Paint color is arguably the hardest design choice you will ever make. You’re not alone if you’ve stood in the aisle, overwhelmed by hundreds of tiny chips that all look identical, only to bring one home and watch it look completely different on your wall!
The reason is simple: paint color is entirely dependent on the light present in your specific space. The natural light from your windows, the artificial light from your lamps, and even the colors of your flooring all interact with the pigments, making the final result completely unpredictable.
Before we dive into how to fix this, be sure to check out the new Printables tab on our website for even more free resources!
This is why I always stress one golden rule: Always test samples in the exact room you plan to paint. It is the only way to see how the color will truly appear in your space.
To help eliminate the headache before you even step into the store, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. There are hundreds of beautiful colors out there, but I’ve narrowed them down to the shades I trust most.
I created a Cheat Sheet for you featuring my Top 25 Favorite Neutral Paint Colors from major brands. Now, instead of your head spinning over a gazillion chips, you can walk in with a focused list of tried-and-true winners.
I know I’m repeating myself, but this step is non-negotiable! You must test your top selections on your wall. But let’s ditch the messy sample pots.
I love to use Samplize. Samplize is a brilliant service that provides large, accurate, peel-and-stick paint color samples. It’s cleaner, easier, and allows you to quickly move the sample around the room to see how the color shifts throughout the day.
All the colors in my Top 25 Paint Guide are available through Samplize. This is a product that I use and have been incredibly happy with!
Choosing paint shouldn’t feel like a high-stakes gamble. It should feel like the exciting, final step of your design process!
If you need a more detailed breakdown of the principles behind choosing color—including understanding undertones, lighting, and placement—I’ve put together a comprehensive guide just for you. Click here to get the full guide.
That’s all for today! I hope these resources help you eliminate the guesswork and choose the perfect color for your space. Good luck with your painting project!
Let me know in the comments: Which paint colors are your go-to favorites, and why do you love them?
I recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Thanks soooo much for this amazingly helpful guide! Wow!!!
Thanks so much! I’m happy you found it helpful!
This is an awesome guide
Thank you so much!