Choosing a new paint color sounds simple, until you’re staring at a wall of swatches that all look the same. And when you’re investing in a full repaint, you want to be sure you’re making the right call.
The good news: you don’t have to rely on guesswork. With the right tools, samples, and pro tips, you can confidently narrow down your options and pick a color that fits your space and style.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the exact tools and methods we recommend to customers who want to choose a new paint color, from virtual visualizers and peel-and-stick samples to professional consultations.
1. Try a Virtual Visualizer Tool
Before you commit to a color, use a visualizer tool to see how it might actually look in your space.
Online color visualizers let you upload a photo of your room (or use a sample room) and test different paint colors instantly. These tools don’t require any special software or design skills, just a phone or computer.
Here are a few of the tools we recommend:
Sherwin-Williams Color Expert™ (app) or ColorSnap® Visualizer® (desktop)
- Upload a photo of your own room or use a sample room
- Explore colors, adjust lighting, and save favorites
- Integrated with Sherwin-Williams’ full product catalog
Rodda Paint Digital Color Visualizer (desktop)
- Focused on Rodda’s available colors
- Simple interface for quick and easy testing
- Great for customers across Idaho and Nevada
Bonus: Additional AI Tools
- Upload a photo of your space to ChatGPT along with an image of your favorite color. Describe your desired aesthetic and ask for color pairing suggestions.
- Paint AI-Color Visualizer (app) uses real paint colors from real brands, so you can confidently find a color that you love and can find in stores.
Pro Tip: Always upload a high-quality, well-lit photo of your actual space for the most accurate results. And remember, screens can distort color. Visualizers are a great starting point, but not the final decision makers.
2. Order Peel & Stick Samples
Once you’ve narrowed your options, the best way to make a final decision is to see the color in your actual space, at different times of day, on different walls, and under different lighting.
That’s where peel-and-stick samples come in. These large, removable color swatches let you test real paint without ever opening a paint can.
Why Peel-and-Stick Samples Work Better Than Paint Chips
- Larger format = easier to judge undertones and depth
- No damage to your walls
- Move them around the room to test the light impact
- Compare several colors side by side
Where to Get Them
- Samplize is one of the most convenient and affordable options. You can order peel-and-stick samples from major brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Farrow & Ball. They ship quickly (often overnight), and you can build a custom bundle to test multiple colors.
- Sherwin-Williams has begun offering peel-and-stick samples directly through their website as well. Availability may vary by region and color.
Quick Tip: Stick samples on multiple walls and view them in both natural and artificial light. What looks soft and neutral in daylight may feel different at night. Remember, color is merely a reflection of light; changing the light source changes the way the color appears.
Photo credit: Samplize.com
3. Book a Color Consultation
If you’re feeling stuck between a few colors or have no idea where to start, a color consultation can bring clarity and confidence to your decision.
Whether you want free virtual advice or a designer to walk through your space in person, there are a few good options to consider:
Sherwin-Williams Free Virtual Color Consultation
- Book directly through their website
- One-on-one with a trained color consultant via video call
- Helps you narrow down your palette and choose the right finish
- Ideal for home or business owners who want direction without leaving their space
Work With a Local Designer
- For more personalized, in-home help, consider booking a local interior designer
- We often refer clients to the following professionals in the Boise, Idaho area for in-depth color and design consultations for residential and commercial projects:
These designers can offer guidance not just on paint, but also on how colors fit your style, space, and furnishings.
Rodda Paint In-Person Consultation
- Rodda Paint may offer in-home color consultations depending on your project size and location.
- For a commercial project, they can also offer color renderings.
Not sure if you need a consult? If you’re down to 2-3 options but struggling to decide, even a short consult can save you hours of second-guessing, time, and money having to repaint if you don’t like the color you picked.
Bonus Tips for Picking a Paint Color You’ll Love Long-Term
The goal isn’t to choose a color that looks good, it’s to choose one that still looks good to you in a year from now.
Here are a few pro tips to help you avoid repaint regret:
Think About Lighting
Colors change throughout the day depending on the natural and artificial light in your space. A soft beige can go yellow, and a cool gray can look blue. Always test samples in morning and evening light.
Use Finish to Your Advantage
Matte finishes hide imperfections, but can feel flat. Satin and eggshell reflect light and work well in living spaces. Semi-gloss adds pop and durability for trim and high-traffic areas. The finish can impact how the color appears, not just how it wears.
Start with the Mood
Want calm and quiet? Look at desaturated cool tones. Need energy and warmth? Try richer earth tones. Don’t choose based on trends alone. Pick what makes you feel good in your space.
Choose Timeless Over Trendy
That deep forest green or dusty mauve might be popular now, but how will it feel in three years? Accent walls and small rooms are great for bold colors, but for big areas, consider staying neutral and layering color and style elsewhere.
You’re Closer to the Right Color Than You Think
You’ve likely spent time staring at paint decks, comparing Pinterest boards, or standing under harsh store lights trying to imagine what a color will look like on your walls. That’s a tough way to make a confident decision.
Now you’ve seen a better approach: from online visualizers and peel-and-stick samples to consultations that bring clarity when you need it. With these resources, you’re equipped to explore, test, and decide on a color you’ll enjoy living with every day.
If you ever feel stuck, our team at Roe Painting is here to help. We work with both Sherwin-Williams and Rodda Paint, and whether you’re starting fresh or need a second opinion, we’re happy to support your project.
