Most People Miss This Crucial Paint Detail
You pick a colour, paint the walls, and suddenly it doesn’t look anything like you imagined. It feels off. Maybe yellowish. Maybe pinkish. Maybe kind of green in some light.
That’s the undertone talking.
At Aryana Painters, we see this all the time — not because the paint is wrong, but because the undertone doesn’t match the room. Understanding undertones will make your paint decisions easier, your space more cohesive, and your finishes look intentional (not accidental).
What Are Paint Undertones?
Paint undertones are the subtle, secondary colours that show up after paint dries. They’re not immediately obvious, but they influence how colour is perceived in a space.
Even “neutral” colours like white or gray have undertones:
- A white can have yellow, pink, green, or blue undertones.
- A gray might lean purple, green, or taupe.
- Beige can pull pink, peach, or gold.
Paint is never just one colour. It’s always a mix — and that mix determines the undertone.
Warm vs. Cool Undertones
Most undertones fall into two categories:
- Warm Undertones: Red, orange, yellow
- Cool Undertones: Blue, green, purple
These affect how a paint behaves in your space, especially under different lighting conditions.
| Undertone Type | Colours It Influences | Feels Like |
|---|---|---|
| Warm | Creamy whites, beiges, tans | Cozy, welcoming, soft |
| Cool | Blue-grays, blue-whites, taupes | Crisp, modern, airy |
Why Paint Undertones Matter
Because your space has undertones, too.
Floors, countertops, tile, furniture — all of these have colour bases that may be warm or cool. If you ignore them, the paint can feel like it’s clashing, even if the colour seemed perfect on a swatch.
✔️ Example: A gray wall with blue undertones might look fresh and modern… but put it next to warm oak floors and suddenly it feels cold and mismatched.
The right undertone will make a room feel balanced. The wrong one will make everything feel just a little “off.”
Most Popular Undertones Right Now
Warm Neutrals Are Trending
Lately, we’ve seen a shift toward warmer whites, greige tones, and earthy neutrals. They play well with natural light, wood finishes, and organic materials.
✅ Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
- A warm white with creamy undertones
- Works beautifully with tan leathers, wood floors, stone counters
- Avoid pairing it with icy grays or stark whites — it’ll look off-balance
Other popular picks:
- Greige with green or violet undertones
- White with a touch of gray for a cooler, modern feel
How to Choose the Right Undertone
Start with what’s not changing. These are your fixed elements: flooring, countertops, trim, furniture.
Step-by-Step Undertone Match Guide:
- Identify the room’s existing undertones
Warm wood? Beige tiles? Gray cabinets? Cool metal? Start there. - Choose 3–5 swatches in the colour family you like
Include a warm, neutral, and cool version of the same colour. - Test them on the wall
- Paint large 2’x2′ swatches
- View them in natural and artificial light
- Compare them to trim, floor, and furniture
- Trust your gut
One will almost always “feel” better than the rest.
Common Undertone Mistakes
❌ Assuming All Whites Are the Same
Some whites pull yellow, some pink, some gray. One “white” might feel clean and crisp in your kitchen but turn muddy in your hallway.
❌ Choosing Based on Pinterest
What works in someone else’s home might not work in yours. Their lighting, flooring, and style are completely different.
❌ Ignoring Light Direction
- North-facing rooms = cooler light
- South-facing rooms = warmer light
- Artificial lighting can amplify undertones unexpectedly
💡 Pro tip from Aryana Painters: Always test with real paint, not just a chip. Lighting changes everything.
Final Thoughts on Paint Undertones
Paint undertones aren’t just a detail — they’re foundational. They affect how a colour behaves, how it feels in your space, and whether it harmonizes with the rest of your home.
Once you understand undertones, you’ll never look at paint the same way again.