Cool and Warm Whites: How Do They Change a Room's Mood?

If you have painted as many rooms as I have then you may not give much thought to this topic. But if you’re not the most visual person or are new to the rainbow of whites, it may be helpful to think more deeply about how they vary. Cool and warm whites can change a room’s mood in a dramatic or subtle manner, and there isn’t a single mood that is the right mood, only a mood that is the right one for your room and your desires. We’ll explore the qualities of whites with different temperatures and supply a host of paint color ideas for you to sample.

Hello Lovely's open floor plan with living room, dining, kitchen, and hall - painted BM OC-151. #bmwhiteoc151 #whitepaintcolors — Hello Lovely – **Benjamin Moore White OC-151** on walls, ceiling and trim. See THIS for a gallery of OC-151 interiors.

Cool and Warm Whites: How Do They Change a Room’s Mood?

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

How Does a Cool Paint Color Influence a Room’s Mood?

If you know you’re after a cool white paint color, see THIS for some great contenders.

Sherwin Williams Eider White paint color on walls of bedroom designed by Brittany York. #eiderwhite #cottagebedroom #rusticdecor — **Sherwin-Williams Eider White** – Brittany York

Psst. Eider White is a rather new to me white that we have on our kitchen and laundry room walls. Even though the swatch may look light grey, it’s an interesting color that in my lighting has a pink or mauve coming forward that I love. Even a touch of pink as an undertone can balance out a too-gray white. In a different lighting situation, it could read TOO pink. So it helps to sample!

Belgian linen slipcovered dining chairs in serene white breakfast nook with Eider White painted walls - Hello Lovely Studio. #eiderwhite #modernfrench #europeancountry #belgianlinen — **Eider White** in our breakfast nook – Hello Lovely

Cool Whites Can Impart a Relaxing Calm Mood

Cool white paint colors often are tinted with undertones of grey, blue, or green. These cool undertones are often associated with serenity, quiet, contemplation, and peacefulness.

Pure White (Sherwin Williams) bright white paint color in a beautiful modern farmhouse hall - Kate Marker. #sherwinwilliamspurewhite #paintcolors #bestwhites #interiordesign — **Sherwin-Williams Pure White** – Kate Marker

As a result, these whites are an obvious choice when you are pulling together a tranquil bedroom or bath. But don’t rule out cool whites for more rooms in a home.

Abstract seascape by Michele of Hello Lovely in a French Nordic style room (BM OC-151) with white piano and settee. — Hello Lovely – **Benjamin Moore White OC-151**

When I found the perfect cool white for my own modern rustic cottage in the woods, I used it everywhere.

Serene white decor in breakfast nook with window seat and Belgian linen upholstery - Hello Lovely Studio. #kitchendecor #breakfastnook #windowseat #frenchfarmhouse #europeancountry #belgianlinen #frenchcountry #interiordesign — Hello Lovely – **BM White OC-151**

A calm kitchen is underrated! But do think about the time of day a room will be used most often. If you only use your dining room after dark, think about whether a warmer white will be appropriate for cozy evenings.

Bathroom with shiplap painted Chantilly Lace and brass hardware - @mlr.interiors. #bmchantillylace — **BM Chantilly Lace** – @mlr.interiors

Cool Whites Can Feel Elegant and Sophisticated

Cool whites often lend an air of sophistication and reserve to an interior.

BM OC-151 in our renovated bath with modern vintage style - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmbrilliantwhite #bmoc151 #brightwhitepaintcolors — **BM OC-151** – Hello Lovely

In a similar way that elegant light blue-grays create a feeling of modern elegance, cool whites can feel atmospheric or add a touch of formality.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace white living room with blue accents and MCM furnishings - Erin Fetherston. #chantillylace #whitelivingroom — **Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace** – Erin Fetherston

Sometimes this is the vibe you’re after for a formal living room or entry.

Sherwin Williams Extra White paint on trim in gorgeous modern farmhouse entry - Chrissy Marie Blog. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #brightwhitepaint #paintcolors #whitepaint #bestwhites #interiordesign — **Sherwin-Williams Extra White** – Chrissy Marie Blog

Whites With Cool Undertones Can Feel Expansive

Cool colors tend to recede visually, and this can cause a room to appear larger. This quality of spaciousness is especially a bonus in small spaces with low ceilings where you want to create an illusion of airy expansiveness.

Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray at 66% on kitchen cabinets, SW Eider White on walls - Hello Lovely Studio. #modernfrench #paviliongray #eiderwhite — **Sherwin-Williams Eider White** on walls – Hello Lovely

Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio

1. LVP Flooring

2. Wall Paint Color

3. Calacatta Gold Marble Subway Tile

4. Gilded Iron Darlana Mini Lantern

5. 30″ Hyannis Nantucket Farm Sink

6. Perrin & Rowe Edwardian Kitchen Faucet

7. Cabinet Color (Mixed at 66%)

8. Viatera Muse Quartz Countertop

9. Swivel Adjustable Height Stools

Clean, Energizing & Refreshing

I love using a cool white to create a sense of cleanliness and freshness.

Pure White from Sherwin Williams on walls in beautiful modern farmhouse great room - Theverestplace. #whitepaint #sherwinwilliamspurewhite #paintcolors #bestwhites — **Sherwin-Williams Pure White** – @theeverestplace

No wonder so many folks love working and cooking in white kitchens. With the higher light reflectance value of these whites (LRV), a ton of light is reflected back into the space.

(Some whites don’t clearly fall on the cool or warm side. Is that why a color like BM White Dove is so wildly popular? It works across so many different lighting situations!)

BM White Dove on kitchen cabinets in a gorgeous design by @gablebuilding. #bmwhitedove #whitedovekitchen — **BM White Dove** in a kitchen by @gablebuilding

You can see what you’re doing. Hence, cool whites can work well in kitchens and bathrooms, where that hygienic environment is desirable or essential.

BM White Dove kitchen cabinets and walls in a lovely country design - photo by Lincoln Barbour. #bmwhitedove #whitecountrykitchen — **BM White Dove** – Photo: Lincoln Barbour

Versatility

Let’s face it. Cool white colors pair well with a bunch of various other colors whether they are warm or cool!

Classic Nordic French white kitchen with light grey painted floors, topiaries near window, and classic pendants (Circa Lighting) over island - Loi of Tone on Tone. #whitekitchens #toneontone #bmshoreline #bmchantillylace — Loi Thai – **BM Chantilly Lace**

You know that tired criticism we hear constantly about white paint…that it is just too safe? I find that judgment misguided.

Entrance from board and batten porch to a beautiful coastal cottage with white shiplap walls - Lisa Furey Interiors. #coastalcottage #boardandbatten #frontdoors — Lisa Furey – **BM OC-151** inside and out of this coastal cottage

There’s quite enough chaos, edginess, and uncertainty beyond my walls. Safe is not at all undesirable in my world. (And if you love color, cool whites are a blessedly neutral backdrop for colorful accents and furnishings.)

@homebymarie - Farrow & Ball All White and Green Smoke in a kitchen, #farrowandballgreensmoke #greenkitchens — @homebymarie – **Farrow & Ball All White**

Before we continue with a gallery of warm whites, could you use a little warming up? How about a bit of English countryside wintry warmth? I love this so much:

Warm Paint Colors: How They Contribute to an Interior’s Mood

Find a gallery of beautiful warm white paint color ideas in THIS.

Farrow & Ball Pointing painted sunroom - @jescharamarchitect. #pointing #whitepaintcolors — **Farrow & Ball Pointing** – @jescharamarchitect

Cozy and Inviting

To understand how warm whites create a mood different from cool ones, think about how warm colors in general feel cozier than cool colors.

(And like BM White Dove, SW Alabaster is a creamy white that straddles cool and warm and works for a ton of people so definitely put it on your list of contenders!)

Arched window seat nook with storage beneath in a beautiful French country new build home - Brit Jones. — **Sherwin-Williams Alabaster** – Brittany Jones Design

Reds, oranges, and yellows typically feel welcoming and snug, and the same dynamic is in effect when those tones are undertones in white paint colors. They turn up a room’s temperature and feel comforting in living spaces and family rooms.

SW Alabaster paint color in calm tranquil nursery with a gray painted wainscot (Austere Gray). #swalabaster #sherwinwilliamsalabaster #paintcolors — Griffith Design

Energizing

Another quality warm undertones in warm whites offer is a sense of vibrancy and energy stimulation in a room.

Beautiful living room with Sherwin Williams Shoji White paint color on walls - @whitewillow_cullman. #shojiwhite #sherwinwilliamsshojiwhite #whitepaintcolors #livingroom — **SHERWIN WILLIAMS Shoji White** paint color in living room by @whitewillow_cullman

When you want to encourage or promote socializing, warm whites support that goal. As a result, warm tones work well in gathering spots like dining rooms and kitchens.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster painted walls in a French country bedroom by Brit Jones. #tranquilbedrooms #swalabaster #paintcolors — Brit Jones Design

Intimacy and Comfort

Warm white colors are also often associated with a cocoon-ish sense of intimacy and comfort. This can be especially true in cold seasons when the colors in nature outside are cool and grey.

