Can't Choose a Paint Color? Here Are 7 Hacks Interior Designers Swear By
Take the stress out of swatching with these insider tips.

Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Whether you want to create the illusion of a larger space, set the mood with a dash of drama, or craft a smile-inducing moment, a little bit of color can go a long, long way.
But while paint can totally transform a room, finding the right shade can be tricky. Not only are there so many shades to choose from, but each color also has a bunch of nuances to consider. Once you've decided between warm, cool or neutral undertones, you have to suss out if a selected shade actually looks good in your space. Even the amount of sunlight your space receives or the direction your windows face can change everything. "Painting a room is a hugely impactful way to change the vibes, but this can unfortunately go either way," says designer Caroline Kopp. "Ending up with the wrong color is painful and not that easy to switch out, so it's a lot of pressure on one little paint chip."
So what do the pros do? Here, interior designers reveal some creative tricks and tips to choose the perfect shade every time.

Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.


Nostalgia Decor: 2025's Most Comforting Home Trend

The Best Carpet Cleaners

A Look at Behr's 2026 Color of the Year

9 Designer-Approved Paint Color Combos