Achieving Perfect Colour Matches for Any Room

When it comes to decorating, nothing transforms a room quite like the right colour. But getting that perfect match can be tricky. Whether you’re refreshing a tired wall, matching a new piece of furniture, or coordinating wallpaper with paint, the secret lies in understanding colour matching. A & B have spent years helping decorators and DIY enthusiasts find the ideal shades, and today we're sharing our top tips and tricks in this colour matching guide.

Let’s dive into how you can achieve flawless colour harmony in any room, using the best products, clever techniques, and current trends.

Understanding Colour Matching: The Basics of the Colour Matching Guide

Colour matching is more than just picking a shade you like. It’s about creating balance and harmony in your space. Here’s what you need to know:

• Lighting affects colour perception: Natural light, artificial light, and even the direction your windows face can change how a colour looks.

• Undertones matter: Colours have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Matching undertones is key to avoiding clashes.

• Test before committing: Always try samples on your walls before buying large quantities.

  
  

For example, a soft grey with blue undertones will look very different from a warm grey with beige undertones. Knowing this helps you avoid surprises.

Popular Paint Brands for Colour Matching

When it comes to paint, some brands stand out for their colour range and quality. Here are a few favourites:

• Dulux: Known for its durability and extensive colour range, Dulux provides reliable coverage and vibrant, long-lasting finishes. Ideal for both everyday projects and professional decorating, it’s a trusted choice for versatile, high-quality results.

• Farrow & Ball: Known for its richly pigmented, handcrafted colours, Farrow & Ball offers a signature depth and chalky matte finish that brings character and sophistication to any interior. A top choice for creating timeless, atmospheric spaces. Offers rich, deep colours with a unique finish, perfect for statement walls.

• Crown Paints: Affordable and dependable, Crown Paints delivers consistent coverage and a wide range of colours. Perfect for budget-conscious projects without compromising on quality or finish.

• Johnstone’s: Favoured by professionals for its reliable coverage and consistent colour, Johnstone’s provides durable, high-quality finishes suitable for a wide range of interior and exterior projects.

• Caparol: Renowned for its premium quality and advanced paint technology, Caparol delivers excellent coverage, vibrant colour accuracy, and long-lasting durability. Ideal for both modern and traditional spaces, it’s especially favoured for its eco-friendly formulations and professional-grade finish.

• Lick: Modern and design-driven, Lick offers a curated selection of contemporary colours with a smooth, matte finish. Known for its eco-friendly, low-VOC formulas and easy application, it’s a popular choice for stylish, fuss-free home transformations.

• Little Greene Company: Celebrated for its heritage-inspired palette and environmentally conscious formulations, Little Greene offers richly pigmented colours that bring depth and character to any space. Known for premium quality and timeless elegance, it’s a favourite for both classic and contemporary interiors.

• Valspar: Known for its wide-ranging palette and durable finishes, Valspar delivers reliable coverage and vibrant colours, making it a versatile choice for both interior and exterior projects.

• Laura Ashley: Offers charming, classic colours with a soft, elegant finish, perfect for creating timeless, cosy interiors that blend tradition with subtle sophistication.

  
  

  
  

Paint swatches showing different shades of blue and grey

How to Colour Match Paint and Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Matching paint to wallpaper can be daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s a simple how-to guide:

1. Choose your wallpaper first: Pick a wallpaper design that you love. Consider patterns, textures, and colours.

2. Identify the dominant and accent colours: Look closely at the wallpaper and note the main colours and any secondary shades.

3. Select paint colours that complement: Use the dominant colour for larger areas and accent colours for trims or feature walls.

4. Use colour matching tools: Many paint suppliers offer digital tools or apps to help you find matching paint colours.

5. Test samples together: Paint small patches next to the wallpaper to see how they look in different lighting.

   
   

Wallpaper Design Trends to Watch

Wallpaper is making a big comeback, and the trends are exciting:

• Botanical prints: Leaves, flowers, and nature-inspired designs bring freshness indoors.

• Geometric patterns: Clean lines and shapes add a modern touch.

• Textured wallpaper: Grasscloth and fabric wallpapers add depth and interest.

• Metallic accents: Subtle shimmer for a touch of luxury.

  
  

If you’re on a budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of cheap wallpaper options that look stylish without breaking the bank. Look for sales or sample packs to experiment.

