Let’s play a game: walk into a paint store, pick a colour in 5 minutes, and walk out stress-free.
Oh, wait—you can’t.
Choosing the right interior paint takes more than falling for a pretty colour.
The options are endless—and so is the potential for a paint job gone wrong.
Paint does more than add colour—it sets the mood, reflects your style, and totally changes how a room feels.
Lighting, finish, undertones, and even furniture play a role in how that colour turns out. This isn’t about scaring you—it’s about saving you from paint regret.
Let’s break down what actually matters when picking that perfect shade.
What to Keep in Mind While Choosing Interior Paint
When choosing interior paint, it is important to keep a few things in mind to get the results you desire. Here are some simple things to consider:
Understanding Color Psychology
When it comes to choosing the right paint color for your space, it is important to understand the emotional impact and influence they have on our mood and behavior.
For instance, blue and green are considered calming, and you can choose them for bedrooms or bathrooms. On the other hand, warmer colors like red, orange, and yellow energize and boost creativity and joy. They are perfect for social areas like living rooms or kitchens where a lively atmosphere is needed.
One more thing to keep in mind is the intensity of the color. Soft pastel shades create a gentle, soothing atmosphere, while bold colors can produce a stimulating and dynamic environment.
Research Before You Buy
Another important thing is to research before you get straight into the shopping process. You can take inspiration from anywhere – a magazine, your wardrobe, or even nature – but make sure it’s not just about choosing a pretty color.
Understanding how different hues can impact the mood of the room is really crucial. It will truly help you invest in a shade that fits your vision.
If all this seems a difficult job, then consulting a professional in your area is the best bet. For example, if you live in New Hampshire, partnering with some expert painters in Concord will help you choose colors that are trendy and match your home’s vibes well.
Don’t Overlook Room Size
Paint colors can significantly impact the perceived size of a room. Lighter colors can make a room spacious and larger, while darker colors can make it appear more closed and smaller.
The arrangement and texture of a color can change the appearance of a room entirely and can be used as a technique to highlight a space and visually expand it.
Lighting & Room Orientation
Lighting and orientation of a room you paint also make a huge difference in how a paint color ultimately appears. Natural light, whether it comes in from the east, west, north, or south, affects a room differently throughout the day.
When you’re testing out colors, view them at different times to see how they shift under the morning sun versus the evening light.
Even artificial lighting—like the warm glow of incandescent bulbs or the cool shine of LED fixtures—can alter a color’s appearance.
Paying attention to these details will help you pick a color that looks just as good in your everyday environment as it does in the store sample.
Utilize the Color Wheel for Effective Color Combination
Another thing that can help you pick the right color palette is the proper use of a color wheel. It will help you find which colors work together to contrast or complement each other. You can use a color wheel to create color palettes like monochromatic, complementary, or analogous schemes.
Choosing the Right Finish
Choosing the right type of paint according to your space is also important because the type of paint you use plays a big role in how your walls will look and how well they’ll hold up over time.
For low-traffic areas like ceilings or formal dining rooms, matte or flat paint is best. Flat paint provides a clean and elegant look and is excellent for hiding imperfections. However, it cannot withstand washing or scrubbing for a long time. Matte paint is best for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. It creates a cozy and calm atmosphere.
Some interior paints are water-based latex paints, and despite the name, they are generally safe for people with latex allergies.
If you have naughty kids, going for an eggshell paint finish would be the best decision. It gives a low sheen and smooth finish and enhances color depth. It is washable and can resist stains more than other types of finish.
Likewise, semi-gloss and gloss paints work best in kitchens, doors, window trim, accent walls, and bathrooms. They are highly reflective and can withstand multiple cleanings.
High gloss paint creates a vibrant feel and is best to use on doors, trim, furniture, or accent pieces. It is best for areas that are prone to wear and tear.
Enamel paint is an oil-based paint type that is compatible with most building materials and resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. It is best for cabinets, doors, trim, windows, and other areas that get heavy use.
While choosing paint, it is important to understand how it relates to your lifestyle and the type of aesthetic you want to create. Plus, you should know the following:
- How often do you want to maintain and clean the painted surface?
- What is the purpose of the area?
- How much traffic does it receive?
Primer & Prep Work
One of the most important things that you can’t neglect is primer & prep work. Before you get started, it’s important to do some important chores like protecting items & surfaces in the desired area, old paint removal, repairing nail holes and other imperfections, old caulking removal, sanding the surface, thoroughly cleaning the surface, and applying the primer.
Primers improve the adhesion and extend the lifespan of the paint. They also help to neutralize colors, especially when painting light colors over dark colors. These can be water-based, oil-based, or shellac.
Final Thoughts
A well-painted space can do wonders for how your home feels—and choosing the right paint is a big part of that.
Not sure where to begin or how to narrow things down?
It’s totally okay to get a second opinion. A professional eye can help simplify your choices and give you confidence moving forward.
Whether you go DIY or get a little guidance, the goal is the same—a space that feels just right for you.