How to choose paint colors that look right in your home

Paint is the cheapest way to change a room and the easiest to get wrong. The same swatch can look warm in one room and gray in the next. Here is how to choose with confidence.

Read the light

North-facing rooms get cooler, bluer light, so warmer colors help. South-facing rooms are warm and bright most of the day. Look at samples morning, midday and evening, and under your own bulbs.

Find the undertone

Whites, grays and beiges all lean toward a hue: yellow, pink, green or blue. Compare a sample against pure white paper to see it, and pick one that suits your floors, cabinets and countertops.

Test big samples

Paint large sample boards and move them around the room. A tiny chip on a big wall looks nothing like the real thing. Try colors on a mood board with your finishes first, or use the finish matcher.

Choose the sheen

• Flat or matte: hides wall flaws, best for ceilings and low-traffic rooms.
• Eggshell or satin: easier to wipe, good for most walls.
• Semi-gloss: trim, doors and cabinets.

Connect the rooms

Pick a whole-house palette of a few colors that flow from room to room. Try wall colors in 3D in the floor planner or kitchen designer, and see cabinet colors.

Common questions

How do I choose a paint color for a north-facing room?

North light is cool, so warmer colors usually look better. Test samples at different times of day.

What paint sheen should I use on walls?

Eggshell or satin is a good balance of washability and low shine for most walls.

Why does paint look different on my wall?

Light direction, bulbs and the colors around it change how paint reads. Large samples in the actual room are the best test.