Decorating
10 Reasons to Opt for White Walls in Your Home
White walls are a failsafe way to bring light into any scheme, but there are so many more reasons to embrace this crispest of colours
White paint can be a surprisingly divisive issue. Those who hate it consider it too sterile and hospital-like or too boring and impersonal. Those who love it would probably paint everything white given half a chance, and they’re constantly in search of that elusive ‘perfect’ shade. White is popping up all over the design world, from fashion to interiors to objects. No matter which camp you fall into – or even if you’re somewhere in-between – here are 10 reasons to give white walls a chance.
White lets you experiment with colour
Love eclectic textiles, colourful cushions and vibrant rugs? White walls give you the freedom to pile on the colour and pattern and change things as often as you like without repainting. This can be especially helpful in rooms that are updated relatively often, like the bedroom and living room. Toss on any bedding or cushion you like, and it will always go with white.
Love eclectic textiles, colourful cushions and vibrant rugs? White walls give you the freedom to pile on the colour and pattern and change things as often as you like without repainting. This can be especially helpful in rooms that are updated relatively often, like the bedroom and living room. Toss on any bedding or cushion you like, and it will always go with white.
White is ideal for displaying art and collections
There’s a reason white is the most popular colour in art museums and galleries the world over; it lets the work take centre stage. Whether you have a special piece of original art you want to highlight, an eclectic grouping or a collection of pottery, white walls put the focus on your fabulous finds.
There’s a reason white is the most popular colour in art museums and galleries the world over; it lets the work take centre stage. Whether you have a special piece of original art you want to highlight, an eclectic grouping or a collection of pottery, white walls put the focus on your fabulous finds.
White is foolproof in an open-plan space
When multiple rooms of a home are visible at once, the use of one wall colour throughout helps the space feel more serene. White is a great option because it goes with everything, and it makes compact spaces feel larger.
When multiple rooms of a home are visible at once, the use of one wall colour throughout helps the space feel more serene. White is a great option because it goes with everything, and it makes compact spaces feel larger.
White is classic
White is elegant, tasteful and always in style. It glows by candlelight and looks splendid with antiques and original wood trim. Unlike trend colours, a room painted white will never feel dated. If you’re looking for a paint colour that will last, you can’t go wrong with classic white.
White is elegant, tasteful and always in style. It glows by candlelight and looks splendid with antiques and original wood trim. Unlike trend colours, a room painted white will never feel dated. If you’re looking for a paint colour that will last, you can’t go wrong with classic white.
White works equally well in summer and winter
White walls look carefree in summer with seagrass rugs and bright accents, while in winter, the same walls take on the look of a field of snow when paired with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. Other hues have their own charms, but none are quite as flexible as white.
White walls look carefree in summer with seagrass rugs and bright accents, while in winter, the same walls take on the look of a field of snow when paired with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. Other hues have their own charms, but none are quite as flexible as white.
White is clean and simple
There are enough complications in life – why not make your wall colour an easy choice? White paint makes any room look crisp and fresh and, unlike a white sofa or white carpet, it’s easy to keep clean.
Tour a light-filled semi-detached London home
There are enough complications in life – why not make your wall colour an easy choice? White paint makes any room look crisp and fresh and, unlike a white sofa or white carpet, it’s easy to keep clean.
Tour a light-filled semi-detached London home
White works for minimalists and maximalists
Clean, crisp white is a go-to colour for minimalists, for obvious reasons, but it can work just as well for those who prefer a warm, cosy, collected style. A coat of white paint on the walls gives the eye a place to rest when there are multiple layers of accessories and textiles, making the overall vibe of the space feel fresh rather than cluttered.
See 11 lessons minimalists can teach the untidy
Clean, crisp white is a go-to colour for minimalists, for obvious reasons, but it can work just as well for those who prefer a warm, cosy, collected style. A coat of white paint on the walls gives the eye a place to rest when there are multiple layers of accessories and textiles, making the overall vibe of the space feel fresh rather than cluttered.
See 11 lessons minimalists can teach the untidy
White is relaxing
With so much visual ‘noise’ out there, coming home to a deliciously simple white room can be a joy. Unwind and relax in a white bedroom with simple, natural-fibre linens in soft, pale hues for the ultimate in comfort.
With so much visual ‘noise’ out there, coming home to a deliciously simple white room can be a joy. Unwind and relax in a white bedroom with simple, natural-fibre linens in soft, pale hues for the ultimate in comfort.
White plays up architecture
Architects tend to prefer white interiors because the lack of colour leaves the focus on the lines of the structure itself. If you have a space with wonderful bones, highlight that fact by painting the walls a crisp white, and keep the window treatments minimal.
TELL US…
Where do you stand on white walls? Love them? Hate them? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Architects tend to prefer white interiors because the lack of colour leaves the focus on the lines of the structure itself. If you have a space with wonderful bones, highlight that fact by painting the walls a crisp white, and keep the window treatments minimal.
TELL US…
Where do you stand on white walls? Love them? Hate them? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Like an empty page, a blank canvas or a dance studio before class begins, white walls become the backdrop for whatever you want to create. Try painting the walls crisp white in your craft space, home office or anywhere you want to encourage creativity.