9 Tips To Choosing the Perfect Paint Color for Any Room

Picking a paint color sounds simple until you’re standing in front of a wall of swatches. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little thought and a few easy steps, you can find the perfect color that makes your space feel just right. Here’s how to get started.

Start With the Room’s Purpose

Before you dive into color samples, think about how you use the space. A bedroom should feel calm, so soft tones like light blues or greens usually work well. A kitchen or home office might benefit from something brighter, like yellow or warm white, to keep the energy up. Matching the color to the room’s vibe makes a big difference.

Test Before You Commit

Paint chips only tell you so much. Once you narrow it down to a few favorites, grab sample sizes and test them directly on your wall. Check how they look in the morning, afternoon, and evening—you’ll be surprised how much lighting changes things. This step takes a little time, but it’ll help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factor in the Lighting

Light can completely change the way a paint color looks. Natural sunlight brings out the truest tone. In contrast, warm incandescent bulbs can make colors feel cozier, while fluorescent lights tend to add a cooler cast. Consider both the direction of the light in the room and your artificial lighting before making a final choice.

Match Your Decor

Look at the big picture. Consider the colors and styles of your furniture, rugs, and artwork. If you’ve got bold patterns or bright pieces, a more neutral paint might be the best way to tie it all together. If your furnishings are simple or monochromatic, you can add interest with a deeper or more vibrant wall color.

Use Simple Color Rules

Complementary colors—opposites on the color wheel—add energy and contrast. Analogous colors—next to each other—give a more soothing look. The 60-30-10 rule also helps: use one main color for about 60% of the space, a secondary for 30%, and an accent color for the last 10%.

Don’t Ignore the Ceiling

A bright white ceiling can open up the room and make it feel taller. But there are other options too. A soft tone slightly lighter than your wall color adds warmth and flow. Or go bold with a deep or unexpected hue if the room can handle it. Just make sure it fits with the rest of the palette.

Choose for the Long Haul

It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but try to pick a color that will stand the test of time. Go with something that suits your style now and later. If you’re thinking about selling, neutral tones tend to appeal to more people and can make your home look fresh and move-in ready.

Ask for Help if You Need it

Still stuck? You don’t have to go it alone. Most paint stores offer free advice, and color consultants can help guide you toward the right shade. It also helps to look online or in magazines to see real-life examples of colors in different spaces.

Go With Your Gut

After all the testing, planning, and advice, trust yourself. If a color makes you smile and feels right, it probably is. And if you try it and it’s not what you hoped for, no big deal—it’s just paint. You can always change it and try again.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.