Paint Colour Review: Antique White U.S.A. by Dulux
If you’re on the hunt for a timeless, versatile paint colour that brings a cosy yet refined feel to your home, Antique White U.S.A. by Dulux might just be the one. Known for its soft, creamy undertones, this shade is a beautiful choice for creating an inviting and effortlessly classic look. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes Antique White such a beloved colour, from its unique undertones to the way it reacts to different lighting. I’ll also share some tips on where it works best, ideal trim colours to pair it with, and some coordinating hues that bring out its warmth. Whether you're considering it for a whole room, cabinetry, or accents, you’ll find all you need to know about this charming neutral shade.
Let’s find out if Antique White U.S.A. is the right shade for your home!
Antique White’s undertones
Antique White is more than just a simple white; it has a soft warmth that gives it real character. It has muted yellow and slightly beige undertones that bring a gentle glow to any space, without feeling overly creamy or too stark. This subtle touch of warmth makes it a fantastic choice if you’re aiming for a welcoming, cosy vibe that still feels sophisticated. Antique White’s muted undertones are especially lovely because they adapt so well to different styles, from traditional to modern and minimalist, and complement a wide range of other hues. Use it successfully in any space, on exterior and interior walls, trims, and cabinets! It’s a very similar tone to another muted white (one of my favourites!) - White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Read all about this other white here!
Antique White’s LRV
LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, 0 being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100 being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.
Antique White U.S.A. has an LRV of 84 which means it reflects a good amount of light making it perfect for areas where you want a soft, inviting brightness without a stark, cool tone. This white is light enough to brighten up a room while still making it feel grounded and cosy thanks to its muted yellow undertones. Antique White adapts beautifully to any conditions, adding a gentle warmth that works well in a sunny space and in a cosier, low-light room!
How does Antique White U.S.A. look in different lighting conditions?
Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.
Antique White U.S.A. is a great white to consider in a north-facing room or an afternoon eastern light. Its muted warmth will beautifully balance out the cool light and create a space with a subtle cosy, inviting atmosphere. In a south-facing room or afternoon western light, Antique White will lean into its undertones and appear even warmer without looking too creamy or beige. Instead, it brings just the right amount of warmth to make a space feel airy, open, fresh, and welcoming.
As with every other white paint colour, Antique White can look a bit washed out in an extremely bright and sunny space, losing some of its warmth. However, it will never look too stark or sterile thanks to its undertones and LRV.
Discover another popular white from Dulux - Natural White.
What about trim colours?
If you’re looking to keep things light and classic, a crisp, clean white like Dulux Vivid White works beautifully. This colour combination adds a touch of brightness and definition, creating some contrast with Antique White U.S.A. on your walls and highlighting all its beautiful tones.
Another option that I often recommend is to paint your trims Antique White as well. This will help create a cohesive, homogenous look while avoiding mixing undertones. Simply use a different sheen on your trims than your walls (usually semi-gloss on trims and eggshell on walls) to create some contrast.
What colours pair well with Antique White U.S.A.?
Antique White U.S.A. is quite versatile and pairs effortlessly with a variety of colours. For a timeless, serene look, try pairing it with soft neutrals like Dulux Hog Bristle blending beautifully with this white, adding depth without overpowering its warm tones. If you’re after a bit more contrast, earthy greiges or muted greens also work wonders. Colours like Dulux Stockleaf bring a subtle natural vibe that pairs beautifully with the warmth of Antique White U.S.A., creating a balanced, sophisticated look. For a touch of depth and drama, consider richer hues like Dulux Pewter Frame or even a deep navy like Dulux Marshal Blue. These bolder choices add a modern edge and make Antique White U.S.A. pop, giving any room a bit of character.
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Whether you’re dreaming of a calm, cosy space or a more modern, vibrant look, Antique White U.S.A. by Dulux is a stunning foundation for so many styles. Its warmth, versatility, and timeless feel make it an ideal choice for creating a home that’s welcoming and beautifully balanced.
If you’re feeling inspired but need a little extra help bringing it all together, I’d love to help you create a custom colour palette tailored to your space and vision. With my custom colour palette service, we’ll find the perfect colour combinations to design a look that feels just right for you. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s bring your dream space to life!
Thank you for reading and happy decorating!
Manon xx