Selecting Wall Colors for your Home

Carly Henkel
Feb 17, 2019
3 min read

For many people it is hard and overwhelming to look at paint chips and envision what a certain color will look like in their home. But don't worry, there are ways around this fear! As many people know, a paint chip picked up at your local paint shop can look completely different when it is applied to a wall. So how do we go about selecting colors that will work together to give your home a natural flow?

What to Consider:

Sheen:

There are many different sheens to pick from when selecting paint colors. Having knowledge of which sheens work & look best is important.

Flat (matte): No shine. Use in low traffic areas such as bedrooms. Can be used on walls and ceilings.

Eggshell: A little more shine, use in moderate traffic areas such as living rooms. Most scuffs can be wiped clean with a damp cloth

Satin: More shine than eggshell, use in high traffic areas and areas with moisture (Kitchen & Baths). Easy to clean

Semi-gloss: Shiny but not glass-like, use in really high moisture areas. Mostly used on cabinets and trim.

Hi-gloss: Very shiny! Almost glass-like. Used mostly for furniture and railings.

Don't start with the paint color:

What do I mean by this? It is easier to pick a wall color if you already know what kind of furniture, decor and wall hangings will be in that specific room. Based on what will be going into this room you will have a better idea of what colors will provide unity and give the room a good contrast.

Color Psychology:

There are a lot of articles on color psychology on the internet that are helpful in deciding what color is best in each room. For example the color of a bedroom can help one sleep better or can hinder that. Color psychology benefits the look and feeling of your home. For example bedrooms should be painted calm and relaxing colors not bright or bold colors.

Tips:

If you are able to, paint small swatches of the colors on the walls you want to be painted. This will give you a better visual of how each color will look. Or you can paint on white paper squares and hang them on your wall. View these swatches at different times of the day as well as under different lighting to see how they will look. Some colors will look differently from when the sun is shining and when the lights are turned on.
If you are planning on doing an accent wall make sure all walls compliment and provide unity. Also, making sure the design of the accent wall makes sense. I would suggest only doing one accent wall in your home. When every room has an accent wall it becomes overwhelming
Consider how one room transitions to the the next. Does it have a door that separates the rooms? Is it an open concept with multiple rooms in one space? or is it an open arch way that allows you to see from one room to the next? This all plays into how you will choose what paint colors go where.
Sherwin Williams website allows you to click on different colors. Most colors have examples of rooms at the bottom of the page that can give you an idea of what the color will look like in a larger space.

Neutrals:

Neutrals are ALWAYS a good idea. Why? Wellllll, let me tell you! Neutrals go with almost everything and can provide you with almost any feeling you are trying to accomplish. Warm neutrals help your home feel comfortable and relaxed while Cool neutrals make your home feel airy and refreshed.

Neutrals can be perceived as boring but bright bold accent pieces and furniture can give the space a pop of interest it needs without being overwhelming. Having pops of color in a rug or wall hanging can allow a room to be flexible in style and can still reveal who you are.

Your favorite color will not always look good on walls or accomplish the feeling you want in a room. It is risky to use bright, bold colors in a home because many times it is not executed successfully and ultimately can cause your home to look chaotic and immature. Yes, there are ways to incorporate fun bold colors in a space but allow a designer to help create a cohesive design that will work.

Use a Designer:

If you are still having trouble choosing what colors will be best for your home, contact a designer who will be able to provide you with more visuals and guidance. Designers can provide your home unity and help you successfully achieve the goal you have for your home.