How To Choose Behr Paint Colors For Your Home Interiors

Selecting paint colors for a home's interior is a significant decision that profoundly impacts the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of living spaces. Behr, a widely recognized paint brand, offers an extensive palette of colors catering to diverse design preferences and functional needs. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the Behr color selection process, enabling homeowners to make informed choices that enhance their interiors.

The first step in choosing Behr paint colors involves a thorough assessment of the existing conditions within the rooms to be painted. This includes evaluating the natural and artificial lighting, the size and layout of the spaces, and any existing architectural features or furnishings that will remain. Understanding these factors is crucial for selecting colors that harmonize with the environment and achieve the desired effect.

Natural light, in particular, plays a vital role in how paint colors appear. Rooms with abundant natural light can generally accommodate a wider range of colors, including darker shades, without feeling oppressive. Conversely, rooms with limited natural light may benefit from lighter, more reflective colors that maximize brightness and create a sense of spaciousness. The direction of the sunlight also influences color perception; north-facing rooms tend to have cooler light, while south-facing rooms receive warmer light.

Artificial lighting, encompassing both ambient and task lighting, also affects color appearance. Incandescent lighting tends to cast a warm, yellow glow, while fluorescent lighting emits a cooler, bluer light. LED lighting offers a spectrum of color temperatures, allowing for greater control over the overall lighting environment. It is essential to consider the type of lighting used in a room when selecting paint colors, as it can significantly alter their perceived hue and intensity.

The size and layout of a room also influence color choices. Smaller rooms typically benefit from lighter colors that visually expand the space. Conversely, larger rooms can handle darker colors without feeling cramped. The layout of a room, including the placement of windows, doors, and furniture, should also be considered. Accent walls, painted in a bolder color, can be used to highlight specific architectural features or create visual interest.

Existing furnishings and architectural elements should also be taken into account when selecting paint colors. The colors of furniture, flooring, window treatments, and artwork should complement the chosen paint colors. Similarly, the style and features of a room, such as crown molding, baseboards, and fireplaces, should be considered to ensure that the paint colors enhance the overall aesthetic.

Understanding the Behr Color System

Behr utilizes a comprehensive color system that categorizes colors into various families and palettes, making it easier to navigate the vast array of options. The Behr website and in-store displays offer tools for exploring different color combinations and visualizing how they might look in a room. Familiarizing oneself with the Behr color system is essential for making informed decisions.

The Behr ColorSmart tool, available on the Behr website, allows users to upload images of their rooms and virtually apply different paint colors to the walls. This feature provides a realistic preview of how the colors will look in the actual space, taking into account the existing lighting and furnishings. The ColorSmart tool also offers suggestions for complementary colors and trim colors, simplifying the color selection process.

Behr also organizes its colors into curated palettes based on different design styles and moods. These palettes offer a cohesive collection of colors that are designed to work together harmoniously. Exploring these palettes can be a helpful starting point for homeowners who are unsure where to begin. Examples of Behr color palettes include coastal, modern, traditional, and rustic.

The Behr color system also includes a range of whites and neutrals, which are essential for creating a balanced and versatile interior. Whites and neutrals can be used as a base color for walls, ceilings, and trim, providing a neutral backdrop for bolder accent colors. Behr offers a variety of whites and neutrals with subtle undertones, ranging from warm to cool, allowing homeowners to find the perfect shade to complement their style.

Furthermore, Behr's color system incorporates a range of specialty finishes, such as matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. The choice of finish affects the appearance of the paint color and its durability. Matte finishes offer a non-reflective surface that is ideal for hiding imperfections, while semi-gloss finishes provide a durable, easy-to-clean surface that is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Eggshell and satin finishes offer a compromise between these two extremes, providing a subtle sheen and good durability.

Testing Paint Colors Before Committing

Once a selection of potential Behr paint colors has been narrowed down, it is imperative to test them in the actual room before committing to a full-scale painting project. This involves purchasing sample cans of the chosen colors and applying them to small areas of the walls. Observing the colors under different lighting conditions and at different times of day is crucial for making an informed decision.

Sample colors should be applied to a primed surface that is similar in color to the existing walls. This ensures that the sample colors are not influenced by the underlying color. Sample colors should also be applied in a sufficiently large area, typically at least 2 feet by 2 feet, to get an accurate impression of how the color will look on a larger scale.

The sample colors should be observed under different lighting conditions, including natural daylight, artificial light, and evening light. The appearance of colors can change significantly depending on the type and intensity of the light. It is also important to observe the colors at different times of day, as the angle and intensity of sunlight can vary throughout the day.

In addition to observing the colors on the walls, it is also helpful to hold fabric swatches, furniture samples, and other decorative items up to the sample colors to see how they coordinate. This helps to ensure that the chosen paint colors will complement the existing furnishings and create a cohesive look.

Furthermore, consider living with the sample colors for a few days before making a final decision. This allows for a more thorough assessment of how the colors feel and how they interact with the overall environment. It is also helpful to solicit feedback from family members or friends to get a different perspective.

Considering the Function and Mood of Each Room

The function and mood of each room should also be considered when selecting Behr paint colors. Different rooms have different purposes and therefore require different color palettes. For example, bedrooms are typically spaces for relaxation and rest, while living rooms are spaces for socializing and entertainment. The paint colors should reflect the intended use and atmosphere of each room.

Bedrooms often benefit from calming and soothing colors, such as blues, greens, and grays. These colors can promote relaxation and create a sense of tranquility. Lighter shades of these colors are particularly effective in bedrooms, as they create a more airy and spacious feel. Accent walls in darker shades can be used to add depth and visual interest.

Living rooms are typically more versatile spaces that can accommodate a wider range of colors. Warmer colors, such as yellows, oranges, and reds, can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Cooler colors, such as blues and greens, can create a more sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. The choice of colors depends on the desired mood and the overall style of the room.

Kitchens and bathrooms are often painted in lighter colors to maximize brightness and create a sense of cleanliness. Whites, creams, and light grays are popular choices for these rooms. Accent colors can be used to add pops of color and visual interest. Durable and easy-to-clean finishes, such as semi-gloss or satin, are recommended for these rooms.

Dining rooms can be painted in a variety of colors, depending on the desired mood. Warmer colors, such as reds and oranges, can create a more intimate and inviting atmosphere, while cooler colors, such as blues and greens, can create a more formal and sophisticated atmosphere. Consider the style of the dining room furniture and the overall decor when selecting paint colors.

Hallways and entryways are often painted in neutral colors to create a seamless transition between rooms. Lighter colors can also help to brighten these spaces and make them feel more spacious. Accent walls in bolder colors can be used to add visual interest and define different areas.

Ultimately, selecting Behr paint colors for home interiors should be a thoughtful and personalized process. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this article, homeowners can make informed decisions that enhance the beauty, functionality, and ambiance of their living spaces, creating environments that reflect their individual style and preferences.