The One Tip That Will Save You From Painting Regret

If you’re planning to paint your own home, there’s one piece of advice that can save you a lot of second-guessing — always test samples first. It sounds simple, but it’s easy to underestimate just how much the light, the room, and even the time of day can transform a colour.

Don’t just pick a colour from a chip or an online swatch. Those little squares or digital representations can never fully capture the life of a paint colour in your own home. Instead, grab a few sample pots and paint them directly on different walls in the room you’re redecorating. Choose walls that face different directions, if possible — a north-facing wall can look completely different from one that catches the afternoon sun. Then, observe them throughout the day.

Why does this matter so much? Colour is hugely influenced by light. On a cloudy day, a shade can appear muted, cool, or even greyish. On a bright, sunny day, that same colour might suddenly reveal warm, vibrant undertones you didn’t notice before. Even the bulbs you use in the evening will affect your perception — a soft white lamp, a warm amber glow, or a bright LED can dramatically change the way a paint colour reads once the sun goes down.

This is why testing samples is not just a precaution — it’s an essential part of making sure your colour choice will actually work in your space. You might fall in love with a shade on paper, only to find that it reads completely differently on your walls. Or, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover hidden depth and character you never expected.

Testing is simple, but the results are invaluable. Painting a small section of each wall — about a square foot or so — lets you step back, observe, and live with the colour for a few days. You’ll notice how it interacts with furniture, floors, fabrics, and natural light. You’ll see how it changes in the morning versus late afternoon, and how it pairs with the artificial lighting you rely on after sunset.

The truth is, colour is alive. It’s not a static choice you make once and forget. It interacts with your space, with the time of day, and even with your mood. By taking the time to test samples, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to make a confident choice that will feel right every time you walk into the room.

So before you commit to a full wall — or worse, a full house — remember this: paint samples are your best friend. Observe them in every light, from every angle, and live with them for a little while. That small effort upfront can save you a lot of stress, disappointment, and repaints later.

In the end, painting your home should feel exciting, creative, and personal. Testing samples isn’t just practical — it’s part of the journey toward a space that feels exactly the way you imagined. And when everything aligns — the colour, the light, the mood of the room — it’s worth every little test patch.