Choosing paint color is a major decision in your interior decorating because you generally live with the results for a long time, so you’ll want to choose your paint color wisely.

Have you ever painted a room and the paint color on the walls didn’t appear to be the same as the chip you picked up from the paint store? However, when you put the chip next to the new paint job…sure enough you found that it was the same color.  What happened!  It’s called “Color Illusion.”  Paint color changes, according to the light.

10 paint color decorating tips to avoid disappointment

1. Be aware that all paint will appear a bit darker on your walls than it does on the chip or in the paint can.

2. If you are in someone’s home, and you love the paint color scheme, ask them what paint color they’ve used.  However, it may not appear the same in your home. It will depend upon room size, and the amount of light coming into the area.

3. If you are looking wall paint colors in a store, go to the window and look at the chips under natural as well as the store’s artificial light. Once you find the paint color you love, ask the dealer if they have a “Paint Sample Program.” Several paint companies mix a quart sample so you can take it home and try it out on your walls before you invest in several gallons.

4. Apply the paint directly to the walls you are going to cover with the new paint color. Paint a large area (3’x3′) in the darkest corner and in the lightest corner. Paint a large area on the darkest wall as well as the lightest wall. Don’t forget the ceiling.

5. Watch how the paint color scheme changes as you move from one area of the room to another. Also, observe the value of the color. Does it appear too dark or too light? You might be surprised to see how the color seems to change. One area may look completely different than another region of the room. Do you like what you see?

Observe the color through out the day as well as at night when you have artificial lights on. You will also notice the color will change depending on a sunny day or a cloudy day. Do you like what you see?

Your ceiling paint will always appear much darker if you are going to paint it the same color as your walls. To get the ceiling to appear the same as the wall color, lighten the ceiling paint at least half so it will appear the same as the wall color. Colors values caused by shadows can fool you.

6. If you don’t want to apply the interior paint directly to your walls and ceilings, spread your paint color on very large pieces of cardboard box so you can place them around the room.

7. Keep in mind that interior paint color applied to the walls of an empty room will appear different than in a room that has carpet on the floor and is filled with furniture. Remember, your paint will take a back seat when you add carpet and furnishings. So, don’t become too overwhelmed by paint color in an empty room.

8. Be aware, because all color will appear to change from one area to another, you will not be able to control every nook and cranny.  Just consider whether you like the over all look and feel…then go for it.

9. Even if it takes you a couple of days, take your time to make a decision. You’re probably going to live with your paint decor for a long time. You want it to be right the first time.

10. You can ask for your friends’ advice, but the final choice must be yours. Make yourself happy first…after all, you and your family are the ones who are going to be surrounded with the paint color every day.

Til later,

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S.  Hope these 10 paint decorating tips for choosing a paint color for your home will be helpful on your next interior paint adventure.  I used the tips when picking paint for my home and I’ve been very happy with the results.