In interior design, white is – pardon the play on words – an evergreen. Especially on walls – although for some they are a symbol of little originality and little courage – it is a kind of “safe haven”: on the other hand, everything looks good with white and white looks good with everything. It also communicates freshness, order and cleanliness. But there is white and there is white, and it is in the details that the difference between a mundane interior design and a refined, balanced and interesting one is played out.
How many shades of white are there?
White shades are first divided into warm and cool shades:
- warm shades of white generally have red, orange and yellow bases. Among them:
- cool white shades, which instead show traces of blue, green and/or gray and are better suited to bathrooms and kitchens, include:
Finally, the lightest and brightest of the white shades is the so-called optical white, which reflects the light spectrum the most.
Paint stores
and paint shops
nearest to you
Which shades of white to choose according to the room
Warm white colors are generally best suited for walls and ceilings in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Basically, those rooms where people relax and hang out. Cool tones, on the other hand, go best in areas where the eye wants cleanliness and order, so bathrooms and kitchens. However, this is not an absolute rule: there are beautiful bathrooms in warm white tones, as well as living rooms-especially furnished in a minimal style-in which “cool” reigns. The size of the room is also important: the smaller it is, the brighter white is preferable. Another key factor is the sunlight and exposure of the room. In those facing north, it is best to avoid cool white, balancing the absence of direct sunlight with warm shades. For south-facing areas, the opposite applies.
Decorate with different shades of white
As already mentioned, the difference between a monotonous and boring environment and a refined and balanced one lies in the details. The “box” effect (when ceiling, walls, floors and furnishings have identical or similar colors) should be avoided at all costs, focusing instead on diluting large monochromatic areas and giving depth through materials, the use of different shades of white and the creation of distinct focal zones within a room. Some good strategies to adopt:
- play with materials: wood, for example, can “warm up” a room where cool white is dominant. Likewise terracotta, brick, stone, wicker, raw linen. Natural materials, however, will also enhance warm white colors. In homes with a minimal style, however, walls in warm tones can be balanced by glass and metal elements;
- use “layered” white: combining various shades of white, all warm, all cool, or both, produces very interesting and dynamic visual effects, which accompany the eye to discover the different textures and elements that make up the furniture;
- add color accents: always considering the goal of achieving overall balance, with the intent of creating focal areas that attract the eye, one can consider using color elements that go to break the monotony of white;
- focus on artificial lighting: in addition to natural light, about which we have already mentioned, it is essential to design the right lighting points, of the correct temperature, to make the room stand out. Warm LEDs will enhance warm whites; cool lights, cool whites.
The white shades of ultra-matt and metallic coatings of Rio Verde
Whatever the style – from shabby chic to minimal, from industrial to Scandinavian – for those who want to decorate with white, perhaps giving new life to old furniture, the products in Renner Italia’s Rio Verde range offer the help they need. In Vintage Prestige range of ultra-matt coatings, you can choose between Coconut (a warm white with a hint of yellow) and the neutral Milk. If desired, you can combine them with the other pastel shades in the range to obtain an almost endless palette of white colors. These are products for use indoors, water-based, free of hazardous substances and with high hiding power. They can be used to create different effects, from decapé to patina, and can be used on many materials: wood, glass, metal, plastic, fabric and small portions of wall. The same characteristics, but with a metallic effect, are provided by Golden Prestige coatings, a range that features a splendid White gold. 
