7 Best Dulux White Paints: Finding the Perfect Shade for Your Home
Best Dulux White Paints: Designer Picks That Aren’t Boring
When it comes to choosing paint colours, Dulux is basically the Beyoncé of the paint world in Australia—trusted, iconic, and always in the spotlight. Their whites? Timeless, versatile, and yes, a little overwhelming if you’re staring down 50 subtly different swatches.
Finding the one white can feel like online dating for walls. You think you’ve found a match, and then boom—it looks YELLOW at 3pm and sterile by sunset.
In this post, I’m breaking down some of the best Dulux white paints—including the classics everyone loves and a few of my personal favourites that fly a bit under the radar. These aren’t just the cookie-cutter whites you’ll see in every showroom. As an interior designer, I gravitate toward the shades that feel a bit more elevated and unexpected—but still play nicely in a wide range of homes.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- Which Dulux whites work best for different styles (Scandi, Hamptons, Modern and more)
- Where each white doesn’t work so well
- My go-to pairings with timber, stone, and bold accent colours
- And of course—my honest opinion on each colour (no sugar-coating here!)
Ready to stop second-guessing and find your perfect white? Let’s get started.
Before Picking the Perfect Paint Colour…
Before we dive headfirst into the sea of Dulux swatches, let’s take a quick step back.
Choosing the right white paint isn’t just about picking the prettiest sample—it’s about context. Think about your home’s overall style, your existing furniture, the flooring, and even the art you already own. The best Dulux white paints will harmonise with these elements, not fight them.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of lighting. A crisp white in a dark hallway might look icy and uninviting, while a warm white in a sun-drenched living room can go full custard real quick. Not the vibe.
Here’s a little checklist to keep in mind:
- What’s the mood? Cosy, clean, modern, coastal?
- Where’s the light coming from? North-facing rooms can handle warmer whites; south-facing rooms may need something cooler. (Australia)
- What’s staying? If your couch, kitchen cabinetry or floors are locked in, choose a white that flatters—not clashes.
- How do you want the space to feel? Airy and minimal? Soft and layered? Luxe and dramatic?
Once you’ve considered the room as a whole, you’ll be in a much better spot to choose a white that actually works—not just one that looks pretty on Pinterest.
Dulux’s Most Popular Whites (and Why They’re Everywhere)
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best Dulux white paints—the ones that pop up time and time again in show homes, Pinterest boards, and yes, even your neighbour’s freshly renovated living room.
These shades are Dulux-approved favourites, often recommended for their versatility and crowd-pleasing undertones. But are they right for your space? Let’s break them down so you can decide.
Best Dulux White Paints: 1. Dulux Vivid White
Style Suitability:
Vivid White is the brightest, purest white in the Dulux range. Think fresh snow or a blank canvas—this shade is as clean and crisp as they come. It’s ideal for modern homes where you want other elements to take centre stage, like bold artwork, colourful furniture, or standout architectural features. If your style leans minimalist or contemporary, this might catch your eye.
What It’s Not Suited For:
Because it’s so pure, Vivid White can feel a little sterile—especially in south-facing (Australia) rooms or spaces without much natural light. It lacks warmth, which can make a room feel cold or unfinished if you’re after that soft, welcoming vibe. It’s also less forgiving when paired with other whites or ultra-dark accents—those high-contrast combos can feel jarring if not done with intention.
Best Accent Colours:
This white plays beautifully with bright and bold colours—think emerald green, cobalt blue, or even mustard yellow. It creates strong contrast and really makes those accents sing. But go easy on layering it with pure black or other sharp whites unless you’re confident with bold, graphic styling. Too much contrast can feel aggressive rather than refined.
My thought as an interior designer:
Vivid White isn’t my top pick. It’s a bit of a chameleon in the worst way: it doesn’t do much. It just sits there… white. I’ll reach for it when I’m intentionally going for a sleek, gallery-style space, or working in a room with already a lot going on—colour, texture, layers, the whole maximalist shebang. In those cases, Vivid White becomes the quiet anchor that lets everything else shout.
But if you’re choosing it because you think “pure white = safe bet,” I’d urge you to pause. This is actually one of the trickiest Dulux whites to get right. Beautiful in the right space, but it can fall flat (or worse, icy) if used without considering the room’s light and context.
