How to Pick Paint Colors

Changing the paint colors in your house can result in either a flurry of compliments or a painful silence when you finally show off your handiwork. Pick paint colors that even an interior designer would be proud of and showcase your flair for design.

Instructions

1. Think about your favorite colors. Which ones remind you of home or other fond memories? Choose a color which you like and it isn't too difficult on the eyes.

2. Consider the existing colors in the house. Decide how your new paint color will complement your furniture, rugs and flooring. Look at a color wheel or use online color paint tools to decide if the chosen color palette will clash or harmonize with a room.

3. Use online tools as initial tools to imagine what the room will look like. Go to the store and get swatches as well. Put them on the wall and compare how the same swatch looks during daytime and nighttime.

4. Think about appropriate shades for a particular room. In general, darker colors make a room appear more intimate and lighter colors make a room look larger. The size of the room and how much sunlight a room gets can also affect the way the color looks on the wall.

5. Match the room function with the room color. For example, an intimate office/library in "Masterpiece Theatre" style may need a different color than a cheery child's bedroom.

6. Decide if you need to mix a custom color. If you are trying to match an exact shade from a fabric or other item, have the paint color mixed in the store. Make sure to buy enough cans to paint a room if you do buy a custom color because it can be difficult to get the exact same color twice.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are planning to add trim or not to your walls, you can either paint them the same color or chose another accent color.

• Stick with very pale or white shades if you are trying to make a room larger.