Ultra Pure white is a new, extra bright white paint color that was recently released by major paint manufacturer Beautiful Paints. With a light reflectance value (LRV) of 98, Ultra Pure white reflects up to 98% of visible light, making it the whitest white paint color available from Beautiful Paints. While some consumers are thrilled to have access to such a bright, clean, and luminous white, others argue that Ultra Pure white is simply too white and does not feel warm, cozy, or inviting enough for interior walls and spaces. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using Ultra Pure white and whether or not this ultra bright white paint color is just too white for interior use.
The Appeal of Ultra Pure White
So why are some homeowners and designers so drawn to Ultra Pure white paint? Here are some of the main benefits and appeals of this ultra bright white paint color:
– Makes spaces feel clean and fresh – With its extremely high light reflectance, Ultra Pure white is unrivaled when it comes to making a space feel clean, bright, and fresh. The high luminosity factor gives walls and ceilings a freshly painted look and feel.
– Creates a neutral backdrop – Ultra Pure white acts as a true neutral backdrop that lets accent colors and decor really pop. Rather than competing with furnishings and decor, the clean white walls let accent pieces take center stage.
– Reflects light well – The high LRV of 98 means Ultra Pure white paint does a phenomenal job of bouncing and reflecting ambient light around a room. This makes spaces feel more open and airy.
– Mimics white walls in galleries/museums – Interior designers sometimes seek to mimic the clean, bright white walls found in art galleries and museums. Ultra Pure allows homeowners to recreate that gallery aesthetic.
– Feels contemporary – Clean, white walls give off a very sleek, crisp, contemporary vibe. For modern interior styles, Ultra Pure white is on trend.
Downsides of Ultra Pure White
While Ultra Pure white offers some clear benefits, there are also a few downsides that make some homeowners hesitant about using this ultra-bright white paint color:
– Can feel sterile and cold – Walls painted in Ultra Pure white may feel too stark, sterile and cold for some. Without warmth from an undertone, the clean white can come across as clinical.
– Shows imperfections – Ultra Pure white is unforgiving when it comes to imperfections. Any sort of flaws, marks, cracks or imperfections will show up and be clearly visible on such a bright white background.
– Requires more maintenance – Touch ups and paint maintenance are required more frequently with Ultra Pure white since any scuffs or marks are so obvious against the white background.
– Glare and eye strain – Excessive brightness from Ultra Pure white walls can lead to eye strain and glare issues, especially in spaces with a lot of natural light.
– Lack of depth – Some argue an ultra pure white like this can feel flat and one dimensional due to lack of undertone variations that create subtle depth and dimension.
Decorating With Ultra Pure White Paint
If you want to use Ultra Pure white paint but avoid an overly stark or sterile vibe, there are a few decorating strategies you can turn to:
– Incorporate warm wood tones – Bringing in wood furniture, wood floors or wood beams introduces natural warmth that balances out cool bright whites.
– Layer on texture – Add visual interest and dimension with nubby throw blankets, wool rugs, linen curtains and other textured elements.
– Use accent colors – Vibrant accent colors in artwork, pillows, flowers and other accessories provide pops of color against the white backdrop.
– Include metallic finishes – Metallics in gold, silver, nickel and bronze inject more depth and sheen against matte white walls.
– Add cozy lighting – Use ample layered lighting, table lamps, wall sconces and accent lighting to create a cozy ambiance.
– Bring in greenery – Houseplants, fresh flowers and wreaths incorporate organic colors and shapes to soften Ultra Pure white walls.
Rooms Best Suited for Ultra Pure White Paint
While Ultra Pure white may be too stark for some rooms, there are certain spaces where this bright white paint color can work especially well:
| Room | Why It Works Here |
|---|---|
| Kitchens | Clean white kitchens feel fresh and promote hygiene in food prep areas. |
| Bathrooms | Crisp white bathrooms with good lighting feel spa-like. |
| Small spaces | Reflective whites make small rooms appear larger and more open. |
| Laundry rooms | White paint keeps laundry rooms looking bright and clean. |
| Offices and studios | White walls aid concentration and help spaces feel focused. |
Alternatives to Ultra Pure White Paint
For those who find Ultra Pure white too stark but still want a bright, clean white, here are a few less intense alternatives to consider:
– Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams – A popular bright white with slight gray undertones (LRV 86)
– White Dove by Behr – A versatile and affordable white with subtle warmth (LRV 86)
– Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore – A timeless, softer white with hints of gray (LRV 92)
– Navajo White by Glidden – A crisp, pure white that avoids feeling too sterile (LRV 92)
– Whitehall by Pittsburgh Paints – A lighter white with hints of green for subtle variation (LRV 87)
Conclusion
Ultra Pure white paint from Beautiful Paints undoubtedly makes a bold, bright white statement. However, some interior designers argue this paint color is simply too pale and opaque for general use in living spaces. The sterile, clinical vibe may fit certain contemporary styles but may not be warm or welcoming enough for most homes. As with any bold paint choice, Ultra Pure white works best when combined with other hues, materials and lighting elements that add balance, texture and visual interest. While the purity of the white is stunning, it generally benefits from being paired with accent colors and decor to avoid feeling one-dimensional. At the end of the day, the appeal of Ultra Pure white depends heavily on personal preferences and decorating style. For those drawn to crisp, icy whites, it delivers on the promise of a flawlessly clean blank canvas.