How do I choose paint colors that go together?
Short answer
Start from something that won't change, like flooring, countertops, brick, a rug or roof color, and pull colors from it. Build a palette of one main color, one supporting color and one accent, keep the undertones consistent (all warm or all cool), and test large samples on the wall in morning and evening light before you commit.A simple method
- Pick your fixed element and note whether it leans warm (yellow, red, orange) or cool (blue, green, gray).
- Choose a main wall color with the same undertone.
- Pick trim that contrasts in lightness, usually a white or a deep tone.
- Add one accent from the color wheel: a neighbor (analogous) for calm, or an opposite (complementary) for energy.
- Keep the whole-house flow in mind so adjoining rooms don't clash.
Test before you buy gallons
Paint 2 foot square samples or use peel-and-stick sample sheets, and look at them at different times of day. North-facing rooms make colors look cooler and darker. South-facing rooms warm them up.
Want a pro to handle it?
Get quotes from up to five local painters. Free.
Start my projectTry it in the Color Studio
Build a palette that goes together and see it on a room or house.
Open Color StudioUpdated September 2026. Always follow the directions on your product's label; manufacturer instructions come first.