Paint color can make or break a room, which is why homeowners often agonize over the choice. In the guide below, painting expert Mauro Henrique shares his insights on how to choose the right colors for your space.
Which Paint Color Should I Paint My Room?
This is the question Henrique frequently encounters from homeowners. While he can certainly recommend tried-and-true colors for different living spaces, he emphasizes that the final decision ultimately depends on your preferences and perception of color. He explains that colors can sometimes present unexpectedly, appearing different on walls compared to paint store swatches. This makes selecting paint colors both an art and a science.
Let’s break down some factors to keep in mind when choosing paint colors.
Room Function and Mood
Some homeowners choose to paint their home’s interior one neutral color and let their furniture and decor make a statement. Others paint each room its own hue, giving it its own personality. Whatever you prefer, there are some common colors that complement each living space.
- Bathrooms: Clean, light colors such as whites, light grays, or soft blues make the space feel fresh and serene.
- Bedrooms: Soft, muted colors such as pastels or cool blues promote relaxation.
- Home office: Calming colors, such as blues or greens, are good for concentration, while brighter tones, such as orange or yellow, can inspire creativity.
- Kitchens: Warm, energizing tones such as yellows, greens, or even vibrant reds stimulate appetite and energy.
- Living rooms and common areas: Neutral tones such as beige, gray, or soft blues create a calming, inviting atmosphere.
Lighting
Assess the lighting in each room at different times of the day. See how both natural and artificial lighting affect the coloring in the morning, midday, and evening.
- Rooms with abundant natural light: Bright, sunlit rooms can handle cooler colors (blues, grays, greens) without feeling too cold.
- North-facing rooms: These rooms tend to feel cooler, so warm tones such as yellows, golds, or soft neutrals can balance the light.
- South-facing rooms: These rooms receive warm, consistent light, making them ideal for both warm and cool tones.
- Artificial light: Fluorescent lighting casts a cooler light, while incandescent or warm LED lights make colors appear warmer. Test your chosen paint color under both natural and artificial lighting to see how it shifts.
Size and Space Perception
You’ve likely heard that a room’s color can affect the perception of its size. Lighter colors can make small rooms appear larger by reflecting more light and creating an open, airy feel. Darker colors can add warmth and make large spaces feel more intimate by absorbing light and drawing the walls in.
Existing Decor and Furnishings
Your paint color should complement or contrast your furniture, flooring, cabinetry, or artwork. If you have vibrant furniture, a neutral wall color may be best, whereas more minimalist furniture can handle bolder wall colors.
White or light-colored trim and ceilings provide a crisp contrast to wall colors, making the room feel higher and more open. You can also choose a trim color that’s a shade or two lighter or darker than your walls for a subtle contrast.
Undertones
Many paint colors have subtle undertones that can affect the overall feel. For instance, beige can have pink, yellow, or gray undertones. A blue might have a green or purple base. Test samples in different lighting to see how the undertones affect the color. Paint a small swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of the day to see how lighting changes its appearance.
Flow Between Rooms
Choose colors that transition smoothly from room to room, especially if the spaces are open-concept. You can use different shades of the same color or complementary colors on the color wheel to maintain harmony.
If you want a pop of color without committing to bold walls throughout, you can create an accent wall. This adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Finish and Sheen
Paints have different finishes that impact both their look and durability.
- Eggshell: Eggshell has slightly more sheen. It’s more durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for living rooms or dining rooms.
- Flat or matte: These have a low sheen. They hide imperfections well but are harder to clean. They’re ideal for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms.
- Gloss: Gloss has a high shine. It’s used sparingly, mainly for accents, trim, or furniture.
- Satin: Satin has a smooth finish with more sheen and is easy to clean. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways.
- Semigloss: Semigloss is more reflective and durable. It’s commonly used for trim, doors, and cabinets.
Style and Personality
Think about the atmosphere you want to create. Bold, bright colors can express a more energetic personality, while neutral and muted tones may create a more peaceful, minimalist environment.
Trends come and go, but timeless colors such as neutral grays, beiges, whites, and soft blues are more likely to stay in style for years. If you want to incorporate trendy colors, do so in smaller doses such as accent walls or decor.
Durability and Washability
In areas with high traffic (kitchens, hallways, children’s rooms), opt for paint that’s durable, washable, and resistant to scuffs and stains.
Choose moisture- or mold-resistant paint to handle humidity and frequent cleaning in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Color Psychology
Understanding the psychological effects of different colors can help you make informed decisions. Various hues can influence mood, perception, and even behavior. For example, warm colors such as reds and yellows can create a cozy, energetic atmosphere, while cool colors such as blues and greens tend to promote relaxation and calmness.
Here are some color associations to consider:
- Blue: Tranquility, trust, and depth
- Green: Nature, growth, and balance
- Purple: Luxury, creativity, and mystery
- Red: Passion, excitement, and warmth
- Yellow: Cheerfulness, optimism, and energy
Henrique’s Favorites
When painting high-impact features such as front doors, Henrique recommends bold choices such as red, green, or glossy black. However, his personal favorite is navy blue. Henrique says this versatile color complements nearly all settings, from interior rooms to vehicles and even clothing.
Some reasons why navy blue is a popular choice among painters:
- It exudes sophistication and timelessness.
- Navy blue pairs well with many other colors.
- It can create a calming and serene atmosphere.
- The color works in both traditional and modern design schemes.
