Choosing a paint colour sounds simple—until you’re standing in front of a wall of paint swatches wondering if “Soft Linen” is really that different from “Warm Ivory.” The right shade can transform your space, making it feel warmer, brighter, or more spacious, while the wrong choice can leave a room feeling flat or mismatched.
Here are our top tips for picking the perfect colour for your home—and how to use testers to make sure you get it right the first time.
1. Start with the Mood You Want to Create
Before you even pick up a colour chart, think about the atmosphere you want in the room:
- Relaxing & Calming: Soft neutrals, cool blues, muted greens.
- Warm & Inviting: Rich creams, warm beiges, deep terracotta tones.
- Fresh & Energizing: Crisp whites, zesty yellows, uplifting pastel tones.
Your colour should match not only your personal style but also the purpose of the room.
2. Work with Your Existing Decor
If you’re not redecorating from scratch, take your flooring, furniture, and fabrics into account. Pull out key colours from rugs, cushions, or curtains. This ensures your new wallcolour will feel part of a cohesive scheme rather than clashing with what’s already there.
3. Understand How Lighting Changes Colour
Natural daylight shows colours at their truest, but artificial lighting can completely change their appearance:
- North-facing rooms tend to get cooler light—warm up the space with creamier tones.
- South-facing rooms enjoy plenty of light—cooler colours can help balance brightness.
- Evening light (lamps, bulbs) can add yellow or warm undertones to your paint.
4. Narrow It Down Before You Buy Testers
Don’t grab 20 testers—you’ll overwhelm yourself. Pick 3–4 favourites from a swatch book that works with your space and start there.
How to Use Paint Testers Like a Pro
A tester pot isn’t just a mini tin of paint—it’s your chance to see exactly how a colour behaves in your own home. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Test on More Than One Wall
Apply the tester on at least two different walls in the room. This lets you see how the shade changes in light and shadow.
2. Go Big, Not Small
A tiny square of colour won’t give you the full effect. Paint a patch that’s at least 60cm x 60cm so you can really get a feel for the tone.
3. Live with It for a Few Days
Look at your painted patches in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You’ll be surprised how much a colour can shift throughout the day.
4. Use a White Border
If testing directly on a wall with an existing colour, paint a border of white around your test patch. This stops the old colour from distorting your perception of the new one.
5. Consider Painting on Card or Lining Paper
If you’re worried about patchy walls before painting, use A3 sheets of lining paper instead. You can move them around the room to see how the colour works in different spots.
Final Takeaway
Choosing the right paint colour isn’t about guessing—it’s about testing. By taking your time, thinking about mood and lighting, and using testers properly, you can be confident that the colour you choose will look perfect in your space, day and night. .