White, unlike black, is definitely a colour. Although it might seem to be the purest hue, the opposite is true, as it is made up of many other colours. For white to be created, all the colours of the light spectrum must mix together. White is often found in nature, and you can come across plenty of white plants and flowers around you. The brightest of colours, white, has been known for a very long time. Even in caves, white chalk was used to create wall paintings. The colour later became very popular in both painting and architecture. It is also popular today, especially in interior design.

White – meaning of the colour

The meaning and perception of the colour white depends on the cultural context. In some cultures it evokes positive associations, in others it is associated with sadness. In the East, for example in China and the Asian cultural sphere, white is a colour associated with death and worn at funerals. In Western culture, on the other hand, white emphasises innocence and is associated with divinity. It appears at weddings as the colour of the bride's dress, and is used during baptisms and First Holy Communion. In the case of the wedding dress, this colour was popularised by Queen Victoria of Great Britain, who chose it for her wedding gown in 1840, during her marriage to Prince Albert.

Through its association with the colour of milk, white was linked to prosperity and good fortune, for example in Bedouin culture. In the past, white was also associated with wealth, as dyeing something white was expensive and only the affluent could afford it. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs wore white, which was meant to further emphasise their divine nature.

Symbolism of white

White is a symbol of purity, innocence and a new beginning. It refers to the colour of angels and is considered the opposite of evil, which is associated with the colour black. White is also a symbol of youth. It is associated with sterility, trust and support. Hospital rooms are often kept in this colour, as are doctors' coats. White is also the colour of hygiene. We are all familiar with the symbol of the white flag, which is used as a sign of surrender. The white dove, on the other hand, is a well-known symbol of peace.

The colour white evokes associations with a clean, blank page, which can represent a new beginning. At the same time, it also represents a clear mind and creativity. Although white is a safe colour, it shouldn't be overused, as too much white, especially in larger amounts, for example in interiors, can be overwhelming and create a feeling of distance and coldness.

How does the colour white affect us, who should wear it?

White soothes emotions, can reduce stress, calm you down and improve your mood. It provides relaxation and is helpful when resting. It fosters concentration and is useful when studying. Undoubtedly, it is also associated with freshness and modernity. It should be chosen by those who want to think clearly and lucidly. It will suit those who are open to possibilities. White can inspire creative action. It is also an extravagant colour. It should be avoided by those who are uncertain, have difficulty taking action, and by those who are sad or indecisive.

What to pair white with? When is the best time to choose this colour

White is not the most beloved colour, but it will perfectly complement various outfits. It is a colour for everyone and every age, both for little ones and for mature people. It will neutralise other colours and is very minimalist. Some people may find white impractical, as it gets dirty quickly. Sweat, for example, is also much more visible on it. Despite this, it is definitely worth choosing this colour. It is a very good base for outfits in any style. White is timeless, elegant, and perfect in many combinations. It is not a seasonal colour that will quickly become boring. This colour will also be great for summer.

See also a similar colour: Grey colour, meaning, symbolism - grey doesn't have to be monotonous, who will it suit?

As we mentioned earlier, it can be paired with many colours, and we recommend trying combinations with light blue or green. These will be relaxing, fresh sets that, like combining with pastels, will look great in summer. It's also worth trying combinations with pink, yellow or blue. An interesting combination can also be achieved with white and brown. An interesting contrasting set is the combination of white and black. This is the classic of classics, it will always work, and it looks interesting too. This combination of timeless, classic colours is worth trying in various configurations, e.g. a white T-shirt, black trousers or vice versa. It certainly won't be hard to find such colours in your wardrobe.

Shades of white – white isn't just one colour

When it comes to white, we can distinguish its cool and warm shades. So we have cream, ivory, pearl, milky, cream and finally snow-white. Its perception will depend on the shade chosen and whether it is cool or warm, as well as on the colours accompanying the white. Depending on preferences, you can therefore match the most suitable colour, white blouses and other items are available in many shades of white. Both in interior design and when putting together outfits.