a warm white would be most appropriate. If a room has concrete floors, a warmer white also will ensure the room does not feel too harsh.'

Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams (opens in new tab) also supports this and says, ‘if your accessories are on the warm side of the spectrum, choose a white with warm undertones like creamy buttery or beige shades.

'White paints also work well with other neutrals. Cool whites have blue or gray overtones and pair well with shades like blue, gray and violet. Pure whites have little to no undertones meaning they can work well with all colors but are usually reserved for trims, doors, shelves and other architectural elements.’

To decide what kind of white you should paint your walls, first you need to ask yourself the following questions:

The best white paint for walls depends very much on how much natural light your room gets, the tone of the natural light (warm or cool), and the other colors you will be introducing into the room.

It also depends on the effect you want to create when you paint a wall, for example, warm whites will make a space feel cozier than cooler whites which look more formal.

From whites with cool and warm undertones, to picking a shade that works with the light levels and the other colors present in the rest of the room, there is a range of different factors to consider before you start decorating with white.

So, we have spoken with a collection of paint experts who have shared their advice on how you can choose the best white paint for your white room ideas.

White is one of the most timeless and popular colors to use for paint ideas in interior design, and judging exactly the right shade that you need requires careful consideration, so our paint experts are on hand to help you with your journey to find the best white paint for your home.

Joa Studholme, color curator at Farrow & Ball (opens in new tab) shares her expertise on the nuances of sourcing the right white paint shade, with Farrow & Ball white paints in mind.

‘Choose your white depending on whether you want a subtle, muted feel or a fresh, graphic scheme. The best way to "read" a white is by putting a pure white like magical All White (opens in new tab) behind it so you see the underlying color. It is impossible to judge the color bias without this contrast.

'White can indeed be dramatic if it is used in a very single-minded way on both walls and woodwork or if it is contrasted with a really dark tone like Railings (opens in new tab). White full gloss on walls or ceilings creates a really strong statement that is right on trend.

'The cooler whites like Wevet (opens in new tab), Blackened (opens in new tab), and Strong White (opens in new tab) pack more of a punch than the warmer tones which are designed to soften spaces. Red- and yellow-based whites like Dimity (opens in new tab) and White Tie (opens in new tab) are always deemed to be gentler and pretty, so are often popular in bedrooms, while simple Pointing (opens in new tab) and Wimborne White (opens in new tab) never fail in kitchens, which most people want to be the lightest space in their house.’

‘The wrong white can look stark, drab or can have undertones that simply don't work with your chosen wall color,’ says Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab). ‘It’s also important to understand how the appearance of colors tends to shift throughout the day with the changing tones in natural daylight, as well as with different artificial light sources.

White paint colors are especially prone to taking on different tonalities from morning to evening. Be sure to test your color before taking the plunge. Our US pint-size tester pots are deliberately large – it means you can paint a large area out on several walls (or on some lining paper) and check the color at different times of day, in different weather conditions and with your particular artificial lighting, too.

Choosing a warmer hue works particularly well in a dark shaded space, thanks to the pink undertones, especially when layered with natural colors and textures in throws, pillows and fabrics. In rooms with a lot of natural light, any underlying warm tones in white paint - like yellow, red, or brown - will be amplified to create a creating a soft, calming feel.'

Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux (opens in new tab) shares her expert advice; ‘white is one of the most popular colors in the world and so it’s no wonder there are so many to choose from. The simplest white of all is just called White and you can buy it at all DIY stores. If you want your simple white crisp and zingy, opt for Pure Brilliant White (opens in new tab) or Absolute White (opens in new tab).

'The best advice on finding the perfect white is to remember that the same white will look different in other rooms and so you may have to choose more than one if you want white throughout your home.’

‘There are no rules when it comes to white paint,’ counters Jane Ryder, European marketing director at Valspar (opens in new tab). ‘White is an incredibly versatile color, perfect for any room – you can pair it with literally any other color for a fresh but striking aesthetic.

'When you think of white paint you probably think of a brilliant, bright shade, but the truth is there are so many different hues that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

'For lighter, south-facing rooms, cooler white hues such as Fresh Beginning (opens in new tab) and Spring Respite (opens in new tab) are perfect to reflect the sunlit environment and enhance an airy feel. Alternatively, soft whites with hints of pink and gold like our shade Milk and Honey (opens in new tab) are brilliant for adding warmth, and depth and opening up smaller rooms, particularly in white bedrooms. For larger spaces, I’d recommend opting for a neutral white like Seven Sisters (opens in new tab) to help to lift the space without making it feel too sterile.’

Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene (opens in new tab) advises, 'when selecting a white shade, firstly, consider the undertones within the color as this may not be immediately obvious and yet will have an impact on the overall finish.

A blue-based white will make a room feel brighter and cooler, a brown-based white or a white with a hint of yellow will bring warmth and coziness to a space, a green-based white will bring a fresh feel to a room and an off-white will provide a more subtle, muted tone.'

Andy Greenhall, head of design at Paint & Paper Library (opens in new tab) says, 'always take into account other colors you will be using within the room and of course existing tones, you can then choose a complementary white.

For example, if you are looking for a warm scheme to sit in a room with existing pinks and dark woods then a white with a pink, and red oxide base will be most suitable. If the room has natural materials such as oak floors or sisal, then a warm white would be most appropriate. If a room has concrete floors, a warmer white also will ensure the room does not feel too harsh.'

Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams (opens in new tab) also supports this and says, ‘if your accessories are on the warm side of the spectrum, choose a white with warm undertones like creamy buttery or beige shades.

'White paints also work well with other neutrals. Cool whites have blue or gray overtones and pair well with shades like blue, gray and violet. Pure whites have little to no undertones meaning they can work well with all colors but are usually reserved for trims, doors, shelves and other architectural elements.’

To decide what kind of white you should paint your walls, first you need to ask yourself the following questions:

White paint, perhaps more than any other color, can set the tone for a space’s design direction with subtlety. Together with lighting, accents, furniture, and artwork, it can make a space read as anything from charming and cozy to brilliantly minimalist.

Of course, things can get complicated when it comes to sifting through tones, tints, and dozens of chips to find “the one.” Keep reading for the do’s and don’ts of working with white paint, and what you need to know before popping open a can at home.

Don’t: Be afraid to talk to the person behind the counter at the paint or hardware store

“I like to start off with a simple but important question: Are you after a true white or are you after an off-white?” says Kesselman, who counsels visitors and design clients at INCOLOUR, his New York City color showroom where he stocks paints from Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball (including Martin Kesselman White, a true white he developed with the British paint company). Not sure which is which? An off-white will have a visible undertone, whether it’s gray, yellow, pink, or blue, while a true white will have none.

The one caveat with a true white, crisp and clean as it may seem, is that it’s entirely unforgiving if your walls have any imperfections, according to Mikel Welch, interior designer and HGTV star. “Having [the store] add some tint to your paint so that it’s not stark white will help you hide those blemishes,” he explains. An expert can help make sure you get what you’re really looking for.

Do: Sample your options at home on the walls you’ll be painting

If you like how a shade of white looks on a color card at the store or in a photo in a catalog, that can be a great starting point. But “you need to sample the color on the wall,” Welch insists. “The biggest thing is to look at it in the daylight and in the evening because the tones of the color are going to be different in direct sunlight compared to at dusk. Those little paint chips that they give you at the store are not going to cut it.”

Shops that sell paints should also be able to sell you a sample pot—that is, a six- to eight-ounce tester of the actual color you’re considering. From there, you can take it home and paint it onto anything from construction paper to Bristol paper to hard panels of painter’s canvas.