Choosing the right wall paint color can feel like a daunting task. After all, a fresh coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of a room. The colors you choose have the power to influence the mood, size, and even the atmosphere of your space.
Yet, many people make mistakes when picking out paint, which can lead to frustration and regret once the job is done. Avoiding common missteps can save you time, money, and the hassle of redoing your walls.
Here are ten mistakes to keep in mind when picking wall paint colors.
1. Not Testing the Paint on the Wall
It’s easy to be drawn to a paint swatch in the store, but colors can look very different in your home’s lighting. What may seem perfect under the store’s bright, artificial lights might appear dull or too intense in your room.
Always test the paint on a small patch of the wall before committing to the entire room. Apply it in multiple spots and observe how it changes with different lighting throughout the day. This way, you can avoid surprises and ensure the color looks great once it’s on your walls.
2. Ignoring the Room’s Natural Light
Natural light plays a huge role in how paint colors look in a room. A room that gets lots of sunlight will make lighter shades look brighter and more intense. On the other hand, rooms with little natural light will benefit from lighter, warmer tones to brighten the space.
If you choose a dark color for a room with limited sunlight, it can make the room feel smaller and cramped. Think about the amount of light your room gets and choose a color that complements the natural lighting.
To make your walls look more appealing, you can use paint by number kits and make beautiful artworks for your walls without having any prior painting experience.
3. Picking the First Color You Like
When you first start looking at paint colors, it’s easy to get excited about the first one that catches your eye. But picking the first color you see can be a m istake.
There are so many options available, and it’s important to consider how a color fits with your furniture, flooring, and other elements in the room.
A quick decision might leave you with a color that doesn’t quite work as you imagined. It’s best to take your time, narrow down your choices, and explore several shades before making your final decision.
4. Overlooking the Room’s Purpose
Every room in your home serves a different purpose, and the paint color should reflect that. For instance, a bright, energizing color might be great for a kitchen, but it could make a bedroom feel chaotic.
On the other hand, a muted tone might work well for a relaxing bedroom but feel too dull for a lively living room. Think about how you want to feel in the space and choose a color that aligns with the room’s function.
A calm, soothing color might be best for a bathroom, while a more dynamic hue could be fitting for a playroom or home office.
5. Not Considering Existing Decor
Your walls aren’t the only part of the room that contributes to its overall look. Furniture, curtains, rugs, and other decor pieces play a significant role in how the room feels. Before picking a wall color, consider what you already have in the space.
If your furniture is a bold color, a neutral wall color will balance the room. Conversely, if your decor is neutral, you might opt for a bolder wall color to add character and interest. Make sure the paint color complements the existing elements to create a cohesive look.
6. Overusing Trendy Colors
Trendy colors can be fun and exciting, but they can quickly become outdated. If you’re someone who likes to update your space frequently, then using trendy shades can be a great option. But if you prefer a timeless look, it might be wise to steer clear of colors that are very “of the moment.”
Opt for shades that have staying power and won’t make your room feel outdated in just a couple of years. If you can’t resist a trendy color, consider using it as an accent wall or in smaller doses to keep things fresh without overwhelming the room.
7. Not Considering the Size of the Room
The size of the room should be a key factor in deciding on a paint color. Darker colors can make a small room feel even more cramped, while lighter shades can create the illusion of more space.
If you have a small room, light blues, soft grays, or whites can make it feel more open and airy. In larger rooms, darker tones can add warmth and coziness. Pay attention to the room’s dimensions and choose a color that helps the space feel balanced.
8. Overlooking the Ceiling and Trim
When choosing a paint color, people often focus solely on the walls and forget to consider the ceiling and trim. The color of the ceiling can make a big difference in the overall feel of the room. For example, a white or light-colored ceiling can make a room feel taller and more open.
Darker ceilings, on the other hand, can create a more intimate, cozy atmosphere. The trim around the windows and doors should also complement the wall color.
White trim is a classic option that goes well with almost any wall color, but you can experiment with different shades to enhance the overall look of the room.
9. Choosing a Color Without Considering the Floor
The color of your floors can impact the paint color you choose for the walls. Dark floors paired with dark walls can create a heavy and gloomy feeling. If your floors are a rich, dark color, you might want to choose a lighter wall shade to provide contrast.
Conversely, light-colored floors can handle a range of paint shades, but a wall color that’s too light might make the room feel washed out. Always keep the floor color in mind when selecting your paint to ensure that the combination feels balanced.
10. Not Considering the Room’s Functionality
Think about how the room will be used on a daily basis. If you have young children or pets, you may want to avoid light-colored walls that show dirt easily. A darker shade can hide scuff marks and smudges better.
On the other hand, if the room is in constant use for work, relaxation, or entertainment, you might choose a color that matches the energy of that activity. It’s important to select a paint color that suits the functionality of the room, ensuring it remains practical and enjoyable over time.
Conclusion
Picking the right paint color for your walls may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact the look and feel of your home. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be better prepared to make a choice that suits your space and personal style.
Remember to test your colors, consider the room’s lighting, and think about how the walls fit with the rest of your decor. With a little thought and planning, you can transform any room with the perfect shade of paint.
