How to Choose the Best Interior Paint Colour

Woman inspecting various paint swatches.

As any homeowner knows, choosing paint colours can be overwhelming. Use the following guide to help you explore and select interior colour schemes you’ll love!

While there is no one-size-fits-all reply to "what’s the best interior paint colour," some thoughtful research goes a long way. Go into this exercise with an open mind and a commitment to exploring your creative side as you search for your perfect paint colour.

White cushioned chair in lounge area next to kitchen with tan walls and wood cabinets.

Step #1: Analyze the Room for Interior Paint Ideas

Hardwood floors, countertops, a fireplace surround, area rugs, and of course furniture...the colours in these items will help determine which paint colour families will work best in your room, and help narrow your options.

Additionally, the right paint colour for any room should reflect the mood you want to create in the room as well as complement its architecture and style.

Paint truly transforms your space–see some of our favourite colours for living room and bedroom if you are selecting colour for either of these important spaces in your home.

Benjamin Moore colour a room tool on tablet and mobile device

Step #2: Explore the Best Interior Paint Colours–for You

If you want to cut to the chase, check out our tried and true most popular paint colours, where we highlight homeowner favourite colours including Chantilly Lace OC-65, Revere Pewter HC-172, Hale Navy HC-154 and many more.

For a more deliberate approach, use magazines, online tools like Pinterest and our Inspiration section to find colours and colour combinations that inspire you. Is your eye drawn to darker hues, fresh pastels or bold primary colours? Explore how paint and colour work together in the Colour Handbook and tap into our online colour tools.

Tip: Paint on a poster board, not a wall, so you can easily see how colours will appear around the room.

Step #3: Get Colour Chips, then Test with Paint Samples

Once you’ve selected the colours you’re drawn to, visit your local Benjamin Moore retailer and pick up colour chips and inspirational brochures to bring home.

While you may be tempted to use colour swatches only to determine which colour to use, the best way to test colour in different lighting conditions is to buy paint samples from your local Benjamin Moore retailer. Natural and artificial light can impact the appearance of colour, so viewing it at different times of the day in all lighting conditions is crucial.

Bright bedroom with light blue walls and an exposed wood beam

Step #4: Pair Colour with Quality Paint

Some painters may tell you that they can easily “match” any Benjamin Moore^® colour in another paint brand. This is simply not the case.

Engineered specifically by Benjamin Moore, for Benjamin Moore paints, our proprietary Gennex^® Colour Technology sets us apart by delivering colour and durability that is truly unmatchable.

Make sure that the Benjamin Moore interior paint colour you ultimately choose is realized to its full potential by using only Benjamin Moore products.

Step #5: Get Started Any Time

When it comes to interior painting, you generally control the environment you’re working in. Weather does not have to be a consideration–so interior painting is a year-round opportunity.

You can get well prepared with our other how-to articles including how to pick sheen, cut paint in a room, prep a wall, and how to paint a wall so that you set yourself up for ultimate painting success.

Have More Questions? Visit or call your local Benjamin Moore store or contact Customer Support.