How to Choose the Perfect Paint Colour (Without Regret)

Choosing the perfect paint color for your space sounds easy enough, until you're standing in front of a wall of swatches at the store. Suddenly, “grey” becomes 80 different greys, and the blue you loved online just doesn’t look the same in person as it did online.

Don't worry, you're not alone! Selecting paint is one of the most difficult decisions in home design. But with a few steps, you can avoid the most common mistakes and confidently choose a colour that you love.

Here’s how to choose the perfect paint color without regret.

Photo: House & Garden

Start With Inspiration

It’s tempting to start with swatches, but this usually leads to overwhelm. Instead, begin with how you want the space to feel.

Do you want your living room to feel cosy and inviting? Your kitchen fresh and airy? Your bedroom peaceful?

From there, look for inspiration. Pinterest is a really great place to start as you can easily find images of what you’re looking for.

Photo: Farrow & Ball Via House and Garden

Understand Undertones

This is one of the most misunderstood (and most important) aspects of choosing paint. All colors have undertones, subtle hints of color that affect how they look in real life.

For example, beige might have pink, yellow, or green undertones.

Two paints may look nearly identical on a swatch, but on your wall, one may feel cool and the other warm. Always compare swatches side by side to reveal undertones. And don’t just rely on the name of the colour.

Photo: House & Garden - Joa's White by Farrow and Ball

Think About Lighting

Paint color changes dramatically depending on the light. A soft blue that looks perfect in a sunny room might turn icy and cold in a dim hallway.

Always test your color in different lighting throughout the day before committing.

Don’t Forget the Finish

Once you’ve found your color, the paint finish matters too:

• Flat/Matte: Great for hiding imperfections but can be harder to clean. Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas.
  
• Eggshell/Satin: Slightly more durable with a soft sheen. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
  
• Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Highly durable and easy to clean. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, trim, and doors.
  

The same color in different finishes can reflect light differently, impacting the final appearance.

Photo: House & Garden - You can see the difference between wall and door paint finishes. 

Use Neutrals Wisely

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring.

A good neutral should act as a canvas for your furniture, artwork, and textiles.

Stick to one undertone family throughout your home for a cohesive look. Mixing cool and warm undertones can feel chaotic.

Photo: House & Garden - Farrow & Ball Pale Powder

Avoid Trends

It’s tempting to go with what’s trending right now but if they don’t suit your home and personality, you’ll end up not enjoying your space long term.

Ask yourself:

• Do I actually love this color, or did I just see it on Instagram?
• Will I be happy with this in a year? Five years?
• Does it work with the other colors in my home?

By considering these questions, you’ll find a colour that you genuinely love.

Photo: Pinterest

Key Takeaways on How to Choose the Perfect Paint Color (Without Regret)

Choosing the perfect paint color doesn’t have to be stressful.

By looking for inspiration first and considering factors such as lighting and finishes, you can find colours for your home that you love.