Colors have a way of playing tricks with our eyes, besides the fact that they are ever changing. The true blue color that we remember is now seen as different shades and not as true as we once remembered. When choosing colors for fabrics, furniture and even for your walls you must take into consideration the lighting. A color that may look one way in a store may look completely different when brought home.
photo credit: shaire productions
Below are some tips to take into consideration when choosing colors.
- If choosing color for fabrics or different textiles it is best to check it under a different light or different location if possible. Perhaps placing the fabric or textile on the ground or on a counter may give the color a different shade or hue. This is important to do in the showroom or warehouse before bringing home and being disappointed.
- Ask for samples or color swatches – many showrooms use fluorescent or incandescent lighting, which will affect the color. Ask for a sample to bring home and view the color in the sunlight as well as artificial lighting. By looking at the swatch in different lighting you will see the different shades that would not be evident in a showroom. Neutral or lighter shades tend to have a hint of other colors that may be intensified by a particular type of lighting.
- Some surfaces may also tend to give off a different shade to color. Surfaces such as wood, textiles and trims are some of the surfaces that will affect the color and make it different than what it actually may be. Glossy surfaces will give a lighter appearance where textured surfaces will make the color appear darker. When attempting to match a color, surface texture will be a factor in your success.
The tips mentioned above also apply to paint colors. It is best to purchase a small container of paint and apply the paint to several areas of your home to notice the how the lighting may effect the color and shade. Be cautious when applying the paint to textured walls because the tips from above will also apply.
photo credit: iboy_daniel
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When you make the decision to paint a room in your home or perhaps you are venturing into painting the entire house, it is important to choose the correct color. Besides the fact that if you choose the wrong color you will have to spend time repainting and repurchasing more paint, you want to be ultimately happy with your choice.
photo credit: robertgaal
There are many things to consider when choosing a paint color. First you want to have some cohesiveness from room to room. Quite often people will want a different color for each room, and that is not a bad idea as long as the colors flow with each other. Having a color scheme that flows will bring your home together instead of breaking it up into separate rooms. Having a color palette that is complimentary is not necessarily boring. The ability to decorate with fixtures and furniture will make the room stand out on its own without the need of loud colors.
Deciding on a color palette is time consuming but well worth it in the end. When choosing a color, keep in mind what the room is used for. If for instance, it is a common room such as a living room or family room you may consider lighter less obtrusive colors. You may decorate with colorful objects that can change with the season as well as paintings to achieve the same effect. There are also several different paint techniques that can be applied to achieve a different look without using different colors. Consider painting a mural or border to add uniqueness to the room while still maintaining the flow throughout the different rooms in the house. Faux finishes and textures can also be achieved with paint that will compliment the entire room and home.
photo credit: Team Dalog
Remember choosing color may seem difficult but taking time to evaluate your home, the way you entertain, the furniture and overall all look and feel of your home will help in making the decision an easier one. Choose color swatches and perhaps smaller cans of paint you may be considering and test on the areas to be painted before tackling the entire room. You will save yourself a lot of time and money by implementing that one simple technique.
Technorati Tags: Choosing Color, Choosing Paint Colors, Color Palette, Color Scheme, Paint Color Tips, Paint Swatches
