THE RIGHT WHITE?

In retail, the concept of  the January White Sale started in 1878, when Philadelphia's John Wanamaker wanted to create excitement in-store during a traditionally slow retail period.  Bed linens + towels were  only available in the color white - thus the name.

In nature, newly fallen snow looks pastoral, but the charm quickly fades with the stress of having to get somewhere.  Yes, today in NYC is white alright!

When thinking about interiors, white walls in a room can be stunning in situations where the color looks purposeful, not accidental.  The paint has to be of a beautiful quality, not thin + not just a primer - like we find in many of the new loft spaces.   Beautiful furnishings against a quality white backdrop, can look extraordinarily elegant.

But what's the right white?

Look at the ceiling in the room you are in right now. Supposed to be white, right?  Does it look blue/gray?

Lighting is the key to the way colors 'read".  Paint colors are particularly finicky.  They reflect the world around.  So if the sunlight is streaming in the windows on a bright morning, the whites in the room might appear to be a creamy white.  In the same room later in the day, the whites might appear to have a different colored cast.  It's  tricky.

Benjamin Moore has many, too many, basic whites to choose from: White, Super White, Decorators White, White Dove, Atrium White, Antique White, Linen White, Navajo White, Cameo White, China White + Bone White are just the basics! Move along to: Ballet White, Winter White, Marble White, Floral White, Pure White, Snow White....the list goes on.

So what's the right white? Sorry, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. What's your light like?

MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT *for best effect, play very loud

Procol Harum A Whiter Shade of Pale

The Moody Blues Nights in White Satin

Cream White Room

Photos courtesy of Frette, Jonathan Adler, Morgan Le Fay, Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, ABC Home + Country Living.