White Out

After digging out from the Blizzard of 2013 here in Boston, I thought it appropriate to talk about white.  Ironic, I know, that with a blog on color I'm choosing one of my first posts to be about white.   However I am often asked which white paint should be used for the interior trim of one's home.  Of course there are infinite possibilities of color to paint your trim but when you are considering using white paint for a trim color it is important to recognize the different undertones as they will play a critical role in how the wall color will read.  A very common white trim color specified by consultants and painters is Benjamin Moore's "White Dove" (#OC-17).  It is a clean white that is not too yellow and not too gray so it won't throw off the true color of your walls.

 I often like to specify a high white color for older homes that have interesting moulding (such as bull's eye moulding) to make these decorative elements really pop. 

(Source Etsy.com)

A good choice for a high white is Benjamin Moore's "Super White" (#I-02) as it is a clean white that provides a wonderful and dramatic contrast to the wall color.

There are others who prefer a softer, more yellow, white such as a Benjamin Moore's "Linen White" (#912) to create an understated look to whatever woodwork they have in their home.  While this white can be more subtle be careful that it doesn't add too much yellow to the wall color. 

Clean and crisp whites, or soft whites, will all add interesting detail to your room or rooms.  So go ahead and put the white out!