Finding An Interior Paint Color For Every Room In Your Home
The Perfect Interior Paint Color? Follow These Recommendations
Finding the perfect interior paint color can be a fun and creative process! Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect paint color:
Consider the style and mood of the room:
Think about the overall look and feel you want to achieve in the room where you will be using the paint. Do you want a cozy, warm feeling or a bright, airy atmosphere? Different interior paint colors can evoke different emotions and create different moods.
Look at the interior paint color swatches:
Visit a paint store or home improvement center to browse paint swatches. Take swatches home and hold them against the walls in the room you plan to paint. Observe how your choice of interior paint color looks in different lighting conditions throughout the day. Do not decide on a paint color in the lighting of the store. You will regret that decision. Remember that every type of light bulb has a different hue, and light will shift from warm to cool depending on window location and time of day. Both affect how your interior paint color looks in your home.
Test the colors:
Consider purchasing small sample pots of the paint colors you are considering. Use these to test the colors on a small section of the wall or on a piece of poster board. This will allow you to see how the color looks in the room before committing to painting the entire space. You can also order peel and stick sheet size samples from Samplize.
Coordinate with existing décor:
Consider any existing furniture or décor in the room when selecting your paint color. You may want to choose a color that complements or contrasts with these items.
Paint Finishes Will Impact Your Interior Paint Color
Peel and Stick Interior Paint Color Samples
Consider the finish: Different finishes, such as matte, satin, or glossy, can have a significant impact on the final look of the paint color. Consider the amount of light in the room and the durability of the finish when selecting a finish type.
A matte paint finish is a type of paint finish that has a low gloss or sheen level, typically below 10%. It has a smooth, non-reflective surface that doesn't show any brush marks or roller marks. Matte paint finishes are popular for their contemporary and sophisticated look and are commonly used on walls, furniture, and other decorative surfaces.
One advantage of matte paint finishes is that they tend to hide surface imperfections and flaws better than higher gloss finishes, which can actually emphasize them. They also tend to make colors appear more saturated and intense, as there is no light reflecting off the surface.
On the other hand, matte paint finishes can be more challenging to clean and maintain, as they tend to show dirt and grime more easily than glossier finishes. They are also less durable than high gloss finishes and may require more frequent touch-ups or repainting. Overall, matte paint finishes are a great option for achieving a sophisticated, contemporary look in your home or space. Still, they may require a bit more maintenance and touch-ups than higher gloss finishes. Try a high gloss finish on the ceiling for a bit of a designer touch.
Satin Paint Finish
A satin paint finish is a type of paint finish that has a low to medium gloss level, typically ranging from 20% to 40%. It has a subtle sheen that is less reflective than a high gloss finish but more reflective than a matte finish. Satin paint finishes are popular for their durability, versatility, and ability to hide surface imperfections.
Satin paint finishes are often used on walls, woodwork, and furniture, providing a smooth, even finish that is easy to clean and maintain. They are also a popular choice for high-traffic areas, such as hallways and staircases, as they are less prone to scuffs and scratches than matte finishes.
Coastal Living Room
One of the advantages of satin paint finishes is that they offer a balance between the durability and easy maintenance of a high gloss finish and the subtle, sophisticated look of a matte finish. Satin finishes are also more forgiving than high gloss finishes when it comes to surface imperfections, as they tend to hide minor flaws and brush marks.
On the other hand, satin finishes may not be as suitable for areas that require high levels of scrub resistance, such as kitchens or bathrooms, as they are not as durable as high gloss finishes. They may also require more frequent touch-ups or repainting than high-gloss finishes.
Overall, satin paint finishes are a versatile and popular option for achieving a balance between durability, ease of maintenance, and a subtle, sophisticated look. A Semigloss finish is also an option for these areas.
High Gloss Paint Finish
The high gloss paint finish is a type of paint finish that has a reflective, shiny surface with a gloss level typically ranging from 70% to 85%. It has a smooth, glass-like appearance that is very reflective, which can help to make colors appear brighter and more vibrant. High-gloss paint finishes are commonly used on surfaces such as doors, cabinets, trim, and furniture.
One of the advantages of high gloss interior paint finishes is their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They are also easy to clean and maintain, as dirt and grime can be wiped away easily with a damp cloth. High-gloss finishes are also popular for their ability to create a modern, sophisticated look in any space.
On the other hand, high-gloss finishes tend to highlight surface imperfections and flaws more than other finishes, making them less forgiving than satin or matte finishes. They may also require more preparation work, such as sanding or priming, to ensure a smooth surface before applying the paint. Additionally, high-gloss finishes may show more brush marks and roller marks, so it's essential to apply the paint evenly and carefully. Try a high gloss finish on the ceiling for that designer look. Make sure that the ceiling surface is in almost perfect condition so as not to show any imperfections.
Overall, high-gloss paint finishes are a popular choice for achieving a modern, sophisticated look in any space. They are durable, easy to clean, and can make colors appear more vibrant, but they may require more preparation work and may highlight surface imperfections more than other finishes.
Remember, the perfect interior paint color is ultimately a personal choice. It should make you happy and reflect your personal style. There’s no need to be trendy, and don't be afraid to be bold and experiment with different colors until you find the one that speaks to you!
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About Debbe Daley
Debbe Daley is New England’s leading interior design expert in the fields of design, decorating, and styling of interior spaces. She is a professional speaker, educator, influencer, and business coach in interior design. She also teaches creative interior design and change-of-career-minded individuals at her School of Interiors.
Contact Debbe at ddaley@daleydesigns.com or (978) 697-0288.
While renovating our historic home, the Clementine House in Sandwich, NH, we learned its history, about the man who built it and the families who loved it.