Tips for choosing wall paint

Choosing the color of wall paint can be either very easy or very difficult. It will depend on your preferences and the decision you make, whether it’s something you’re absolutely sure about or something that leaves you in doubt.

That’s why today we want to help you with something practical and we thought it’s best to give you a series of tips to help you choose the best color for the wall, whether it’s for a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen… Shall we begin?

Why paint colors don’t look the same as they do in stores

Have you ever gone to a paint store, seen the samples, and when you bought and painted it in your room, the shade wasn’t the same? No, it’s not that you were sold the wrong paint, there’s a reason why that happens.

Actually, several reasons:

• Due to lighting. As you know, the lighting in stores is usually artificial (even if they’re in a sunny area) and that’s why the shade sometimes differs when seen in natural light. This means it can look cooler or warmer depending on the type of light.
• Because of the sample. Stores usually don’t have a fully painted wall in that color you liked. In reality, they have it on a rectangle or similar. And that’s the problem because you can’t compare a small piece to a large wall. Sometimes it looks good in a small area, but when applied in larger amounts, it can be overwhelming.
• Because of the wall background. When we paint a wall, unless it’s the first time, there’s already a previous color on it. And the truth is that this existing color influences how the new color will look. If the wall is not prepared properly, the color of the walls can seep through and create a mixture or different tone than the one you wanted with the new color.
• Because of the wall texture. Related to the above, just as the wall’s existing paint influences, so will its texture. When it’s more pronounced, it will make the color look lighter or darker depending on the light.

Tips for choosing wall paint

As you know, there’s a wide variety of paint options in stores. And many of them differ only by a few shades or slight differences. If we add the possible combinations and the fact of decorating based on personality, trends, fashion… it becomes quite a mess when it comes to painting.

Since we don’t want that to happen to you, here are some useful tips that can help you choose the perfect paint. Interested in knowing our recommendations?

Know yourself

The first and most important thing before looking for colors, shades, and combinations is to think about what you would like. If it’s a room just for you, you can consider if you prefer neutral and soft tones or vibrant colors. Maybe a combination of both?

You should also consider what your favorite color is and if it goes with what you want to feel in that room.

Now, if the room is for two people, then you would have to come to an agreement with the other person to choose a color (or shade) that you both like.

In the case of “neutral” spaces like the living room, dining room… always choose neutral tones, so you’ll always be right with friends, family, and even household members.

Be careful with natural and artificial light

When buying wall paint, you should know that light influences how we perceive colors. That’s why our recommendation is that, before choosing, try to see or visualize that room in natural light and artificial light.

Just so you have an idea, darker shades can absorb light and make a space look smaller. On the other hand, lighter tones will make a room feel larger and brighter.

Try a paint sample

We know that this is not always possible, but in many stores, they can give you paint samples when you’re indecisive so you can try them on the walls and decide which is the best option for you. You don’t have to paint each wall a different color, just do it in small parts to see how the paint looks at different times of the day and also, in passing, how it would combine with the decoration in that room.

Watch out for the paint finish

Finally, the last piece of advice we give you has to do with the finish. As you know, there are two types: matte and satin (or semi-gloss). So, when the paint has a matte finish, it helps to eliminate or at least hide the imperfections of the walls to give them a more elegant appearance.

On the other hand, with satin finishes, although they are easier to clean, and that’s why they’re perfect for high traffic areas, they will also highlight more imperfections.

Do you want to share any more advice about choosing paint for the walls of your home?