Decide on which two colors you want to use. The color combinations you choose matter, so you must put some thought into what type of color scheme you want.
A monochromatic color scheme uses shades of the same hue. This approach has a subdued effect but also stands out more than using just one color. Colors from the same color family always look good together. An example would be painting one section of your wall light blue while painting the other a darker blue; or a cool gray with warmer shade of gray.
Consider analogous colors. These are colors that are related (next to each other on the color wheel) such as greens and blues or oranges and reds. Usually, one color is dominant while the other is used to enrich the effect.
Complementary colors are those opposite each other on the color wheel, or those that almost clash. This scheme puts colors together that strongly contrast one another (but don’t fully clash) to create a stimulating effect, such as oranges with blues. When using a complementary color scheme, you must always remember to make one color dominant. Lighter colors often give the illusion of space in a room, while darker colors can shrink it and make it feel cozier. For this project, we’re going to describe how to complete a two-tone painting job horizontally, with the two colors on the wall divided by top and bottom. In this case, the darkest or strongest color usually works better on the bottom part of the wall.
Do your color research and check to see how your color choices might look in your rooms. Paint samples in small areas or tape swatches on the walls to see how they will look. Decide which colors might work best together. Do any colors work as transitions from one room to the next? Consider the furnishings and accessories in your rooms, as well as finish on any wood trim.
Helpful Tip
Always check how the colors you choose look in both natural and incandescent light, during daytime and at night.
For further help, go to Truevaluepaint.com and experiment with our interactive Color Visualizer to change paint colors and moods to preview how colors might look together. Explore color ideas in the Color Gallery, or visit your local True Value® hardware store for in-person color assistance from a Hardwarian. You can pick up color samples or Designer Cards, Idea Cards, Lifestyle Cards and Whole Home cards for colorful inspiration.
Don’t forget to consider the sheen, or finish, of your chosen colors. Paint sheen is basically the surface texture the paint creates and a measurement of how much light bounces off the painted surface. Whether you pick a flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish, it can affect the overall look of your two-tone paint job.
Helpful Tip
Use the True Value paint calculator to estimate how much paint you will need. Remember you will be using two different colors of paint.