wilko Paint Guide: how to choose the right colour for your home

How do I choose the right wilko paint for my room?

Choosing the right paint starts with the room, how you use it, and the finish you want. Consider:

• Room type: Choose a paint designed for the conditions, such as moisture-resistant paint for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Finish: Matt gives a low-sheen finish, while silk offers more sheen and can be easier to wipe clean.
• Colour: Think about the size of the room, natural light, and your existing furniture before choosing a shade.
• Durability: Busy areas such as hallways and family rooms can benefit from our Tough & Washable paint.
• Testing: Try a few paint tester pots at home first, as colours can look different depending on the lighting and surrounding decor.

Wilko popular paint colour & finish matrix

Top wilko colour families and trending shades

Neutrals and warm greys

Our selection of neutrals and warm greys feature shades like Cosy Grey, Warm Taupe, Almond, and Milky Mocha. We’d recommend using these colours in cosy living rooms and hallways as they give off a soft and welcoming feel.

They’re also easy to pair with different home furniture and accessories, so you can change the look of the room without having to repaint every time your style changes.

Botanical greens and deep blues

Shades such as Dark Ivy, Sage, Neptune and Intense Blueberry can add plenty of personality without making a room feel too busy.

Deep greens and blues work especially well on feature walls, while softer sage shades are a good choice for bedrooms and other spaces where you want a calmer feel. Pair them with natural wood, warm neutrals, or lighter furnishings to keep the overall look balanced.

Blush pinks and soft whites

For something softer, Dusky Petal, Marshmallow and Pure Brilliant White can make a room feel really light and fresh. Soft pinks work well in bedrooms and living spaces, while white paint is the classic choice for smaller rooms or bathrooms where you don’t want things to feel too moody.

If you're unsure how a colour will look in your space, try out one of our paint tester pots before committing to a full tin.

Room-by-room paint and colour pairing ideas

While there’s no strict right or wrong way to decorate each room in your home, there are certain colours which lend themselves more to certain spaces in your house. Here are some of our favourites!

Living room feature walls

Feature walls - also known as accent walls - are essentially a single wall that provides a focal point, standing out from other walls in the room with a pop of bold colour.

If you’d like to give this a go for yourself, why not try a deep blue or botanical green against a warm neutral backdrop. You can find these and more in our feature wall paint collection.

Kitchen and bathroom styles

Kitchens and bathrooms both get used a lot. And while both rooms are used in very different ways, they both need a paint that’s fit for purpose. Look for bathroom paint and suitable kitchen paint colours designed with moisture and regular cleaning in mind. A mid-sheen or washable finish can also be a practical choice for areas that see more splashes, steam, and everyday wear.

Colours for your bedroom hideaway

Bedrooms are a fantastic place to experiment with colours, and you can get as creative with them as you see fit. We tend to think softer colours work best for bedrooms - sage greens, warm neutrals, muted pinks, and earthy shades all feel relaxing and calm. You can keep things simple with one colour throughout, or use a slightly deeper shade on one wall to add some contrast.

Check out our range of wall and ceiling paint for more ideas.

Matt, silk, or something else? Choosing the right paint finish

Now that you’ve chosen your colour, it’s time to decide on the finish. Consider how much footfall the space gets, whether the walls need regular cleaning, and how much natural light shines into the room.

Matt paint has a smooth, low-sheen finish that can help disguise little imperfections caused by general wear and tear, making it a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and ceilings.

Silk paint has a higher sheen that reflects more light and can be easier to wipe clean, making it more popular for busier areas such as hallways and family rooms.

For rooms exposed to more moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, look for a tough, durable, or washable paint that's designed for the conditions.

How to test paint colours at home

There’s nothing worse than when the paint colour featured all over your decorating mood board doesn’t look quite right in your home. There is a load of reasons as to why this can happen - natural light, artificial lighting, and the colours already in your room can all affect how a shade appears.

There is a way to get around this, though. Before buying a full tin of your chosen paint, pick up a few wilko paint tester pots and try your shortlisted colours at home. Here’s how we’d suggest going about the process:

• Paint your testers onto a piece of lining paper or card so you can move them around the room.
• Look at each colour against your flooring, furniture and other finishes.
• Check the shades at different times of day, as morning and evening light can change how they look.
• Give yourself some time with the colours before making your final decision - there’s no need to rush!

And there you have it! Choosing your favourite paint and giving your home a fresh new look can feel like a bit of a roller coaster, but we hope you enjoy the ride. Once you've found your perfect shade, why not take a look at our paint for the home collection for more colours, finishes, and decorating essentials to help you get the job done.

Paint colour FAQs

What are the most popular paint colours for homes?

Neutral and warm shades remain popular because they're easy to live with, while greens, blues and softer pinks are useful when you want to bring more colour into a room. The best choice will depend on your personal style, the size of the room, and how much natural light it gets.

How do I choose a paint colour for my room?

Start by considering the size of the room, natural light and the colours of your existing furniture and flooring. It's also worth testing a few shades at home before committing to a full tin, as paint can look different depending on the surrounding colours and lighting.

Should I use matt or silk paint?

Matt paint has a low-sheen finish that's well suited to many living rooms, bedrooms and ceilings, while silk has more of a sheen and can be easier to wipe clean. For kitchens and bathrooms, look for a finish specifically designed to cope with moisture and regular cleaning.

What paint is best for kitchens and bathrooms?

Choose a paint that's specifically suitable for the conditions in the room. Kitchens and bathrooms can be exposed to moisture, steam and regular cleaning, so a durable or moisture-resistant finish can be a practical choice. Always check the product details before buying.