Picking the perfect paint colour for each room in your home can feel pretty stressful, especially once the furniture is in and you worry about clashing tones or regret the colour choice once it’s done. There aren’t any strict rules. What works really depends on your room, its natural features, your lighting, and your own style. I always recommend working with what a room already gives you, instead of trying to force a colour that feels out of place. Here’s my go-to advice for working through the most popular paint colour questions, but first, a little bit about my decorating journey…
My Journey With Decorating
My passion for decorating began when we moved into our current home over 10 years ago. It’s a beautiful Georgian property, full of original features and charming quirks that we instantly fell in love with.
When I first started out, I was nervous about getting things wrong so I played it safe with light shades and soft greys throughout the house. As time went on, I began to feel more confident and started to experiment with bolder tones, though I still kept the deeper colours to just a feature wall here and there.
Fast forward to today, and I absolutely love using rich, dramatic colours to bring character to a space. Farrow & Ball is my go-to for paints—they never disappoint. I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as a mistake when it comes to decorating; if something doesn’t turn out quite as expected, it’s all part of the creative process—and it can always be changed.
How Paint Colour Categories Help Narrow Down Choices
To make things a little easier, I like dividing colours into four groups: Deep, Midtone, Light, and Bright. These categories aren’t hard science, but grouping them this way helps you quickly figure out which shade family will probably mesh well with each space in your home. It’s all about using the right vibe in the right context. Small dark rooms crave a different mood compared to sunny open spaces or busy hallways. Over time, you’ll get a feel for what works by checking out photos, home tours, and real-world examples.
Deep Colours: When and Why to Go Bold
Deep colours often get overlooked because they seem a bit intimidating, but they’re actually awesome for creating depth, sophistication, and a feeling of cosiness. Small and often neglected rooms, like a snug, bathroom, or even a windowless hallway, really come alive with a tastefully rich tone.
- Richly Pigmented Options: Think Farrow & Ball’s Picture Gallery Red, Brinjal, Hague Blue & Studio Green. This brand is known for it’s depth and complex shades.
- Where They Shine: I love using deep hues on woodwork, wall panelling, accent walls behind shelves, or even for a glossy dark floor that grounds a space.
- Finishes Matter: Stick to matte (for a velvety look) or high-gloss (for drama). Satin can make deep tones look cheap or unfinished.
- Pairing with Ceilings: Avoid the classic stark white for ceilings. Instead, go with a neutral partner shade or a slightly tinted white that ties into your dominant wall colour.
Using deep colours takes guts, but the payoff is a room that feels special and a little surprising. If you’re on the fence, try adding a deep accent to a smaller, less visible area so you can see how it feels before committing to a full room.
Our Bathroom decorated in Farrow & Ball; Chalke Green (walls), Pelt (window sill & shelf), Stiffkey Blue (door)
Midtone Colours: The Flexible Crowd-Pleasers
Midtone colours are the real crowd-pleasers; they work almost everywhere and never feel too cold or too sharp. These are your best bet in spaces with tricky light or where you want to keep things relaxed but interesting. Warm midtones, especially ones with yellow, curry, or olive undertones, tend to work well even in overcast climates or British light; they don’t go drab so easily.
- Try These: Farrow & Ball Babouche, Pink Ground or Setting Plaster.
- Whole Room Wins: Paint all four walls instead of just one; a single feature wall can sometimes chop up a room visually, while a full wrap of midtone colour brings the space together.
- Great for: Living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, or anywhere you want a soft, welcoming energy without going too light or too daring.
- Pairing Tips: These shades work really well with creamy whites on trim, or with deeper hues for a punchy accent.
Midtones are especially forgiving if you like to switch things up with decor or are prone to moving furniture around. They adapt easily as your style evolves or as family needs change.
Our Hallway painted in Farrow & Ball; Babouche (walls), Stiffkey Blue (doors & woodwork)
Light Colours: Classic, Calm, and Open
Light tones are perfect for larger, sun-filled rooms or places you want to feel calm and breezy. Be careful not to select harsh, pure whites, which can come off clinical or severe, especially in period homes or older properties where the features deserve a softer touch.
- Go-To Options: . Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin, White Tie & Dimity. These aren’t just “beige”; they add subtle depth and elegance.
- Ceiling and Trim Tricks: Instead of crisp white, try painting ceilings and skirting boards with a lighter tint of your wall colour. For example, if the wall is 60% colour, try 70% on the ceiling and 40% on the door or skirtings to build a soft layered effect.
- Room by Room: These shades bring out timeless charm, especially in period homes, but are just as lovely in new builds wanting a calming scheme.
- Avoid in: Small, cold bathrooms—a super pale blue or green might look fresh in a magazine, but can end up looking a bit clinical or cold in real life.
Choosing a soft offwhite or a warm neutral is a safe move if your room gets lots of natural light or if you want a blank canvas for bolder furnishings or artwork. They make rooms feel more spacious and can set the backdrop for different design styles, from coastal to modern or traditional.
Bright Colours: Popping with Purpose
Bright shades aren’t for covering an entire room unless you’re really committed to a certain energy, but they’re awesome for creating small, joyful moments throughout your home. I like to use these in small doses. Think of bright colours like adding a pinch of spice rather than making them the whole meal.
