White offers many hues that give a bright, airy atmosphere to a room

White comes in a multitude of hues - bright white, off-white, antique white - and each dovetails best with certain colors and wood tones.


According to Shari Hiller, co-host of the PBS series Around the House with Matt and Shari, choosing the right shade of white isn't different from choosing other colors.


"The easiest method is to match the white to a similar shade in an upholstered piece," she states on MattandShari.com. "[Otherwise] let the other colors of the room guide your choice."


A bright white with blue undertones coordinates well with modern décor that may include charcoal gray, silver and black. It also is an ideal companion color to pastels in a nursery.


Off-white with gray-based tones works best in a traditional room with classic colors such as wedgwood blue, sage green or dusty rose, the website advises.


A close cousin to off-white is antique white, which differs slightly because it has a yellow undertone. It offers a soft background to traditional hardwood furniture and kitchen cabinetry. In kitchens, white provides an especially bright, reflective quality.


White curtains or window shades allow more light to enter a room, giving it a bright and airy atmosphere. Durable, soft sheer shades filter light, but maintain the visibility of outside views.