How the Undertones of Paint Color Can Affect the Look of the Room

Most colors are made by mixing two other colors together. When this happens, an undertone shows through. For example, beige is made by mixing several colors together, if there is more green, a green undertone is created. If more red is used, the undertone shows red. Because of this, even neutral colors can be a tricky choice. Here’s how the undertones of paint color can affect the look of the room.

Unless you are choosing a primary color, your paint choice will have undertones. This is especially important to remember when choosing a white color. Whites normally have a tint added to them. This can make white a difficult choice because the wrong undertone can make the room feel cold, dark, or institutional.

Understanding Paint Color

Once you have learned the secrets of undertones, your paint choices can be made with confidence. Matching not only neutrals, but also more vivid colors will be an easy game for you. Knowing that if you choose a blue to pair with white, you are good but the green undertone in it will look awful with pink.

Undertones and Masstones

Looking at a color, it’s easy to identify the masstone, or the main color that shows through. The undertone is more complicated to name. It can be hidden under the masstone, only to be visible under certain light or angle.

Identifying the Undertone

Picking the undertone of a color can be done by comparing it to the true color of the same masstone. For example, compare a true red to one you need to name an undertone for. You will be able to see the paint is more violet or yellow, showing the undertone. Use a color wheel to get the true colors for comparison.

When choosing a color scheme for your home, the best way to make sure your undertones will be good together is to do a sampling. Your home, including counters, floors, lighting and even the plants outside can bring out a surprising undertone. You want to know what will show through before you paint. Get a sample of the color and paint a poster board with it. Place it in various places around the room to test the undertones.

If you have already taken the plunge and painted the walls only to be surprised by a shocking undertone, pros recommend a lightbulb change. Because lightbulbs come in soft, warm, and bright whites, you can reduce the undertone in your walls by choosing the right one to counteract the tone.

Difficult Undertones to Work With

Homeowners have the most difficult time working with the undertones in pink and green. Even a neutral beige can turn green in the right settings. Green undertones notoriously don’t show up until they meet up with a wooden cabinet or floor. Warm woods in homes can easily bring out a green tint in your paint that was unrecognizable to the eye. If you are working with wooden features in your room, try a warm color for your wall with a yellow or red undertone.

Pink is problematic when it comes to taupe. A slight change in the paint formula and pink shows up in the walls. It is brought out when near green, blue or violet. If pink is your problem, try a neutral with a yellow that is warmer instead.

Manage Paint Undertones

Undertones don’t have to be your downfall. If you are dealing with a green or blue undertone that doesn’t work in your room, use a warm color. If you have pink or yellow showing up, use a cooler color.

If undertones are tripping you up, try working with a color consultant. They can identify potential issues and help you to resolve them before the color goes on the walls.