How to Choose the Perfect Paint Color

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home can feel impossible. The number of paint colors and sheens, not to mention the undertones, can be incredibly overwhelming. You’re not alone in this struggle, so how do pick the right paint color without losing your mind?

I want to start off by saying I have found three things when it comes to picking “the perfect paint color” for your home. First, no matter HOW much you love a paint color, there always comes a time when you will want to change it. Second, in my opinion, paint is the most affordable renovation you can do in your home that has the ability to DRAMATICALLY impact the way a room looks and feels. Third, it’s actually a lot harder to choose a paint color for your own home than it is for someone else to choose a paint color for your home. Even though I do this all the time, I still struggle to choose paint colors for my own home! I have spoken with my friends at the local Benjamin Moore store about this & they actually choose paint colors for each other! When I am choosing paint colors for myself or clients, here is the list of things I consider:

One. The Vibe

The first thing I consider when picking paint colors is the atmosphere or vibe I want to create. So, if it’s a bathroom or a bedroom, you’re most likely looking to create relaxing or calming feelings. This is where color psychology comes in. I have a degree in psychology, so this is my favorite part! Blues and greens are cool colors and create feelings of peace or calmness. When choosing paint colors for your bedroom, bathroom, or any other space where you want to create a calming atmosphere, choose cooler paint colors. Warm colors like orange and red create feelings of excitement. They are very stimulating and are best used in places in your home where your family is the most active. For example, putting a red accent wall in your bedroom may not be the best choice.

• Cool colors, like blue, green, and purple, are considered calming and are best for spaces where you want to rest or relax.
• Warm colors, such as red, yellow, and orange, are considered energizing and are best for spaces that stimulate the mind, excite, or energize.

Two. Lighting

Next is lighting. Lighting has a significant impact on how paint colors appear in your home. Natural lighting coming through your windows shows the most accurate paint color, while lightbulbs bring out warm or cool undertones in your paint colors. Before making your decisions, look at paint color samples in the room you are painting to see how different lighting makes those paint colors appear at various times of the day.

Three. Size Matters

Consider the size of your room. Lighter colors can make a small room appear larger and more open, while darker colors can make a large room appear smaller and more cozy.

Four. Function

Consider the space’s function and the finishes or décor you already have. Think about what you and your family do in that room and the mood you want to create. For example, calming paint colors are best for bedrooms, while vibrant colors are better for living or playrooms. But it really all depends because maybe you want your living room to be calming, so you would choose a cooler, calming color. Also, make sure you consider the color of your flooring, tile, backsplash, etc. If you have hardwood floors with a warm undertone, it may be best to balance that warmth with a paint color that has a cool undertone.

Five. The Color Scheme

Create a cohesive whole-home color palette. What other paint colors do you have in your home? What paint colors can you see from the room you’re painting? I don’t mean all rooms need to be painted the same color, but they should complement each other to create a cohesive look.

Six. Sample Your Paint Colors

Sample! Say it with me again, SAMPLEEEEE! Always test your paint colors! Do NOT skip this step. I don’t care if you go the traditional sample route and paint swatches on every single wall you’re painting or if you go the route of ordering peel-and-stick paint samples. Either way, TEST THOSE PAINT COLORS. Make sure you look at your samples on every wall in the room(s) you’re painting at different times of the day and in various lighting conditions. You never know what sneaky undertones will pop up.

Seven. Paint Sheen

Another important step when choosing the perfect paint color for your home is considering the paint finish. Paint finish (or sheen) matters for aesthetics and function! I have an entire article on how to choose the right paint sheen, but this is a quick summary:

• Matte/Flat sheen is ideal for ceilings and low-traffic areas. It hides imperfections and absorbs light but does not clean well.

• Eggshell is between glossy and matte. It is good for regular traffic areas like bedrooms and dining rooms. It reflects a small amount of light and can be wiped but not scrubbed.

• Satin has a slight shine and is good for regular traffic areas, as it can be scrubbed clean. Because it reflects light, it highlights imperfections.

• Semi-gloss is shiny. It is often used for trim and is great for areas that are “wet” or need frequent scrubbing (trim, kitchens, bathrooms).

• Glossy / High gloss: super shiny and very reflective. In my opinion, it is not often used in “typical” homes. It shows the most imperfections. It is often used intentionally in design to highlight architectural details

Eight. My Favorite Paint Colors

To help you get started, I created three paint color collections with my favorite paint colors.

Favorite Whole Home Paint Colors

My very favorite paint colors to use as a wall color throughout your entire home.

Accent Colors

The best paint colors to use as accents throughout your home.

Neutrals

My go-to neutral paint colors. Many of these I have used in my own home.

Final Notes on Choosing the Perfect Paint Color

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home is all about balancing functions with aesthetics. If you take ANYTHING away from the steps I shared with you, make sure it’s SAMPLE. This is by far the MOST important step. You can consider color psychology, lighting, the size of the room, and all of your décor & finishes, but if you don’t test that color, it could be a total flop. Believe me, I’ve done it more than once. Don’t rush the process, either. I also have made this mistake, and I understand sometimes there is pushback from painters or contractors, or you want to get it done, but if you don’t take your time to consider all of these steps and sample your colors, then you could be wasting so much time and money. Trust me on this. Anytime I have ever hated a color I painted in my home, it was because either (a) I did not sample the color or (b) I rushed my choice.

Work With Me to Choose The Perfect Paint Color

As I said in the beginning, it’s hard to choose paint colors for your own home, so don’t feel bad if you still can’t figure it out on your own. I am here to help if you need it & you can check out my paint color consulting services here.

I am always happy to answer any questions you have about my blog posts & services. If you want to contact me directly, reach out at hello@justhaleyhomes.com.

Happy Painting!