Hello friends and welcome!

I’m Bozica, a qualified interior designer and colour specialist, and today I’m reviewing a popular and timeless Dulux neutral—Ecru.

If you’re searching for how to choose white paint and neutrals for your home, or you’re doing a DIY colour selection, this post will help you understand the undertone of Ecru, how to test it, pair it with the right whites, and use it confidently—inside and out.

🎨 What Is Dulux Ecru?

• Undertone: Beige with a soft green base

• LRV: 68 – perfect for open-plan living areas

• Works in: Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms

• Also suitable for: Exterior walls (rendered or weatherboard)

🎯 Always compare Ecru to a true white like Vivid White to clearly see its green undertone. It’s subtle—but essential for getting it right.

✅ Why LRV Matters (And Why Ecru Is Great for Open Spaces)

With an LRV of 68, Ecru sits comfortably in the zone I recommend for whole-home wall colours. It has enough depth to bring warmth, while still reflecting light beautifully.

What is LRV? It’s the Light Reflectance Value, a number from 0 (black) to 100 (white).
I teach all about it inside my white paint course because understanding LRV is key to choosing the right colour for the right space.

🪟 Will Ecru Work in Dark Rooms?

Yes—but only if you’re clear on the mood you want to create.

Bright paint in a dark room won’t magically brighten it—because every colour needs light to reflect.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Use Ecru, but layer the space with plenty of artificial light—floor lamps, picture lights, sconces, or dimmable downlights.

• Then enjoy the soft, warm depth this neutral brings—even in low-light rooms.

✅ The Undertone: Why Ecru Is So Flexible

Ecru’s green undertone makes it one of the most versatile beiges. It pairs beautifully with:

• Other beiges with green undertones (for tonal variation)

• Timber flooring (even red-based timbers like cherry or mahogany—it calms them down!)

• Both black and white windows

• Natural stone, oak joinery, or soft gold fixtures

✅ Whites That Work with Ecru

Pairing neutrals with the right white is critical. Because Ecru is warm with a green base, you’ll want warm whites that won’t clash.

Best white paint colours to pair with Dulux Ecru:

• Whisper White – soft, clean, warm white

• White Cloak Quarter – gentle warmth, no yellowing

• Snowy Mountains Half – fresh but soft

• Antique White USA – classic warm white

• Vivid White – if you want crisp contrast and flexibility

📝 Tip: I often recommend using Vivid White for skirtings, architraves, and doors—it creates clean contrast and works across any future colour schemes.

🛋 How to Create a Colour Scheme with Ecru

Ecru is a great foundation for a cohesive, elegant scheme. Here’s how I would use it:

✔ Colour Combo Ideas:

• Walls: Dulux Ecru

• Trims/Skirtings/Doors: Vivid White or Whisper White

• Furniture fabrics: Beige-greens, soft neutrals, boucle, and linen

• Accent colours: Olive green, sage, dusty blue, soft mauve, and walnut timber tones

• Rugs and accessories: Textured neutrals or woven patterns with soft browns and greens

🎨 If you’re using inspiration from a fabric or artwork, start by pulling out colours and test them side by side—just like I did in the video.

🧱 Can You Use Ecru Outside?

Yes! It’s stunning.

Ecru will appear 2–3 shades lighter in natural light, but the green undertone will still come through softly.

Here’s how to style it:

✔ Exterior Use:

• Black or white windows – both work

• Colorbond Dune – great match for downpipes or roof if you're using whites

• Downpipes: Paint them in the same colour as the wall

• Avoid: Cream or yellow-based trims—it will clash

🎁 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.