How to Choose the Right Paint Color for Your Home

Why Your Paint Color Looks Different (and How to Get It Right)

That 1 Painter is the fastest-growing painting company in the world. Painting your house can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With locations across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choices for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.

Picking a paint color seems easy at first.
You find one you love, save a few inspo photos, and head to the store.

But once that color is up on your actual walls, with your lighting, your furniture, your floors, it might look nothing like you expected.

Color is tricky like that.
It shifts depending on everything around it.

So, how do you get it right?
Start by looking beyond the paint chip.

What Actually Affects Paint Color:

Lighting
Natural and artificial light can completely change how a color reads.
A soft neutral in the morning might look blue or green by evening.

• Bright, cool light: makes colors appear sharper or cooler
  
• Warm light: softens the look, often bringing out yellow or beige undertones
  
• Tip: take note of your light throughout the day, and check what kind of bulbs you use most
  

Furniture & Flooring
That gray you loved online? It might look lavender next to warm wood floors.
A creamy beige could suddenly seem yellow if it’s paired with cool-toned furniture.

You don’t have to match your paint to everything, just make sure it fits into the overall palette.

Room Use & Mood
Think about how you want the space to feel.

• Calm and quiet? Go for warm neutrals or soft muted shades
  
• Energizing or creative? Try bold or moody tones
  
• Cozy and intimate? Deep, rich colors work well in bedrooms and nooks
  

Your Design Style
Paint sets the tone more than almost anything else in the room.

• Modern and clean? Try cooler whites or high-contrast shades
  
• Traditional or classic? Earth tones and timeless neutrals often work best
  
• Somewhere in between? Go for colors that enhance your style without taking over
  

A Few Tips to Make Choosing Easier:

• Try two or three shades, not just one
• Test samples on multiple walls
• Look at them morning, afternoon, and night
• Place them next to your trim, floors, and furniture
• Live with them for a few days before deciding

Choosing paint is part art, part science.
It’s not just about the color itself; it’s about how it lives in your space.

Still feeling stuck?
That 1 Painter offers free color consultations.
We’ll help you pick something that works with your lighting, your furniture, and your style, so your home feels exactly the way you want it to.

So, how do you choose the right paint color for your home?

Start with how you want it to feel.
Test it.
Live with it.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help, we’re just a call away.