Whether you’ve just bought a new home or are ready for an update, the quickest way to make a dramatic change is with a fresh coat of paint. Paint sets the mood and can change your perception of a room’s size. Follow these seven tips to help make the right color choices for your home.
1. Consider the Room’s Function
What’s the room’s primary function? Are you going to sleep, eat, or work in the room? Warm hues are ideal for living rooms and other shared living spaces. Light blues are soothing and often used in bedrooms to create a sense of relaxation. Medium neutral shades are good for busy families because they hide scuff marks quite well.
2. Set the Right Mood
Dark colors absorb more light and heat than lighter colors, so if you want to make a room feel cozy and intimate, opt for a darker color. Paler tones reflect more light, making them an excellent choice for busy spaces such as living rooms.
3. Lighten Up
Paint colors tend to darken and intensify when applied to all four walls of a room. If you like intense, bold colors, consider going a shade or two lighter. When the paint is applied to all four walls, you’ll end up with a color more similar to the paint swatch that first caught your eye.
4. Use Color to Reshape a Space
To make a long narrow room appear wider, paint one or both of the short walls a bright color and use a more muted color on the other walls. If a room lacks a focal point such as a fireplace or large window, create one by painting one wall with a striking accent color.
5. Check Your Natural Light
Rooms that face north, northeast, or northwest receive little to no sunlight during the day, making them feel gloomy. These rooms will be more inviting with a warm tone such as a sunny yellow. A space that receives a lot of direct sunlight can be toned down by using a cool color such as a soft gray or light blue.
6. Use Color to “Move” the Walls
Warm colors advance toward the eye and trick it into thinking a surface is closer than it is. Choosing a warm tone will make an expansive room seem cozier, while a cool hue will have the effect of expanding a smaller space.
7. Don’t Rely on Paint Swatches
The quality of the light in a room dramatically affects the appearance of the paint color. Try not to rely on a small paint swatch to make your final color selections. Sampling paint colors on your walls is the best way to choose the right one. Pay attention to how the color looks under natural and artificial lighting at different times of the day.
Choose the Right Finish
In addition to choosing the right paint colors, selecting the right finish is essential. The finish, or sheen, will affect how the paint color looks and how well it stands up to regular cleaning. Thanks to modern paint technology, there is a paint product for every type of surface.
Matte, or flat, paint provides a soft, glare-free finish and tends to hide minor imperfections well. It’s easy to apply and is the best choice for ceilings and walls in low-traffic areas.
Satin finishes combine the soft look of flat paint with the washability of a semi-gloss. It is ideal for walls in high-traffic areas that need to be wiped and cleaned frequently.
Semi-Gloss paint isn’t as easy to apply as flat and low-sheen products, but it provides a durable, washable surface. It’s ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture resistance and washability are essential.
High-Gloss paint is highly reflective, which means it will highlight any flaws or defects on the surface. High-gloss paint is challenging to apply unless you are a professional painter. High-gloss finishes are resistant to moisture and grease and easy to clean.
The higher the gloss level, the easier your walls will be to clean. A satin or semi-gloss paint is a sensible choice in high-traffic areas, including hallways and children’s bedrooms.
Let the Professional House Painters Help
DIY projects can be exciting, but they can also cause a lot of frustration for homeowners. If you don’t have the time, tools, or expertise to handle all aspects of a painting project from start to finish, it’s best to call a professional painter. They can advise you on color and product selection and will ensure surfaces are properly prepped and painted to create a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Trust the Local Painting Professionals
The benefits of hiring a professional painting contractor are numerous. You’ll save time, energy, and money and have peace of mind knowing that the work has been completed safely and professionally. By hiring local painting professionals, you’ll benefit from their expertise and support your local community at the same time.
Mr. Mole’s Painting LLC offers interior and exterior painting services for commercial and residential properties. We provide in-person and virtual quotes for your convenience. Contact us today at (218) 368-2560 to discuss your next 0painting project.