Wall Color - Part I - Selection

Mar 28th, 2009 by Cindy Lee Bergersen

This article is an original “How Does This Work?” Classic

from the Decoding Decor Library Archives.

For the latest updated version, please visit:

Wall Color Selection Series: Special Effects – Part I – Blue and Green

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Selecting wall color is not the same as

selecting a shirt color…

The ceiling looks lower because of the graphic contrast in wall and ceiling colors

Wall color is meant to be an integral part of the overall room design. A color too strong or bright will bounce off the walls, making it difficult to notice the artwork, the furniture or even the people in a room.

Wall color greatly influences how you’ll feel while you’re in the room,

so you’ll have to give some thought to your purpose as well.

If you want a serene and peaceful environment, as you might in your bedroom, then pale cool colors are a good choice. Do you want a kitchen or breakfast nook that really wakes you up when you enter for your morning coffee? A sunny yellow would bring sunshine to the start of your day. Think of words, such as peaceful, stimulating, sophisticated, playful, that best express the mood and feeling you want to evoke. Then think of colors you would associate with those terms.

The following is a fairly foolproof formula. Look for colors (light colors or those with “muscle”) that are either “grayed” down or even “browned” down somewhat to avoid the potential of a color coming on too strong. Favor neutrals or at least muted colors for walls and large pieces of upholstered furniture and rugs. Save bright/strong colors for pillows, artwork, towels, pottery etc. If you have patterned drapery or upholstery, or even a patterned rug, you can also pull a color from the design and use a tone of that. Sometimes, white is the perfect choice, but don’t let “Landlord White” be a default position because you can’t decide what to do.

If you’re going to use white, make sure it looks very intentional, not just non-committal.

Ralph Lauren has a color palette of at least 80 different whites. Try using different shades of white for walls, trims, and ceilings.