Won't the Color Look Darker on the Wall?

Benjamin Moore's Surf Blue

A re-occurring question I am asked as a Color Consultant is if the color will look darker on the wall than on the 2"x2" paint chip available at the local paint store. 


I never have a cut and dry answer because it is yes/no answer after you read between the lines of the client's question.  The 'No' weighs stronger. 

No, because the paint color should be the same as the color chip (notice I didn't say exactly {paper vs. paint; printing ink vs. paint pigments, etc}). 

Yes, the room could look darker, but it is because you may be changing from a light/medium color to a stronger or darker color.  Or maybe you are changing from a beige or golden color to a blue or green color.  Yellow (gold or beige) has more reflective value than the other colors.

 Before: Limestone in Guest Room

 After: Surf Blue in Teenager's Room

I have actually found the room to not look darker than the chip because you cover a larger surface area with the paint, and the room's light (natural and incandescent) will help with reflective value.  Trust me though, this room is dark compared to the previous color.  It looks like an ocean blue but with teal instead of solid blue, exactly what my client wanted.

Need help determining paint colors for your home or business?  Contact me for a consultation appointment.