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Best Dulux White Paints: 2. Dulux Natural White
Style Suitability:
Natural White is one of the most versatile and easygoing options in the best Dulux white paints lineup. It has a soft, warm undertone that plays nicely in a range of homes—from traditional cottages to breezy coastal interiors and even some modern spaces that need a gentle touch.
It’s perfect if you want something that feels inviting without being too stark or clinical. Think soft, timeless, and family-friendly.
What It’s Not Suited For:
If your vision is sharp, cool, and ultra-contemporary—think high-gloss finishes, steel, and monochrome palettes—Natural White might feel a bit too gentle and creamy. It doesn’t give that cool, architectural crispness some modern spaces call for.
Best Accent Colours:
Natural White pairs beautifully with soft greys, muted blues, sage greens, and warm beiges. It’s ideal for calming, layered interiors and works well as a backdrop for timber tones, rattan textures, and neutral textiles.
That said, in a home that’s already all beige-everything, it might feel a little… flat. To avoid that, bring in plenty of texture—linen, boucle, timber, ceramics—to give the room depth and interest.
My thought as an interior designer:
I actually really like Natural White. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. It performs well in both bright and dim spaces—appearing crisper and whiter in well-lit rooms, and slightly more beige in low light. That flexibility makes it a safe but clever choice for many homes.
On the swatch, it might look a bit yellowish—but don’t let that scare you. On the wall, it leans more towards a soft, neutral white with just the right hint of warmth. It doesn’t scream “warm undertone,” which I love.
However… it can be a bit boring. If your home already leans beige, white, and safe, Natural White might not elevate it much. But if the rest of your design elements are layered, thoughtful, and textured—it’s the perfect supporting act.
Best Dulux White Paints: 3. Dulux Antique White USA
Style Suitability:
This warm white has a soft, creamy undertone that brings instant warmth and nostalgia. It’s a beautiful match for heritage, vintage, or farmhouse-style homes, where it adds a sense of comfort, character, and quiet elegance. If your space has ornate cornices, classic furniture, or rustic textures—this one’s a dream.
What It’s Not Suited For:
In more modern or minimalist settings, Antique White U.S.A. can feel too creamy or even slightly dated. If you’re after crisp lines, gallery vibes, or a cool, neutral envelope—this one’s probably not your match. It’s also not ideal for spaces with strong warm light, like west-facing rooms—it can look overly yellow, so if that’s not the vibe you’re going for, consider a slightly cooler white instead.
Best Accent Colours:
This white pairs beautifully with dark greys, deep navy blues, olive greens, and rich chocolate browns. It absolutely shines alongside timber—especially darker wood tones like walnut or stained oak—creating a look that’s both timeless and grounded.
My thought as an interior designer:
This is one of my go-to whites when I’m working with a heritage, country-style, or rustic home. It has that perfect “white but not stark” vibe, which makes it feel inviting and layered. Think of it as a very light beige in disguise—it still reads white on the wall, but with just enough warmth to feel luxe.
Even though it has a yellow-based undertone, it never leans too buttery or banana-ish. It looks expensive. It feels considered. And when styled with vintage pieces, textural linens, or antique rugs, it truly elevates the whole room.
Best Dulux White Paints: 4. Dulux Lexicon (Full, Half, and Quarter)
Style Suitability:
Lexicon is a cool, crisp white with a subtle blue-grey base—perfect for modern and contemporary homes. It delivers that fresh, minimal look many people associate with clean lines, open spaces, and black-framed windows. If you’re after an architectural feel, Lexicon delivers.
What It’s Not Suited For:
Avoid Lexicon if you’re designing a rustic, country, or heritage-style home—unless you’re deliberately blending old with new. Its coolness can feel too sharp or clinical in spaces meant to be warm and cosy. It’s also not ideal in south-facing (Australia) rooms with low light, where it can read a little icy.
Best Accent Colours:
Lexicon works beautifully with cool-toned greys, charcoals, navy blues, and black. It also holds its own in exterior applications, where it offers a sharp, sophisticated contrast to timber, concrete, or dark trims.
My thought as an interior designer:
I’ve kind of moved on from Lexicon. A few years ago, it really had its moment—back when sleek, monochrome homes were trending. I used it in several projects, both inside and out, especially when paired with black fixtures and clean-lined joinery.
But these days, the mood has shifted. People are craving warmth, softness, and more lived-in textures. Personally, I now favour whites that bring warmth and depth to a space—so Lexicon has slipped down my list.
