Choosing the right paint color for your home is more than just selecting a shade you love—it’s about understanding how to see the true color and how it will look in your space. With so many options available, from different brands to finishes, picking the perfect paint can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some expert tips on how to ensure you’re seeing the true color before making your final decision.
1. Sample, Sample, Sample!
- Why It Matters: The paint color you see on a swatch or in the store can look very different on your walls at home. Lighting, room size, and existing décor all affect how a color will appear.
- Tip: Always get sample sizes of your top paint choices and apply them directly to the walls in the room where you’ll be using the paint. Paint a large enough area to get a real sense of the color—ideally at least a 2×2 foot section on each wall.
2. Observe in Different Lighting
- Why It Matters: Natural light changes throughout the day, and artificial lighting can vary from warm to cool tones. This can drastically alter how a paint color looks.
- Tip: Check your paint samples at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, and evening—and under different lighting conditions. You might find that a color looks perfect in daylight but too dark or muted at night.
3. Consider Sheen and Finish
- Why It Matters: The finish of your paint (matte, eggshell, satin, gloss) can impact how the color is perceived and how it interacts with light.
- Tip: Matte finishes tend to absorb light, making colors appear slightly darker and softer, while gloss finishes reflect more light, making colors seem brighter and more vibrant. If possible, get a sample in the same sheen you plan to use, so you can see the true effect.
4. Test Against Existing Elements
- Why It Matters: The color of your walls needs to work harmoniously with your flooring, furniture, and other permanent fixtures in the room.
- Tip: Place your paint samples next to these elements to see how they complement or contrast each other. The true test is how the color interacts with what’s already in your space.
5. Evaluate on a Large Scale
- Why It Matters: Small swatches or paint chips can be misleading, as they don’t give you the full picture of how the color will look in your room.
- Tip: Paint a large poster board or multiple boards and move them around the room. This allows you to see the color in different areas without committing to painting your walls right away.
6. Take Your Time
- Why It Matters: Choosing the right paint color is a big decision, and it’s important not to rush it.
- Tip: Live with your samples for a few days, or even a week, before making a decision. Notice how the color makes you feel over time and if it still resonates with you after you’ve seen it in every possible light and condition.
A Designer’s Tale: Even the Pros Face Paint Challenges
Even as seasoned designers, picking the perfect paint color is no easy task. We’ve had moments where we’ve put up five or six different samples, only to find that none of them were quite right. It’s a challenge that even the most experienced among us face, and yes—we’ve had our share of bloopers!
One personal paint mishap that still makes me cringe involves my own home. When my son was six years old, I made the brave (and somewhat foolish) decision to give him full authority over the color of his bedroom. He chose what can only be described as the most garish shade of green I have ever seen. I’d hate to go into detail about how truly horrid it was because it doesn’t exactly align with the sophistication I strive for—but I’m sure you can imagine!
Despite my initial horror, we lived with that green for a full ten years, much to his delight and my dismay. It was a constant reminder that even the pros aren’t immune to a paint mishap now and then. And if you’re ever in a similar situation, just remember—you’re not alone!
The Takeaway: See the True Color Before You Commit
When it comes to picking paint, seeing the true color is crucial to creating a space that you’ll love. By sampling the paint in your actual space, observing it under different lighting, considering the finish, and testing it against your existing décor, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect color for your home.
Remember, paint is one of the most transformative elements in interior design—it can set the mood, define a space, and reflect your personality. So take your time, test thoroughly, and enjoy the process of finding that perfect shade! And if you ever find yourself staring at a questionable color choice, just know you’re in good company.
Ready to transform your space with expert design and seamless integration? Contact Nikki Levy Interiors today and start your journey to a beautifully cohesive home!