Wondering how to match paint colors when preparing for interior house painting in Franklin, TN? You’re not alone. Choosing the right colors can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. Getting paint colors right sets the stage for a beautiful and inviting home. Luckily, I’ve picked up plenty of tips through years of painting homes professionally, and today, I’m sharing my top secrets to help make your home look fantastic without any stress.

Key Takeaways

  • Learning how to match paint colors simplifies interior house painting and enhances your home’s appearance.
  • Using inspiration pieces provides a starting point when working with your house painter.
  • The 60-30-10 rule helps achieve balance and harmony during interior house painting projects.
  • Testing colors under different lighting conditions prevents surprises when choosing how to match paint colors.
  • Professional advice from a house painter can clarify undertones and unify color schemes effectively.
how to match paint colors

How to Match Paint Colors

1. Pick a Starting Point You Already Love

One great way to pick paint colors is to start from something you already adore in your home. This might be a beautiful painting, a cozy sofa, or even a unique rug. Using these pieces as your guide gives your room a unified feel because you’re naturally drawn to these colors already.

For instance, a client here in Franklin recently wanted her bedroom painted but didn’t know where to start. I noticed a colorful quilt she cherished, filled with soft blues and greens. Using these hues made the selection easy, and the results felt personalized and inviting.

Match wall colors to subtle shades within your inspiration piece for a cohesive look.

2. Stick to the 60-30-10 Rule

Professional designers rely heavily on the 60-30-10 rule to achieve color balance. It’s simple:

  • 60% of your room should be painted in your main color—usually walls.
  • 30% can be your secondary color, perhaps furniture, curtains, or cabinetry.
  • 10% should be an accent color, like throw pillows, vases, or other small décor.
interior house painting in winter

This method ensures your color scheme feels balanced, stylish, and intentional.

Personally, I’ve seen this rule completely transform homes in Franklin. One homeowner initially wanted bold colors everywhere, but after applying this rule, their rooms looked balanced, beautiful, and professionally designed.

Keep the 10% accent colors bold to add character without overwhelming your space.

3. Always Check Your Colors Under Different Lighting

Lighting can dramatically alter how colors look on your walls. A shade that appears perfect in the paint store might change dramatically when it’s in your home. This happens because natural and artificial lights bring out different undertones.

My neighbors in Franklin recently painted their kitchen with what they thought was a simple gray. To their surprise, under their kitchen lighting, it looked more blue than gray! Testing paint samples saved them from a costly repainting job.

Paint large samples and observe them morning, noon, and evening before deciding.

4. Use the Color Wheel Like a Designer

Understanding how to match paint colors becomes simpler when you familiarize yourself with the color wheel. It’s easier than you think:

  • Complementary colors sit opposite on the wheel (like red and green) and create vibrant contrasts.
  • Analogous colors are next to each other (such as blue, teal, and green) and produce a gentle harmony.
  • Monochromatic colors offer various shades of one hue, giving a polished, unified appearance.

This basic knowledge helps you easily pick combinations that fit your home’s personality perfectly.

5. Test Your Colors Thoroughly Before Painting

Before fully committing to any paint color, always test it directly on your walls. Paint samples allow you to see exactly how the color reacts in your home’s unique lighting conditions.

A homeowner in Franklin told me about her bathroom remodel. She tested three different blues before settling on a subtle, airy shade. It looked fresh in the morning sun and cozy at night, which was exactly what she wanted.

Paint multiple samples and watch them over a few days to confidently pick the best color.

6. Understand Undertones to Prevent Color Mishaps

Undertones are subtle hues hiding within each paint color. Ignoring undertones can result in colors that clash, throwing off your room’s entire appearance.

Here’s how undertones affect your paint choice:

  • Warm undertones (yellows, reds) create inviting and cozy spaces.
  • Cool undertones (greens, blues) feel crisp and contemporary.
  • Neutral undertones blend effortlessly with various colors, making them extremely versatile.

One Franklin client initially chose a white for her bedroom walls, only to discover it had strong pink undertones. By comparing samples against white paper, we found a perfect neutral white that complemented her furniture beautifully.

Expert Help Makes Everything Easier

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, choosing paint colors can still feel overwhelming. Consulting with an experienced interior house painter takes the pressure off, ensuring your choices look great in every room.

At AllBright Pro Painting, we have helped countless homeowners in Franklin, Belle Meade, and College Grove, TN achieve beautifully painted interiors. From color selection to the final touch-ups, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Whether it’s a single-room refresh or your entire home, trust our professional team to handle your interior house painting project with care.

Call AllBright Pro Painting at 629-213-3240 for a FREE estimate today!