Interior Paint Guide: How to Choose the Right Color, Finish, and Paint for Your Home
By Sarah Berg ● Published 03/10/2026
How to choose interior paint can feel overwhelming. Between color options, finishes, lighting, paint brands, and sample testing, there is a lot to think through before the first wall is painted. The good news is that a few simple steps can make the process much easier.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your interior painting project, from choosing colors to testing samples to deciding which paint to buy.
1. Start with Inspiration
One of the best places to begin is Pinterest. It is a great tool for gathering ideas and seeing how paint colors look in real homes instead of just on tiny store swatches.
When you search for a paint color on Pinterest, use the full color name and brand. For example, search “Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams paint” instead of just “green paint.” That will usually give you better results and show the color in different rooms, lighting conditions, and design styles.
This is helpful because the same paint color can look very different depending on:
- natural light
- artificial light
- room direction
- trim color
- flooring
- surrounding décor
Pinterest is a great place to narrow down ideas, but it should not be the final deciding factor. A paint color always needs to be tested in your own home.
2. Borrow a Paint Color Sample Pack
If choosing paint colors feels overwhelming, my Paint Color Sample Packs make the process much easier. Instead of relying on tiny store swatches, you can compare a curated selection of tried-and-true colors that homeowners consistently love.
Each pack includes large paint swatches, painter’s tape for easy placement, and a Behr fan deck for even more inspiration. The larger samples help you see colors more clearly on your wall, and you can move them around the room to compare how they look near windows, trim, doors, and corners.
For the best results, check the samples at different times of day and in both natural and artificial light. It is a simple, low-stress way to narrow down your options and feel more confident before choosing a color. Click here to request your Paint Color Sample Pack today!
3. Choose the Right Finish
Choosing the right finish matters just as much as choosing the right color, because sheen affects both how the paint looks and how it holds up in everyday life.
In general, I usually recommend an eggshell finish for most main living spaces, bedrooms, and hallways because it gives you a soft, clean look without being too shiny, while still being more durable and wipeable than a flat paint.
For bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas, a satin finish is often the better choice because it handles humidity and cleaning a little better.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that higher sheens tend to reflect more light, which can also highlight wall imperfections more easily. The best finish is the one that fits the room, the amount of traffic it gets, and the overall look you want.
4. Test Paint Colors the Right Way
If you can’t choose between a few colors, the next step is to test them in your home. The best way to do that is to buy a small paint sample and apply it directly to the wall. A sample around 2 feet by 2 feet is usually large enough to give you a good feel for the color. Smaller swatches are often harder to judge accurately.
When applying samples:
- feather or fan out the edges so you do not leave thick ridges
- avoid painting thick square blocks that may need sanding later
- apply enough paint for full coverage
- use the same paint and finish you plan to use for the final wall
Then take time to look at the sample throughout the day. Check it in:
- morning light
- afternoon light
- evening light
- artificial lighting
- nighttime conditions
This is one of the most important parts of the process. A paint color that looks soft and warm during the day may look too yellow at night. A color that seems perfect in bright light may feel too cool or too dark later on.
Learn how to properly test paint colors with this video:
5. Recommended Paint Brands
I typically recommend one of these two options for interior wall painting projects:
Behr Ultra from The Home Depot
Behr Ultra is a great option if you want a durable, reliable paint at a more budget-friendly price point. It offers solid coverage, holds up well, and has been a dependable option for both my own home and client projects.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex
Emerald is a premium interior paint that many homeowners love for its finish and performance. It does cost more, but many clients feel the quality is worth it.
6. Discounts for Behr Paint
Behr – My clients receive 20% off paint at Home Depot if they purchase paint:
- Use my phone number in the “Pro-Xtra ID” section at checkout: 952-248-0474.
- Paint is approximately $35 per gallon with the discount.
- Please verify the discount is applied before paying—there have been a few system glitches, and I want to be sure you receive it
7. Final Thoughts
Choosing paint does not have to feel overwhelming. The best results come from taking the time to gather inspiration, test colors properly, choose the right finish, and use quality paint that fits your space and budget.
Whether you are painting one room or refreshing multiple areas of your home, the goal is to make the process feel simple, clear, and stress-free so you can feel confident in the finished result.
Learn more about pricing here, and check out my Interior Wall Painting page here! If you still have questions about paint colors, finishes, sample testing, or what product is best for your project, click here to contact me today!
