Many people feel “white” is a single shade—and that white itself can be bland and boring. It’s often seen as the easiest choice when it comes to decorating. But there are many different shades of white, just as there are varying shades of red or blue. Far from being the easy way out, an all-white décor is a challenging choice for any room. It takes some skill to get it right. If you are considering using white as the primary shade in your bathroom, here are a few tips for working with this color.

Not all whites are created equally. There are many different shades of white—from eggshell to ivory, biscuit to bone. Most white shades on the market today have an undertone—either of yellow or blue. A yellow-white is a more natural-looking, warmer white—you’ll see names like “biscuit,” “sandbar,” “Adobe,” or “Antique.” Whites with blue undertones give a cooler feel to a room. Because the blue-white shade wasn’t sold in paints until the 1920’s, this shade is associated with a more modern look.

Choose a white that complements your theme. The white you choose will be in part dictated by your bathroom theme. In general, the warmer yellow-whites are best matched with bathrooms that are going for an antique, country, or natural look. Blue whites are good for Art-Deco themes and clean, contemporary design.

Match colors and whites. Unless you’re interested in designing a completely white bathroom—everything from towels to tiles—you’ll have to deal with color at some point. If you have wood trim in your bathroom or plan to work from a palette based on a yellow-based color such as red, brown, or pink, a soft yellow white may be the best choice for you. Blue-based colors will look flat and gray against a yellow white.

If you’re planning to use a palette with cool undertones, such as blues, blacks or grays, you should go with a cool blue-white. Warm yellow-based colors have a tendency to look slightly dirty against a cool white background.

Use slightly different whites. White isn’t necessarily boring—but the same shade on walls, fixtures, floors, and accents is. If you’re planning to use white everywhere in your bathroom, consider using slightly different whites for walls than you use for sinks and bathtubs. Stick with the same undertones—blues or yellows—but vary the shades slightly. This will provide some contrast and keep your bathroom from looking monotonous.

Consider textured fixtures. When you rely on white as your primary color, overly-shiny fixtures can look a bit harsh—depending on the shade of white you use. To create visual interest, look for brushed and textured finishes. They’ll add a textured accent to your room that provides variety and visual interest.

White adds drama. White is a color that makes other colors stand out. If you decorate your bathroom all in white, and then add a single accent in saturated orange, red, or deep purple, you’ll be making a strong color statement. A white bathroom provides a stunning backdrop for single, striking color accents that you can change with the seasons—a vase of yellow or purple flowers in the summer; a red candle during the holidays; or a single painting of sea and sky.

No time to clean? No problem. Many people resist relying on white because they believe it will be more difficult to clean. And it’s true that dirt and smudges stand out against a white background, just as rich colors do. But manufacturers are catching on to the fact that people want whites without the hassle. Most of the time, smooth, non-textured surfaces are easier to clean. If you’re concerned about cleaning, look for smooth tiles and fixtures.

An all-white room is a dramatic statement in itself—and it can set the stage for a striking splash of color. If you’re interested in decorating with white, choose the right shade and match it to your bathroom’s theme. With careful consideration, your white is sure to fit your bathroom and lifestyle.