So many different factors go into choosing interior paint colors. Things such as a certain design style youre trying to achieve or a piece of furniture youre trying to match, such as a coffee table or wooden end table, can all affect the choice you make for the paint color of the room. Even with all these factors to take into consideration, there are certain guidelines you should following when selecting interior paint colors.
Dont Rush Into a Paint Color Choice
Thousands of different interior paint colors are available, so its never a good idea to rush into a color decision without proper planning. The first step involves visiting your local hardware or paint store. There you can gather paint chips in whatever colors catch your eye and fit the style you envision for the room. Be sure to get a variety of chips. Things can look very different once you get home and see the color in the room.
When you bring your paint chips home, dont just hold them up to the wall. Also walk around with them, comparing them with the furniture, the flooring, and the windows. You want to be sure the color is well suited to everything you plan on keeping in the room once you are done with the remodel. Once youve narrowed it down, if youre still having trouble picking a color, you may want to ask for other opinions. Sometimes other people are able to see something that you dont.
Make Your Own Interior Paint Color
If youre having a difficult time finding a paint color that you absolutely love, consider making your own. Most paint stores now offer a custom service where they will match a color for you. If you bring in a painting or fabric swatch from your room, they will be able to match the color. This can cost you more in the long run, but it is well worth it if youre able to achieve the style you envision for your room.
Choose an Interior Paint Finish
Once youve determined your color of paint, you next need to pick out what type of finish you want in your room. The finish of the paint will ultimately affect the way the paint looks. Depending on the type of finish you choose, it can even make some paint colors look darker or lighter.
Flat Finish: With this type of finish, you end up with a matte or duller finished look. This is not a good type of finish for camouflaging imperfections, as the light doesnt reflect off the paint. This type of finish is also not advisable for areas that have a lot of traffic, as it is harder to clean than other finishes.
Eggshell Finish: This paint finish results in a small shine, similar to that of an eggshell.
This is a very popular finish, since they are easier to clean and their subtle shine reflects light in the room.
Satin Finish: Although this finish also has a small shine to it, it has a smoother appearance.
This is a great finish for high-traffic areas, since it is much easier to clean.
Glossy: This finish produces a result that is exactly as it sounds. What you end up with is a finish that has a very high gloss or shine to it. You can also opt for a semi-gloss finish, which has a little less shine to it than glossy finishes. Glossy finishes are most commonly used for accessories like trim and doors rather than on entire interior walls.
Paint colors can be quite easily changed, but you still want to make sure you do your best to pick the interior paint color that best fits your style and is easy on the eyes. After all, by simply changing the paint color, you can truly change the entire look of any room.