You've finally committed to that renovation. The builder's lined up, the Pinterest board is overflowing, and now comes the fun part: choosing paint colours. Easy, right? You want white. How hard can it be?
Turns out, incredibly hard. Walk into any Bunnings and you'll find yourself staring at what seems like 47 different shades of white. Antique White. Natural White. Vivid White. White on White. It's enough to make anyone grab the nearest tin and hope for the best.
Don't do that. Here's how to nail it the first time.
White isn't just white. Every single white paint has an undertone, which is the subtle hint of colour lurking beneath the surface. Some lean yellow or creamy (warm), others lean blue or grey (cool), and a rare few are genuinely neutral.
The problem? These undertones only reveal themselves once the paint hits your wall, especially when the sun streams through your windows. That "perfect crisp white" from the colour chart can suddenly look dingy beige at 3pm, or icy blue under your LED downlights.
Most Australian homes get intense, brilliant light, but the quality varies dramatically depending on which way your rooms face.
North-facing rooms cop warm, golden sunlight all day. These spaces can handle cooler whites without feeling sterile. Think soft greys or whites with a hint of blue.
South-facing rooms get cooler, softer light with less direct sun. Go warmer here with whites that have yellow, cream, or even slight pink undertones. Otherwise, you'll end up with a room that feels cold and unwelcoming.
East and west-facing rooms are trickier. The light changes dramatically from morning to afternoon. Test your paint samples at different times of day before committing.
Don't forget about artificial lighting. Most homes now have LED downlights, which cast a cooler light than old incandescent bulbs. Your white needs to work under both natural sunlight and evening lighting.
Before you even look at paint charts, walk through your space and note what's staying:
Your white needs to complement these elements, not fight them. A warm white looks gorgeous with timber and cream stone but can look yellow and grimy against cool grey tiles.
What feeling are you after?
Warm whites (creamy, with yellow or beige undertones) create cosy, inviting spaces. They're brilliant for living rooms, bedrooms, and traditional homes. They soften harsh sunlight and work beautifully with timber and natural materials.
Cool whites (with grey, blue, or green undertones) feel crisp, clean, and contemporary. Perfect for modern homes, bathrooms, and spaces with lots of concrete or stone. They can feel a bit stark in rooms without much natural light.
Here's where most people go wrong. They grab a tiny paint chip, hold it up to the wall for three seconds, and make a decision. Don't be that person.
Get sample pots. Bunnings sells testers for around $10. Buy at least three whites you're considering.
Paint proper swatches. Not tiny patches. Paint large sections (at least A2 size) on different walls in the room. Paint goes on darker when wet and lightens as it dries, so you need to see the true colour.
Live with them for a few days. Check them in morning light, afternoon light, and under your evening lights. See how they look next to your furniture, floors, and benchtops.
Paint them next to your trim. This is crucial. If your architraves and skirting boards are staying, paint your sample right up against them. You'll instantly see if they clash.
While every space is different, these tend to work reliably in Aussie homes:
Dulux Lexicon Quarter is probably the most popular white in Australia for good reason. It's a soft, warm white that works in most spaces without looking yellow. Great starting point.
Dulux Natural White is slightly creamier and warmer. Beautiful in living spaces and bedrooms, especially with timber floors.
Taubmans White on White leans cooler and crisper. Works well in modern homes with lots of concrete or grey tones.
Dulux Vivid White is bright and clean with minimal undertones. Can feel stark, but perfect for trim and ceilings when you want high contrast.
Haymes Shoji White is a lovely soft white with just a whisper of warmth. Great for coastal homes.
Don't forget to choose your finish:
Low sheen or matt hides imperfections and looks sophisticated, but marks easily. Popular for bedrooms and living areas.
Satin or semi-gloss is more durable and wipeable. Better for high-traffic areas, hallways, and kids' rooms.
Gloss is typically reserved for trim, doors, and cabinetry.
In Australian climates where dust and dirt are constant battles, going one level glossier than you think can make maintenance easier.
Ceilings are different. Most people paint ceilings a brighter, cooler white than their walls. It makes rooms feel taller and lighter.
White doesn't mean boring. Even subtle differences between whites create depth and interest.
Trust the process. Yes, buying sample pots and painting swatches feels tedious when you just want to get on with the renovation. But spending $50 and a few hours now beats dropping $2,000 to repaint everything in three months when you hate it.
When in doubt, go warmer. In Australian light, cool whites can feel harsh. Warmer whites tend to be more forgiving.
Picking white paint isn't about finding the "best" white. It's about finding the right white for your specific space, light, and style. Take your time, test properly, and you'll get it right the first time.
