Choosing paint for your home involves more than just picking a color you like. Understanding a few paint basics can help you make a confident, informed decision—and avoid surprises once the paint hits the walls. Before you head to the paint store, here are three key things designers always consider.

Light Reflectance Value (LRV)

Light Reflectance Value, or LRV, measures how much light a paint color reflects. It’s expressed as a number on a scale from 0 to 100.

• • 0 absorbs all light (very dark)
  • 100 reflects all light (pure white)

LRV provides helpful context that a small paint swatch often can’t. Two colors may look similar on paper, but their LRVs can tell a very different story once they’re on the wall.

General LRV guidelines

• • 40 or below: Dark colors
  • 40–60: Mid-tone colors
  • 60 and above: Light colors

PRO TIP: If you’ve found a gray you love but worry it might feel too dark, check the LRV—usually listed on the back of the paint swatch. It’s one of the easiest ways to predict how a color will actually perform in your space.

If you’re unsure between two colors, compare their LRV numbers and undertones side by side. It’s often the deciding factor when colors look similar on a swatch but feel different on the wall.

Undertones

Undertones are the subtle, underlying colors mixed into paint—and they have a major impact on how a color looks and feels in a room.

• • Warm undertones: Yellow, red, or orange
  • Cool undertones: Blue, green, or purple

Even neutrals have undertones:

• • Whites may lean yellow, pink, or blue
  • Beiges can include yellow, pink, green, or orange
  • Grays often carry blue, green, or violet

Ever chosen a “perfect neutral” only to notice it looks blue in certain light? That’s the undertone revealing itself.

Undertones also shift based on:

• • Natural vs. artificial light
  • Time of day
  • Room orientation (north-, south-, east-, or west-facing)

A simple way to identify undertones is to hold the paint swatch next to a bright white sheet of paper. The contrast makes the hidden notes much easier to spot.

Paint Finish

Paint finish refers to the sheen—or shine—once the paint dries. While it doesn’t change the color itself, it can dramatically affect the overall feel of a space.

When choosing a finish, consider:

• • Where the paint will be used
  • How durable the surface needs to be
  • Whether the wall has imperfections

In general, higher sheen equals higher durability—but also highlights flaws.

Common Paint Finishes

• Flat or Matte: Minimal reflection helps hide imperfections. Traditionally less durable, though newer formulas have improved. Best for ceilings.
• Pearl or Eggshell: A versatile, low-sheen finish that’s easy to clean without being too shiny. Ideal for most walls and a favorite for a polished, designer look.
• Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss: High-sheen finishes that emphasize architectural details. Best suited for trim, crown molding, and front doors. Keep in mind that imperfections will be more noticeable.

SELLER PREP TIP: Neutral paint colors with higher light reflectance values can help rooms feel brighter and more spacious—an important factor for buyers viewing homes in winter or early spring. Choosing the right undertone and finish can make your home feel move-in ready from the very first showing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re refreshing a room or preparing your home for sale, paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a dramatic design impact. Understanding the fundamentals designers rely on will give you the confidence to choose paint that looks just as good on the wall as it does on the swatch.

While I have no formal training in interior design, what I do bring to the conversation is my experience with renovating homes, staging and a career in real estate. More simply put, I know what I like, making design a bonafide hobby of mine. Need help preparing your home for sale? Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to discuss your specific needs and explore your options.