Written by: Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore Colour & Design Expert

All photographs are courtesy of Benjamin Moore

*FRONT WALL & TRIM: Pomegranate AF-295, DOOR: Ebony King 2132-20, MIDDLE WALL: Head Over Heels, MIDDLE TRIM: Chantilly Lace, FAR WALL: Bone White OC-143 FAR TRIM: Chantilly Lace*

Throughout my journey in the décor industry, I’ve come across many myths about using paint colour — misconceptions that often hold people back from fully embracing their personal style. Let’s debunk three of the most common ones to help empower you with the confidence to fill your space with hues you truly love!

*WALLS: Ashwood Moss 1484, TRIM: Ashwood Moss 1484, BUILT-INS: Ashwood Moss 1484, CEILING: Ashwood Moss 1484*

1. “I have to paint my ceilings and trim white”

Using white paint on ceilings and trim is common, but it’s not always the best choice and certainly isn’t the only choice. There are countless variations of white paint colours, and it’s important to pick one that complements your room’s design. Think of the ceiling as the “fifth wall”—just as crucial as the other four walls. Designers will often paint trim the same colour as the wall in a higher sheen for a pared-back look or to minimize contrast and draw attention to other room features. Some of the most striking rooms use ceilings and trim as opportunities to add contrast, drama, or even playful surprises with colour.

2. “I have to use 1 wall colour throughout my home for harmony”

Rooms can flow beautifully even if their wall colours differ. The key is to create harmony among all the colours, including those in flooring, countertops, cabinets, and furnishings. Pay attention to sightlines from room to room ensuring everything works together visually and use your paint colours as a tool to tie elements together while letting each space have its unique character. Selecting your homes paint colours from a curated palette such as Benjamin Moore’s Affinity Collection takes the guesswork out of colour planning as the palette was designed to work together, making it perfect when you are looking for multiple colours to use throughout a home – you can mix and match these seamlessly!

*WALLS: Solitude AF-545, FAR ACCENT WALL: Buttered Yam AF-230, CEILINGS: Frostine AF-5, TRIM: Frostine AF-5, HALLWAY WALLL Frostine AF-5*

3. “I have to paint my small room a light colour to make it feel larger.”

To make a room feel more spacious, focus on adding quality lighting that brightens every corner and reducing sharp contrasts in the space. While white is excellent for reflecting light, well-lit rooms can also feel open and airy with a variety of colours, as long as they don’t strongly contrast with the furniture, floors, and other elements. A popular trend now is colour drenching, where the walls, ceiling, and trim are painted the same hue—whether light or dark—to create a seamless, cozy, and immersive environment.

Ultimately, colour is deeply personal, and everyone reacts to it differently. Don’t let so-called rules or myths hold you back. If you love a colour, take the time to research it, test samples in your space, and then confidently make it your own!

Debunking Paint Colour Myths

Power of Paint Colour