How to Choose the Right Paint for Your Home

December 18, 2024

Your complete guide to selecting interior and exterior paint types, finishes, and colours.

When it comes to transforming your home, few things are as impactful and cost-effective as a fresh coat of paint. The right paint can breathe new life into a tired room or boost your home’s curb appeal. But with so many options available, choosing the right paint for your home—inside and out—can be a daunting task.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best paint types, finishes, and colours, so you can make the perfect choice for every corner of your home. And if you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals, our team at Recommended Tradesmen is here to help with expert painting and decorating services.

Understanding Paint Types

The first step in selecting the right paint is understanding the differences between interior and exterior paint types. Both are formulated for specific purposes:

Interior Paint:

Designed for indoor surfaces where temperature and moisture are controlled.
It is typically durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scuffs or marks.

Exterior Paint:

Formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations.
Offers mildew resistance and flexible adhesion to prevent peeling or cracking.

Choosing the Right Type:

Walls and Ceilings: Opt for water-based emulsion paints for most interior walls. They’re easy to apply, quick to dry, and low odour.
Woodwork (doors, skirting, trim): Use gloss, satin, or eggshell paint for durability. Oil-based paints provide a hard-wearing finish, but water-based options are more eco-friendly and some of the best brands provide high quality and durable paint.
Exterior Walls: Masonry paint is the best choice, offering weatherproof protection.
Exterior Trim and Woodwork: Use specialised exterior gloss or satin paints to maintain a professional finish.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Paint finishes play a significant role in the final look and functionality of a surface. From high-gloss to matt, each finish has unique characteristics:

Matt Finish:

Best for: Ceilings and walls.
Benefits: Hides imperfections well and provides a smooth, non-reflective appearance.

Eggshell Finish:

Best for: kitchen, bathroom and dining areas.
Benefits: Slightly more durable than matt, with a soft sheen that’s easy to clean. Can withstand high humidity making them a good choice in bathroom.

Satin Finish:

Best for: woodwork, bathroom or high-traffic areas such as hallway in communal area.
Benefits: Offers a subtle shine and higher durability against stains or moisture.

Gloss Finish:

Best for: Exterior or Interior wood or metal.
Benefits: Provides a reflective, mirror-like shine that enhances durability but highlights imperfections.

Selecting the Right Paint Colour

Choosing paint colours can feel overwhelming, but the right shade can set the mood and enhance the overall atmosphere of your home. Here’s how to approach it:

Consider Room Size and Light:

Light colours (like whites, creams, and pastels) make small spaces feel larger and brighter.
Darker tones (like navy, charcoal, or deep greens) add warmth and drama to spacious rooms.

Think About Functionality:

For bedrooms: Soft, calming hues like light blue, lavender, or sage green are ideal.
For living spaces: Neutral tones—beige, grey, or taupe—provide versatility and elegance.
For kitchens and bathrooms: Whites, greys, or earthy tones are timeless and fresh.

Coordinate with Existing Décor:

Match your paint colour to furniture, flooring, and accessories for a cohesive look.
Use colour swatches or tester pots to see how the paint looks under different lighting throughout the day.

Explore Trends (But Stay Timeless):

While trending colours (like sage green or terracotta) are tempting, neutrals often age better and allow for more décor flexibility.

Tips for Exterior Paint Colours

Choosing exterior paint colours involves a bit more planning, as they define the first impression of your home. Here’s how to get it right:

Consider Your Home’s Architecture: Choose colours that complement your home’s style. Traditional homes often suit classic whites, greys, and beiges, while modern properties can experiment with bolder hues.
Think About Your Environment: Lighter colours reflect heat in sunny areas, while darker tones are more forgiving in cooler climates.
Test Before You Commit: Exterior paints can look very different under natural light, so always test a small area first.

Why Choose Professional Painters?

While DIY painting can be rewarding, achieving a flawless, long-lasting result requires skill, the right tools, and plenty of time. That’s where Recommended Tradesmen comes in.

Our professional painters and decorators have the experience and expertise to:

Choose the right paint types and finishes for your home.
Deliver a smooth, clean, and high-quality finish every time.
Save you time and hassle with efficient, professional service.

From single rooms to full home makeovers, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional painting services to transform your space. Whether you need interior painting to refresh your living spaces or exterior painting to boost your home’s kerb appeal, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to Transform Your Home? Contact Us Today!

Choosing the right paint for your home doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding paint types, finishes, and colours, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space you love.

At Recommended Tradesmen, we’re here to bring your vision to life with professional painting and decorating services. Trust our experts to deliver beautiful, lasting results—without the stress.

Visit us here to learn more.

Recommended Tradesmen Ltd