Tips for Choosing Paint Colors

When you’re decorating your home, choosing paint colors is probably the most important thing you’ll have to decide on.

Because choosing colors is such a big decision, it can be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it on your own. But it’s actually fun to do and the results can be impressive if you do it right. To help you with your project, here are some tips on how to choose paint colors that are right for you:

1. Start with a reference point.

Find inspiration in something that you already like, like a favorite photograph, or your favorite garment. This way you’ll figure out which colors you’re naturally drawn to and it will be easier to establish the starting point of the project.

2. Think of the mood.

When choosing a color, consider the mood of the room you’re working on. If you’re working on your kitchen, for example, do you want something that’s cheerful and stimulating or something more formal and quiet? If it’s the former, you’ll want brighter colors; neutral colors and deeper blue-green shades can give you that formal ambiance.

3. Pay attention to lighting.

Paints and finishes can look different depending on the light source. For example, a strong color can come out too bright when it’s on a wall next to a large window. So when you buy paint, test the paint chips using light boxes in the store. Some points to keep in mind:

• Fluorescent lighting casts a bluish tone
• Natural lighting shows the truest color
• Incandescent lighting draws out warm tones

4. Observe the color wheel.

A color wheel is a great reference tool for learning how to modify or intensify two or more colors. Many color combinations surprisingly work well together, giving you plenty of color palettes to choose from.

5. Choose different finishes.

Paint comes in different finishes, from satin to semigloss to matte. Using a single color using different finishes can create a nice, cohesive look to a room.