6 Things You Should Do Before Deciding on a Paint Color

The fact that you simply love one color or a particular shade of it shouldn’t be your only reason to use it to paint your home. There are many other factors to consider before going to the nearest shop to buy several buckets of it.

On the other hand, there are also those people who can’t make the decision regarding the next paint job. White seems okay, even though they would like to take the plunge and step out of their comfort zone. Introducing a pop of color into your daily routine can have a magical effect on the quality of life.

So, if you’re ready to take the right steps and choose the right paint color you won’t regret later, read our tips.

Do the research

Before you go to the actual store, you can look up mock-ups or real examples online. Pinterest is an interior design enthusiast’s heaven because they can find inspiration for their next big project. The same goes for paint colors and the way they compliment a certain shade of furniture and design. When you look at the photographs you like, be in tune with your instinct. Do you feel different emotions when you look at these design ideas? Note down which color makes you feel good, warm, and happy and consider it as one of your options.

Choose a color that goes well with your furniture

It’s a lot easier to pick a paint color based on your furniture color and not the other way around. Otherwise, if you end up disappointed with the results, you’ll have to change the entire furniture. Of course, that might also be above your budget, so you’d be stuck with furniture that doesn’t match with your pain job. In order to save yourself from getting a major headache, research which colors you like create cohesion with the color of your existing furniture.

Narrow down your color choice

When you make a list of the colors you like, and further narrow your choice to those that complement your furniture, you’re ready to take a look at the color chart. A color chart will provide you with a number of hues of the color you like so you can pick the depth you prefer. When you find the ones you like, it’s wise to test all colors with samples.

The best way to test out sample colors is to paint them on white posterboards. Don’t use your walls to test the color because you might have trouble, later on, to cover it with color. Paint the white posterboards just like you would your wall - prime it and cover it with sample paint. Make several samples and spread them around the room so you can observe the color from morning to dark.

Make a decision

Once you sample all the colors you like, it’s time to narrow your choice down to one color. Sit down with your family and discuss the pros and cons of each color and finalize your choice. If you can’t come to a unified decision because your spouse has a different opinion, you should ask for external help. A color consultant can guide you in the right direction and offer the best solution based on their knowledge and experience and your color preference. People go to a color consultant to help them make their final decision which they won’t regret later on.

Don’t skip steps

When you finally decide on the color, pigmentation, and the right sheen, you need to buy everything you’ll need. You need to buy painter’s plastic, floor coverings, tape, paint tray, paint rollers, brushes of various sizes, ladder, drywall patching compound, and tools for patching and sanding paper. It’s always better to buy more paint than to run out of it so listen to your color consultant and buy the right amount of paint. Primer is a must so don’t forget to buy the right kind

Ready, steady, paint

First, cover everything you don’t want to ruin with paint. Protect your furniture with plastic, and cover the entire floor as well. Use masking tape for windows and other areas. Then, move to the prepping stage. Clean the walls, patch up holes, and sand the previous finish. If you hire professional painters, they will do all of this before they start prepping the walls. In case you want to tackle this on your own, take your time to prep your walls.

Choosing the right paint color is a process and you shouldn’t rush it. Do your research, take your furniture color into account, and discuss your options with a professional. Your goal is to make the right decision and enjoy your freshly decorated home.

Mianna Korben is an experienced writer and lover of bright colors and bold patterns. Mianna loves for her affinity of color to transcend into all aspects of her life - from her clothes to her home decor.