How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Home

Paint is often touted as a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to update a home and give it a fresh look. However, picking the right paint color can turn into a major pain; who knew there were so many shades of white? Instead of getting overwhelmed in the home improvement store, use these tips to help you choose the best paint for your home.

   1.   Find the right sheen
Before deciding on a color, think about what sheen you want the paint to have. The sheen you choose often depends on the amount of wear and tear the paint will take; glossy paints are easy to wipe clean with a damp sponge, making them ideal for homes with small children. Because it can show imperfections, high gloss paint is recommended for trims and baseboards, especially when paired with a flatter wall shade.

Semi-gloss is often the most popular sheen choice for interior paints; it has the washability of high gloss while covering imperfections like a matte. While flat or matte paints are the best at covering imperfections on the walls, they also are the most difficult to clean and show stains and fingerprints easily. By thinking about the room you will be painting and the purpose it serves, you can easily find the paint sheen that is right for your family.

   2.   Identify the mood
Do you want the room you’re painting to feel like a relaxing oasis or an invigorating space? Identifying the mood you want the room to have can help you narrow down choices in paint colors. Buttery yellows create feelings of hominess, while a brighter shade can be energizing. Warmer shades feel more welcoming, whereas cooler colors have a more formal ambiance.

    3.   Use color to create optical illusions
The color paint you choose can do more than just change your mood - it can also impact how you view a room. Dark colors, for example, make rooms feel smaller, while lighter colors create an airy feel. Visually expand a room by painting the trim a few shades lighter than the wall color; paint can be used to highlight and complement the size, shape, or features of a room.

     4.   Think big… or small
While it’s fairly easy to paint over a color you no longer like, many homeowners are scared to take the plunge into new colors or designs. Because of this, think small before you think big; tackling a smaller room can give you the confidence to make decisions for larger living spaces. Use spaces like a small bathroom or guest bedroom to experiment with color palettes and choices before you commit to painting the rest of the house.