The best way to choose a wall color you'll be happy with is to paint a large swatch (at least 4-by-4-foot) on the wall and observe it for a day or two. This allows you to see the color in different lights throughout the day and how it interacts with your furnishings and flooring.
Choosing the right wall color can dramatically impact the look and feel of a room. To ensure you select a color you'll love long-term, consider these steps:
1. Start with Inspiration:
- Gather inspiration: Look at magazines, online platforms like Pinterest and Houzz, and even nature to find colors you are drawn to.
- Consider your existing furnishings: Choose colors that complement your furniture, flooring, and decor. Take photos of your furniture and bring paint swatches home to compare.
- Think about the mood you want to create: Different colors evoke different emotions. For example, blues and greens can create a calming atmosphere, while reds and yellows can create a more energetic one.
2. Narrow Down Your Options:
- Collect paint swatches: Once you have a general idea of the color family you want, collect several paint swatches in different shades and undertones.
- Understand Undertones: Pay close attention to the undertones of the colors. Are they warm (red, yellow) or cool (blue, green)? Undertones can significantly affect how a color looks in a room.
- Consider the room's lighting: Natural and artificial light can alter the appearance of a color. Rooms with northern exposure tend to have cooler light, while rooms with southern exposure have warmer light.
3. Test Your Top Choices:
- Paint Large Swatches: This is the most crucial step. Paint a swatch that's at least 4-by-4 feet on the wall in a few different areas of the room.
- Observe the Color at Different Times of Day: See how the color looks in natural daylight, artificial light, and at different times of the day. Notice how the light changes the color's appearance.
- Live with the Swatches for a Few Days: Don't rush the decision. Live with the swatches for at least a couple of days to see how you feel about the colors.
4. Consider the Sheen:
- Sheen affects durability and appearance: Different sheens reflect light differently and have varying levels of durability.
- Matte: Minimal sheen, hides imperfections well, best for low-traffic areas.
- Eggshell: Low sheen, slightly more durable than matte, good for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Satin: Medium sheen, durable and easy to clean, good for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Semi-Gloss: High sheen, very durable and easy to clean, good for trim and doors.
- Gloss: Highest sheen, very durable and easy to clean, but shows imperfections easily.
5. Document Your Choices:
- Keep track of paint colors and sheens: Record the brand, color name, and sheen for future reference or touch-ups. Take a picture of the paint can label.
By following these steps, you can choose a wall color that you'll love for years to come. Remember to be patient and take your time to make the right decision. Painting a large swatch and observing it under different lighting conditions is the key to success.
