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My home
How to
Choose colour
How to choose the right paint colour
My home
How to
Choose colour
How to choose the right paint colour
How to choose the right paint colour

How to choose the right paint colour

There are subtle nuances that play into colour. When selecting a paint colour, it’s important to understand a few key things. Once you understand undertones, lighting, texture, sampling, undercoating and finishes, you can master your colour choices with confidence. Here’s our guide to help you choose the right colour. Colour feature: Daintree

Follow 4 easy steps to get you started.

1
The difference between cool and warm tones
2
How does lighting change colour?
3
How can furniture can change the look?
4
Be sure to sample first

How To Guides

Choose & Use Colour
How to use the Dulux Colour Visualisation Tool
How to use colour in your home
How to use a colour wheel
Using and testing colour with samples
How to create a colour scheme
How to choose exterior colour schemes
Tips to create a monochromatic space
Colour blocking in your home
How to create a feeling of fun in your home
How to create a feeling of happiness in your home
Using colour to elevate small spaces
How to make your workspace more productive
Choose Paint
How to choose a sheen level
Painting and product advice
Calculate how much paint you will need
Choosing interior wall paint for your project
Prepare Your Surface
Prepare interior surfaces
Prepare exterior surfaces
Treat and prevent mould
Taping and wall preparation
How to paint over interior effects paint
Painting & Application Techniques
How to paint brick
How to paint walls
How to paint ceilings
How to paint over dark colours
How to paint stripes
How to paint doors and trims
How to paint your front door
How to repaint a picket fence
How to render brick and fibre cement walls
How to use spray paint
How to paint on rusted metal
How to prepare your glossy surface for painting
How to avoid a patchy ceiling
Painting Tools & Tips
How to use a paint brush
How to use a paint roller
How to use spray paint
Paint safety
Clean Up & Disposal
Paint clean up and disposal
Paint Problem Solver
When droplets appear on acrylic paint
Yellowing
Wrinkling
Sagging
Roller spattering
Poor stain resistance
Poor sheen uniformity
Poor scrub resistance
Poor hiding power
Poor flow and levelling
Roller marks / stipple
Picture framing
Mud cracking
Interior lapping
Foaming or cratering
Cracking, flaking or peeling
Interior burnishing
Interior blocking
Tannin staining
Surfactant leaching
Using Specialty Finish Paints
Bring texture into your home with paint
How to paint using Dulux Design Rust Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Glitter Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Metallic & Design Pearl Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Copper & Copper Patina Effect
Paint with Dulux Design Concrete Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Chalk Effect
Paint with Dulux Design Gold & Stainless Steel Effect
How to use Dulux Fine Cover™
How to use Dulux Texture Medium Cover™
How to use Dulux Texture Full Cover Roll On™
Calculate how much texture paint you need
How to apply Crushed Pebble Effect

How To Guides

Choose & Use Colour
How to use the Dulux Colour Visualisation Tool
How to use colour in your home
How to use a colour wheel
Using and testing colour with samples
How to create a colour scheme
How to choose exterior colour schemes
Tips to create a monochromatic space
Colour blocking in your home
How to create a feeling of fun in your home
How to create a feeling of happiness in your home
Using colour to elevate small spaces
How to make your workspace more productive
Choose Paint
How to choose a sheen level
Painting and product advice
Calculate how much paint you will need
Choosing interior wall paint for your project
Prepare Your Surface
Prepare interior surfaces
Prepare exterior surfaces
Treat and prevent mould
Taping and wall preparation
How to paint over interior effects paint
Painting & Application Techniques
How to paint brick
How to paint walls
How to paint ceilings
How to paint over dark colours
How to paint stripes
How to paint doors and trims
How to paint your front door
How to repaint a picket fence
How to render brick and fibre cement walls
How to use spray paint
How to paint on rusted metal
How to prepare your glossy surface for painting
How to avoid a patchy ceiling
Painting Tools & Tips
How to use a paint brush
How to use a paint roller
How to use spray paint
Paint safety
Clean Up & Disposal
Paint clean up and disposal
Paint Problem Solver
When droplets appear on acrylic paint
Yellowing
Wrinkling
Sagging
Roller spattering
Poor stain resistance
Poor sheen uniformity
Poor scrub resistance
Poor hiding power
Poor flow and levelling
Roller marks / stipple
Picture framing
Mud cracking
Interior lapping
Foaming or cratering
Cracking, flaking or peeling
Interior burnishing
Interior blocking
Tannin staining
Surfactant leaching
Using Specialty Finish Paints
Bring texture into your home with paint
How to paint using Dulux Design Rust Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Glitter Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Metallic & Design Pearl Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Copper & Copper Patina Effect
Paint with Dulux Design Concrete Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Chalk Effect
Paint with Dulux Design Gold & Stainless Steel Effect
How to use Dulux Fine Cover™
How to use Dulux Texture Medium Cover™
How to use Dulux Texture Full Cover Roll On™
Calculate how much texture paint you need
How to apply Crushed Pebble Effect

