That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
Choosing the Right Shade of White for Your Home in 2025: What Tulsa Homeowners Need to Know!
“White is not just a color. It’s a mood. A mindset. A blank canvas waiting to come alive.”
White walls might seem simple, but picking the right shade of white? Now that’s an art form! There are hundreds of shades—each with its own feeling, glow, and vibe. From cozy and creamy to crisp and clean, the right white can totally transform your space.
And get this—according to interior designers, white is still the most popular paint color across the U.S. But guess what? Most people regret their first pick because they didn’t realize just how many whites are out there. That’s where we come in.
At That 1 Painter Tulsa, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Green Country pick the perfect white for their homes. Let’s break it all down so you can choose the best shade without the stress!
Why White Isn’t Just White Anymore
If you’ve ever stared at a wall of white swatches in a paint store, you know the truth: no two whites are the same.
- Undertones Make a Big Difference
Some whites have a touch of yellow or beige. Others lean blue, pink, or gray. These subtle hues—called undertones—can completely change how a room feels.
- The Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
LRV measures how much light a color reflects. High LRV whites (like 85+) bounce light around and make rooms feel bigger. Lower LRVs feel cozier and more grounded.
- White Is a Mood-Setter
Cool whites feel crisp, clean, and modern. Warm whites feel soft, inviting, and relaxed. Which one you choose says a lot about the feeling you want in your home.
- It Changes with the Day
That creamy white you loved at noon might look yellow at night. Always test paint in different lighting and times of day.
How to Decode Undertones Like a Pro
This is where people usually get tripped up. Undertones are sneaky!
- Warm Whites
Think creamy, buttery, soft whites with hints of yellow, beige, or even peach. Great for traditional or farmhouse vibes.
- Cool Whites
These have blue or gray undertones. They feel fresh, modern, and sleek. Perfect for minimalists or contemporary spaces.
- The Neutral Zone
Want something right in the middle? Look for soft whites with both warm and cool balance. These are the most versatile and renter-friendly!
- How to Test Undertones
Paint a few swatches on different walls. Watch them in morning light, afternoon light, and artificial light. You’ll be surprised how much they change!
Let the Light Lead the Way
Light is the #1 factor that affects how white looks. You can’t ignore it.
- North-Facing Rooms
These get cooler light. Use warm whites to balance it out.
- South-Facing Rooms
These are sunny all day. Almost any white looks great here—but avoid super yellowy ones or the space might feel too warm.
- East-Facing Rooms
These shine in the morning and turn cooler by afternoon. Soft whites with a hint of warmth work best.
- West-Facing Rooms
These are darker in the morning and golden in the afternoon. Cool whites help balance the warm light.
- Artificial Light Counts Too
LED lights can make white look harsh. Incandescent lights add warmth. Always test your white in both natural and artificial light!
Match Your White to Your Design Style
Your personal style should guide your white.
- Modern and Minimalist
Go with cool whites like “Chantilly Lace” or “Decorator’s White.” These feel fresh and open.
- Rustic or Farmhouse
Warm whites like “Swiss Coffee” or “Alabaster” create that soft, inviting vibe.
- Coastal and Boho
Try breezy whites with sandy or peach undertones. “White Dove” is a great fit.
- Traditional or Transitional
Stick with soft neutrals like “Cloud White” that work with rich wood tones and classic furniture.
- Tuscan or Mediterranean
Look for whites with cream, stone, or clay-like undertones to pair with textured walls or colorful tile.
Remember—white doesn’t live in a vacuum. Your floors, trim, and furniture will affect how it looks.
Designer-Approved White Paints We Love in 2025
Need a shortcut? We’ve tested dozens of whites across Tulsa homes. These are our top picks:
- Benjamin Moore – Simply White
Clean, warm, and glows beautifully in natural light.
- Sherwin-Williams – Alabaster
Cozy and soft. Works great in bedrooms and living rooms.
- Benjamin Moore – Chantilly Lace
Super crisp and bright. Perfect for trim or modern kitchens.
- Behr – Whisper White
Balanced and soft. Looks beautiful in spaces with mixed lighting.
- Farrow & Ball – All White
Pure white without any undertones. Great for ceilings or pairing with bold colors.
We always recommend testing a few samples on your walls before committing. Want help? That 1 Painter Tulsa does in-home color consults too!
Avoid These Common White Paint Mistakes
We’ve seen these too many times—and fixed them all.
- Picking from a Paint Chip Alone
The store lighting lies! Swatch it on your wall at home before deciding.
- Using One White Everywhere
Your kitchen and your bedroom have different light and finishes. Customize it.
- Ignoring the Sheen
Flat or matte finishes hide flaws and feel modern. Glossy or satin finishes reflect light and are easier to clean.
- Forgetting the Trim
Don’t mismatch trim and wall whites. Use a brighter or glossier white for trim for a crisp look.
- Skipping the Primer
Especially if you’re painting over dark colors. Primer helps your white stay true and last longer.
Real Talk: Tulsa Homes and White Paint
Let’s be honest—Oklahoma light is different. The wide-open skies, the mix of weather, and the natural red tones from brick and clay all impact how white appears.
Here’s what we’ve learned painting homes all over Tulsa:
- East Tulsa Homes often have large windows and lots of shade—warm whites keep things cozy.
- Downtown Lofts usually need cool whites to balance industrial features like concrete or metal.
- South Tulsa New Builds look amazing with neutral whites that highlight clean lines and open floor plans.
- Older Midtown Bungalows benefit from creamy whites that respect original charm while refreshing the space.
And because we’re That 1 Painter Tulsa, we get the local styles, the local light, and what works in YOUR neighborhood—not just what’s trending online.
Let’s Paint Something Beautiful Together
White paint doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a blank canvas, full of potential and personality—just like your home.
Whether you’re dreaming of a bright and airy kitchen, a cozy bedroom, or a whole-home refresh, we’ve got your back. At That 1 Painter Tulsa, we’re more than just painters—we’re your partners in color, style, and transformation.
We bring samples, we test swatches, and we help you pick the right white with confidence. Want your space to glow, shine, and feel just right? Let’s make it happen.
Contact us today to book your free estimate online—and let’s bring the perfect white home to you!