There are few things that can be as confusing as choosing the right interior paint. While it doesn’t have to stand up to the weather in the same way that exterior paint options do, there are still plenty of different variables that impact the finished results of a good interior painting project. As a result, it’s important to understand all that you can when it comes to any painting you have on the horizon – including interior jobs. The two places to start will be color and finish. They can seem fairly simple, but there’s more to it than you think.

Color

First, it’s worth looking at color. Essentially, this is a matter of personal preference but there are some things to consider. You’ll want to think about the overall look and feel of your home, obviously. Finding the right color means matching up color schemes of furniture, drapes, carpet, and more as well as finding a color that suits your personal tastes. But you also need to consider a couple of other things, including:

• • Mood – Color can indeed influence the mood and vibe of a room. Warm colors help you feel more at home and happier, and bright colors can energize. Think about how a color impacts the overall mood of a room and those in it.
• • Lighting – It’s important to look at paint colors under the right lighting. Different kinds of lights can change the colors in subtle but noticeable ways, so be sure to consider this
• • Cleanliness – This refers to the way that a color will show stains and other marks. In most cases it’s no big deal, but if you’re painting places like an entry foyer or a kid’s playroom, it may be worth thinking about.

Finish

There are several different finishes to think about as well. The finish refers to the overall sheen, durability, and feel of a paint. Some common options include:

• • Glossy – High gloss has a high sheen, and is easier to clean and maintain. They’re best for high-traffic areas.
• • Matte – Matte finishes hide imperfections and help uneven areas blend in. They also reduce shine and have a warmer feel to them.
• • Eggshell – Eggshell is one of the two best ‘all-purpose’ finishes, and offers you something that has just a bit more sheen than a matte finish. It’s great for most rooms in a home.
• • Satin – Satin is the other common choice for all-purpose painting, and is worth taking a look at for any room. It’s the perfect balance between gloss and flat for most people and rooms.

If you’re unsure as to what finish is best for a room, ask your painter for help. They’ll offer you their ideas and opinions and help you find the right one for your home.

Knowing the right color and finish options is the first step towards figuring out exactly which paint is the best one for your interior painting projects. Once you understand those two basic things, everything else falls into place.