Picking a paint colour might sound simple — until you’re staring at a wall of tiny swatches under harsh store lights, wondering if “soft grey” is really grey or actually blue. Colour has a huge impact on how a space feels, and getting it right is part personal taste, part practical decision.
This guide breaks down what to consider when choosing a paint colour for your space — whether it’s a full-room makeover or just a feature wall.
1. Start With the Mood You Want
Colour influences how we feel. So before you think about shades and brands, think about how you want the room to feel. Calming? Energising? Warm? Fresh?
For example:
- Blues and greens tend to create a calming atmosphere, which is great for bedrooms or offices.
- Yellows and soft oranges bring warmth and cheer, good for kitchens or living rooms.
- Neutral tones (beige, grey, off-white) can feel clean and balanced — and they’re easy to build around.
You don’t need to follow strict colour psychology rules, but knowing what vibe you’re aiming for helps narrow things down.
Better Homes & Gardens offers a helpful breakdown of colour moods and how to apply them.
2. Think About the Light
Natural and artificial lighting can completely change how a colour looks. A paint that looks soft beige in daylight might look yellowish under warm bulbs, or even grey in the evening.
That’s why it’s important to test samples in the actual room, at different times of day.
North-facing rooms usually have cooler light, which can make colours look a bit duller — so warmer tones often work better there. South-facing rooms get lots of sun and can handle cooler or more intense shades.
A quick tip from Real Homes — always paint sample swatches on more than one wall, and look at them morning, noon, and night.
3. Match With What You Already Have
Unless you’re starting from scratch, your paint colour needs to work with what’s already in the room — flooring, furniture, curtains, even artwork.
Try pulling a colour from a patterned rug or a piece of art. Or go with a neutral wall and let your existing decor do the talking.
If you’re repainting a small room, lighter shades will make it feel more open. In larger rooms, darker colours can add depth and make the space feel cosier.
4. Test More Than One Option
Don’t settle for one paint chip. Get a few samples in similar shades and paint them directly on the wall. Avoid painting on white paper — it can throw off the colour perception.
Live with the samples for a couple of days. Notice how they look with sunlight, lamps, and shadows. One that seemed perfect in the store might feel completely off at home.
5. Pick the Right Finish
Paint isn’t just about colour — the finish matters too. Different finishes affect how the colour looks and how the wall performs.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Matte or flat: no shine, hides imperfections well, but can be harder to clean.
- Eggshell: low-sheen, good for living rooms and dining rooms.
- Satin: slightly shinier and more durable — works well in kitchens or kids’ rooms.
- Semi-gloss or gloss: shiny, easier to clean — often used for trim, doors, or bathrooms.
Choose the finish based on the room’s use and how much wear and tear it gets.
6. Don’t Rush It
Paint is one of the easiest things to change in a room — but that doesn’t mean you should decide in five minutes.
Take your time. Gather ideas from magazines or Pinterest. Collect sample cards. And really look at the colours in the space where they’ll go.
If you’re ever unsure, starting with a neutral base and adding colour through smaller elements (like pillows or artwork) is always a safe bet.
7. Ask for a Second Opinion
Sometimes a fresh set of eyes makes a difference. Ask a friend to come by and take a look. Or even take a photo of the wall and get feedback online.
Just remember — at the end of the day, you’re the one living with it. So go with what feels right to you.
What to Take Care of?
Choosing paint isn’t about finding the “perfect” colour — it’s about finding the one that works for your space, your light, and your style.
Start with how you want the room to feel. Pay attention to light. Test, test, test. And don’t overthink it.
Once you land on a colour that makes you smile when you walk in the room, you’ll know you got it right.
