Finding a white paint can be as hard as finding the perfect little black dress – the more you look, the more variations you'll find. There are more variations in white tints than in almost any other paint hue. That's because so many different colours can be added to white, changing it slightly each time. But that's not where it ends. There's more to choosing the right white than just finding the perfect shade – there's also contrast, finish and context to think about.

So what's a home renovator to do? Keep reading. We've broken down all of the elements for you to make picking the perfect white as simple as it should be.

The easiest way to select a white paint is to grab a stack of chips you like and divide them into groups based on the added tint that's most visible. Compare them to a pure white(ask the paint-store clerk to help you find a pure white chip, or use a sheet of white bond paper)to help you see the subtle differences. For more help comparing whites, click here.

Before you paint any room, consider the purpose of the room and the feeling you want to convey. In workspaces such as the kitchen or office, white walls offer a clean slate that encourages concentration and eliminates distractions. In bathrooms, it feels pure. In bedrooms and living rooms, white evokes a feeling of luxury, your own dreamy sanctuary.

A white wall will sharply contrast with any other colours in the space. So avoid mixing palettes. If, for example, your couch is red, a blue-tinted white might look jarring behind it. For a unified, subtle effect, stick to either a warm or cool palette throughout.