If it reads white or cream from 5-10 feet away, I would say use it. If you are cutting up larger pieces, check each cut square. Some might actually have more colour that background. The picture in my mind is with each block having similar coloured squares. For example; a square with mostly reds, a square with mostly yellows, etc.
I love the antique quilt with the black borders. Barb, yours is amazing. Can't imagine how much time went into planing and sewing that!