🎨 Repainting from Beige to White: What It Really Takes (And Costs)
🔍 Quick Takeaway
- Going from beige/brown to white ALWAYS requires three coats (either primer + two coats or three coats of paint)
- Simply White is a great choice but isn’t a great covering color – patience required
- Expect to budget $3,500-$4,500 for an average size home depending on paint quality
- The transformation is worth it – white instantly modernizes dated spaces
The Big Question: Is White Paint Worth the Hassle?
Hey everybody, Dave Cook from D’Franco Painting here. I was just out at a house that we’re repainting, and I wanted to share what we’re seeing with this beige-to-white transformation.
The house was painted what I think was Shaker Beige or Bagel or something – you know, that typical 1990s/2000s beige that’s in so many homes around Chicago’s northwest suburbs. Now we’re changing it to Simply White, and I gotta tell you, the difference is night and day.
But there’s something you should know right up front: if you’re going from beige or brown to white, you’re looking at three coats of paint. That’s just what it takes – either three coats of paint itself, or primer plus two coats. Either way, you’re painting those walls three times. It’s a time killer, you know? But the results are absolutely worth it.
“Why does white paint need so many coats over beige?”
This might seem weird because beige doesn’t seem that dark, but white paint (especially Simply White) isn’t a great covering color. It looks amazing when it’s done, but it doesn’t hide the previous color well.
In the house we’re working on, you can actually see how the same beige color looks completely different in different parts of the house depending on the lighting. That’s one of the problems with beige – it changes dramatically throughout the day and in different lighting.
White gives you a much more consistent look. We’ve already finished part of this house a couple months ago, and the transformation is stunning. We used primer plus two coats of Simply White over that dark brown, and now the space looks completely different – brighter, cleaner, and much more current.
“How much does it cost to repaint a house from beige to white?”
For a similar type of property to what we’re working on (average size home), you can expect around $3,500 to $4,500. That range depends on a few factors:
- The quality of paint you choose (basic white vs. Benjamin Moore Regal or Sherwin-Williams Emerald)
- The amount of prep work required
- The overall size and complexity of your space
- Whether you need ceiling painting as well
The three coats requirement is a big factor in the cost – it’s simply more labor and materials than a standard repaint. But when you see the before and after, most homeowners agree it’s worth every penny.
“What paint color white should I choose?”
In this project, we’re using Benjamin Moore Simply White, which is a fantastic choice for most homes. It’s a warm white that doesn’t feel sterile or cold like some brighter whites can.
Some things to know about Simply White:
- It’s not a great covering color (again, three coats minimum)
- It looks beautiful in both natural and artificial light
- It works well with most trim colors, including bright white trim
- It creates a perfect backdrop for any décor style
Other white options that we often recommend:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (slightly warmer)
- Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (a soft, warm white)
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (a brighter, cleaner white)
“Will I need to repaint my trim too?”
This depends on your current trim color and condition. In many cases, the existing white trim can stay if it’s in good shape. If your trim is currently stained wood or painted beige to match your walls, then yes, you’ll want to include trim painting in your project.
For the house we’re working on, we’re painting the walls Simply White and keeping the existing white trim. The contrast is subtle but provides just enough definition to give the space architectural interest.
Before and After: The Power of White Paint
The transformation in this house is dramatic. The before color was that typical brown/beige that makes spaces feel dated and dark. Now with Simply White throughout, the entire home feels brighter, larger, and completely updated without changing anything else.
The stairwell especially shows the power of white paint – going from that dark brown to white completely transformed the space. The stairs themselves weren’t even that nice, but with white walls, they suddenly look much more elegant and current.
The Paint It Forward Project
I should mention that this particular project is part of our Paint It Forward program, where we’re helping repaint a mission house for a non-profit organization in our community. It’s a halfway house type of property, and we’re donating our services to help refresh their space.
Giving back to our community through painting is something we’re passionate about at D’Franco Painting. If you know of a deserving organization that could use some painting help, please let us know.
Making the Right Decision for Your Home
If you’re considering taking your home from beige to white, here’s what you need to remember:
- Budget for three coats – there’s no shortcut around this
- Choose your white carefully – they’re not all the same
- Consider the quality of paint – better paint gives better results
- Be prepared for a dramatic transformation that will make your home feel completely updated
At D’Franco Painting, we’ve transformed hundreds of beige homes to bright, modern white spaces throughout Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The before-and-after is always dramatic and always worth the investment.
“We lived with beige walls for 15 years before calling D’Franco. The Simply White transformation made our home feel like a completely different place – brighter, more modern, and so much more inviting.” — Homeowner in Barrington
Ready to Transform Your Home from Beige to White?
Whether you’re looking to update your whole house or just start with the main living areas, we can help guide you through the process:
Call: 847.553.1726
Email: david@dfrancopainting.com
Book a Free Consultation: https://dfrancowallpaper.com/contact-us/
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