Choosing a Paint Color for Your Home: 6 Expert-Approved Tips That Work

Choosing a paint color for your home can feel exciting at first, but it often gets overwhelming once you see just how many options are out there. From subtle undertones to changing light throughout the day, a color that looks perfect on a swatch can feel completely different once it’s on your walls. The good news is that with a thoughtful approach, the right paint color can completely transform your space and potentially increase your home value.

In this Redfin guide, we’ll walk through expert-backed tips to make the process feel simpler and a lot more manageable. From refreshing a craftsman home in Portland, OR to updating a condo in Miami, FL, these ideas are designed to work across different homes, styles, and lighting situations.

In this article:
1. Start with samples
2. Utilize peel-and-stick samples for flexibility 
3. Pay attention to lighting and LRV
4. Consider undertones and your overall color story
5. Test colors in different parts of the room
6. Don’t rush the process
Choosing a paint color for your home: key takeaways to keep in mind

1. Start with samples

One of the most important tips for choosing a paint color is testing it in your actual space before committing. Paint can look dramatically different depending on lighting, wall texture, and even the time of day, which is why sampling is essential to avoiding surprises.

“First, always sample your color; apply two coats and test in both direct light and shade as lighting can drastically change how a color appears,” shares Erika Dillman, Architectural Representative and Color Consultant at Farrell-Calhoun. “Second, check the Light Reflective Value (LRV) — the higher the LRV, the more light a color reflects. This can help you choose the right color for your east and west facing rooms that receive more sunlight throughout the day.”

To make your samples work harder for you, try:

• Testing colors on multiple walls to see how shadows and angles affect them.
• Placing samples next to flooring, cabinetry, and furniture for a more complete picture.
• Narrowing it down to two or three options to avoid decision fatigue.
• Living with your top choices for a few days before making a final call.

2. Utilize peel-and-stick samples for flexibility 

If you want a cleaner, more convenient way to test paint colors, peel-and-stick samples are a game changer. Unlike traditional paint samples, these can be moved from wall to wall, making it easier to see how a color looks in different lighting designs and areas of your home without committing to one spot.

“We always recommend our clients consider purchasing Samplize products when selecting paint colors for their homes. They offer large, peel-and-stick samples from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Farrow & Ball,” Kate Figler Interiors recommends. “They can wrap around corners and be easily moved throughout a space to see how a color looks on varying walls. We love their portability and that our clients don’t have to deal with messy sample cans when testing paint.” 

Get the most out of peel-and-stick samples:

• Move them around the room to compare how the color shifts in different lighting.
• Place them near trim, cabinetry, and flooring to see how everything works together.
• Layer multiple samples side by side to easily compare shades.
• Revisit them at different times of day to catch subtle changes.

3. Pay attention to lighting and LRV

Lighting plays a major role in how a paint color actually looks once it’s on your walls. Natural light shifts throughout the day, while artificial lighting can add warm or cool tones that subtly change the appearance of a shade. That’s why a color you love in one room might feel completely different in another.

Another key factor to consider is Light Reflectance Value, or LRV, which measures how much light a color reflects. Higher LRV colors tend to feel brighter and more open, while lower LRV colors absorb more light and can create a cozier, more dramatic feel.

Choose the right color for your space, keep these tips in mind:

• Notice how much natural light the room gets and which direction it faces.
• Utilize higher LRV colors to brighten smaller or darker spaces.
• Consider lower LRV shades for rooms where you want a more intimate feel.
• Pay attention to your light bulbs (warm vs. cool) and how they affect the color.

4. Consider undertones and your overall color story

Even the most beautiful paint color can feel off if the undertones don’t align with the rest of your space. Undertones are the subtle hues beneath the surface color, and they can lean warm, cool, or neutral, which plays a big role in how everything comes together. Paying attention to these details helps create a more cohesive, intentional look throughout your home.

Kate Figler Interiors suggests, “When painting your trim, cabinetry or ceiling a shade of white, ensure that specific white works with the undertones you want to incorporate throughout the rest of your home. For instance, a warm creamy white will look very yellow up against a cooler gray wall. Accordingly it is important to pay attention to the overall color story you are wanting to work with and that your trim and cabinetry complements it.” 

To keep your color palette cohesive:

• Identify where your main colors lean (ex. warm, cool, or neutral).
• Compare paint samples next to fixed elements like flooring and countertops.
• Be mindful of how whites can shift depending on surrounding colors.
• Think about how each room connects to the next for a seamless flow.

5. Test colors in different parts of the room

Where you place your paint sample matters just as much as the color itself. Different areas of a room can have varying amounts of light, shadow, and reflection, all of which can change how a color appears. Testing in only one spot can give you an incomplete picture and lead to surprises once the entire room is painted.

Try to get a well-rounded view of your color by:

• Placing samples on multiple walls, including those with direct and indirect light.
• Testing near corners, trim, and architectural details where shadows naturally fall.
• Viewing the color at eye level as well as from a distance.
• Checking how the color looks next to large furniture pieces or decor.

6. Don’t rush the process

It can be tempting to make a quick decision, especially when you’re eager to see the finished result, but choosing a paint color is one step that benefits from a little patience. Colors can feel different after a few days of living with them, and what stands out right away isn’t always what you’ll love long-term.

Give yourself time to decide with confidence:

• Live with your top color choices for a few days before committing.
• Revisit samples at different times of day to notice subtle changes.
• Narrow your options down gradually instead of deciding all at once.
• Trust your instincts once a color consistently feels right.

Choosing a paint color for your home: key takeaways to keep in mind

Choosing the right paint color doesn’t have to be stressful when you test samples, consider lighting, and keep your overall color story in mind. Small details like undertones and finishes can make a big difference in how a space feels. With patience and a thoughtful approach, you’ll find a color that truly makes your home feel complete.

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