That said, if your home already leans contemporary with existing black, grey, and clean architectural lines, Lexicon can still be a great choice. Just know—it’s not the one to pick if you’re dreaming of a warm, cosy space.
❤️My 3 Favourite Whites❤️
I’m not usually a “white walls everywhere” kind of designer. I love working with colour—and I’ll almost always find a way to sneak some in. But when I do go white, I want it to feel considered, not default.
One trick I love? Using colours at half or quarter strength. It gives you that soft, almost-white look—but with way more depth and personality. It’s a simple way to add subtle character to a space without going full statement wall. These aren’t your standard showroom whites—they’re a bit more unique, a bit more you.
Here are three of my all-time faves.
Best Dulux White Paints: 1. Dulux Sandy Day
Style Suitability:
Sandy Day is technically a soft natural beige, but when you use it at half or quarter strength, it reads as a warm, creamy off-white—perfect for adding warmth and depth without going full beige. It has a warm beige undertone with a subtle pink-taupe lean, which gives it that earthy softness that feels effortlessly elegant.
It’s a fantastic option for Scandinavian, Japandi, or coastal-style homes—anywhere you want a calming, grounded atmosphere that still feels fresh.
Best Accent Colours:
This shade plays beautifully with nature-inspired tones. Think sage greens, muted olives, warm timber, and soft white oak furniture. It pairs well with textural elements like linen, rattan, and boucle, giving off that earthy, laid-back, spa-like energy.
My thought as an interior designer:
Okay, I know—it doesn’t look white in the swatch. But trust me on this: once you get it on a wall, especially at half or quarter strength, it transforms completely. Paint up a whole wall and then decide.
I love using Sandy Day to wrap the entire room, even the ceiling, to create a warm cocoon effect. It brings softness without feeling heavy, and the slight mushroomy tone adds just enough character to avoid looking plain or dated. It’s gentle, earthy, and won’t fall out of style anytime soon.
Best Dulux White Paints: 2. Dulux Feather Soft
Style Suitability:
Feather Soft is a beautiful greige—a balanced mix of grey and beige—that works perfectly in transitional spaces. It’s a great choice if your home features both warm and cool tones, as it bridges the gap effortlessly. If you’re juggling brass, chrome, timber, and marble all in one house, this colour will make it all feel intentional.
Best Accent Colours:
Feather Soft pairs well with olive greens, muted blues, soft whites, and gentle greys. It adapts to many styles—from modern to coastal, Scandi to classic traditional—depending on how you style the space around it. Think of it as your neutral best friend that gets along with everyone.
My thought as an interior designer:
We all know grey had its moment in the spotlight—and yes, things have warmed up lately. But if you haven’t totally moved on from grey (no judgment!), Feather Soft is your happy middle ground. It still carries that elegant calmness of grey but with a little warmth to keep things grounded and current.
I’ll admit—it’s not the trendiest shade right now. But design isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about what works for your space. And grey, when used thoughtfully, is still incredibly versatile and beautiful. I love using Feather Soft in homes that mix both warm timbers and cooler surfaces. It’s a great connector—it quietly ties everything together without demanding attention.
Best Dulux White Paints: 3. Grand Piano
Style Suitability:
This shade works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes. It’s especially at home in Scandi, Japandi, minimal, and even mid-century spaces. With its warm beige base and creamy yellow–taupe undertone, it lives in that perfect in-between: soft, warm, and earthy—without tipping into pink or yellow overload.
It leans a little buttery and creates that comforting warmth we’re all craving right now. If you want a light, warm neutral that still feels fresh and sophisticated, this is it.
Best Accent Colours:
This colour pairs wonderfully with darker timber tones, offering a softer transition than bright white paints. It blends naturally with matte whites, deep olive greens, burnt orange, and even earthy reds. It’s understated but holds its own—perfect for adding richness without loudness.
My thought as an interior designer:
Yes yes, I know—it looks like “just another beige.” But trust me… they are not all the same. This one leans more yellow compared to Sandy Day, which has that pinkish-taupe vibe. And that subtle difference? It changes everything.
Because of its creamy-yellow undertone, it pairs more comfortably with dark timbers, giving a room extra warmth without overpowering it. If you’ve got white benchtops, cabinetry, or tiles—this colour ties everything together and instantly adds more interest and dimension. It’s quiet, warm, and just a little bit luxurious.
