Why You Should Always Paint A New Space White Before Making Big Decisions

If you've just moved into a new place, you're likely eager to make it your own, starting with your wall color. Whether you're dealing with faded beige walls, outdated wallpaper, or bold color choices from the previous owner, chances are your space doesn't yet reflect your style. However, planning your home's color scheme while those old shades are still dominating can feel overwhelming and lead to some design blunders. You might fall in love with a paint swatch that doesn't work the way you imagined, or commit to a bold accent wall before realizing it clashes with the lighting in that room. That's why painting everything white first is a better idea to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when choosing a paint color for their home.

White provides a clean, neutral backdrop that lets you truly see your space and better imagine what kind of paint you want long-term. Plus, if you're not painting all the rooms in your home at once, even when you choose their permanent colors, going white across the board helps with the in-between phase. A crisp white wall may not be your forever choice, but it's neutral enough to feel intentional during the transition.

While taking this approach is a smart idea to avoid paint mistakes, there are still some things you should consider before painting your walls white. The most important step is to choose your shade thoughtfully, as not all whites are created equal. Warm whites with yellow or beige undertones often work better in most homes than stark, cool whites, which can feel harsh or cold. Warm whites are softer on the eyes and can even brighten up spaces with low light levels, so they're a safer choice for any room. Plus, they pair well with wood tones, textiles, and common finishes, so they'll fit in with any decor you end up incorporating.

Once you've found the best white paint shade for opening up your home, spend time living in the space before making final color decisions. Notice where the light hits and think about what furniture or art you'll bring into each room so you can come up with the most complementary wall color options. That level of awareness is almost impossible when you're surrounded by someone else's old paint job. White walls give you space to think, and that makes for much better design decisions in the long run.