Useful tips on choosing paint colours

Useful tips on choosing paint colours

Useful tips on choosing paint colours

When it comes to choosing colour, there are no strict rules but there are many factors to take into consideration. Architecture, the purpose, shape and direction of a room and above all light, should be taken into account as they will contribute to the changing appearance of colours.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Before making your final colour choice, we recommend that you test selected paint colours in the room to be decorated. Paint onto a piece of paper or card and place it in the room to be decorated looking at how the colour changes at different times of the day. This is particularly useful when you are decorating a room which you will only use at certain times of day. For instance, if you are decorating a dining room which is mostly used in the evening, check the colours in evening light to ensure you get your desired look.

USEFUL TIPS

  • Start by thinking how light moves through your house and the effect it has at different times of the day
  • Consider the period of your property and whether this also influences your choice
  • Think about the colours you are comfortable with – look at your clothes, your car, furniture and fabrics. Decide on a palette that feels right to you
  • Don’t be tempted to use too many colours on architectural features as you may distract from the very thing you are trying to enhance
  • The traditional approach to decorating is more colour on the walls than on the woodwork; however, reversing this can be equally effective
  • Monochromatic schemes are particularly good for irregular shaped rooms as they help to iron out any visual faults