Paint Colour Review: White Polar Quarter by Dulux
Looking for a crisp, clean white that won’t feel too stark or too creamy? Say hello to White Polar Quarter by Dulux, a beautifully balanced white that’s quickly becoming a favourite for modern interiors. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a whole-home palette, choosing the right white can make all the difference. But not all whites are created equal, some are warm, some are cool, and some (like this one) strike a lovely middle ground.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about White Polar Quarter: its tones and undertones, how it behaves in different lighting, its LRV (light reflectance value), and the best whites to pair it with for trim. I’ll also share my favourite coordinating colours to help you build a cohesive and stylish colour palette. Let’s dive in and see if White Polar Quarter is the perfect white for your space.
What colour is White Polar Quarter?
White Polar Quarter is a soft, clean white with subtle greige undertones, which give it a gentle warmth without making it look creamy or yellow. It’s a lovely in-between white, not too cool and not too warm, which makes it incredibly versatile across different rooms and styles. This touch of warmth helps it feel more inviting and relaxed, especially in spaces that might otherwise feel a bit stark with a cooler white. The greige base gives it a grounded, natural quality that works beautifully with timber tones, earthy neutrals, soft greys, and muted greens.
White Polar Quarter Walls - dulux.com.au
White Polar Quarter’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.
White Polar Quarter has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 88, which means it’s very bright and airy and reflects a whole lot of natural light. It can really help a space feel light, open, and fresh, especially in rooms that don’t get a ton of natural light. It bounces light around beautifully, which can make small or darker rooms feel bigger and more inviting. That said, in very bright spaces with lots of natural light, it may look even lighter, almost like a true white, while in dimmer rooms, its soft greige undertones become a little more noticeable. Either way, it’s a great choice if you're aiming for a bright, clean look without going stark or sterile.
How does White Polar Quarter 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.
Like most whites, White Polar Quarter can shift slightly depending on the lighting—but it’s pretty reliable and never too dramatic.
In north-facing rooms, where the light is cooler and more shadowy, its greige undertones become a bit more noticeable, giving this white a slightly softer, grounded feel. It won’t look icy or stark, which is a big plus if you're worried about cooler whites in these spaces.
In south-facing rooms, where the light is warmer and more golden, White Polar Quarter looks brighter and crisper, and its subtle warmth is gently highlighted. It still reads as a clean white but with a touch of softness that keeps it from feeling too sharp.
In east-facing rooms, the light is warmer in the morning and cooler in the afternoon. You’ll likely see more of its neutral warmth in the morning, while the afternoon light may bring out its lighter, fresher side.
In west-facing rooms, where the light is warmer in the evening, White Polar Quarter can pick up a gentle warmth that makes the space feel cosy without ever looking overly yellow or creamy.
Overall, it’s a beautifully balanced white that adapts well to different lighting, making it a safe and stylish choice throughout the home.
Where to best use White Polar Quarter?
Thanks to its soft warmth and high LRV, White Polar Quarter is a go-to white for all kinds of spaces. It works beautifully on walls throughout the home, especially if you’re after a clean, modern look that still feels welcoming. It’s also a fantastic choice for open-plan living areas where you want a cohesive, light-filled look, bedrooms and hallways for a calm, neutral backdrop, in kitchens and bathrooms paired with soft greys, stone, or natural wood, and ceilings and cabinetry if you want a subtle contrast.
Whether you’re going for minimal and fresh or warm and layered, White Polar Quarter has the versatility to pull it all together.
Best white trim colours
If you want a classic, crisp contrast, go for a true white like Dulux Vivid White, a clean, bright white that will make White Polar Quarter stand out a little more on walls. It’s perfect for trims, ceilings, doors, and window frames if you’re after a fresh, timeless look.
However, if you’d rather keep things soft and seamless, I usually recommend using White Polar Quarter on your trims as well for a more cohesive look. Simply use a different sheen on your walls and trims (usually eggshell on walls and semi-gloss on trims) to create a beautiful, subtle contrast that feels tonal and sophisticated without being stark. It’s a great approach if you want a gentler, more cohesive finish throughout your space.
Best coordinating colours
One of the best things about White Polar Quarter is how versatile it is. Here are some of my favourite coordinating colours:
Soft neutrals: Pair it with gentle tones like Dulux Linseed or Beige Royal Half for a calming, cohesive look. These earthy hues bring out the warmth in White Polar Quarter and create a serene, layered feel.
Muted greens and blues: Colours like Dulux Mildura or Blue Balm work beautifully for a nature-inspired palette. These tones add depth and contrast while still keeping things soft and relaxing.
Warm greys and taupes: Try Dulux Timeless Grey or Ghosting for a neutral yet sophisticated vibe. These colours sit comfortably alongside White Polar Quarter without overwhelming it.
Darker accents: For a bit of drama, add deeper tones like Dulux Namadji or Deep Bronze on cabinetry, feature walls, or even furniture. These rich shades provide striking contrast while letting White Polar Quarter keep things light and balanced.
Whether you’re layering tones for a minimalist look or adding contrast with bolder hues, White Polar Quarter provides a perfect backdrop to build your colour story.
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If you’re looking for a white that’s clean, soft, and incredibly versatile, White Polar Quarter by Dulux is a beautiful option. With its subtle greige undertones, high LRV, and easygoing warmth, it works in just about any room—and plays nicely with a wide range of colours, finishes, and styles.
Still not sure if White Polar Quarter is the right white for your home? Or struggling to pull together a cohesive colour palette? I’d love to help! I offer digital colour consultations and ready-made whole-house paint palettes to take the stress out of choosing colours and help you create a home you truly love.
Thank you for reading and happy decorating,
Manon xx