The colour everyone chooses, but few know by name
If you ask owners of new-build homes which colour their walls are painted, most of them will say "just white". In reality, it is almost always RAL 9010, an off-white shade that looks warmer and softer than pure white.
What is RAL?
RAL is a European colour standard system that assigns colour codes to specific shades. The system is used in industry, architecture and construction. RAL codes consist of a number combination that indicates one exact colour, regardless of the paint brand or manufacturer.
This creates consistency: if you order RAL 9010 from five different paint manufacturers, you will receive five cans of paint that are practically identical in colour.
What exactly is RAL 9010?
RAL 9010 is called pure white, but in practice it has a very light warm undertone that distinguishes it from colder pure white shades such as RAL 9003. It is the most widely used white in living spaces and in new-build homes.
Other popular whites include:
- RAL 9001 – Cream white, warmer than 9010 and slightly more yellow - RAL 9003 – Signal white, cold and bright, popular in industrial settings - RAL 9016 – Traffic white, slightly warmer than 9003 and often used for doors and frames
Why do so many people choose RAL 9010?
Neutral but warm: RAL 9010 is neutral enough to fit any room, but warm enough not to feel clinical. It reflects light well without becoming harsh.
Timeless: White walls never go out of style. RAL 9010 will still look good in twenty years, unlike many trend colours.
Easy to combine: RAL 9010 works with almost any floor, furniture piece or decorating style. It is the ideal base colour for a home that may later be sold or rented out.
Familiar at handover: Many new-build homes are delivered with a standard finish in RAL 9010 or a similar tone. Homeowners who continue with that shade in their own finish create a sense of continuity straight away.
Bouwcons and RAL 9010
At Bouwcons, RAL 9010 is our most requested colour. We apply this shade as standard in our premium package, including renovlies and one coat of quality scrub-resistant latex paint.
Of course, all other RAL white shades are also available, and colour work is no problem either. We have experience with RAL colours across a wide range of tones, from light grey and beige to dark accent colours.