Living room wall featuring botanical wallpaper with complementary paint colour

Best Decorating Tools for Colour Matching and Application

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I recommend:

• Colour swatch books: Essential for comparing shades side by side.

• Paint sample pots: Buy small pots to test on your walls.

• Paint brushes and rollers: Use quality brushes for smooth application.

• Colour matching apps: There are many apps you can download to help you visualise a room

• Lighting lamps: Portable lamps with daylight bulbs help you see true colours indoors.

  
  

Using these tools ensures you get the colour you want without guesswork.

Trending Colour Palettes for 2025: What’s Hot Right Now?

Colour trends evolve, but some palettes are dominating this year:

Here’s a look at some of the most talked‑about and trending paint colour palettes . Designers are leaning into richer, earth‑inspired tones, moody neutrals, jewel‑like shades, and nature‑inspired greens — moving away from the cooler greys and stark whites that dominated the past decade.

Key Paint Colour Palettes for 2025–2026

Earthy & Natural Neutrals

• Expect tones like warm greige (grey‑beige), soft khaki, sandy tans, and creamy off‑whites to dominate as foundational neutrals.

• These neutrals pair beautifully with natural materials — think wood, stone, rattan, linen — and create spaces that feel grounded, cosy, and timeless.

• For a warmer, more welcoming alternative to the stark cool greys of earlier years, these earthy neutrals make a very on‑trend base.

  
  

Deep, Moody & Jewel‑Inspired Shades

• Rich jewel tones — deep teal, smoky jade/blue‑green, forest/hunter green — are rising stars for 2026.

• Similarly, moody purples and dark jewel tones (like deep plum or berry shades) are predicted to be especially popular, lending depth and drama to interiors.

• Charcoals and darker neutrals are also trending — ideal for feature walls or spaces where you want a more cocooning, atmospheric vibe.

  
  

Nature‑Inspired Greens & Soothing Blues

• Greens are becoming the “new neutral.” Muted sage, olive, eucalyptus, moss and even deeper greens are popular — especially when paired with natural textures and wood.

• Blue‑greens and teals — calming yet distinctive — are also getting attention as colours that bring serenity and subtle colour to a room without overwhelming it.

• Softer, dusty blues and blue‑greys remain relevant for spaces where you want a restful, timeless atmosphere.

  
  

Warm, Earthy Accent Tones & Muted Reds / Yellows

• Earth‑inspired accent colours — terracotta, clay reds, ochres, warm browns — are trending, often used to bring warmth, character and a grounded feel to spaces.

• Muted reds (like berry or aubergine) are becoming a stylish way to add depth without overwhelming a space; these tones pair especially well with natural materials, creams, and warm neutrals.

• Yellows are also shifting toward softer, earthy versions — think butter, ochre or “sun‑baked” tones — rather than bright, neon‑style yellows. These work well in kitchens, cosy spaces or as accent walls.

  
  

What’s Driving These Trends

• There’s a clear desire for warmth, comfort and connection to nature — after years dominated by cool minimalism, people seem to want homes that feel grounding and liveable.

• Colour confidence is increasing: homeowners and designers are more willing to experiment with moodier, richer shades, rather than sticking to safe neutrals.

• Many of these palettes — earthy tones, muted greens, jewel shades — work beautifully with natural materials and textures (wood, stone, soft fabrics), which further supports a trend toward nature‑inspired interiors.

Pair these colours with natural materials like wood and stone for a balanced look.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Colour Matches Every Time

Here are my top tips to nail colour matching:

• Bring samples home: Don’t rely on store lighting.

• Consider the room’s purpose: Softer colours for bedrooms, vibrant for living areas.

• Use a colour wheel: Complementary colours sit opposite each other and create contrast.

• Don’t forget ceilings and trims: Matching these can unify the room.

• Ask for expert advice: Suppliers like A & B Trade Paints offer knowledgeable support.

  
  

Remember, if you want to colour match paint to a specific item or wallpaper, sending a sample to a professional service can save you time and money.

Final Thoughts on Colour Matching for Your Decorating Projects

Getting the perfect colour match is a rewarding part of decorating. It brings your vision to life and makes your space feel truly yours. Whether you’re a professional decorator or a DIY enthusiast, using the right products, tools, and techniques will help you achieve stunning results.

Keep experimenting with new trends, test your colours thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. Your walls will thank you!

For more inspiration and supplies, check out our paint and wallpaper categories to find the latest products and deals.

Happy decorating!