More than 70 per cent of paint sold is white and approximately 50 per cent of the time it is used wrong.

Here are eight things to know about this tricky hue to make sure the colour is used correctly.

1. White is a difficult colour to use.
White is not the avoidance of colour but the most demanding and challenging colour of all. Like white exercise clothing, it reveals everything so be sure what is being revealed is worthy of admiration. If not, choose a more forgiving alternative.

2. White is unfriendly.
Psychologically, white is the colour of silence – sophisticated but not particularly friendly. Use white in rooms where calm and introspection are welcome – bedrooms, bathrooms, yoga rooms or quiet living areas.

3. White is a snob.
White likes its own company and finds other colours unwelcome intrusions. Limit colour to minimal accents to keep white serene. For best results, though, keep whites and colours separate (as with laundry).

4. White pumps up chroma-volume.
Let white highlight a bold work of art or a richly coloured carpet. Be careful to avoid colour clutter – too many coloured things scattered about the room. Items should be few and big enough to make a statement.

5. White doesn’t like dark.
Rooms infused with abundant natural light – full-spectrum light – look lovely and lively dressed in white. Dark rooms do not. Without lots of good light and lighting, white will always be a lifeless grey. Make these rooms brighter with yellow or yellow-based colours or energize them with bolder colour choices.

6. White can be softened.
Soften white’s clinical edge with textured surfaces – fur, felt, velvet, knitted fabrics, hand-scraped wood – and natural elements. White does not mind blond or greyed woods, straw, sisals, grey or taupe-coloured stone and other neutral naturals.

7. White likes texture and pattern.
Shiny things animate a white room so feel free to introduce silver, crystal or mirrored items. Also, mix gloss and matte surfaces.

8. White likes to match.
Choose white with as much – or more – care as any other colour. White comes in hundreds of variations, each with its own personality. If white must be used on a ceiling or trim, then be sure to coordinate the white with the wall colour. As the wall colour goes darker, so must the white to stay balanced. Also, put warm whites with warm wall colours and cool with cool.

Janice Lindsay is principal of Pink Colour & Design. She is also one of Canada’s leading colour and design consultants as well as a national colour and design consultant for PPG Pittsburgh Paints. Janice can be reached at 416.961.6281.