How to Choose a Wall Color to go With Your Furniture

Choose a wall color that complements, rather than matches, your furniture.

Choosing a wall color is always a matter of personal taste. If you already have furniture in the room, you can use the furniture as a reference point. Generally, you don't want to choose a wall color that matches the furniture. Instead, choose a neutral or complementary color. You can use online references and color swatches to choose a color you like.

Instructions

1. Consider a complementary color. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel: red and green are complementary colors, as are blue and orange, plus yellow and purple. They go well together in interior design and may make your design more aesthetically pleasing as a whole. Nevertheless, some people consider the look too bold.

2. Consider a neutral color. Neutral colors are best if your furniture color pops--for example, a red or yellow couch. A neutral gray, tan or white will create a more relaxed feel in your room, and could serve as a backdrop for interestingly colored furniture.

3. Take a picture of the room you're decorating. Use the best camera you own, so the colors are not changed too much. Print the picture and put a digital copy on your computer.

4. Go to a home decorating website, such as mydeco.com. Upload the picture of your room. Try out different wall colors in the room to see what looks good with the furniture.

5. Go to a paint store once you have an idea of the color you're looking for. Choose several color swatches that appear close. Use the printed picture as a reference.

6. Bring the swatches home and hold them against the furniture and on the wall to help you make your final decision. Remember, you can always paint over it if you change your mind later.

Tips & Warnings

• When planning more than one room in your home, be sure to use different color schemes. This will make your home more welcoming and interesting to look at.

• Consider a sponging technique. This allows you to paint the room a base color, then add a different color by sponging it on top.

• Always choose a paint color that's one shade lighter than the color you want. Paint turns darker once it dries on the walls.

• Don't paint the walls pure black or white. This will generally make the room feel dull and unwelcoming.

References

• Artsparx.com: Creating Color Schemes
• Painterclick.com: Painting Ideas for Interior Walls

Resources

• My Deco: Decorate My Photo