How to Look at Paint Color Samples

You finally carve out time to choose a paint color, make a quick decision based on a tiny swatch at the store, and give the green light to your painter. But once the color is up on your walls, it looks totally different than you imagined. Too dark. Too light. Too gray. Now you’re stuck with a shade that doesn’t feel quite right, and repainting is not something you want to go through twice.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners choose colors since 1996. While our specialty is applying high-quality paint with expert-level prep work, we’ve seen firsthand how much regret can come from rushing the color selection process. A small chip just doesn’t show how paint will really look once it’s on your walls, in your lighting, and alongside your furniture. That’s why we always walk customers through better, more realistic ways to sample paint colors.

 We’ll show you how to look at paint colors the right way, so you can be confident in your choice. You’ll learn why standard paint chips fall short, what better sampling methods to use, and how to test them in your own space. By the end, you’ll know how to compare and visualize paint colors like a pro—without the confusion, second-guessing, or buyer’s remorse.

Why Paint Chips Aren’t Enough

When you’re standing in a store, flipping through hundreds of tiny rectangles, it’s easy to forget one thing: paint doesn’t live in a vacuum.

Those chips are printed representations, not real paint. They don’t show how the actual product will look once it’s dried on a textured wall, reflecting your lighting at different times of day. They’re also so small, your brain can’t really process the full effect of the color. Instead, it focuses on how that tiny color looks next to the white border, which distorts how you see it.

Here’s what goes wrong when you rely on paint chips alone:

• The color may appear darker or lighter than you expected once it's on a large wall.
• Undertones (like green, pink, or yellow) may become more noticeable when the color covers more space.
• The chip might not match the actual paint formula perfectly.
• Lighting in your home can completely change how the color looks, especially at sunrise, midday, and sunset.

Bottom line: paint chips are a starting point, not a decision-maker.

Better Ways to Test Paint Colors

If you want to choose a paint color you’ll love, you need to test it in a real way. That means looking at it in your home, in different lighting, and in the room where it will be used.

1. Use Large Peel-and-Stick Samples

Peel-and-stick paint samples have become one of the best tools for homeowners. These are real paint swatches painted onto thin, flexible adhesive sheets that you can move around your home. Companies like Samplize and SureSwatch offer peel-and-stick samples from most major paint brands, including Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.

Why they work:

• You’re seeing real paint, not an approximation.
• You can test them on multiple walls and move them throughout the day.
• No cleanup or paint mess.

If you're between a few colors, peel-and-stick samples help narrow it down fast without having to buy sample cans.

2. Paint Your Own Sample Boards

Another helpful option is to get sample cans of paint and brush them onto poster board or foam board. This method gives you flexibility without committing to painting directly on your walls.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Use a white foam board (18x24 inches is a good size).
• Apply two coats of each color and let them dry completely.
  
  
• Move the boards around the room, placing them on different walls throughout the day.
• Prop the boards up vertically, not flat on a table, so you can see how the color looks standing up like a wall would be.

This gives you a true-to-life view of how that paint color looks in your space, not just in your imagination.

3. Paint Directly on the Wall, but Carefully

Some people prefer to brush samples right onto their walls. That can work, but it does have some downsides. If you change your mind, the area you sampled might need extra priming to avoid showing through the final color. Also, keep in mind that paint dries differently based on texture, sheen, and primer.

If you choose this route:

• Paint large swatches (at least 2x2 feet).
• Test on more than one wall, especially if light hits each wall differently.
• Don’t paint right next to each other. Leave white space in between so your eye doesn’t mix the colors.

Tips for Seeing the True Color

No matter which sampling method you use, how you look at the color is just as important as the paint itself.

Look at the Color at Different Times of Day

Paint changes throughout the day depending on how the light hits it. Check your color with the blinds or curtains open and closed. Also check with the main lighting in your room on and off.

A color that feels soft and warm in the morning might look dull or grayish later in the day. Check your sample in natural daylight, at night with indoor lighting, and on cloudy days to see how it holds up.

Put it Next to Other Colors

Look at your sample next to the other elements in your home. This includes:

• Flooring (wood tones can bring out undertones in paint)
• Trim color (is it warm or cool white?)
• Cabinets and countertops
• Furniture, area rugs, and curtains
  
  

For example, a beige that looked great in the store might turn peachy when placed next to a cool gray sofa. Always test your color in context.

Know What Paint Finish You’re Using

Sheen matters too. A color in eggshell will reflect light differently than that same color in satin or flat. Before choosing, make sure you sample in the sheen you plan to use.

Common Questions About Choosing Paint Colors

Can I choose just one color and trust it will work?

It’s tempting to pick a color you like and go with it, but colors are affected by so many factors. Sampling is the only way to be sure it looks the way you expect.

How many colors should I sample?

Ideally, start with 3 to 5 options. Too many can feel overwhelming, but too few may leave you without a clear winner.

Should I look at colors on my phone or computer?

Screens are helpful for inspiration, but they don’t show true color. Colors often appear brighter or more saturated on a screen than they do in real life. Always test a real sample in your space.

What if I’m still unsure?

Ask your painter if they work with any designers or offer guidance. Some painting companies have access to color consultants who can help guide you based on your space and lighting.

Choosing Paint Samples the Right Way

Choosing the right paint color is one of the most exciting parts of a painting project, but it can also be one of the most stressful if you don’t have the right tools. Tiny paint chips don’t give the full picture. Sampling with peel-and-stick options or painted boards in your own space helps you see how the color really looks before you commit.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve seen homeowners fall in love with a color on paper, only to feel disappointed when it’s on the wall. That’s why we always recommend trying out larger samples and looking at them in context with the rest of your room. Taking that extra step can make the difference between a color you tolerate and a color you love.

We’ve served Omaha homeowners since 1996, and we believe the best results start before a single brush hits the wall—with careful planning, smart sampling, and clear expectations.

If you’re getting ready to paint and want to feel confident in your color choice, click the button below to get a quote.

And while you’re planning your project, we’ve put together a helpful Paint Color and Design Guide that includes 7 tips for choosing the right color for your home. It’s free and filled with practical ideas that will make the process easier.