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A Few Tips Before You Decide: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing the perfect white paint can be more challenging than it seems. What looks like a crisp white on a paint chip may appear too warm, too cold, or even a completely different shade once it’s on your walls. This is why it’s crucial to take a few extra steps before committing to a colour. Let’s dive deeper into some key considerations to ensure you’re happy with your choice.
1. Test Multiple Shades in Your Space
It’s not enough to look at a paint chip in the store or even to pick a colour based on a photo online. The way a colour appears can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Lighting: Natural light, artificial light, and even the direction your windows face can influence how a colour looks. For instance, a north-facing room may bring out the cooler tones in white paint, making it look almost blue or grey, while a south-facing room might enhance the warmer undertones, making it appear creamier.
- Time of Day: Paint colours change as the natural light shifts throughout the day. What looks soft and inviting in the morning can become stark and harsh under midday sun or dull and muted in the evening. Test the paint at various times to ensure you like it in all lighting conditions.
- Surrounding Elements: The existing colours in your room, such as flooring, furniture, and even the colour of your trim, can impact how the wall colour appears. A white that looks perfect on a blank wall can clash when combined with your existing décor.
Tip: Paint sample boards and move them around the room. Tape them to different walls and look at them in various lighting conditions and against your existing furnishings. Take pictures!!
2. Consider the Finish: It’s More Important Than You Think
The finish of your paint is as important as the colour itself. The same shade of white can look vastly different in a matte finish compared to a semi-gloss. Here’s why the finish matters:
- Matte or Flat Finishes: These are excellent for hiding imperfections in your walls, as they do not reflect much light. They’re great for ceilings or areas where you want a soft, non-reflective look. However, they can be harder to clean and might not be ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Eggshell or Satin Finishes: These have a slight sheen, making them easier to clean than matte finishes. They’re a good middle ground and are often used in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Semi-Gloss and Gloss Finishes: These finishes reflect light, which can make a space feel brighter and more vibrant. They’re ideal for trim, doors, and areas that need to withstand more wear and tear, like kitchens and bathrooms. However, gloss finishes will highlight any imperfections in the wall surface, so make sure your walls are well-prepped.
Tip: Test your chosen shade in the finish you’re considering. A semi-gloss white can appear much brighter and more reflective than the same shade in a matte finish.
3. Think About the Room’s Purpose: Function Dictates Feel
Every room in your home serves a different purpose, and the paint colour should reflect that. Here’s how to choose the right white based on the room:
- Living Room and Bedrooms: These are spaces where you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. Consider a warmer white like Dulux’s Natural White or Antique White USA to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: These areas can benefit from cooler whites, like Dulux’s Lexicon or Silver Tea Set, which provide a clean, crisp look. These whites also work well with modern cabinetry and fixtures.
- Hallways and Connecting Spaces: Since these areas often have less natural light, choose a white that brightens the space without feeling too stark. A neutral white like Dulux’s Feather Soft can help create a seamless flow between rooms.
Tip: Think about how you want to feel in the space. Cooler whites can energise, while warmer whites can calm. Use your paint choice to set the tone for the room’s purpose. If you have an open-plan layout, it’s best to use just one colour throughout to create a cohesive and spacious look.
4. Test the Colour Against Key Elements
Your paint choice should work harmoniously with the key elements in your home, such as:
- Flooring: The undertones in your paint should complement the colour and finish of your flooring. A cool-toned white might clash with warm-toned wooden floors.
- Furniture: Consider the existing furniture in the room. A warm white can enhance timber furniture, while a cool white might better suit a space with metal or glass accents.
- Artwork and Fabrics: If you have colourful artwork or patterned fabrics, a pure white like Dulux’s Vivid White can provide a neutral backdrop, allowing these elements to stand out.
Tip: Bring in samples of your flooring, fabrics, and other key elements when testing paint colours to ensure everything works together.
5. Don’t Rush the Decision
Choosing a paint colour is a significant decision, and it’s worth taking your time. Live with the samples for a few days or even weeks if you can. The more time you spend with the colour, the more confident you’ll feel about your choice.
Tip: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, paint a small section of each wall with your top choices and observe them over several days before making a final decision.
Final Tips
Choosing the right white paint can seem overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and testing, you can find the perfect shade for your home. Remember, paint is one of the last things you should pick during a renovation or new build. By considering the overall style, mood, and existing elements in your space, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and create a beautiful, cohesive look.
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