Benjamin Moore White Sand on walls in Belgian style living room with Michele and her black and white shihtzu - Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoorewhitesand #belgianlinen — Hello Lovely – **BM White Sand**

Entering into warmth from the elements is a wonderful contrast. Warm whites are pretty perfect for bedrooms and dens to create a snug and comforting environment.

Sherwin Williams Dover White paint color in a bedroom with design by Erin Napier. #sherwinwilliamsdoverwhite — **SW Dover White** – Erin Napier

Rich and Luxurious

Since deep warm colors, such as burgundy or deep gold, can lend a feeling of opulence and luxury to a room, whites with these undertones also suggest such richness.

White Sand (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmwhitesand #hellolovely #frenchkitchens — **Benjamin Moore White Sand** – Hello Lovely

Perhaps that is why they feel so suitable for dining rooms, foyers, and home offices. But what about kitchens? How do warm whites vary from cool whites in a kitchen?

BM Pale Oak Benjamin Moore OC-20 paint on walls in modern farmhouse kitchen with gold lanterns, subway tile, and open shelving - @americancolorks. #bmpaleoak #paleoak — @americancolorks – **BM Pale Oak**

In addition to offering contrast for brighter whites (i.e. crisp white cabinetry or trim), a warm color on kitchen walls can feel cozier and less utilitarian.

BM Collingwood on kitchen cabinets in a beautiful white kitchen with Chantilly Lace walls - design by AKBDesign. #collingwood #bmcollingwood #chantillylace — **BM Collingwood** on cabinets in a kitchen by @akbdesign

In the French country home we built years ago, a warm white on the walls made the very spacious kitchen feel sunny and warm even on the coldest days. The fact that the warm color didn’t reflect as much light back in the room as a cooler white was desirable since there was an abundance of natural light streaming into the space. In contrast, our next home featured a kitchen one third the size and very little natural light. The cool white I chose kept it feeling bright and spacious.

Farrow and Ball Hardwick White on kitchen cabinets - @joeykendallbrown. #farrowandballhardwickwhite #hardwickwhite — **Farrow & Ball Hardwick White** – @joeykendallbrown

Accentuation

Farrow & Ball Cornforth White in a library dining space - @the_salonette. #cornforthwhite — **Farrow & Ball Cornforth White** – @the_salonette

Warmth from whites with warm undertones can draw attention to specific areas or elements in a room. In this kitchen, you can see how the warm white sets off crisp white trim:

@yvestown - Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin walls in a beautiful dining room decorated with Christmas tree. #farrowandballslippersatin — @yvestown – **Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin**

Here’s an example where a warm white paint chosen for cabinetry accentuates cool marble and white subway tile.

@averyfranksdesign - Farrow & Ball Hardwick white in a kitchen with marble farm sink and subway tile. #farrowandballhardwickwhite #bespokekitchens — @averyfranksdesign – **Farrow & Ball Hardwick White**

Complementary to Cool Colors

Farrow and Ball Hardwick White in a mudroom - @westcawhome. #farrowandballhardwickwhite #hardwickwhite — **Farrow & Ball Hardwick White** – @westcawhome

Warm and cool white paint colors can work well together when used in harmony.

F&B Dimity on walls. Zoe Feldman Design - luxurious European inspired kitchen with grey marble checkered floor, Hallman range, honed marble counters, and Farrow & Ball Railings painted cabinets. #bespokekitchens — **Farrow & Ball Dimity** on walls (F&B Railing on cabinets) – Design: Zoe Feldman Design

Combining warm and cool colors in a room brings balance and adds visually interest and dimension.

Farrow & Ball Old White painted cabinets - @cariandesign. #farrowandballoldwhite — **Farrow & Ball Old White** on cabinets – @cariandesign

An important consideration is understanding how a specific shade of white and the intensity of its undertones impacts the atmosphere. When a warm white has intense yellow undertones, it may seem more yellow than white. (And yellows can be tricky to live with. Designers have known for years that you paint a guest room yellow when you don’t want them to linger!)

Farrow & Ball Wimborne White in a dining room by @home_stead. #farrowandballwimbornewhite — **F&B Wimborne White** – @home_stead

Additionally, both personal preferences, the amount of natural light in a space, and even age of the occupant should also be considered when choosing between cool and warm whites. As we age, we see more yellow. That means, a cooler white may not seem “too cool” for my old eyes even though your young eyes perceive the same white paint as blue-ish!

Farrow and Ball Stony Ground in a dining room — **F&B Stony Ground 211**

Most of the time, we’re not even aware of how colors in a given space are affecting us on subconscious levels. Once you start becoming more aware and noticing, the points I make above may become more clear. And the quickest way to learn about how warm and cool whites differ and impact a room’s mood? Sample a range of whites in a room and notice them throughout the day…it can be eye opening.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.