- Perfect Uses: Bookshelves, inside cabinets, window frames, boot rooms, or hallways where you want a bit of a surprise.
- Recommended Colours: Farrow & Ball Yeabridge Green, Bamboozle & Blazer.
- Combo tip: In a long corridor, neutral walls keep things calm while bright doors, skirting, or trim wake up the space.
- Less is More: Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the room. Bright shades best shine when used as highlights or details.
Bright colours can turn anything from a door to a bathroom shelf into something fun and memorable. A pop of colour can make a child’s room or a utility room lighthearted and eye-catching, without needing to repaint the entire room down the line.
Practical Things You Should Know Before Painting
Paint choices only really come together when you consider room features, natural light, and what’s already inside the room. These pointers help you skip regret and get closer to a look you’ll genuinely enjoy living with.
- Lighting: Northfacing rooms tend to look cooler, so warm up your paint colour to avoid a chilly feel. Southfacing rooms soak in more light, so both warm and cool shades can work depending on your mood.
- Floors and Large Furniture: Factor in floor colour and big pieces. If you painted the walls before the sofa arrived, it might look completely different with that new blue velvet or brown leather in place. Pairing samples with your furniture upholstery or rugs can help you avoid clashing combinations later.
- Samples and Testers: Always use paint testers on multiple walls, as colours change a lot depending on shadow and light. Watch how they perform at different times of day to get a real sense of their effect.
- Finish Selection: Mattes hide little flaws and feel modern, eggshell is good for woodwork, and gloss on trim or even floors can look pretty snazzy if you’re feeling bold.
- Quality Over Quantity: Once you’ve settled on a colour, picking a decent paint brand brings better coverage, depth, and an overall pro look. I think you have already guessed by now that I will always recommend Farrow & Ball!
Another practical tip: don’t rush! Sometimes living with swatches or tester patches for a week shows you how colours interact with changing light, weather, and even your mood throughout the day.
Tips for Getting Colour Harmony in Every Room
Making rooms connect visually helps your home flow, even if you use lots of different shades. Sticking with similar undertones or using tints and shades of one colour can really pull things together. Carrying a single accent colour (like a blue or green) through doors, trims, or window frames across different spaces creates a sense of cohesion without everything matching perfectly.
When in doubt, walk from room to room and see how the transition feels. Adjust one or two surfaces (like skirting or doors) in a connecting tone to blend the move from one colour family to another. Picking out art, textiles, or even lampshades that echo paint colours from other rooms is another easy way to make the transition seamless.
Common Questions About Picking the Right Paint Colour
Some questions come up again and again, so I’ve rounded up answers to the stuff I get asked most often:
Question: How do I make small rooms feel bigger with paint?
Answer: Use mid to light colours and stick with matte finishes. Painting trim and walls in the same shade can reduce visual clutter and make the space feel more open. Also, using mirrors or glass furniture helps bounce light and further creates the illusion of more space.
Question: Should I always avoid painting ceilings?
Answer: Not at all! Using a lighter version or tint of your wall colour on the ceiling softens edges and makes rooms feel finished. Plain stark white only works in certain modern spaces, and even there, adding a hint of warmth can help make it feel less severe.
Question: How do I pick colours that won’t date quickly?
Answer: Earthy midtones and warm neutrals tend to stay classic. Testing samples and living with them for a while helps make a confident choice. Also, avoid the trendiest colours unless you love them—your own style and comfort matter more than fleeting fads.
What is the rule for wall colours?
There isn’t a single rule; it’s really about picking colours that work with your home’s light, existing features, and personal style. Use light colours to open up a space, deep shades for cosy drama, and always test samples first for best results.
How do I choose a paint colour for multiple rooms?
I find a base palette with three or four colours (neutrals included), then mix up their placement and intensity in each room. Carrying one colour through trims or doors helps tie everything together. Make sure undertones are compatible for a more connected vibe across spaces.
What colour is replacing grey?
Warmer neutrals like beiges, taupes, soft greens, and clay tones are now edging out grey. They bring warmth and flexibility to interiors while pairing well with most décor styles.
How to decide what colour to paint a room?
Start by thinking about the room’s purpose, light sources, size, and what décor you already have. Test a few options and go with the one that makes you happiest when you walk in. Trust your own instincts; they’re usually right.
My Approach to Choosing Paint Colours
Over the years, I’ve learned that choosing the right paint colour isn’t just about following trends or sticking to rules—it’s a blend of instinct, observation, and a bit of courage. In the early days of my decorating journey, I played it safe with soft greys and neutral tones, unsure of how to make bolder choices. But as I grew more confident, I began to trust my eye and embrace the process.
Lighting, natural features, and existing furniture all play a big part in how a colour works in a space. Now, I use those elements as a guide—and most importantly, I trust my gut. A quality paint (Farrow & Ball is always my first choice) and some thoughtful planning can make a huge difference. Even small touches—like changing the finish or painting the ceiling—can completely transform the mood of a room.
What I’ve come to realise is that it’s just paint. If something doesn’t turn out quite how you imagined, it’s easily changed. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. Decorating should be enjoyable, personal, and a true reflection of your style.