subject: Choosing A Paint Color [print this page] When it comes to painting often the hardest things is choosing the paint color. There are literally thousands of different colors. They all come in different shades, hues, and basic colors.
It may feel like a lot of pressure because the color of the paint really sets the tone for the whole house or room. Paint is available in an array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and most likely the least expensive.
Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized. You may feel like you want to be bold and choose a color that makes a statement. Sometimes this can be scary.
Other times, you want to choose just a plain neutral. But do you go with the eggshell or the shale?
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect color for the inside or outside of your home.
First, be patient.
Don't worry if you feel like you need some time to make this decision. It is better to wait a couple days and feel good about the decision then spend the money and the time on a rush decision.
Take the time to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme and feel good about a particular color.
Second, remember that paint is not permanent.
Paint will stay on the walls but that does not mean that you can't change it if you don't like it.
Third, be sure to coordinate your decorating samples.
This means that you may already have a color scheme throughout the room. This can be extremely helpful when it comes to choosing your paint colors. When you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly.
When you are painting the outside of your home this tip won't apply.
Fourth, take the time to really study the colors.
Take the time to find the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully.
Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection. Look at the colors in different types of light.
The lighting of the room changes during different times of the day. Look at the colors in both artificial light and in the sun. Colors show their true color in full sunlight.
Fourth, coordinate your trim with your basic overall color.
More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. These neutral colors match nearly every color and help to make a nice border and clean walls.
If you are feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. If you want a really striking look, try painting the walls lighter and paint the trim in dark tones or a bright color.
Fifth, choose the paint finish for your job.
Consider the various types and what will be best for your project and the look you want. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light.
With these tips you will be able to find the perfect paint color for your home.
