How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Home

Picking paint colors can feel stressful. You stand in the store looking at hundreds of tiny swatches and have no idea where to start. Here's how to make it easier.

Start with What You Already Have

Look at your furniture, your floors, and anything you're not planning to change. Your paint should work with these things, not fight them. If you have a brown leather couch, you probably don't want orange walls.

Use the 60-30-10 Rule

This is a simple trick designers use:

• 60% is your main wall color
• 30% is a secondary color (furniture, curtains)
• 10% is an accent (pillows, art, small items)

Test Before You Commit

Never pick a color from a tiny swatch. Buy a sample can and paint a big square on your wall - at least 12 inches. Look at it in the morning, afternoon, and at night. Colors look completely different depending on the light.

When in Doubt, Go Neutral

Whites, grays, and beiges are popular for a reason. They work with almost everything, they don't go out of style, and they make rooms feel bigger. You can always add color with furniture and decorations.

Don't Forget the Finish

The same color looks different in flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss. Flat hides imperfections but is hard to clean. Semi-gloss is easy to clean but shows every bump in the wall. For most rooms, eggshell or satin is a good middle ground. Not sure which finish to pick? Read our complete guide to paint finishes.

If you're still stuck, take photos of your room and bring them to the paint store. The staff can help point you in the right direction.