Paint Colour Review: Natural White by Dulux
White paint is often considered the ultimate blank canvas in home design, offering a clean, fresh look that enhances any space. However, choosing the perfect white can be more challenging than it seems, as each shade has its own subtle differences in undertones, light reflectance, and overall feel. Whether you're looking for a warm white that creates a cosy ambience or a crisp, bright white for a more modern vibe, understanding these nuances is key to ensuring you are choosing the right shade for your interior.
In this new paint colour review, I will dive deep into Dulux’s Natural White, a timeless and versatile shade that has become a go-to option over the years. Together, we'll discover its undertones, light reflectance value (LRV), and how it interacts with different lighting conditions. I'll also share the best coordinating and trim colours to help you create a cohesive and beautiful design throughout your home.
Keep reading to find out if Natural White by Dulux is the right white paint colour for your home.
Photo via dulux.com.au
Natural White’s Undertones
Natural White by Dulux is a beautiful soft white with subtle yellow undertones that add warmth to any space. Unlike cooler whites, which can sometimes feel stark or cold, Natural White has a very subtle warmth coming from its yellow undertones giving it a welcoming and cosy feel without being overly yellow or creamy. It’s an ideal shade if you are looking to add subtle depth and warmth while maintaining a clean, neutral appearance.
Natural 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.
Natural White has an LRV of 85 making it a rather bright white. This high LRV means it reflects a good amount of light and can help make a space look bigger and feel more open and airy without being overwhelmingly bright. The soft warmth combined with its LRV means Natural White works wonderfully in darker spaces or smaller rooms to brighten them up while still maintaining a cosy and comfortable vibe.
Photo via dulux.com.au
How does Natural White look in different lighting exposures?
One of the great things about Dulux Natural White is how adaptable it is in different lighting conditions. In north-facing rooms or in an afternoon eastern light (meaning in a cool, soft light), its soft warmth really shines creating a welcoming, sun-kissed feel. It is a great shade to use in a northern light to create a balanced look and add some warmth to the space. In a south-facing room or in an afternoon western light, Natural White will lean into its yellow undertones more to create a space that feels fresh and inviting, without looking too yellow or creamy.
Natural White is a great option for dimly-lit spaces that can use a little boost of light such as hallways. In bright rooms receiving ample natural light, it won’t look harsh or overly bright, but instead, it will take on a slightly cosy vibe and create a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere.
Which trim colour should I use with Natural White walls?
When it comes to trim colour with Natural White walls, I always recommend using it on the trims as well. Being a rather bright white, Natural White doesn’t really pair well with other whites. Using a true pure white with barely any undertones such as Vivid White on the trims could make your walls look slightly more yellow. However, applying Natural White on the trims as well helps you avoid mixing undertones and creates a cohesive, seamless look.
What colours can I pair Natural White with?
Natural White is such a versatile hue that it pairs beautifully with a range of colours, making it easy to create a harmonious palette throughout your home. If you love a neutral, earthy vibe, try coordinating it with warm beige tones like Dulux Hog Bristle or Dulux Beige Royal. These soft, grounding colours enhance the warmth of Natural White and create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
For a touch of contrast, consider a soft grey like Dulux Tranquil Retreat. A cooler tone can balance out the warmth of Natural White while still keeping the overall palette neutral and sophisticated.
For a bit of colour, consider muted greens such as Dulux Mildura or Dulux Green Spruce, or even a soft, dusty blue like Dulux Duck Egg Blue. These shades can add a subtle pop of colour without overpowering the space and bring a serene, nature-inspired feel that complements the softness of Natural White.
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If you're looking for a white that feels fresh but never stark, Natural White might just be the perfect fit for your next project. With the right coordinating colours, you can create a space that’s both welcoming and stylish, giving your home that effortless, well-balanced look you will love for years to come.
If you find choosing the right colour for your home too stressful and overwhelming, I also provide a Custom Interior Colour Palette service. I would love to make this process easier for you and help you create your dream home. If you need more information about my services or simply want to get in touch with me, click here.
Thank you for reading and happy decorating,
Manon xx