Hey, I’m Lily. I’ve repainted almost every wall in my house (twice, in some rooms), so if you’re stressing about choosing wall paint, I get it. There’s more to it than picking a colour you like on a swatch. Lighting, mood, texture, finish—all these little details can make or break how your walls look.
So here’s a real-deal guide on choosing wall paint that works for your space and doesn’t make you want to redo it three weeks later.
Common Questions People Ask When Choosing Wall Paint
- What colour should I paint this room?
- Will this colour make my space feel smaller?
- What finish should I use?
- How do I test paint colours properly?
- Why does this paint look different on my wall than in the shop?
If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Most of us have been there, staring at a wall, wondering what we just committed to.
1. Start With How You Want the Room to Feel
Paint changes a space’s feelings—more than furniture and décor. So before anything else, think about the vibe:
- Cosy and calm? Wear warm neutrals or muted colours like sage green, taupe, or terracotta.
- Bright and energetic? Try clean whites, sunny yellows, or aqua tones.
- Elegant and timeless? Charcoal, navy, or soft greys can do the Job.
Personal story: I once painted my bedroom a cool blue, thinking it’d be relaxing. It ended up looking like a hospital room. Lesson learned: always test the paint first (more on that in a bit).
2. Natural Light Changes Everything
Lighting is a game-changer. That off-white that looked great in your mmate’splace might look dull and flat in yours.
- North-facing rooms: These get cooler light, so warmer tones work better.
- South-facing rooms: Plenty of natural light means most colours shine.
- East-facing rooms: Morning light gives a soft yellow glow, ideal for lighter tones.
- West-facing rooms: Stronger evening light can bring out warm tones.
Tip: Paint a sample square on each wall and look at it during different times of the day.
3. Choose the Right Finish for the Job
This is often overlooked, but it matters. Paint finish changes how a colour looks and how durable it is.
- Flat/matte: Great for hiding wall flaws, but not easy to clean. Good for ceilings or adult bedrooms.
- Low sheen: Subtle shine and easy to clean—perfect for living rooms and hallways.
- Satin/semi-gloss: Reflects more light and wipes clean. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Gloss: High shine, great for doors and trims. Shows every bump, though.
4. Don’tSkip the Sample Pot (Seriously)
This is the step everyone thinks they can skip. Don’t Spend a few extra bucks on sample pots and test them properly:
- Paint a decent-sized patch (A4 or bigger) on multiple walls.
- Check it in daylight and at night.
- See how it plays with your furniture and flooring.
More than once, I’ve picked a colour from a swatch, painted half a wall, and thought, “Oh no, that’s not it.”Save yourself the hassle.
5. How to Pick a Cohesive Colour Scheme
If you are repainting more than one room, it helps if the colours flow.
- Stick to 2-3 main colours for your whole home.
- Use lighter or darker shades of the same tone to switch things up without clashing.
- Neutrals are your friends. You can always add colour with décor.
When I repainted our living and dining areas, I chose warm greys and soft whites—simple but effective in tying everything together, even with different furniture in each room.
6. Think About the Practical Stuff
Some paints have extra features worth paying for:
- Mould-resistant: Great for bathrooms and laundries.
- Washable: A lifesaver if you’ve got kids or pets.
- Low VOC: Better for your health, especially in bedrooms.
Don’t fall into the cheap paint trap. Quality paint might cost more upfront, but it will save you money and effort in the long term.
7. Match Paint With Your Lifestyle
You live in this space every day. Make sure the paint suits your life, not just a Pinterest board.
- Got toddlers? Go for wipeable finishes.
- Hate cleaning? Skip the gloss.
- Love changing things up? Choose versatile colours you can re-style with new cushions or throws.
8. Use Colour to Fix Room Issues
Paint can be a clever trick if your space has quirks:
- Small room? Lighter tones can make it feel bigger.
- Low ceilings? Paint them the same colour as the walls to blur the line.
- Weird layout? Use colour blocking to zone areas without physical dividers.
9. Ask for Help (But Trust Your Gut)
Staff at paint stores can give you good tips. Instagram and design blogs are great for ideas. But at the end of the day, you must live with the colour.
If something makes you smile every time you walk past it—that’s the one.
10. Don’t Rush It
Paint decisions aren’t forever, but they’re also not super quick to undo. Give yourself time to try out samples, consider the options, and double-check your lighting.
I rushed a colour once to tick it off my to-do list. Regretted it for two years.
Final Thoughts
Choosing wall paint doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Think about how you want the space to feel, test properly, and go with colours that work for your home and your life. It’s not just about making walls look good—it’s about creating a place you love being in.
Have you had a paint colour win or fail? Share your experience in the comments. I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you.