How to select the right wall color

Selecting the right paint for your house isn’t only about finding your favorite color and splashing it all over your place. It’s a lot more than that. A color may look good in itself, but if it isn’t able to hide flaws in the architecture of your home, it is nothing more than just another expenditure.

Go easy with your favorite color

There is no doubt that people tend to choose their favorite colors for wall paints too. It’s perfectly fine, as long as you know how to use different shades of that color to highlight the beauty of your house:

1. Be careful with the selection of shades. Color selection plays an important role in deciding the look and feel of your abode. If your flat is small, the best way would be to use lighter shades of your favorite color, if you must. For larger spaces dark shades are just perfect.
2. If you want a vibrant look, select lighter shade of a peppy color and splash a contrast bright color at bits and places. Do not overdo highlighting, it may ruin the impact.
3. Do not pick the most tempting, luxurious shade of your favorite color. A wall color makes a good impact in entirety. If finishing of the wall doesn’t support satin color, it would look a disaster despite your spending a fortune over the costliest of paint.

Selecting the right shade

1. Do not buy a color by looking at the print sample of it. Lighting makes a lot of difference to the overall impact. A sample color may not look the same as on a computer designed 3D room image, or a print color identifier, or even in the color bucket itself. Light of surroundings changes the complete look of a color. The impression you get on your walls depends upon the lighting arrangement at your place.
2. Always apply a color to a small portion on a wall before deciding on it. Ideally you should apply two coats of it on a wall that you often notice. Expose yourself to this color as much as you can. Still, if after a week you find yourself looking at that colored patch with admiration, you know you have made your choice.

Selecting the right finish

1. Matte, satin, glossy, flat, there are so many paint accents and finishes. Satin and glossy look expensive and rich, but they are meant for perfectly finished walls with no visible signs of scratches or peeling or chipping. If your walls have that nice, smooth finish, you can think of it. Otherwise, a flat and matte paint is the best deal. It looks great, and it hides little marks and flaws as well.
2. The finish of the paint should be decided based on the room lighting as well. Matte is usually great with all bright and dull lights because it doesn’t scream attention. If your room has scarce natural light, select a paint that helps in reflecting it. 
3. Whichever shade you choose finally, select one shade lighter paint as a single color paint looks a little darker when used on all the walls.
   Overall, your focus should be on selecting a color that adds in the overall impression and not be a patch on it. Remember, colors can easily be complimented with right accessories and upholstery.