It might seem like a pretty simple task but choosing the right colour for a room can be a bit more complicated than you think. And let’s be honest—nothing is more disappointing than painting for hours only to realize that the colour you’ve chosen just doesn’t quite fit. Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the right colour from the start.
THE BASIS OF A GOOD DECISION: understanding colours
To choose a paint colour, you need to first understand colours. While two shades might appear similar at first glance, sometimes their undertone can be completely different. A quick trick is to simply look at a colour palette’s darkest hue. By doing so, you can see, for example, if the yellow you chose has a green or orange undertone, which in turn will influence your choice depending on various factors (the room’s luminosity, desired ambience, accessories, etc.).
TIP #1: Choose your colour in the right conditions
The best tip is to choose your choice of colours directly in the room you plan on painting. Seeing as luminosity is the biggest factor to affect your final result, your best bet is to analyze the colours in the space’s actual conditions.
For a room that gets a lot of sun, you could opt for a darker colour, as the abundance of light will counterbalance it. Inversely, you could choose a warmer hue in a room that gets less sunlight, that way you’ll make the space more inviting.
Avoid: Never choose a paint colour in-store. The conditions are far from ideal. Take the colour cards home before making your final decision!
50 shades of . . . white
Choosing the right white is definitely not easy! It can be difficult to choose after staring at different shades of white for hours on end. My top tip is to compare the whites you like to a neutral white (versus comparing them to one another). By doing so, you’ll be better able to identify the undertones in each.
TIP #2: Consider the surface you’re painting
Colours reflect light differently depending on where in a room they’re applied. That’s why it’s important to consider what surface you’ll be painting: is it a vertical surface (like a wall or a cabinet door) or a horizontal surface (like floors or the top of furniture)?
No matter the project, placing a colour sample directly on the surface you plan on painting is the best way to get a clear idea of what the final result will look like.
Do: Buy sample jars of the colours you’re considering. Take them home and apply a small quantity to the surface you’ll be painting, for a better idea of what the final result will be. This will also give you an idea of what the colour will look like at various times throughout the day and as the light shifts from morning, to noon, to night.
TIP #3: Match your colour to your décor perfectly
Often, when we throw ourselves into a décor project, we tend to want to choose our paint colour first, when in reality, it’s one of the last things we should do. There are so many colour options to choose from that’s it’s a lot easier to match your paint to your new couch, for example, than it is to match your couch to your paint.
At the same time, it allows you to ensure that all the undertones found in your décor match perfectly!
Top tip: Always have a sample card of your paint colour with you. This will allow you to compare the colour with any items you find while shopping . . . and it’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
Paint is such an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your décor, and now with these simple tips and tricks, choosing the right paint colour for any space can be fun. Next step: actually painting! Make sure to read the article 8 tips and tricks that will turn you into a painting pro to ensure you do a stellar job.
