5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint Colors for Your Home

Or maybe you’ve just grown tired of the existing colors on your walls and are thinking it’s time to switch things up.

You could even be getting rid of wallpaper !

Whatever the case, painting any room of your house requires time, patience and preparation.

And, of course, you’ll have to make one really big decision:

If you’ve never painted before, it’s important that you know it’s not as simple as looking over the paint chips in the store and just picking one.

There are many things you need to consider.

This one is first because it’s definitely the biggest factor.

Natural light, as well as the light bulbs in your home, will drastically change the look of your chosen paint color.

Throughout the day, the quality of light changes. And so does the color temperature. It’s cooler in the morning and warmer in the late afternoon. And once it gets dark, your interior color temperature will depend on your light bulbs.

Each temperature pulls out a different color undertone.

So once you have settled on a paint color or two, ask to have a sample made up. That way, you can paint a few, small sections of paint on each wall.

Then look at how the color of your paint looks at all times of the day and in the evening. You want to be completely satisfied with how the color looks in all forms of natural light.

If you’re not pleased with how it looks under artificial light, that’s not as big of a problem. You can experiment with swapping out your light bulbs.

But you can’t change the quality of natural light!

You need to think about how the textiles – drapery, upholstery fabric, pillows, etc. – are going to work with the paint color.

If you’re just changing the paint color of the room but not changing out any of the fabrics, then you’ll need to consider how they’ll mesh with the new paint color.

But, if you’re redesigning the entire room, then it’s a good idea to let your textiles drive your design. Otherwise, if you pick the paint color first, you’ll be limited to only the fabric options that complement that color.

And it’s far easier to make your paint match your textiles than the other way around.

Are you thinking about doing your bedroom in yellow, but it’s next to the living room which has a lot of red?

Such a jarring transition can be hard on the eyes.

So when you choose your colors, be sure they don’t clash with your existing colors or with each other.

There are six finish options. They are listed from the flattest to the shiniest. They are as follows:

When you’re picking your color, you’ll want to know how it’s going to play with the finish that you choose.

Flat is generally used for ceilings and not recommended for walls.

Satin, semigloss, and high gloss are more often used for doors and trim. So consider the extra sheen on the color when you’re choosing your door and trim colors.

Matte and eggshell are typically the best choices for painting walls. Matte will generally give a richer color than eggshell, but eggshell is more practical.

Our best advice? Avoid a white primer.

Unless you’re looking for a cold and stark look. Then have at it!

Or better yet, go easy on yourself and hire professional painters. Contact us now to get your free estimate.

Because once you’ve answered the question, “What color do I paint my house?” you’re ready to get started.