How To Choose Paint Colors: 5 No-fail Tips

Choosing a paint color for your living room initially feels enjoyable and an expression of your style. Unfortunately, you may end the experience frustrated by the process and disappointed with the results. Learn how to avoid design nightmares with these five tips for finding the perfect hue.

Establish a Mood and Consider Other Elements

Choose a Mood

Establishing the mood you want to create narrows your color palette. Red, orange, and yellow are warm colors; they add energy to a space. Blue, green, and purple are cool colors; use them to achieve a calming effect.

Make Sure it Matches

A well-planned design feels cohesive with the rest of your home. Avoid choosing a color that clashes or competes with the wall color in other rooms, especially ones within sight of your space.

Highlight Other Features

Consider other features in the room, such as flooring or furniture. Use paint to highlight existing elements you love or minimize ones you loathe. To neutralize warm oak floors, for example, pair them with warm-toned paint.

Gather Paint Swatches and Test the Color

Collect Your Options

Head to a hardware or paint store to grab free swatches. Try lighter and darker shades that are outside your comfort zone. They'll appear differently in your living room than in the store, so delay your decision-making until you return home. View the swatches in your room and choose your top contender.

Test Small Tins

Buy a sample-sized paint tin — you'll spend about $5 — and paint a 10" X 10" test patch on each wall. The amount of light hitting each wall affects how paint reads throughout the day, and a test patch ensures you find a color you love.