How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Home: Practical Tips and Resources

Yesterday I wrote about my love for every color and the challenge of narrowing down choices. If you’re asking, “How do I choose a paint color for my room?” here are practical resources and methods that have helped me decide with confidence.

1. Consult an Interior Designer

Interior designers are an incredible resource. I enjoy learning from their expertise and watching design shows, but sometimes you need advice that’s closer to home. Our local Benjamin Moore store, for example, has an in-store designer who offers quick, on-site guidance—often at no charge. I brought photos of our house and walked away with clear direction on color families and finishes.

Keep in mind that while a designer can offer useful suggestions in a store, the best color recommendations come from seeing your room in its natural light. If choosing colors stresses you out, hiring a designer to visit your home and evaluate lighting, furnishings, and finishes can be a worthwhile investment.

2. Collect Inspiration Photos

Inspiration photos helped me rediscover my style and made color decisions much easier. Create a board—physical or digital—with rooms and palettes that attract you. When I reviewed my bathroom inspiration images, a clear theme emerged: blue and white. That simple pattern helped me decide the overall direction for the space.

3. Narrow to a Color Family, Then Test Swatches

Once you’ve chosen a color family, like blues, collect a range of paint swatches in that family. Tape them to the walls of the room you’ll be painting and live with them for several days. Observe how they look at different times: morning, midday, evening, sunny, and cloudy. This step is essential because paint samples at the store often look different under your home’s lighting.

4. Use Online Tools, but Verify in Person

Many paint brands and design sites now offer free online tools where you can upload a photo of your room and preview colors digitally. These tools can be very helpful for narrowing options quickly. However, computer screens and mobile displays render colors differently, so always test physical swatches in the space before committing to a full paint purchase.

5. Observe Undertones and Room Elements

When choosing a color, pay attention to undertones. Two paints labeled “light gray” can read warm or cool depending on subtle undertones that react with sunlight and the colors of your furnishings. Consider flooring, trim, cabinetry, and existing textiles; these elements influence how a color will read in the room.

6. Think About Finish and Sheen

Finish matters. A glossy sheen reflects more light and can highlight imperfections, while a matte finish hides flaws but may be harder to clean. Consider the room’s function—high-traffic rooms like kitchens and bathrooms often benefit from more durable finishes, while bedrooms and living rooms can work well with lower-sheen options.

7. Take a Gradual Approach

If you’re unsure, start small. Paint an accent wall or a sample board before committing to the entire room. You can also begin with cabinetry or trim in a test color to see how it plays with the rest of the space. This gradual approach reduces risk and gives you the flexibility to change course without a major redo.

Ask Yourself the Right Questions

Before you buy paint, ask: What mood do I want to create? Do I prefer warm or cool tones? How much natural light does the room get? Will the color harmonize with existing furniture and fabrics? Answering these questions narrows your options and keeps decisions focused.

What methods have you found most useful when choosing colors for your home? I hope these tips help you feel more confident as you work through your own color dilemmas.

{This post is part of the “31 Ways to Make Home Uniquely You” series. Click here for a list of each day’s topic.}