How To Choose A Paint Color (and a free worksheet!)

I get it.

Choosing a paint color is tough.

You think you know what you want until you walk into the paint section of your local hardware store.

All those options are dancing around in front of you saying “pick me! pick me!” and you totally lose track of the hue you were looking for in the first place.

The options are endless.

After an hour of comparing six shades of gray, you finally pick the winner.

The one that gets to come home with you and spend years with your family.

You proudly hand the card to the paint mixer and they ask what finish you want.

Ugh, more options.

Picking a paint color doesn’t have to be difficult.

And doing it correctly will save you quite a bit of prep, work, and regrets.

Follow these tips on how to choose the right shade and print the free worksheet at the bottom of this post.

You’ll be wearing paint splattered yoga pants in no time.

Wait it out. Choose fabrics, furniture, flooring, and wall decor first. The best way to decide on a color is to have all the other elements of the room available and purchased. Then choose the color based on the least used shade of them all combined.

Date it for a while before making the commitment. When you think you’ve settled on a few options, pick up some samples (they’re only a couple of dollars) and paint each color on a separate white foam board. Then spend a week viewing the boards in different places in the room. This will give you a good idea of how it will look in all lighting situations and times of day. It may look great on one wall but awful in that dark corner.

Be honest with yourself. Do you change your mind often? Does your decorating style vary or fluctuate? If so, go with a neutral and let the decor speak for your style. It’s a lot easier to change out a bold piece of artwork than to paint over that deep purple paint.

Why did I say purple paint? My teenage bedroom may or may not have been dark purple for a few months…

with red accents and feng shui inspired…and I loved it…for about four months…

Go for the good stuff. Even if you don’t think you need it, opt for the paint with the primer added in it. It covers better and saves you a lot of time and money.

Trust the person at the paint counter. This is their job! Let them know what kind of activity the room gets and whether you have small children or pets. They really do know best and will guide you to the best brands and finishes to suit your needs.

Feeling confident and ready to get started?

I made you a fancy little worksheet to help you narrow down your choices.

It’s packed with helpful questions and smart little tidbits that will help you along the way.