Picking white paint seems like it should be easy. Walk into Bunnings, grab something white, done.
But then you start looking at all the options and realise there’s actually heaps of different whites.
Two that come up a lot are Dulux Lexicon Quarter and Vivid White.
Both are decent paints from Dulux, but they’re pretty different when you actually use them.
One’s got this cool, modern vibe while the other is more of a classic bright white. Depends what you’re after really.
What are these paints anyway?
Lexicon Quarter is one of those trendy greys that pretends to be white.
It’s got this subtle grey-blue thing going on that makes it feel modern and crisp. Good for contemporary homes or places with lots of natural light.
Vivid White is more straightforward. Pure white, no funny business. Bright, clean, does what it says on the tin.
Classic choice for ceilings and trim work.
The undertone situation
This is where it gets interesting. Lexicon Quarter has got that tiny hint of black mixed in, which gives it the cool greyish-blue feel.
Looks great in bright rooms but can feel a bit cold if you don’t have much light coming in.
Vivid White doesn’t mess around with undertones. It’s just white.
Reflects light evenly, works with warm and cool colours, pretty much does what you’d expect white paint to do.
You really need to test these with sample pots though. Paint a patch and check it morning and night. Lighting changes everything with whites, that’s for sure.
Where should you use each one?
Lexicon Quarter works well on walls in living areas, kitchens, anywhere with big windows.
The cool tone goes nicely with greys, blues, timber finishes. Pretty popular for feature walls too. Some people use it on exterior trim to get that fresh, contemporary look.
Vivid White is the go-to for ceilings. There’s a reason most painters default to this – it just works.
Good for trim and doors when you want that crisp, classic finish. Small rooms benefit from it because it bounces light around better than the tinted whites.
Pros and cons of each
Lexicon Quarter looks more sophisticated than basic white, that’s its main selling point.
Covers better too because of the pigment – usually only need two coats instead of three or four. Works well with modern decor, concrete, steel, that kind of thing.
Downside is it can look grey or cold in rooms that don’t get much natural light. The blue undertone might clash if you’ve got warm-colored furniture or timber features.
Vivid White is pretty much foolproof. Bright, versatile, works with any style.
Makes spaces feel bigger and reflects light really well. You can’t go wrong with it for most applications.
The problem is coverage. Pure whites like this need more coats to look decent.
Can get expensive if your painting a large area. Sometimes looks a bit stark in big empty rooms too.
How lighting affects these paints
North and west-facing rooms get warm sunlight, so Lexicon Quarter balances that out nicely with its cool undertone.
South and east-facing rooms get cooler light though, which can make Lexicon Quarter look too grey.
Vivid White handles any lighting pretty well because there’s no undertones to shift. Stays consistent, which is why its so popular.
People often ask why their white paint looks grey.
Usually its because they’ve chosen a cool white like Lexicon Quarter for a room that doesn’t get enough light.
Coverage differences
This matters more than you’d think. Lexicon Quarter has more pigment so it covers better – usually two coats does it.
Saves time and money, especially if you’re paying someone to paint.
Vivid White being a pure white means lower opacity. You might need three or four coats depending on what you’re painting over. Adds up if you’re doing a whole house.
What they pair with
Lexicon Quarter goes well with soft greys, sage greens, cool blues. Works with timber floors, concrete, black steel fixtures.
Suits modern, Scandinavian, or minimalist styles.
Vivid White pretty much works with anything. Bold colours, earthy tones, pastels, whatever.
Brick, polished wood, marble, all good. Traditional, coastal, eclectic spaces all work.
How to choose between them
Test samples in your actual room at different times of day. Can’t stress this enough. What looks good in the store might look terrible in your living room.
Think about your style. Want something modern and sophisticated? Lexicon Quarter. Prefer classic and bright? Vivid White.
Budget matters too. Tight on cash or time? Lexicon Quarter covers better.
Got patience and want maximum brightness? Vivid White.
Consider the mood you’re going for. Cool and crisp versus bright and neutral.
What people actually say about them
Most feedback on Lexicon Quarter is positive from people with modern homes and good natural light.
Complaints usually come from people who used it in darker rooms and found it too grey.
Vivid White gets praise for being reliable. People like it for ceilings and trim.
Occasional complaint about it being too stark, but that’s usually when its used on walls without much colour elsewhere.
Cost and where to get them
Both available at Bunnings, Dulux stores, most paint shops. Price is similar – around $50-70 for 4L depending on the finish you choose. Low sheen, semi-gloss, whatever.
Vivid White might cost more overall because you’ll need extra coats. Factor that in when you’re budgeting.
Sample pots are about $5-10. Buy them. Test them. Don’t skip this step.
Common questions people ask
Is Lexicon Quarter too blue? Not really. The blue undertone is subtle. Only really notice it next to warm colours or in dim light.
Can you use Vivid White on walls? Yeah, but it’s pretty stark. Need some colourful decor to soften it up.
Which is better for ceilings? Vivid White, hands down. It’s the standard for good reason.
Final thoughts
Both paints are solid choices, just different purposes. Lexicon Quarter brings that modern edge with easier application.
Vivid White offers classic brightness and works with everything, though takes more effort to apply properly.
Test them in your space, match them to your style, and you’ll figure out which one works. Don’t overthink it too much – they’re both good paints from a decent brand.
