Choosing Paint Colors
Checklist before you buy a can of paint
Run through the room's use, light direction, undertone, finish and paint quantity, then test a sample, before you buy a can of paint for the room.
The collection
Choosing Paint Colors
Practical steps for picking wall and trim colors, from narrowing a long list of shades to testing samples on the walls where they will actually live.
Choosing Paint Colors
Choosing a paint finish: matte, eggshell, satin or gloss
Matte, eggshell, satin and gloss differ in sheen, washability and how well they hide wall flaws. Learn which finish suits walls, trim and ceilings in each room.
Choosing Paint Colors
Deciding between a bold accent wall and a full room
A bold accent wall gives a room one focal point, while a full-room color spreads its mood everywhere. Compare what each approach achieves and where a single wall goes wrong.
Choosing Paint Colors
How to narrow down paint colors before buying samples
Cut a long list of paint names to a few realistic options by fixing the choices you cannot change, answering key questions and shortlisting by undertone and value.
Choosing Paint Colors
How to test paint samples on your actual walls
Test paint samples on your walls with large swatches, careful placement and checks at several times of day, so the color you choose matches what you see in the room.
Choosing Paint Colors
What to know before painting a whole home one color
Painting a whole home one color can feel unified, but it depends on how rooms connect, how their light differs and how trim and doorways meet the walls.