I always find it so fascinating when people can just walk into a paint store, point to a paint chip and say “I’ll take that one.” My sister can choose paint that quickly. I, on the other hand, have an entire process for choosing paint, and I thought it would be fun to share that with you today. I am pretty indecisive, and while paint isn’t a huge investment, no one wants to spend $30-40+ per gallon just to hate it once they get it on the wall. (This has happened to me, and that’s probably why I have this process now!) Luckily if this does happen to you, paint is an easy thing to change. But I like to aim for getting it right the first time! Here’s my method of how to choose the perfect paint color, broken down into 5 steps.
Step 1
My first step is to get an idea of what color family I want to go with for a room. For this, I look for inspiration everywhere — Pinterest, magazines, Houzz, other blogs or decor sites, paint chips from the paint store, etc.
Step 2
After I’ve narrowed down my basic color choice (“light gray,” or “dark blue-gray,” for example), I do a search on Pinterest and Google for “light gray paint” or “dark blue gray paint.” Or, if the color that inspired me came from a paint chip, I skip straight to step 3.
Step 3
After I’ve found a specific color I like (by “specific,” I’m talking color name and brand), I scour the internet to see it in a room, because let’s face it, it doesn’t always end up looking like the paint chip. I search Pinterest by color name (for example, “Benjamin Moore Nocturnal Gray” which is what I used in the dining room), and I also do a Google image search. I find as many images as I can so that I can see it in different types of lighting and make sure I have a decent idea of how it will look on my walls (or furniture, or whatever I am painting). You could also buy samples and paint a few swatches on the wall, but I prefer to only make one trip to the paint store if I can help it.
Step 4
Once I’ve chosen a color that I think I’ll be happy with, I decide on a finish. I used to only use flat paint (which I still love!), but lately I’ve been going with eggshell since I have kids and it’s easier to clean. (I use semi-gloss for trim and furniture though.) I stay away from glossier finishes on walls since every flaw becomes visible, and in this house I can thank whomever painted before we moved in since they painted over wallpaper in every single room! (Ugh.)
Step 5
Since by now I know which brand of paint I’ll be buying, I search online for coupons before I buy. Then, after determining how much I’ll need, I’m off to the paint store!
I hope these tips have helped you in some way if you are struggling with choosing a paint color — if not, I’m sure it just made you think I am a little crazy! Ha.
Are you a picky paint chooser too? Or are you a “walk into the paint store and point to a color” type of person? I’d love to hear about your process!
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