Picking Paint
Colors

1

FIND INSPIRATION

The first step is also the most important: What inspires
you? From the images you save on Pinterest to the
clothes hanging in your closet, take note of the colors
you're naturally drawn to and that bring you joy.

2

Make a Plan

Before committing to a color, consider the
existing elements in your space to figure out the mood
you'd like to establish. If you have a vibrant, patterned
rug, distinctive artwork or a great view, choose a light
wall color that plays a supporting role–or choose a
statement hue for a visually striking space. If you have
neutral furnishings, opt for a bold color to add contrast
and dimension, or go for a monochromatic palette with
complementary neutral walls.

3

Pick A Color

SERENE WHITE

Never considered "white" a color? Think again: This
nuanced neutral comes in many shades. To pick the perfect
white, assess your room's natural light and undertones. For
a stylish approach, Kestrel White SW 7516, showcases your
space in the best possible light with just a hint of taupe. For
rooms that get ample sunlight, choose a white with neutral
undertones, like Pure White SW 7005. Balanced hues, like
Alabaster SW 7008, play well in any space. White is also a
great foundation for highlighting colorful pieces or
complementing an intentionally neutral room.

NEW NEUTRALS

Neutrals are far from boring. Subtle yet varied, their
beauty lies in their versatility. Whether you want to
highlight your colorful furnishings or create a space
that's tonal and serene, a neutral is the perfect canvas for
any aesthetic. Lighter tones, like Modern Gray SW 7632,
make a space feel fresh and bright, while darker hues,
like Auger Shell SW 9159, add a layer of warmth
that feels cozy without dominating the room.

STATEMENT HUES

A bold and beautiful hue transforms
the room. From an intriguingly serene shade like
Denim SW 6523 to on-trend Evergreen Fog SW 9130,
the Sherwin-Williams 2022 Color of the Year, select
a color that adds personality. Pro tip: Contrary to popular
belief, choosing a strong color for a small, dark space—like
a powder room—makes it appear larger, since the dark
hue camouflages the perception of depth. Not ready to
commit to such a spirited shade? Start with
an accent wall for a focal point that pops.

RETHINK YOUR TRIM

White or off-white trim is a safe bet that always looks
great, but for a chic alternative, choose a trim color
that's the same or similar to your wall color in a glossier
sheen. You can also opt for colored trim with white walls,
which is often seen in historic homes, but looks modern
with the right hue, like Pewter Cast SW 7673.

DON'T GET OVERWHELMED

Need ideas? Our Curated Color Collection
simplifies the selection process. You can also use the
Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap^® Visualizer app to find
colors based on items you love, like fabric swatches or
artwork. The app matches hues in a photo to actual paint
colors, and helps you sample them by "painting" a photo
of your room. And if you need free interior design help,
book an appointment with our Design Crew.

4

TEST COLORS

Paint colors will look different in your home than
in the store, so always test first. Sherwin-Williams
can mail up to 10 free ColorSnap^® paint color chips
for you to see in your space. Even easier, purchase
Sherwin-Williams 8" x 8" Peel & Stick samples for
no mess and no dry time—just reposition them to
see how they look throughout the room and at
different times of the day.