Choosing the right paint colour for your home can feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, it's easy to get swept up in myths about what works and what doesn't.
We're here to debunk some of the most common paint colour myths, giving you the confidence to make the right choices for your home.
It’s widely believed that light colours like white and beige are essential for making small spaces feel larger. While these colours can reflect light and create an airy atmosphere, the truth is that darker colours can also make a small space feel bigger.
When you use deeper hues, the boundaries between walls become less defined, making the room feel more expansive. As designer Phillip Thomas points out, the right layout and furniture placement are equally important in achieving a balanced, spacious feel.
Tip: Don’t be afraid of dark tones in small spaces – just make sure you balance them with the right lighting and furniture arrangement.
While selecting the perfect colour is key, the finish you choose is just as important. Glossy, satin, and matte finishes all affect how light interacts with the paint, altering the mood and feel of the room.
A matte finish hides imperfections and works well on rough walls, while a glossy finish can enhance colour depth but highlights flaws. Remember, finishes play a significant role in the perception of space, so consider the condition of your walls and the desired effect before making your choice.
Tip: When in doubt, test a few finishes to see how the paint behaves in your room’s lighting before committing. And remember, a professional painter can help guide you on which finish works best for your space.
If you’ve been sticking to the old rule of painting walls and leaving trim, doors, and ceilings white, it might be time to rethink your approach.
Designers recommend painting the trim and ceiling the same colour as the walls to create a more seamless, dramatic effect. This technique helps eliminate harsh lines and visually expands the space, making it feel more cohesive.
Tip: Consider using a single hue for your entire room to downplay those horizontal lines and make the space feel more open. Not sure where to start? Get a painter to help you achieve this bold look with ease.
While it’s tempting to choose a paint colour based on your existing furniture and décor, designer Allison Babcock suggests it’s better to let the paint set the tone for the room. The right paint colour can create the mood or vibe you want, and the rest of your décor should follow suit.
Tip: Once you’ve chosen your ideal colour, let the other elements (furniture, textiles, and lighting) fall into place around it.
The idea that painting a ceiling white will make a room feel more spacious is only partially true. While white ceilings can reflect light and create the illusion of height, you’re not limited to this neutral option.
Colour on the ceiling can draw the eye upward, making a room feel more expansive, especially if you’re using light hues that blend with your walls. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours for your ceiling to enhance the room's overall aesthetic.
Tip: If you’re unsure, try soft, light shades of blue, grey, or beige to add interest without overpowering the space.
Another common misconception is that dark colours always make a room feel small and gloomy. While this can be true in spaces that lack natural light, dark colours can actually add drama and sophistication when used in the right context.
For rooms with ample natural light, dark tones can create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. The key is to balance dark walls with lighter furnishings and trim to prevent the space from feeling too closed in.
Tip: Use dark colours in well-lit rooms or accent walls to create contrast and interest.
When designing a home, it’s tempting to match every wall colour to create a uniform look. However, this can feel rigid and boring. Instead, opt for a coordinated colour palette that allows each room to have its own identity while still flowing together.
Consider mixing complementary hues or using variations of the same colour family for different rooms. Interior painters can help you find the right balance of colours that connect your spaces without being overly matchy.
Tip: Coordinating colours with subtle patterns can add personality while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout your home.
It’s easy to be drawn to a paint colour when you see it in the store, but that doesn’t mean it will look the same in your home. Factors like lighting, room size, and existing furniture can all alter how a paint colour appears.
Always test your chosen colours in sample sizes before committing to a full coat. Paint swatches on a large piece of cardboard and move them around the room to see how they interact with the space’s natural light and other elements.
Tip: Take time to test paint samples in different areas of the room to ensure it complements your furniture and the overall vibe.
Choosing the perfect paint colour isn’t just about picking a shade from a swatch – it’s about understanding the impact of finishes, how colours interact with light, and how they’ll affect the mood of your space.
If you’re ready to refresh your space but need a little help, consider hiring a professional painter. At ServiceSeeking, you can find painters with years of experience ready to bring your vision to life.