How to choose the perfect white paint

North-facing rooms generally have weak, cool natural light, so you’ll need to compensate for this by choosing a warm white.

On the other hand, south-facing rooms usually have plenty of strong light from sunshine, so you may find it helpful to choose a cool white that balances glare.

Use this guide to help you choose:

Good natural daylight: If you’re looking to create a lively atmosphere, choose a cool white with a hint of orange or gold. If you want to evoke a relaxing ambience, then add a little bit of calm green, such as sage, into your white.

Poor natural daylight: Warm shades of yellow and gold compensate for cool light. So to make your living room feel cosy and welcoming, try using honey white or primrose white.

Good natural daylight: Calm greens and blues are perfect for encouraging a good night’s sleep. If this is your priority, choose a white with a hint of teal or moss. But for a revitalising lift to get you out of bed in the morning, pick a white with a touch of gold, such as light caramel.

Poor natural daylight: Warm mauve and lilacs are also wonderful relaxing colours. If you’re dreaming of a tranquil bedroom, choose a hue like violet white or blueberry white. But if you’d prefer a warm, sunny look throughout the day, then pick a white with tones of cream and peach.

Good natural daylight: To make the most of a small space, it’s best to choose a cool white such as pearl or almond. Or for an understated, contemporary look, pick one with a touch of green or blue, such as cool duck egg.

Poor natural daylight: If you want your room to appear larger, then choose a white that tends towards a warm blue, perhaps with a hint of purple.

Good natural daylight: To create a calming effect in a busy family kitchen, it’s best to use a white with a touch of fresh pastel green or blue. But to soothe a stressed cook, add a hint of a chalky green, such as olive, to your white.

Poor natural daylight: Lavender and mauve are contemporary and soothing at the same time. If you’re after a modern, calm look, try adding a touch of amethyst to your white.