How To Pick Your Perfect Paint Colour
Choosing a paint colour for your home can feel surprisingly difficult. After all, it’s something you’ll be seeing every day, so getting it right the first time can save time, effort and the cost of repainting.
Whether you’re decorating a bedroom, living room or kitchen, a little planning can help make the process much easier. Here are some helpful tips to guide you towards the perfect shade.
Start with Inspiration
The best place to begin is by gathering inspiration.
Websites such as Pinterest, interior design magazines and colour guides can all help you discover styles and colours that appeal to you. Browsing real interiors can also help you identify shades you might not have previously considered.
When looking at inspiration images, try to stay realistic. A colour that looks fantastic in a large open-plan space may appear very different in a smaller room with less natural light.
Narrow Down Your Options
Once you’ve gathered ideas, try to narrow your choices down to three to five colours.
This keeps the decision manageable while still giving you alternatives if your favourite colour doesn’t look quite right once it’s on the wall.
If you have a specific shade in mind that you can’t find in a paint range, many paint suppliers offer colour matching services. Items such as fabric samples, decorative objects or printed materials can often be used to create a custom paint colour.
Test Samples on the Wall
The most important step is testing your chosen colours in the actual room.
Paint samples directly onto the wall so you can see how the colour behaves in your space. Lighting can dramatically affect how a shade appears, so it’s important to observe it at different times of the day.
Leave the samples in place for at least 24 hours, allowing you to see how the colour changes in natural daylight, evening light and artificial lighting.
Consider Everyone’s Opinion
If you share your home with others, it’s worth involving them in the decision.
Taking a quick vote can help ensure everyone is happy with the final colour choice. After all, repainting a room sooner than expected is something most people would rather avoid.
Get Advice Before You Paint
Finally, it’s always a good idea to seek advice before starting your project.
Different rooms and surfaces may require specific types of paint or finishes. Speaking to a paint specialist can help ensure you choose the right product and understand any preparation needed before painting.
Choosing the right paint colour takes a little time, but with the right approach you can create a space that feels comfortable, welcoming and perfectly suited to your home.