Paint Colour Review: Whisper White By Dulux
Thinking about using Whisper White by Dulux but not quite sure if it’s the right white for your space? With so many shades of white out there, it can be surprisingly tricky to pick the one that feels right for your home. Whisper White is one of those soft, warm whites that’s easy to live with. It doesn’t feel cold or stark, but it’s not too creamy either - it’s just perfect! In this post, I’ll break down its undertones, how it changes with different lighting conditions, what colours go well with it, and where it tends to shine the most (hint: just about anywhere!).
If you’re trying to figure out whether this could be your go-to white, keep reading!
What colour is Whisper White?
Whisper White is a warm white, which means it has subtle muted yellow undertones that give it a soft, inviting feel. It’s not a crisp, stark white, instead, it leans more creamy, but without going too yellow or buttery which is what makes it so versatile. It adds warmth to a space without overwhelming it or clashing with other colours. If you’re after a white that feels calm, cosy, and classic, this one hits the mark. It’s especially great if your home has warmer flooring, beige or greige tones, or you just want to create that relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Just keep in mind: if your room already has a lot of cool tones (like blue-grey walls, cool tiles, or bright white trims), Whisper White might lean a little more creamy in comparison. But in most cases, it strikes a really lovely balance.
What is Whisper 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.
Whisper White has an LRV of 83, which means it reflects a good amount of natural light, but it’s not the brightest white out there. It helps make a space feel light and open, but its warm undertones give it a softness that brighter whites often lack. It’s the ideal shade to bring a gentle, welcoming glow, especially in spaces with moderate natural light.
If you’re looking for a white that feels warm, calm, and not too harsh, this LRV hits a really nice balance between brightness and softness.
Living room paint Whisper White by Dulux
How does Whisper White 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.
In north-facing rooms, where the light is cooler and more muted, Whisper White can beautifully balance out the cool light providing a subtle, muted warmth, and keeping the space from feeling too cold or grey.
In south-facing rooms, which get more warm, golden light throughout the day, Whisper White looks soft, bright, and beautifully warm without being too yellow. This is where it really shines, giving off a welcoming, sun-kissed glow.
In east-facing rooms, the light is warmer in the morning and cooler, more bluish in the afternoon, so Whisper White can take on a slightly creamier appearance earlier in the day, then look a bit more muted and neutral as the light changes.
In west-facing rooms, you’ll see the opposite. It can feel more neutral during the day, then much warmer and cosier in the late afternoon and evening when the golden light floods in.
Under artificial light, like warm white LED or soft incandescent bulbs, Whisper White tends to look consistently warm and gentle. Just be cautious with cool white or blue-toned lighting that can dull the colour and make it feel slightly washed out or mismatched with its natural undertones.
So if you're using Whisper White, it’s always a good idea to test a sample on your wall and watch how it shifts throughout the day. It’s not a dramatic chameleon, but it does have just enough warmth to subtly change with the light.
Bedroom painted Whisper White by Dulux
Where to best use Whisper White?
Whisper White is one of those colours that’s incredibly versatile. It works in so many different spaces and styles, which is why it’s been a long-time favourite. Its soft warmth makes it feel more inviting than a crisp white, but it’s still clean and neutral enough to use just about anywhere. Here are some of the best ways to use it:
Walls throughout the home: Whisper White is a beautiful choice for main wall colour in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and open-plan spaces. It creates a calm, cohesive feel and works beautifully with warm wood tones, soft neutrals, or earthy accent colours.
Ceilings and trims (if you want a soft, seamless look): While many people pair it with a brighter white for contrast, you can absolutely use Whisper White on trims, ceilings, and doors if you want that warm, cocooning feel with minimal contrast.
Traditional homes: Its creamy undertone pairs so well with classic features like wainscoting, high ceilings, and timber flooring. It gives older homes a timeless warmth that still feels fresh.
Coastal, farmhouse, or country-style interiors: Whisper White is perfect for these styles as it has enough softness to feel relaxed and lived-in, and pairs well with natural textures like linen, jute, rattan, and wood.
Rooms with lower natural light: Because it has a high LRV (83), it can help bounce light around and brighten up a darker space, while the warm undertone keeps it from feeling cold.
That said, Whisper White may not be the best pick if you’re aiming for a super modern, high-contrast, or ultra-crisp aesthetic. In those cases, a cooler or more neutral white might give you that cleaner edge.
Best white trim colours
When it comes to trims, doors, and ceilings, choosing the right white to pair with Whisper White can really shape the overall vibe of your space. Because Whisper White is a warm white with soft creamy undertones, you’ll want to think about whether you want contrast or a more seamless, tone-on-tone look. Here are a few great options:
Dulux Vivid White: if you're after a fresh, crisp contrast, Vivid White is a go-to. It’s a pure, clean white with no obvious undertones, which helps highlight the soft warmth of Whisper White on the walls. This combo works especially well if you want a more modern or polished look.
Dulux Natural White: this is a softer, slightly warmer white than Vivid White, but still lighter and more neutral than Whisper White. It creates a gentle contrast that feels subtle and cohesive.
Whisper White on everything: you can use Whisper White on walls, trims, and ceilings as well. This creates a beautiful, seamless look with no stark lines or harsh contrasts. It’s ideal for creating a relaxed, calming atmosphere, and it works really well in traditional or country-style homes.
When testing trim colours, make sure to look at them in both natural and artificial lighting next to Whisper White, since undertones can shift depending on the light.
Best coordinating colours
One of the best things about Whisper White is how beautifully it plays with other colours. Thanks to its warm undertones, it pairs best with other soft, warm hues, but it’s neutral enough to balance out deeper tones or subtle contrast if you want a bit more depth in your palette. Here are some gorgeous colour combinations to consider:
Soft neutrals: think about warm neutral tones such as Dulux Natural White, Beige Royal Quarter, or Hog Bristle to pair effortlessly, and add a subtle contrast and depth without overpowering the space.
Earthy warm tones: consider muted terracotta, warm taupes, or tans like Dulux Clay Pipe Half to bring softness and subtle contrast without clashing.
Green and olive tones: warm muted greens like Dulux Spanish Olive work beautifully with Whisper White for a natural, earthy palette that still feels fresh.
Charcoals and deeper accents: colours such as navy blues or dark greys like Dulux Domino create bold contrasts, adding drama, elegance, and sophistication.
Timber and natural textures: pairing Whisper White with natural materials like oak, rattan, linen, and warm-toned flooring adds even more depth and softness. These textures help this white feel lived-in and timeless rather than sterile.
When building your palette, try to keep the undertones consistent - warm with warm, soft with soft. Whisper White looks its best when everything feels cohesive and balanced.
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Whisper White by Dulux is a beautiful, soft white that brings warmth and calm to any space. Its gentle creamy undertones and versatile LRV make it a fantastic choice for walls, trims, and more, especially if you want your home to feel cozy, inviting, and timeless without the harshness of a bright white.
If you’re thinking about using Whisper White in your home but want some expert advice on how to make it work perfectly with your lighting, trim, and furniture, I’d love to help! Whether you’re planning a full repaint or just looking to refresh a room, my personalised colour consulting service can take the guesswork out of choosing the right shades for your space.
Feel free to get in touch, and let’s create a colour palette that makes your home feel just right.
Thank you for reading and happy decorating!
Manon xx