How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Walls

Miriam Piper

· 4 min read
How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Walls

Consider the Mood You Want to Create

Painting the walls of your home is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update your home décor. But with so many paint colors available, deciding on the right color for your walls can be overwhelming. The right paint color can make a space appear larger, smaller, warmer, or cooler, so it's important to choose the right color that reflects your design style and personal taste. Here's a guide to help you choose the right paint color for your walls.

Keep the Lighting in Mind

Before choosing a paint color, think about the mood you want to create in the space. Do you want your space to feel calm and relaxing, or lively and energetic? Different colors can evoke different emotions, so choose a color that reflects the mood you want to create.

  • For a calm and soothing atmosphere, choose cool colors like blues, greens, and purples.
  • For an energetic and lively atmosphere, choose warm colors like yellows, oranges, and reds.

Take Inspiration from Your Home's Décor

take-inspiration-from-your-homeas-dacor
Take Inspiration from Your Home’s Décor

The lighting in a room can significantly affect the way the paint color looks. A color that looks great in a room with natural light may look completely different in a room with artificial light. Be sure to test the paint color in different lighting conditions before making your final decision.

Consider the Room's Function

You can find inspiration for your paint color from your home's décor. Look at the colors of your furniture, curtains, and accessories. Choose a color that complements them, and not one that clashes with them.

Don't Forget About the Ceiling

donat-forget-about-the-ceiling
Don’t Forget About the Ceiling

The function of the room is also important when choosing a paint color. A color that works well in a bedroom may not be the best choice for a kitchen or dining room. Consider the activities that take place in the room and choose a color that enhances the room's function.

  • For a bedroom, choose calming hues like blues, greens, and lavenders.
  • For a kitchen, choose colors that stimulate the appetite, like reds and yellows.
  • For a living room, choose warm neutrals like beige, gray or cream.

Test Your Color Selections

test-your-color-selections
Test Your Color Selections

While the walls may get most of the attention, don't forget about the ceiling. A white ceiling can make a space appear taller, while a painted ceiling can add depth and interest to the room.

Relevant links:

Before committing to a paint color, it's important to test it in the room. Most paint stores offer small sample sizes that you can test on the walls. Be sure to test the paint color in multiple areas of the room to see how it looks in different lighting conditions.

Choosing the right paint color for your walls may seem overwhelming, but with careful consideration and testing, you can find the perfect color to enhance your space.

Related articles

You may be interested in these other articles.