Choosing the Right Paint Colors for Your Home

The right paint color can make or break a room. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Luckily, there are some simple tips that will help you choose the perfect paint colors for your home. These include: paying attention to undertones, room exposure and using print fabrics for inspiration.

1. Think About the Function of the Room

Paint colors are a powerful tool that can dramatically change the way a room looks. They can convey a mood, from calm serenity to warmth and joy, and they can define a space. They can also influence the way your furniture, fabrics, art and other accessories look.

Before you decide on a paint color, consider how the room is used. For example, if you have an open concept home, painting your hallways the same color can tie the spaces together.

It’s also important to test paint colors for a few days before making your final decision. The way a color looks changes throughout the day, depending on the light and season. Be sure to check out a paint sample in the morning and at night, as well as on cloudy and sunny days.

2. Think About the Lighting

The lighting in a room can have a big impact on how paint colors look. This is why it’s important to view a sample in your space and at different times of day. For example, a lavender shade could appear purple in the sun but at night may look grayish.

Lighting also includes the types of bulbs you use as well as the direction your home or room faces. For example, northern exposures tend to have less natural light so warm paint colors might work best while southern exposures have constant sunlight and a brighter color might be more appropriate.

You should also take into account that the color of your furniture can affect how it will look with your new paint color. Ask for a large swatch and test the shade with your furniture in place to see how it will look.

3. Think About Your Furnishings

The paint color you choose for your home is more than just an aesthetic choice; it sets the ambiance of the entire place. It can either draw attention to itself and stand out, or it can blend in with the surroundings and allow other elements to take center stage.

If you already have a lot of furniture in your home, use those items as a guide for finding the perfect paint colors. For example, you might decide on a dark navy shade that’s energizing and sophisticated, or a soft pink that’s fresh and uplifting.

You should also consider your other crucial room elements, such as hardwood floors or countertops, your drapes and area rugs, and even the landscaping at your property. These things should all work together and create a cohesive, harmonious space.

4. Think About Your Personal Style

Whether you are a minimalist who prefers neutrals or a bolder decorator, the right paint color can help bring out your personality and style. However, it’s important to keep in mind that paint colors can look dramatically different depending on room exposure, furnishings and even light conditions.

A good rule of thumb is to always sample a paint color before committing gallons of it to your project. You can get an idea of how it will look in your home by using swatches on flooring if not already installed, furniture or area rugs, and in the actual lighting.

For example, if you love the deep moody purple of Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, consider painting one wall or accent wall with it and then adding in a few pieces that contrast the color. This way, you can see how it looks with your decor and can avoid second-guessing yourself later.

5. Think About Your Budget

Paint is expensive, and the last thing you want to do is waste gallons of it on a color that turns out to be a mistake. That’s why it’s crucial to always sample your colors before committing them to a room or even a whole house. You can often get samples mixed at the paint desk at your hardware store, which is well worth the few bucks it costs to save yourself from a costly mistake down the road!

Gathering inspiration from big decor pieces like your favorite rug or art can help you narrow down your options and find the right paint colors for your home. The key is to pay attention to the undertones – warm or cool — to ensure that the color you choose will work with your other decor, lighting and space.