The difference between cool and warm tones

Warm whites can have undertones of yellows pinks and oranges, and can help introduce softness and a welcoming feeling into any space.

Cool undertones can have hints of blue, purple or green, and suit contemporary and modern, open-plan spaces that attract plenty of natural light. Cooler colours can help neutralise brighter light, perfect for north and west-facing spaces.

Wall

Celery Green

Celery Green is a midtone yellow-green that is ideal for use as an accent inside or as features outside. It is perfect for pairing with a crisp white.

Explore colour-->
Wall
Celery Green
Ceiling
Vivid White™
Close
Celery Green is a midtone yellow-green that is ideal for use as an accent inside or as features outside. It is perfect for pairing with a crisp white.
Artwork: Correa and Lemons on Pink by Kirsty McIntyre.
Download

How does lighting change colour?

The amount of natural and artificial lighting coming through can impact the appearance of a colour.

In-store, a colour can look completely different compared to at home. We always recommend testing your colours using Dulux sample pots, large swatches or colour stickers.

If there is an abundance of natural light, cooler colours may be more suited. If a room needs lifting, a warmer tone can help light reflectance and brighten the room.

Tip: Keep in mind how your ceiling lights and lamps may influence the tone too.

Wall

Pink Papaya

The reddish-pink of Pink Papaya makes it a great choice for exterior accents or a statement front door.

Explore colour-->
Wall
Pink Papaya
Wall
Vivid White™
Close
The reddish-pink of Pink Papaya makes it a great choice for exterior accents or a statement front door.
Download

How can furniture change the look?

Your furniture and textured materials such as timber or concrete can also ambience of the room and reflect surrounding colour.

This is why testing colour in your space with your styling elements is so crucial.

Wall

Daintree

A stunning deep blue with a slight teal undertone makes Daintree perfect for an accent wall or features on the exterior.

Explore colour-->
Wall
Daintree
Close
A stunning deep blue with a slight teal undertone makes Daintree perfect for an accent wall or features on the exterior.
Artwork: Elaleh’s Rugs and Other Things III by Elle Burguez.
Download

Be sure to sample first

Once you’ve narrowed down some options, it’s time to put them to the test in your own space.

Purchase a Dulux sample pot, colour swatch or sticker online or from your local paint stockist.

Make sure you test at different times of the day as well as under artificial lighting at night. Review the colour behind your sofa, near your kitchen cabinets or against your favourite artwork.

We recommend leaving samples up for at least three days to ensure you love the final colour selection.

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Download
Painting tip

Don’t forget your undercoat and finish. Preparing and undercoating your walls can be an important step to ensure you’re getting the most accurate colour possible – especially if you’re painting over darker colours or uncoated subtrates.

Shop online for the perfect shade

Dulux makes up some of Australia’s most loved colour choices. With our expert knowledge and over 5000 colours to choose from, you can select the colour scheme in your home with confidence.

Browse the range
Winter-Sea
Vintage-Linen

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View our favourite dining room colour options -->
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Painting your fence the right colour can help to pull together the bigger picture of your home exterior.

Discover colour combinations perfect for fences-->
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Kitchen aesthetics are a focal point of the modern home. Learn how to use colour to complement your style.

Explore kitchen colour schemes-->
Colour Trendspotting for 2024

The Dulux colour team researches trends at trade shows and attends top design exhibitions such as Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile. This forms a foundation for the trends predicted to influence Australian design and how we live.

Trends on show -->
Blue lounge against color blocked blue bookcase
Colour blocking ideas for your home

Combining multiple colours has the power to paint your home in a completely new light.

Explore how to use colour blocking in your home-->
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Create a relaxing outdoor area

Looking to revitalise your outdoor space? Here are four ways to unlock tranquillity in your own backyard.

Learn how to create your own outdoor oasis-->
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