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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
Calculate how much paint you will need
Painting and product advice
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 stripes
How to paint doors and trims
How to paint your front door
How to repaint a picket fence
How to paint your house following flood damage
How to use spray paint
How to apply Duramax® spray paints
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
How to paint using Dulux Design Rust Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Glitter Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Copper & Copper Patina Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Metallic & Design Pearl Effect
Paint with Dulux Design Concrete Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Chalk 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
Calculate how much paint you will need
Painting and product advice
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 stripes
How to paint doors and trims
How to paint your front door
How to repaint a picket fence
How to paint your house following flood damage
How to use spray paint
How to apply Duramax® spray paints
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
How to paint using Dulux Design Rust Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Glitter Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Copper & Copper Patina Effect
Paint using Dulux Design Metallic & Design Pearl Effect
Paint with Dulux Design Concrete Effect
How to paint using Dulux Design Chalk 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

Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay 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 such as Ōkārito.

Explore colour-->
Wall
Matauri Bay
Trims
Tītahi Bay
Close
Matauri Bay 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 such as Ōkārito.
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

Aratapu

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

Explore colour-->
Wall
Aratapu
Wall
Southern Alps
Close
The reddish-pink of Aratapu makes it a great choice for exterior accents or a statement front door.
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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

Cook Strait

A beautiful deep blue with a slight teal undertone makes Cook Strait perfect for an accent wall or features on the exterior such as a front door. It works well with crisp whites such as Ōkārito and Mt Aspiring Half.

Explore colour-->
Wall
Cook Strait
Close
A beautiful deep blue with a slight teal undertone makes Cook Strait perfect for an accent wall or features on the exterior such as a front door. It works well with crisp whites such as Ōkārito and Mt Aspiring Half.
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 New Zealand’s most loved colour choices. With our expert knowledge and over 1,000 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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Explore expert opinion and advice on all things colour and design.
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Pet-Friendly Colour Schemes

Cats, dogs, birds and many other animals can see particular colours. Dulux and Pet Refuge have collaborated with animal behaviouralist Mark Vette to create four dog-friendly colour schemes using the Dulux Colours of New Zealand range

Learn about the colour schemes-->
Add some Dulux colour to your bathroom

Discover the art of crafting the perfect bathroom colour scheme. Dive into the world of possibilities as we explore different colour combinations that bring life and character to your bathroom.

Add Dulux colour to your bathroom-->
How to choose a colour scheme for your bedroom

Selecting a colour scheme for your bedroom - the most personal space in your home - can feel overwhelming. Explore our styles and range of paint colours to help you choose a scheme that reflects you.

Choose a colour scheme for your bedroom-->
How to integrate Dulux colour in your hallway

Step into the world of transformative hallways with this comprehensive guide on how to hero colour.

Integrate colour into your hallway-->
How to bring earthy tones into your home

Embrace the soothing allure of earthy elegance as you transform your living space with the power of neutral paint colours.

Bring earthy tones into your home-->
How to bring a retro feel to your home

Retro colours are experiencing a remarkable resurgence in our homes, and the evidence is clear with the ongoing popularity of #NewRetro on Instagram.

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