If you’re planning on painting the interior of your Toronto condo, you’ve probably spent some time researching tips on how to get the best results. WIth many misconceptions out there, it can be intimidating to get the project started. That’s why our pros are here to help. We’re debunking five of the most common interior painting myths, so that you can separate fact from fiction when painting your condo.
1. Dark walls will make a room look smaller
One of the most common interior painting myths is that painting your walls a dark colour will make the room appear smaller. Though this can be true, it is by no means a sure thing. In fact, depending on the room and the colour that you choose, it can actually have the opposite effect. For example, if you paint two adjacent walls and any trim the same dark colour, it can make the corner of the room appear to recede. This in turn will expand a space, making the room look larger. If this is the goal, we recommend using dark paint that gets a lot of natural light.
This is not to say that painting a room a dark colour cannot make it look smaller – it can. If a room is quite crowded and does not get a lot of natural light, then dark walls can contract the space. However, depending on the vision you have, this could be the desired look if you want to create a cozy space.
2. Vibrant paint will brighten a dark room
Conversely, it is often assumed that a good way to brighten a dark room is to paint it a vibrant colour. As with the effects of dark paint, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are times when vibrant colours can brighten a room. For example, rich, vibrant yellows, oranges, or purples, while fun and playful, will not necessarily make a room seem brighter. In fact, if there is not a lot of natural light, these vibrant colours can be overpowering in a dark room.
If you are trying to brighten a dark room that does not get a lot of natural light, it’s a good idea to go with light neutrals like whites and off whites. These colour choices will give light to a space in a more natural way.
3. White ceilings make a room look larger
There’s no question that white is a great choice for a ceiling, as it reflects light to expand a space. However, for these reasons, people will often assume that white is the only choice for a ceiling, and that any other colour would immediately make a room seem smaller.
This is not necessarily the case, and a ceiling painted a colour other than white can actually make a room look larger. It’s true! Being so common and unremarkable, people will often ignore a white ceiling, whereas a ceiling of a complimentary colour to the walls will draw attention upward and create a feeling of a higher ceiling. That said, there’s no exact rule for this as the ceiling must compliment the other colours in the room. With that said, it’s important to choose appropriate colours and decor for your space.
4. Neutrals only refer to whites, greys, or beiges
While whites, greys, and beiges, are no doubt the most common examples of neutral colours, they are not by definition the only ones. Neutrals simply refer to soft, calming nuances of colours, subtle and unassuming, which is why they are used as background colours or for entire rooms.
What many people don’t know is that neutrals can have undertones of a variety of colours that can add a slightly different flavour to a room, while still being bright and compatible with most decors. For example, whites with undertones of subtle lavenders, soft pinks, or even very pale blues are dynamic examples of uncommon neutrals, with the shades subtle and low enough intensity to not be real colours. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to traditional neutrals, but they are not the only option.
5. There’s no need to use primer if you’re painting with a dark colour
Regardless of what colour you are painting a wall, you should always use primer. And, if you’re painting over a dark colour, often two coats of primer is recommended. If you apply a dark coat of paint to a bright wall directly, the previous colour is going to affect the result. It’s not as though the colour is going to show through to the extent that a dark colour shows through a lighter paint, but it is going to tint the darker colour, leaving you with a result that might not be what you had in mind. Because of this, always use primer in order to get the best, truest result, no matter what colour you’re using.
Condo Painting Myths Debunked
The above condo painting myths are some of the most common ones we hear from clients. Hopefully, we’ve helped to clear up some of the confusion and opened your eyes to new painting options that you didn’t think were possible.
But if it still all seems too overwhelming, you can leave it to Encore to know fact from fiction. As one of Toronto’s top painting and decorating companies, our professionals have the knowledge and expertise to tackle whatever painting project you have – whether it’s interior condo painting, spray cabinetry, exterior home painting and more!
All of our projects begin with a free evaluation of your space, where we can answer any questions you have and explain the painting process. This gives you peace of mind to know exactly what to expect every step of the way. You can contact Encore Painting today to get your free painting estimate, or to have any additional painting questions answered.