Choosing a paint color for your house can be exciting at first, but it can become overwhelming when you see how many options there are. From subtle undertones to changes in light throughout the day, a color that looks perfect on a watch can feel completely different on your walls. The good news is that with a little thought, the right paint color can completely change your space and potential increase the value of your home.
In this Redfin guide, we’ll walk you through some expert-backed tips to make the process feel easier and more manageable. From kissing the master Home for sale in Portland, OR in reviewing the condo Miami, FLthese ideas are designed to work in all different homes, styles, and lighting conditions.
In this article:
1. Start with samples
2. Use peel-and-stick samples for flexibility
3. Pay attention to light and LVV
4. Consider the undertones and your overall color story
5. Test colors in different parts of the room
6. Don’t rush the process
Choosing a paint color for your home: important things to remember
1. Start with samples
One of the most important things tips for choosing a paint color tests it in your real space before committing. Paint can look very different depending on the lighting, wall texture, and even the time of day, which is why sampling is important to avoid surprises.
“First, always sample your color; apply two coats and test in both direct light and shadow as light can dramatically change how a color appears,” shares Erika Dillman, Property Representative and Color Consultant at Farrell-Calhoun. “Second, check the Light Reflective Value (LVV) — the higher the LVV, the more light the color reflects. This can help you choose the right color for your east- and west-facing rooms that get more sunlight throughout the day.”
To make your samples work harder for you, try:
- Tests colors on multiple walls seeing how shadows and angles affect them.
- Placing samples around flooring, cabinetry, and furniture to get the complete picture.
- Narrow it down to two or three options to avoid decision fatigue.
- Staying with your top picks for a few days before making the final call.
2. Use peel-and-stick samples for flexibility
If you want to clean, the easiest way to test paint colors, foil and stick samples are a game changer. Unlike traditional paint samples, these can be moved from wall to wall, making it easy to see how the color looks differently lighting designs and areas of your home without committing to one location.
“We always recommend that our customers consider purchasing A sample products when choosing paint colors for their homes. They offer large, peel-and-stick samples from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Farrow & Ball,” Kate Figler Interiors recommends. “They can be folded into corners and easily moved around to see how the color looks on different walls. We love their portability and that our customers don’t have to deal with messy sample cans when testing paint.”
Find out more about peel-and-stick samples:
- Shake them in the room comparing how the color changes in different light.
- Place them around trim, cabinetry, and flooring to see how everything works together.
- A layer of many samples side by side to easily compare shades.
- Visit them again at different times of the day to catch subtle changes.
3. Pay attention to light and LVV
Lighting it plays a big role in how the color of the paint looks when it’s on your walls. Natural light changes throughout the day, while artificial lighting can add warm or cool tones that subtly change the look of a shade. This is why the color you like in one room may feel completely different in another.
Another important factor to consider is the Light Reflectance Value, or LVV, which measures how much light a color reflects. Higher LVV colors tend to feel brighter and more open, while lower LVV colors absorb more light and can create a luxurious, dramatic feeling.
Choose the right color for your space, keep these tips in mind:
- Note how much natural light the room receives and which direction it is facing.
- Use high LRV colors to light up small or dark spaces.
- Consider the lower LRV shadows for rooms where you want a more intimate feel.
- Pay attention to your lights (warm vs. cool) and how they affect color.
4. Consider the undertones and your overall color story
Even the best paint color can be overwhelming if the undertones don’t match the rest of your space. Undertones are the subtle hues beneath the surface color, and can lean warm, cool, or neutral, which plays a big role in how everything blends together. Paying attention to these details helps create a cohesive, meaningful look throughout your home.
Kate Figler Interiors suggests, “When painting your trim, cabinetry or ceiling a shade of white, make sure that the exact white works with the undertones you want to integrate throughout your home. For example, a warm creamy white will look too yellow on a cool gray wall. So it’s important to pay attention to the whole story of the color you want to use and the cabinetry and finish.”
To keep your color palette cohesive:
- Determine where your primary colors are based (eg warm, cool, or neutral).
- Compare the paint samples next to the constants such as flooring and countertops.
- Notice how the whites can change depending on the surrounding colors.
- Consider how each room connects to the next with a seamless flow.
5. Test colors in different parts of the room
Where you place your paint sample is as important as the color itself. Different areas of a room can have different amounts of light, shadow, and gloss, all of which can change the way a color is perceived. Testing in just one area can give you an incomplete picture and lead to surprises once the entire room is painted.
Try to get a perfect idea of your color by:
- Placing samples on multiple wallsincluding those with direct and indirect light.
- Checking around corners, trims, and architectural details where the shadow naturally falls.
- Viewing color at eye level and distance.
- Testing how the color looks next to the main piece of furniture pieces or decorations.
6. Don’t rush the process
It can be tempting to make a quick decision, especially if you’re eager to see the finished result, but choosing a paint color is one step that pays off with a little patience. Colors can feel different after a few days of living with them, and what stands out right away isn’t what you’ll love long-term.
Take the time to decide with confidence:
- Live with the chosen colors for a few days before doing.
- Revisit samples at different times of the day to see subtle changes.
- Narrow your options down little by little instead of deciding everything at once.
- Trust your instincts and the color always feels right.
Choosing a paint color for your home: important things to remember
Choosing the right paint color doesn’t have to be stressful if you check out samples, consider lighting, and keep your entire color story in mind. Small details like undertones and finishes can make a big difference in how a space feels. With patience and a thoughtful approach, you will find a color that makes your home feel truly complete.
