How to Pick Paint Colors You Will Not Regret
Paint is the highest-impact, lowest-cost change in any room — but also the scariest to commit to. These steps eliminate the guesswork and common pitfalls.
$
See the Transformation
Upload your room photo in the app to see your real transformation
Color Palette
Why It Works
Paint color selection fails most often because of undertones — the hidden hues within a color that only become visible on a large surface. A "gray" paint can read blue, green, or purple depending on its undertone and the room lighting. North-facing rooms receive cool blue light that amplifies blue undertones and deadens warm colors. South-facing rooms get warm yellow light that enhances warm tones. Understanding this interaction between paint undertone and room light eliminates the most common paint regrets.
How to Achieve This Look
- 1
Identify fixed elements you cannot change — floors, countertops, tile
- 2
Match undertones — warm floors need warm paint, cool floors need cool paint
- 3
Gather paint chips and narrow down to three to five finalists
- 4
Buy sample pots and paint large swatches on multiple walls
- 5
View samples at different times of day and under artificial light
- 6
Commit to the color that looks best in the room evening light
Always test paint with a large 12x12 inch sample on at least two walls — colors look completely different on north-facing vs south-facing walls.
Try It with AI
Layoutly AI removes the guesswork from paint selection. Upload your room photo and preview any paint color on your actual walls — seeing how it looks with your specific furniture, flooring, and lighting conditions before you buy a single sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify paint undertones?
Hold the paint chip against a pure white sheet of paper. The undertone becomes visible by contrast — you will see whether the "gray" leans blue, green, or purple. Another trick: look at the darkest shade on the paint strip. The undertone is most visible in the darkest version.
How many paint samples should I test?
Test at least three colors in large swatches (12x12 inches minimum) on the wall. Observe them at morning, midday, and evening light. Small paint chips are unreliable because colors shift dramatically between a 2-inch chip and an entire wall.
What is the safest paint color if I cannot decide?
Benjamin Moore White Dove or Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray are widely considered the safest choices. Both are warm neutrals that work in most lighting conditions and complement most furniture and flooring.
Ready to Transform Your Room?
Download Layoutly and see this design in your space in seconds.