Painting the interior of your home can be one of the quickest and most cost-efficient ways of updating a room. But with a plethora of interior paint colors, brands and textures, the thought of starting the process can seem overwhelming. Here are some ideas for choosing home paint colors and color combinations.

Setting the Mood

To begin narrowing your house paint options, start by deciding what type of “mood” you’d like the room to convey. Then decide if a dark or light shade of interior paint is appropriate. For example, light house paint colors such as pastels feel soothing, airy and peaceful. Dark interior paint colors, such as reds and deep browns, set the tone for a more intense and energized space.

Using Interior Paint Samples

Unsure about how certain home paint colors will look in a room? Ask your hardware store for samples of interior paint colors you’re interested in. Take these house paint samples home and hang them on your walls during different times of the day. You can also research interior paint colors you like by looking through magazines or home improvement websites.

Interior Paint for an Accent Wall

If you can’t decide on just one of many interior paint colors, consider using an accent wall to create a dramatic and varying look. An accent wall is one wall in the room that has a different interior paint color from the other walls. It can be an entirely different color or variation of the current shade. If you paint one wall a different color of house paint, it will be a focal point of the room.

House Paint Color Combinations

If you decide to use two or more home paint colors, complementary interior paint colors can create a dramatic, colorful look. Complementary colors are ones that are “opposites” on the color wheel (think blue and orange, or black and white).

Using interior paint colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (such as red and pink) create a monochromatic look. A monochromatic look is more formal, while complementary colors might be appropriate for use in a child’s room or small play space.

Consider the Work Involved

Interestingly, some house paint colors are more difficult to paint (or paint on top of) than others. Usually, the darker the color, the more coats of paint you’ll need. Traditionally, dark reds and browns will require more effort and time than lighter shades, since they need more coats to appear even.

Whatever interior paint color you chose, the good news is that it can easily be replaced. If you grow tired or bored of the house paint color you’ve chosen, the process can be started again by selecting a different color.