Picking a paint color is something that a lot of people dread. Many people feel it is overwhelming because there are so many colors to choose from or they worry they’ll get it wrong. If you’re one of those people the first thing I am going to tell you is, trust yourself! You know what you like, start there. Don’t worry so much about getting it wrong, the worst that can happen is that maybe you’ll need to repaint. Try following these 7 Tips for picking the perfect paint color and you’ll be on the road to becoming a paint color expert!
Tip 1: Always go a shade lighter than you think!
Once the paint color gets into your room it will look more saturated than it does on the paint chip. If the color is too saturated it can overwhelm the space. You can achieve the look you are going for by choosing one shade above the color you think you want on the swatch card.
Tip 2: Don’t worry about your paint color matching your décor EXACTLY!
You want your space to have life and movement and the best way to achieve that is to layer in different shades of color. If you’re afraid of your paint not matching you can always add in accessories, in that color family, to tie everything together. The best color palettes always have dimension. So again, don’t worry!
Tip 3: Try not to take your paint colors so literal.
You know you love purple and definitely want to incorporate it into your space, steer away from your typical purple by trying something different. Perhaps instead of a standard purple try an eggplant shade or maybe even a lilac or lavender instead. This will add a level of sophistication to your color palette. If you really want that royal purple, try incorporating it in with your accessories. Or just get a quart of that royal purple and use it at the back of your bookcases or even on that end table you hate that is in need of a face-lift.
Tip 4: If you really want to go BOLD, do it in an accent wall.
Bold colors are great! But they can get overwhelming pretty quickly. So if you’re nervous or unsure, just paint one accent wall in your room in that bold color. Paint the remaining walls a neutral tone. I suggest a shade of gray. Gray is the new neutral and it’s timeless. There are many shades of gray (at least 50, haha) and it is a very versatile color. There are warm shades and cool shades, dark shades and light shades, so give it try!
Tip 5: Try a test swatch on your wall.
Paint a test swatch on the wall in the room where you intend to use the color. Be sure to make it large enough and on multiple walls, this will give you an accurate view of how the color will look in different lighting and under shadows, etc. This is a very important tip in order to get a true sense of the color, as the color on the paint chip may not truly show you how the color will look under the conditions in your home. Use this as a way to compare paint colors and get a gauge for how the color will look in different lighting. Check the swatches in the daytime and in the evening. Remember the color will vary a bit depending on the lighting.
Bonus Tip: This is an important one! Make sure that you are putting at least two coats of paint on the wall, especially if you are going over a very light color or very dark color. Those colors will show through your paint and in the end you won’t get a good sense of the true color.
Tip 6: Don’t panic! It will dry darker.
So, you have selected your paint color and you’re super excited… so excited that you are hovering as the painters apply the first strokes! Then your heart sinks because, why? “OMG! It’s too light, I hate it!” Please don’t panic! IT WILL DRY DARKER! Repeat after me… “It will dry darker”! I promise. Let the painters finish and plan some time outside of the house. I know it might seem like a long time, but if you’re the anxious type, you need to! When come home later, you’ll feel much more confident in your paint color selection abilities! Trust me!
Tip 7: If you’re still nervous about it…
Schedule a 2 hour Designer's Consult with me and I can help you pick a color palette for your space that you will love and that will reflect your personal style!
Photo Credits: Purple Paint Swatch – Pinterest, Purple Bathroom – Pinterest, Gray Paint Swatches – Pinterest, Navy Blue Room -Pinterest