White As An Example

There are hundreds of shades of white, each with subtle undertones that affect how they appear in different lighting. Some are warm (with yellow, red, or beige undertones), while others are cool (with blue, grey, or green undertones). Here are some common variations:

Traditional Whites

1. Pure White – A true, neutral white with no undertones.
2. Snow White – A very bright, crisp white.
3. Ivory – A soft, slightly warm white with a hint of cream.
4. Eggshell – A gentle off-white with a warm tone.
5. Cream – A warm white with yellow undertones.

Cool Whites

6. Frost White – A bright, icy white with blue undertones.
7. Polar White – A cool, clean white with hints of grey.
8. Pearl White – A delicate white with a subtle iridescent sheen.
9. Alabaster – A soft, cool white with a touch of grey.
10. Chalk White – A slightly muted white with cool, powdery tones.

Warm Whites

11. Antique White – A creamy white with a vintage feel.
12. Linen White – A warm white with beige or taupe undertones.
13. Vanilla White – A soft white with a buttery hue.
14. Champagne White – A warm, golden-toned white.
15. Porcelain White – A refined, subtly warm off-white.

Designer & Branded Whites

Paint companies and designers create their own shades of white, such as:

• Benjamin Moore’s "Simply White" (warm and slightly creamy)
• Dulux "Lexicon Quarter" (a crisp, cool white)
• Farrow & Ball "All White" (pure white, no undertones)
• Sherwin-Williams "Extra White" (a clean, bright white)

For wall colours, choosing the right white depends on the lighting, space, and desired ambience. Here’s a breakdown of the best white shades for different settings:

1. Crisp, Clean Whites (Modern & Bright)

Great for contemporary spaces, small rooms, or areas with lots of natural light.

• Dulux – Lexicon Quarter (cool, blue-grey undertones)
• Dulux – Vivid White (pure, bright white)
• Farrow & Ball – All White (a true neutral white)
• Benjamin Moore – Chantilly Lace (crisp, with slight warmth)
• Sherwin-Williams – Extra White (a clean, gallery-like white)

2. Warm Whites (Cosy & Inviting)

Ideal for traditional or relaxed interiors, or spaces with lower natural light.

• Dulux – Natural White (soft warmth, works in most spaces)
• Dulux – Whisper White (slightly creamy but not too yellow)
• Farrow & Ball – Pointing (classic warm white with a vintage feel)
• Benjamin Moore – Simply White (subtle warmth, versatile)
• Sherwin-Williams – Alabaster (soft, creamy warmth without looking yellow)

3. Soft Greige & Off-Whites (Elegant & Subtle)

These whites have grey or beige undertones, making them perfect for a sophisticated, muted look.

• Dulux – White Exchange Half (soft greige with warmth)
• Dulux – Terrace White (light, fresh white with grey undertones)
• Farrow & Ball – Wimborne White (off-white with warmth)
• Benjamin Moore – White Dove (neutral, with a hint of softness)
• Sherwin-Williams – Snowbound (a slightly grey-toned white)

4. Whites for Coastal or Scandinavian Style

For a light, airy feel, go for these fresh whites:

• Dulux – Casper White Quarter (muted, slightly cool)
• Dulux – Lexicon Half (clean, light with a hint of grey)
• Farrow & Ball – Strong White (modern, neutral off-white)
• Benjamin Moore – Decorator’s White (soft, cool white)

Tips for Choosing the Right White for Your Walls

✅ Consider lighting – Cool whites work well in bright, sunlit spaces, while warm whites suit dim or south-facing rooms.
✅ Check undertones – Whites can lean warm (yellow/beige) or cool (blue/grey). Match undertones to your flooring and furnishings.
✅ Test samples – Paint swatches on different walls and observe them at different times of the day.

Dulux offers a diverse range of white shades in their colour palette. While the exact number can vary by region and over time, their UK website currently lists 558 shades under the "White" category. However, this number may include variations and near-whites. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to visit the official Dulux website or contact a local Dulux retailer.​

The Infinite Spectrum of Colour

Just as white comes in hundreds of subtle variations, every other colour follows the same principle. From blues with hints of green or grey to warm and cool variations of beige, no two shades are truly alike. Colours are influenced by undertones, lighting, and surrounding décor, which means a soft sage green in one space might look more muted or vibrant in another. This is why choosing the right hue isn’t just about picking a colour name—it’s about understanding how it interacts with its environment.

Choosing the Perfect Shade for Your Space

Dulux, like many paint brands, offers an extensive palette for every colour family, ensuring that there’s a perfect shade for every home. Whether you’re drawn to deep charcoals, warm terracottas, or dusty pinks, each colour has a spectrum of variations that can dramatically alter the mood of a space. Just as we take care in selecting the right white, the same attention should be given to any colour, ensuring harmony with lighting, textures, and furnishings.

Why We Use Hex Codes for Colour Accuracy

At Mahlia Interiors, we recommend using the hex colour code system to communicate colours accurately, especially when working with clients, suppliers, and digital designs. Unlike traditional paint names, which can vary between brands, hex codes provide a precise, universal reference that ensures consistency across different mediums. Whether selecting a paint colour, coordinating fabrics, or designing digital mood boards, a hex code eliminates guesswork and helps maintain a cohesive colour scheme. By using this system, we can ensure that the perfect shade—whether it’s a crisp white, a soft greige, or a deep navy—translates seamlessly from screen to reality.

Find and Match Your Ideal Colour

You can explore the hex colour code system here:
? Color-Hex

To start, click anywhere in the colour range to find a shade you like. Then, click "Get Info" and scroll down to see variations, or adjust the shade by clicking inside the coloured square.

For an exact match, try a Colour Matcher tool like:
? Image Color Picker – Upload an image or select a colour from an existing design.

Need Help Selecting the Perfect Shade?

We love talking interiors and would be delighted to assist! Whether you're refining a colour palette or searching for the ideal tone, feel free to reach out anytime. ?