Dining Room Project: Picking a Color

My brother has a simple rule: once you set the color for a room, never change it. For the rest of your life, keep it that exact color. The more I paint, the more appreciation I have developed for this rule.

It is difficult to pick a new color for a room. Colors are simply a reflection of light. As a result, the color changes according to the light source. If you take a paint sample outside, it will look different on a sunny day versus a cloudy day versus at dusk. Bring it inside and it will look different under the store's fluorescent lights versus all the different kinds of light bulbs and all the different kinds of lighting levels.

The only way to be sure (or better written: more sure) is to buy small portions of the paint for $3 and paint a $1 poster board. Then put the poster board into the room and observe it throughout the day. What does it look like with the sun coming through the window? With mid day sunlight? During the day with the lights on? And at night? You'll notice the paint takes on different characteristics under the different light conditions.

And just when you think you have the color you want? You have to consider the room's original color might show through the new color, especially if you are going from darker to lighter. You can combat this with multiple coats but it may be difficult to completely remove its influence.

Now you know how to pick a paint color. Good luck!