How to pick the right paint
Choosing paint can be totally overwhelming. There are endless colors to pick from and a range of different finishes. There are high-end brands at design shops and lower cost ones from the hardware store. There are also a lot of other factors to take into consideration when deciding on a type of paint – room location, how it will be used, how large or small the room is, and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. Before you pick up the paintbrush, read through our tips below to help you select the right paint for your project.
1. Don’t pick your paint color first
When we are developing a design for a client, paint color is actually the last thing we select. Because there are so many colors to choose from (and even custom color mixes), it’s much easier to first decide on other elements in the space and match your paint color to those. Start with a rug, fabric or art, and build your color palette from there. Then select a paint for the walls and trim that creates a backdrop for everything else happening in the room.
2. Sample, Sample, Sample
Always request samples of paint before you commit to a color. The little square on the paint card will never be accurate to get a good sense of the color. We suggest painting each color you’re considering on poster board (instead of on the wall) to make large swatches. This way you can move the poster board around the room to look at it with your furnishings in different lights at different times of the day.
3. Consider the Sheen
Sheen options vary by manufacturer, but share some common characteristics. Durability improves across all sheen levels from matte to high gloss. Matte paint has the least reflective sheen – it’s easy to apply, offers great depth of color and can help high imperfections in walls and ceilings. However it can be difficult to clean so best avoided in high-traffic areas. Eggshell and satin have a bit more sheen and better durability and are well-suited to kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss is our recommended finish for doors, windows and trim. It’s super durable and can stand up to multiple cleanings. It is trickier to apply and usually needs more prep and 2-3 coats to get an even finish. Gloss is the most reflective finish – it can make a statement, but will also highlight any imperfections.
4. think about the whole house color palette
Colors throughout a home need to relate to one another. If you are picking paint for one room, be sure to understand how it will corresponding to any adjacent spaces. A good rule of thumb is to match undertones, whether cool or warm, for a whole house. For example, if you’re looking for a paint color for a living room and the adjoining hallway already has walls with a warm undertone, choose a paint color with warm undertones as a complement. Another good trick is to repeat colors throughout a home – not every room needs to be the same but using the same color in a few spaces helps create harmony.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself
Paint is the easiest (and cheapest) thing to change in your home. If you don’t get it quite right the first time, it’s ok to change your mind and repaint. If you’re not sure about your decision based on samples, try painting one wall to see if you really like the color and if it works with the room. You may discover you need a lighter shade or a different undertone. This way you can correct your mistake before painting an entire room.
Ready to get painting? Here are our suggestions for the best paint brands available in Belgium.
Trimetal – great quality and our number one pick that’s used by professional painters. Can be mixed to any color code.
Farrow & Ball – beautiful, unique colors and wider range of finishes. Higher-price point and only sold at licensed shops.
Flamant – Belgian-based furniture store with it’s own line of paint. Sells testers online.
Levis – good for DIY projects and is more budget friendly. Sells small testers and has an online visualizer tool.
