I am trying to paint a dark basement. Every color I've tried looks so different from the samples at the store.

Question

I have tried six different colors. I want a tealish color on one wall and a little lighter color on the other three. The room is a large rectangle with two dug out windows in the far corner. The only other lighting is from two ceiling fans. The color I used looked blue/green on the sample. When I am upstairs it looks fine, downstairs it looks like a wedgwood blue and oh so dark. Even when I shine light on it and in the lightest part of the room it looks blue. The carpet is a dark grey. The results with the other colors were 1) sample with grey/green tone, looked completely gray (think prison cell) 2) sample with a mauve color, looked completely pink 3) sample with a darker mauve, looked completely purple 4) sample of a suede color, clashed with carpet, etc. I can't believe I am having this much trouble. How can I pick a color that will be okay? Please be specific, I obviously have color issues. Thank you.

Answer 1

There are two reasons for your color samples to look different in the basement, than in the store... (or even upstairs)

First, is wall preperation.... To get as close to the exact color you want, you pretty much have to have at least one good coat, perhaps two, of a very good primer.

Second problem.... and this sounds like it is a big part of the problem.... (especially, if you took the same sample, and carried it upstairs/downstairs, and noticed it looked different)... is the LIGHTING. If all you have is lighting from two ceiling fans, and two window wells.... youve got a problem.... practically anything you try, is going to look different... even from day to night, because of the poor lighting.

First problem can be solved by simply priming the walls with a good primer... Kilz is an excellent primer.

Second problem can be fun to solve... as it involves lighting. There are special "incandescent" bulbs that provide a more balanced color perception, or easier reading environment, etc.... there are bulbs for just about every occasion, and reason these days. I prefer to use the flourescent light fixtures myself (recessed, or trimmed)... and use 'daylight' bulbs, instead of the standard flourescent bulbs. Sometimes these are referred to as 'Kitchen and Bath" bulbs. They make a significant improvement over the standard bulbs. My wife was doing some sewing, and was having trouble with material, supposedly the same color.... not being the same color... and it wasnt apparent until she got them outside. I installed a new flourescent fixture (4 ft, 4 bulb) and used the 'daylight' bulbs.... instant recognition of different material colors! They cost a bit more than standard bulbs, but they are well worth it, if you need to be able to see 'true' colors.

So, my suggestion is to add some good lighting first... then work on the walls.

Have fun!

Answer 2

First take your samples home. If possible some of the better paint companies now have test size cans/jars you can take home and try out. Your biggest problem is your looking at the samples under their lighting. Also you may want to consider are you using a matte base, egg shell, etc. This will make a difference also. If your still having problems go with a shade or two above your choice on the card, this will still put you in the same color range.

Answer 3

The use of color is also something very personal. It stimulates our senses, power our mood, and helps create a particular ambiance. How we respond to an individual color depends on our nature, extroverts tend to feel happy with bold colors, while introverts prefer more passive colors.

Through using specific combinations of color, combined with a careful consideration of simple color schemes is often the most effective.

Try not to use more than one or two principal colors in a room, as well as a contrasting or balancing tone. The best way to choose a background color for the room is to trial with a palette of different shades and tones, in combination with the color and textures of the furniture and materials. Remember the general color schemes of a home have to be in agreement. The walls define the space in a room, while the colors, to a large degree, define the mood.

Colored light, furnishing materials, and structural proportions, we can create a home that is welcoming, helpful, and comfortable. Walls are similar to background music: each color tone is like a musical note can create a pleasant-sounding harmony while others grate with each other.

The color with which we surround ourselves will without doubt have an effect on us, and so it is important to feel comfortable with our choice. A discussion with a professional color consultant can help to decide individual needs and select appropriate color.

Colors can be divided into three main groups: those that stimulate and uplift, those that relax and calm, and those that provide harmony or balance. So, having taken a number of things into thought when decorating a room, such as the size of the space, the amount of light, the function if the room, and the style and mood we wish to create, we finally, and most importantly, need to consider the needs of the people who use it.

Answer 4

Why don't you pick a color that is good for the one wall you want darker, and then get the same color, add some white paint, then it would be lighter, and would look about right. You could always get a practice pot of paint, costs about 5 bucks at Canadian Tire, and try a small patch on your wall, You should be able to judge better by trying it out a bit.

Answer 5

Lighting is the problem. check your samples IN TH BASEMENT before buying. Pick several shades close to the one you want and look at the samples on the wall you want to paint. Also make sure your using a good primer. Current wall color can make a difference. Good Luck

Answer 6

I think you may need to go to a darker green instead of a teal and then on the other walls go with a cucumber green. If the greens don't work I would go to and antique white with the Grey rug.


Good luck
Moskie257