How to Pick the Perfect Paint Colour for Every Room - Your Essential Guide from Colour Supplies

How to Pick the Perfect Paint Colour for Every Room - Your Essential Guide from Colour Supplies

Knowing how to pick the perfect paint colour for every room can be quite the challenge. Choosing the right paint colour can completely transform your home—but with endless options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

At Colour Supplies, we believe that picking the perfect shade shouldn't feel like a guessing game. Whether you're painting a peaceful bedroom, a lively kitchen, or a cosy living room, this paint colour guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from warm vs. cool tones to how lighting and finishes affect your final look.

1. Warm vs. Cool Tones: What’s the Difference?

Understanding colour temperature is key to choosing a paint that sets the right mood in each room:

• Warm Tones (think reds, oranges, yellows, and warm neutrals like beige or taupe) create a welcoming, energetic feel. These are ideal for spaces where you entertain or gather—like kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms.

• Cool Tones (blues, greens, purples, and cool greys) are calming and crisp, making them perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and office spaces. 

Tip from Colour Supplies: If your room faces north and receives cooler, indirect light, warmer tones can help balance the chill. South-facing rooms can handle cooler shades without feeling cold.

2. Lighting Effects: Natural vs. Artificial Light

Light affects how colours appear throughout the day. Before committing to a paint colour, test a sample on your wall and observe it in different lighting conditions:

• Natural Daylight shows the truest version of the colour.

• Incandescent Bulbs (common in older homes) add warm, yellow tones—perfect for bringing out the cosiness in warm colours.

• LED and Fluorescent Lights vary widely. Cooler LEDs can make blues look more vibrant but might dull warmer hues.

Pro Tip: At Colour Supplies, we recommend trying a tester pot first. Paint a swatch on each wall of the room and watch it throughout the day. This small step saves big regrets (and lots of money) and helps with knowing how to pick the perfect paint colour for every room.

3. Choosing the Right Finish: Matte, Satin, or Gloss?

The finish (also called the sheen) affects both the look and durability of your paint:

• Matte/Flat: Hides imperfections and creates a soft, elegant look. Best for ceilings, low-traffic rooms, or walls with imperfections.

• Eggshell/Satin: Offers a subtle sheen and is easier to clean. Great for living rooms, hallways, and children’s bedrooms.

• Semi-Gloss and Gloss: Durable and reflective—ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, trims, and doors.

Colour Supplies Tip: Don't forget—glossier finishes highlight wall imperfections more than matte ones. Be sure your wall surface is smooth if you’re going for shine. 

4. Room-by-Room Paint Colour Ideas

Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination, using the principles above:

• Living Room: Warm greys or soft terracotta shades create a welcoming and versatile space.

• Kitchen: Try a sunny mustard or sage green—inviting and full of personality.

• Bedroom: Cool lavender, muted navy, or warm ivory make for a restful retreat.

• Bathroom: Light blues, seafoam green, or crisp white give a fresh, spa-like feel.

• Office: Cool, focused tones like slate blue or soft charcoal boost productivity.

When choosing paint for multiple rooms, use complementary colours. Colours that are quite close in depth of colour and in the same colour family provide a nice flow as you go from one room to the next. The colours will flow together as you move through the space.

5. Get Expert Advice at Colour Supplies

Need help narrowing down your choices? Our friendly, knowledgeable team at Colour Supplies is always here to guide you—whether you're shopping online or visiting one of our stores in person. We carry trusted brands like Dulux, Johnstone's, and Macpherson, and offer colour-matching services to help you get exactly the shade you're dreaming of.