When Should You Pick Your Paint Color?

I get this question all the time: “When should I pick my paint color?” Some people say it should be the very first decision you make. Others say it should be the last. So, which is it?

The answer? Both.

Hang on—don’t throw up your hands in frustration just yet! Let me explain.

Why You Need a Color Direction Early On

Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, a designer selecting finishes, or a contractor coordinating materials, having a general color direction at the beginning of a project is important.

For example, if you’ve always envisioned deep navy walls in a home office or soft greige in a primary suite, that preference should absolutely be factored into the early planning stages. Paint plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of a space, so knowing what color family you’re drawn to helps guide other selections like cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and furnishings.

Why You Should Wait to Pick the Exact Shade

That being said, locking in the exact shade too soon can backfire. Paint colors look completely different depending on lighting, surrounding materials, and other design elements. Slightly different undertones in flooring, fabric, or tile can shift how a color reads in the room—sometimes dramatically.

Instead of committing to a specific paint name right away, focus on gathering all the major design elements first. For example:

• Consider how natural and artificial light interact with the colors in the space throughout the day.
• Ensure your fabric, furniture, and material selections complement the undertones of the paint options.
• Understand how different sheens and finishes will impact the final application and durability of the paint.

The blue you pick now may not look the same once everything else is in the room. Slightly different undertones really do make a difference.

Testing and Finalizing Your Paint Choice

Once most major elements are in place, then it’s time to choose the exact shade. Get large paint chips (Samplize is my favorite resource for these) or sample pots in a few similar colors. Instead of painting directly on the wall (which can affect how colors read next to each other), paint large swatches on foam core boards and move them around the room at different times of day. This helps you see how the color interacts with lighting and surrounding materials.

If the first option doesn’t look quite right? No worries. Adjust the shade slightly and try again.

The Bottom Line

Paint is one of the most flexible design elements, but it’s also heavily influenced by its surroundings. Knowing your general color direction early is helpful, but waiting until later in the process to finalize your exact shade ensures a more harmonious end result—whether you’re designing, building, or renovating.

Have a project coming up and need help making sure every decision aligns? Let’s chat!