Pros & Cons of Online Paint Color Visualizers

Many websites let you use your camera to picture how something is going to look in your space. Paint stores often have this feature as well, with the intention of making your color-choosing process a little easier. However, this might not be the most accurate way to find your perfect shade.

For over 25 years, Brush & Roll Painting has been a trusted residential home painter in the Omaha metro. As a bonus to our customers, we have a team of expert color consultants that help homeowners find the right shade for them. 

Painting any space is an investment, so it is important to choose a color you will love. Online color visualizers, while they are a cool feature, have their cons as well.

This article will share the pros and cons of online color visualizer tools. By reading this, you may know the best way to pick a color for your next interior painting project. 

Pro #1 Get an idea of the shade

Color visualizers can be useful to get a general idea of what the color will look like in your space. You can play around with any shade and get an idea of how it looks with your furniture, other wall colors, carpet or rugs, or decor.

Pro #2 Get inspiration

Color visualizers will help you get inspiration for what types of furniture, decor, wood, tile, rugs, etc. will go well with a shade. 

Some visualizers already have rooms designed and laid out for you to help choose a shade. Using the visualizers in this way may offer you design inspiration and bring your style full circle, giving a better picture of the look you’re going for.

Con #1 Won’t be able to test different lighting

Lighting is a key factor when it comes to choosing your perfect paint shade. 

Depending on natural lighting, colors can appear darker or lighter. Lighting can be viewed so differently in any space. Your bright morning glow may appear as someone's dark corner.

To compare different lighting and times of the day in your space, applying a small swatch of your color choice to the wall will give you a more accurate feel. Try checking the color throughout the day to make sure you are happy with your choice no matter what time of day.

Con #2 Looking through a screen is different than in person

Photos are not nearly as accurate as the human eye. They are a great representation of something at a point in time, but you can not get the full effect of the color as you could in person. 

Your phone, tablet, or computer screen is also at a certain brightness. Any device's brightness setting is not comparable to how we view things in person with our naked eye. 

Con #3 Might be difficult to compare to other colors

Color visualizers typically only let you test one shade at a time, so comparing two similar colors could be difficult. 

The lighting and viewing through a screen are tough as well when comparing colors. How do you know which color looks better in a brighter space? 

With physical color swatches on walls or on paper, you are able to see a more detailed comparison. 

Con #4 You may rule shades out too quickly

Upon seeing the shade through a computer screen either generated in another space or yours, you may not like what you see. If you love the color and have the inspiration for the shade, it may be better to get the swatch physically on your walls before putting it in the no pile.

Find the best match for your investment

All in all, online color visualizers are a good tool to get an idea about a shade. A more accurate representation should be done by physically applying a swatch to your wall and viewing your choice of color, in your space, with your home’s lighting.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we do not recommend solely relying on color visualizers. In our 25+ years of experience, we have seen recently how this can be a waste of investment on paint and leaves homeowners disappointed with the finished product. 

Instead, using these tools to get an idea of your design as well as physical swatches and meeting with an expert color consultant, will help you achieve the results you are looking for. 

At our interior and exterior Omaha painting company, we offer free color consultations to homeowners that choose us for their projects. This can help you feel comfortable with your new shade.

Next, learn about the differences between low-quality and high-quality paint. Finding the right shade is important, but ensuring that that shade is going to stand the test of time is crucial.