You only have 27 seconds to make a good first impression, which shows how important your home’s aesthetic is. 

But aside from looking visually appealing, choosing the right color sets the mood for each room and even affects your home’s resale value. Perhaps the thought of sifting through color palettes terrifies you and you’re not sure how to create the right one.

Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the four dos and don’ts when you pick paint colors for your property. 

1. Do: Create a Whole Home Color Palette 

The first step on how how to pick paint colors is finding inspiration. Check visual-based sites like Pinterest or Instagram to compile a collection of rooms that you love. Once you’ve gathered at least 10, then you will have a better understanding of what you want.

Then, create a color palette for your entire home, so you can see the bigger picture. You don’t want to finish decorating, only to find that your living room and kitchen now clash. Instead, you want a cohesive flow, so experiment until there’s visual harmony in your property.  

Also, as a general rule, go neutral and use bold colors to accent a wall or make a statement, rather than eclipse the entire room. If you’re ready to paint, then browse a range from a reputable retailer like classiccoatspainting.com. 

2. Don’t: Forget Your Furniture and Decor 

Once you’ve figured out the best way to pick paint colors, it’s important to consider your furniture and decor.

To avoid any nasty surprises, test each shade with every fabric or texture. Simply paint a piece of card in your ideal color, and hold it next to every piece to see if it works. 

3. Do: Find the Perfect Sheen

As you pick paint colors for your house, you must factor in the sheen.  As a general rule, the higher the sheen, the easier it is to spot imperfections. Most paints are divided between gloss and semi-gloss.

Note, semi-gloss is best for covering larger rooms as it’s easily cleaned and not too shiny. 

4. Don’t: Choose Paint Colors At the Store 

The major mistake homeowners make is picking paint colors at the store.

This is because each option consists of an array of shades and undertones, which means it looks different depending on the light. To prevent this, pick up large swatches or sample-sized testers, so you can test them around each room. 

And if you need help picking out paint colors, then bring along a loved one or friend for a second opinion. 

Pick Paint Colors Today

Hopefully, after reading this article, you know how to pick paint colors for your home. 

Start by creating a whole home color palette, bring swatches home to compare against your furniture, and consider the sheen. And don’t forget to ask your household for advice, so that everyone is happy. Happy painting! 

Found this article helpful? Awesome! Then, check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.