How to Choose Indoor Paint Colors
The number of paint colors available can be overwhelming when trying to choose new interior colors for your home. Personal attitudes toward color can vary widely from person to person, so don't be afraid to make a bold choice if there's a color that appeals to you, even if others don't necessarily agree. Even if you want simple white or off-white walls, there are a variety of subtle shadings to choose from, so it is important to bring home a few paint chips--the color sample cards available in paint stores--to see how they look in your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Consider the color scheme you currently have in your furniture and artwork for each room. If you are not willing to purchase new furniture or bedding to coordinate with your new paint job, this may be your primary consideration. If you have a variety of colors in your furnishings, make note of any common colors throughout those objects---especially colors that are only present in small amounts in each object. Using these colors on the walls can help tie all of the objects together.
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Visit the paint counter of a hardware store or a paint store and ask which brands of paint the clerk recommends. Some colors will only be available in certain brands, so this helps you make sure you don't get attached to a color that only comes from a brand you aren't willing to buy. Make sure the clerk explains why she recommends each brand so you can make an informed decision rather than simply buying the most expensive paint. Considerations such as whether the paint usually requires one or two coats and how long it lasts can affect the overall pricing.
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Select multiple paint chips in each color range you are considering, based on your decor colors and your personal preferences. Choose light, medium and dark shades of each color you like. You may choose to use a darker shade for an accent wall and lighter shades for other walls, or use one color for the walls and another for the trim.
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Place a piece of masking tape on the back of each paint chip and tape it to the wall with a few inches of space between each chip. If the chips have multiple colors attached together, cut them apart. Also cut off any white space surrounding the color on the chip.
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Step back and view the colors under your normal lighting. Try viewing them under daylight from the windows, then close the curtains and use your indoor lighting.
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Remove any paint chips you don't like from the wall. Take the remaining chips and try them out one at a time on another wall, trying to picture the full wall in that color. Again, remove any chips you don't like.
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Hold each remaining chip up next to different pieces of decor and furniture, under both natural and artificial lighting. Continue narrowing down your selection until you have your desired paint colors.
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Return to your discarded paint chips and select an accent or trim color from these, based on your selected wall color. If none appeals to you, try returning to the store to select a new trim or accent color based on your main color selection. Again, view it under natural and artificial lighting to ensure the best selection.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that paint colors often look darker when they are on the wall, so consider choosing a lighter version of the color you like if you are concerned about the room appearing too dark.
Some paint brands offer virtual color tools on their websites that allow you to upload a photo and see how your room would look with different colors of paint.
Keep in mind that paint chips are often made with a satin finish in mind. If you choose a different paint finish, such as flat or eggshell, the color may vary.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit colour samples image by dwags from Fotolia.com
