How to Pick a Paint Color for a Family Room

When it comes time to redecorate your family room and choosing a wall color, consider the main function of the room. Most family rooms have televisions and entertainments centers, sound systems, as well as interactive gaming systems. Family rooms are where people gather to relax and enjoy each others company. Choosing the right wall color is key to creating the right ambiance in the family room and will foster years of close family relationships and good times.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Color Wheel
• Paint Sample Cards

Instructions

1. Choose a color palette based on what your favorite colors are and what mood you want to create in the room. Color palettes range from cool colors to warm colors. Cool colors are blue, green and purples, and tend to be more calming. Warm colors are red, orange and yellow and are more stimulating. Be wary of combining cool and warm colors together, as this can be overwhelming to the senses. If you are still unsure of what color palette to choose, take a look at your closet and see what your favorite colors are for your clothing. This is often a good indication of what colors would look good in your family room.

2. Take a look at a color wheel. You will notice the three primary colors: red, yellow and blue. All colors originate from these three colors. If you want to choose colors that complement each other, look for colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. These will be the most visually stimulating. A more relaxing color scheme is called the analogous color scheme, and it uses colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. An example of this is paint sample cards in paint stores with varying shades of one color; choose two or three for your family room to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

3. Consult with a decorator if you are still unsure of the right color for your family room walls. There are many home and design magazines with a multitude of photos of family rooms that can give you great ideas for color combinations. Finally, the paint store associate is a great resource for information in choosing wall colors, as well as the appropriate finish to be used in your painting job. Take your time, and explore your options when choosing a paint color for your family room, and it will be sure to bring your years of enjoyment and satisfaction.