A guide to picking the best paint for each part of your home

Whether it’s picking the best colours for wall and ceiling surfaces in different areas of your new home, or finding the perfect wall colour combinations to enhance your existing style, paint-related décor decisions for the interiors of your house can seem like a daunting task. But, with the right knowledge at your fingertips, all decisions get a little easier.

So what are these basics that you absolutely must know? How do you decide which paint would be the best? And is there a right and wrong when it comes to bedroom hues or kitchen colours for walls? From finish, to type and colour, we’ll go into all the details to get you started.

The Types of Paint for Home Interiors

When painting the walls, home paint colour isn’t actually the first thing to consider. Wall paints are usually categorised by their reflectiveness, so shine is where you start. There are 5 types of paint finishes and a basic rule of thumb is that the more reflective or shiny the finish, the more durable the paint.

1. Flat/matte:

Flat or matte paints are the least reflective, as well as the least durable. However they provide the most coverage which means that fewer coats are required to cover up imperfections in your walls and get a smooth finish. Given their lack of durability, these paints are usually preferred in low-traffic areas – ceilings being the primary use.

2. Eggshell:

This popular finish lets you achieve a more delicate look in your choice of colour for wall - especially for wall finishes that have a subtle sheen that’s similar to an eggshell. With a slightly more lustrous appearance than matte finishes, these provide durability while still covering minor imperfections. They work well in places with low or medium traffic, such as entryways, corridors or living rooms.

3. Satin:

This type of finish is one of the most common choices in paint for the home- home colour options with this finish will have a velvety sheen. While they are durable and easier to clean, they do have a downside – satin paint is prone to showing brushstrokes and it is always better to hire a professional wall painter to apply such paints. A satin finish works well as a living room paint choice and other high-traffic areas.

4. Semi-gloss:

Shiny and reflective, this finish shows imperfections clearly. In the pro column, they are extremely durable and mildew-resistant; a great choice when it comes to paint colours for rooms with a lot of moisture or high wear-and-tear, like bathrooms, covered balconies, kids’ rooms and kitchens. They’re also suitable for trim or window/door frames.

5. High-gloss:

By far the shiniest paint finish, and also the most durable and washable – capable of handling daily scrubbing if needed. While they are used in interiors, these paints can be utilised for outdoor details, such as shutters, window/door frames, or trim. Keep in mind that the prep work for high-gloss paints is key – hire a professional as irregularity will be particularly obvious if this paint is not applied correctly.

Before you Choose your Paint for Home Interiors

As mentioned above, wall painting designing and planning out the colours for wall surfaces comes after the finish. But even before you get to the finish you need to keep a few things in mind.

• Traffic – this is perhaps the most important thing to consider. Busy rooms should only use paints with more durable finishes, while calmer rooms/areas can get away with matte, eggshell or satin finishes.

• Paint Sheen – the lustre and shininess of your paint will affect the light within a room. Paints with a higher gloss will reflect and bounce back more light, which can make dimmer and smaller rooms look more spacious and brighter.

• Surface Imperfections – use a paint with less gloss if your surface has many patchy areas, nail holes or other flaws; the more reflective a finish, the more it will show surface imperfections.
  
  
• Paint Base – since a shinier finish tends to be more durable, emulsion and enamel based paints are a better choice of paint for home interiors – one downside with enamel paints is that they are usually more expensive. Plus, for people with young children or pets, or those who have allergies to paint smells, water-based paints are ideal, as these dry faster, emit less odours and are non-toxic.

Where to Start: Colour Choices in Paint for Home Interiors

Once you know what type of paint you want to choose for each space, you can move on to your home paint colour options.

The Fixed Points :

Before you try to settle on room colour, assess the permanent features of your home – flooring, exposed beams, exposed brick accents, a modular kitchen, built-in furniture, etc. It is also essential to keep in mind your fabrics and major décor accents. Take note of each of these features, their hues and tones, so that there isn’t a clash in colour palette with your paints.

What you’re Working with :

Most important of all, test your paints before committing! Investing in paint samples will ensure your wall paint colour complements your décor and that your new paint is suited to the light. While natural daylight shows the truest colour, gauging your paint choices in all relevant sources of light is a must. Use swatches or paint a piece of wood with primer and your paints; hold these up against the various permanent fixtures to make sure the colour goes well with those, too.

The Bigger Picture :

To ensure aesthetic cohesion, the paint shades across different rooms should be a part of an overarching décor theme. This is especially true when it comes to wall colour combinations; consider the colour wheel and ensure that you’re choosing complementary colours and not ones that clash.