What is the best way to pick a paint color without seeing it in person?
Use physical samples when possible
Even if you can't visit a store, you can order peel-and-stick paint samples online from many brands. These are usually 12x12 inches or larger and can be moved around the room to see how the color reacts to different light.
Alternatively, order small sample pots and paint them onto foam boards or poster board. Leave a white border around the paint to isolate the color. Then place the boards in various spots in your room.
Research colors and undertones
Look at online photos of the color in real rooms, but remember that photos can be edited or taken under different lighting. Read descriptions of undertones—many colors have subtle blue, green, or pink hints that affect how they look.
Check the paint brand's website for large swatches and coordinating palettes. Some brands offer virtual room visualizers, but these are approximations and shouldn't replace a physical sample.
- Order samples from multiple brands to compare.
- Read reviews that mention undertones and lighting.
- Use a color wheel to find complementary or analogous shades.
- Consider ordering a fan deck for a full range of options.
Common mistakes
- Trusting a computer monitor or phone screen to show accurate color—screens vary and can distort hues.
- Skipping physical samples entirely and buying gallons based on a photo.
- Assuming a color will look the same in your room as it does in online photos taken in different lighting.
