Picking out a paint color you'll want to live with for years is perhaps one of the hardest design decisions to make. When we analyze a tiny paint chip, it’s hard for us to imagine how the color will look once brushed across an entire wall. And forget about envisioning how the hue might change in varying types of light.
Since the human brain is pretty bad at imagining how a paint color will look, carefully testing out paint swatches before buying a gallon is the best way to avoid painter’s remorse. To learn the right way to pick out paint colors—and the mistakes to avoid—we asked the paint pros.
Making the Decision Too Quickly
Multiple paint experts recommended taking a few days to decide between paint swatches. Not because you may change your mind over time (although that’s a definite possibility), but because the color will change with the light throughout the day. And it will look different on a cloudy day versus a sunny day.“Apply multiple colors and sit with them for a few days,” Behr color expert Erika Woelfel recommends. “Test them in multiple different parts of your room with different lighting to help you to better visualize what the color will look like in your space at any time of day.”
Nicole Gibbons, the founder and CEO of Clare, shared similar advice.
“Make sure you love your color both under daylight and in the evening when the sun is down and the artificial lights are on in your home,” she said.
Not Considering the Furniture, Decor
“We always recommend painting a small board or piece of foam core and evaluating the color in different parts of the room and throughout the day,” said Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development for Benjamin Moore. “This will enable you to see how the color looks with consideration of the light (both natural and artificial) and other surroundings (such as artwork, furniture, etc.), ensuring that you'll love the color in all scenarios.”Placing Samples Right Next to Each Other
While you should definitely sample multiple color options, avoid painting the samples right next to each other on the same wall, advised Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. “They will distract each other (and you!) and make it harder to make a clear choice,” he said.Not Considering the Undertone
When you’re looking at various shades of white paint, some appear to contain a hint of yellow, while others appear slightly blue. That subtle underlying color is called the undertone.Magno suggests considering how the undertones of a paint color might draw out similar tones found in the furniture and decor throughout the room.
“In addition to sampling the color in the space, compare similar shades that have different undertones (e.g., warm versus cool) to help determine the best choice for the space.”
Shying Away From Bold Hues
According to Woelfel, one of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing paint is simply being afraid to decorate with color. Especially when you’re selecting paint samples, don’t shy away from a bolder hue.Choosing Too Many Paint Colors
While you shouldn’t be afraid to decorate with color, adding too many paint colors to the same room can be distracting.“It’s also worth bearing in mind that when it comes to placing paint colors in a room, less is more!” said O'Donnell. “Too many can lessen the impact. If you desire texture and contrast, focus more on using fabrics and artwork to bring in additional layers and character.”
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