How to choose paint colours for your home

Unsurprisingly, considering the amount of choices available, choosing the right paint colours can be a real headache. And for reasons explored here, the end result may not what be what you were aiming for.

Paint charts will only tell you part of the story. Researching on websites or referring to the paint colours used by your friends can only be starting point.

So how do we avoid making costly mistakes? Assuming you have decided the overall scheme you are after – eg neutrals, colour-drenched, heritage – and you are ready to specify or buy the paint, here are some factors to consider:

Preparation

Surfaces need to be prepared properly to receive the paint. Even if you specify a premium paint, in some cases, two coats may not be enough. If you are using a professional painter review their quote with them carefully to make sure they have factored in the condition of the walls and any special conditions in to account.

Composition

The degree of pigment and the nature of the binder in the specified paint will change the way the paint is applied and how it appears once it is dry. In general, higher quality (more expensive) paint will provide better coverage. The percentage of mattness or glossiness will impact how the colour appears.

Reflections

If your room has windows, than the walls will reflect whatever is outside. If you have windows on to a greenery, then a green hue will tint your walls. Likewise a neighbor’s adjacent red brick wall may cast a reddish tint.

Natural Light

However your room is orientated – eg north facing, gets lots of afternoon sun – it will impact the way your colour comes to life. (Artificial light is a whole other topic but can be controlled).

All this is to say, you simply have to experiment with the paint in your space in a sufficiently large sample to see how it actually looks in situ. Paint large boards (A2 size or larger) and move them around in the room.

Once you choose a “hero” colour for your room, it would be advisable to stick with the same paint company’s palette to choose complimentary or contrasting colours. The paint company will have spent considerable effort to develop palettes that harmonise together using similar formulations and tints, so take advantage of this.

Final thoughts

Colours in interiors do come and go and they can date quite quickly. There is a reason why some paint colours stay in production for decades. However do not be afraid to step outside the norm, just test and re-test before you commit.

If you would like help and advice, do not hesitate to get in touch.