14/10/24

Dulux White Polar Quarter: A Beautiful Soft White with a Gentle Yellow Undertone

Hello friends and welcome to my blog! My name is Bozica — I’m a qualified interior designer and colour specialist, and in today’s post I’m reviewing another stunning Dulux white: White Polar Quarter.

This colour is soft, warm, and perfect if you're renovating or building and need a white that adds brightness without feeling cold or sterile.

Undertone of Dulux White Polar Quarter

The first thing I always do when reviewing a white is compare it to a true white like Dulux Vivid White, which has no undertone. When we place White Polar Quarter next to it, you’ll notice a very subtle yellow undertone — soft, gentle, and warm. This makes it perfect if you want a white that feels inviting, not clinical.

LRV and Brightness

The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of White Polar Quarter is 88 — which means it's very bright and will reflect a lot of natural light. It belongs to the warm whites category and is an ideal choice for:

  • Open-plan living areas

  • Kitchens

  • Bedrooms

  • Hallways or entryways

It works especially well in homes with lots of windows and sunlight, where it can calm down the brightness while still keeping the space light-filled and soft.

Where to Use White Polar Quarter

This colour is incredibly flexible:

  • Walls: throughout your home

  • Ceilings and trims: for a seamless look, or pair with Vivid White for contrast

  • Kitchen cabinetry: if your stone has a warm, soft undertone

  • Exteriors: weatherboards or rendered homes

Best Whites to Pair With

If you want contrast, pair it with:

  • Dulux Vivid White – great for skirtings, architraves, and doors

  • It creates a lovely crisp break between soft walls and sharp details.

If you want a soft all-over look:

  • You can paint walls, trims, and cabinetry all in White Polar Quarter – but make sure it works with your flooring, stone, and tiles.

Colour Scheme That Works Beautifully

Because this colour has a warm yellow undertone, it pairs perfectly with:

  • Grey with a green undertone

  • Beige with a green undertone

  • Other soft whites or warm neutrals

Here’s a suggestion:

  • White Duck – a neutral with a green undertone

  • Green accessories or soft sage upholstery

  • Blue-greys like soft denim tones in throws or cushions

  • Warm oak flooring or neutral carpets

Avoid pairing with:

  • Cherry mahogany or red-toned floors — it will clash

  • Tiles with strong pink or orange undertones

Use in Kitchens

White Polar Quarter is perfect for kitchens — but only if it matches your stone benchtop and splashback. If your stone has a soft white base with neutral grey or beige veining, this colour can be used on:

  • Upper cabinets

  • Lower cabinets

  • Walls

Just remember — your fixed elements dictate your white, not the other way around. This is why paint colour is always the last thing you choose, never the first.

Flooring Considerations

It works with:

  • Oak flooring

  • Neutral carpets

  • Darker timber floors for contrast

It does not work well with:

  • Flooring that has red, orange, or yellow-heavy undertones

  • Tiles with mismatched undertones

Can You Use White Polar Quarter Outside?

Yes! It works beautifully on exteriors — especially when paired with:

  • White windows

  • Black windows (just make sure you repeat black somewhere else in the design)

It’s a fantastic choice for:

  • Weatherboard homes

  • Rendered homes

  • Modern and Hamptons-style homes

Outside, the colour will appear 2–3 shades lighter, and the yellow warmth will pop slightly more — making it feel welcoming, not stark.

Final Thoughts

Dulux White Polar Quarter is a warm white that brings softness, brightness, and timelessness to a space. It works beautifully with green-based neutrals, and is incredibly versatile — whether you’re planning an interior repaint or a full new build.

🎁 Free Downloads to Help You Choose the Right White

Still unsure? Before you even pick up a brush, make sure you actually understand how to choose white paint and neutrals for your home. I’ve created two free downloads that will walk you through:

📌 Read This Before You Renovate or Build
📌 Understand the 4 Types of White + How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident in your decision-making.

🎓 Want Step-by-Step Colour Selection Help?

If you're ready to learn how to choose white paint, test undertones, and create a full neutral colour scheme for your home, then join my online course. It's designed for homeowners who want to get it right the first time—without needing a designer.

👉 Check out the course here
It’s packed with visual guides, video tutorials, and includes access to a private Facebook group where you can ask me questions directly.

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