How Many Colours Is Too Many? Creating a Cohesive Colour Flow at Home 🎨
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
“How many paint colours should I use in my home?”
There’s no single right number—but there is a point where too many colours can make a home feel busy, disconnected, and visually overwhelming.
The key isn’t variety.
It’s flow.
Here’s how to create a cohesive colour scheme that works beautifully from room to room.
1. The Ideal Number of Colours (For Most Homes)
As a general guide:
- 1 main colour – used across shared spaces
- 1–2 supporting colours – for bedrooms or secondary rooms
- 1 accent colour – optional, for feature walls or details
👉 For most homes, 3–4 colours total (not including ceilings and trims) is more than enough.
Using fewer colours helps spaces feel larger, calmer, and more intentional.
2. Start with a Core Colour
Choose one colour that will anchor your home.
This is usually used in:
- Hallways
- Living areas
- Open-plan spaces
A well-chosen core colour makes transitions between rooms feel seamless.
💡 At My Paint & Co, we often help customers select one “connector colour” that works in multiple lighting conditions.
3. Use Variations, Not Completely Different Colours
Instead of jumping between unrelated colours, try:
- Lighter or darker versions of the same tone
- Colours with the same undertone (warm or cool)
- Neutrals that sit in the same family
This keeps your home visually connected without feeling repetitive.
4. Let Function Guide Colour Choices
Different rooms can handle colour differently.
- Living areas & hallways → calm, versatile colours
- Bedrooms → slightly deeper or softer variations
- Studies or feature areas → bolder accents (used sparingly)
If every room tries to make a statement, the home loses balance.
5. Don’t Forget Ceilings & Trims
Consistency here is crucial.
- Use one ceiling colour throughout the home
- Use one trim colour (doors, skirting, architraves)
This instantly ties everything together—even if wall colours change.
6. When More Colours Can Work
You can use more colours if:
- Your home has strong architectural separation
- Colours share the same undertone
- One neutral still dominates overall
Without a plan, though, too many colours usually create visual noise.
7. Test Flow, Not Just Individual Rooms
A colour can look great on its own—but clash when seen from another space.
💡 Always stand in hallways or doorways and look at two rooms together, not in isolation.
This is one of the biggest mistakes DIY painters make.
Why Colour Flow Matters
A cohesive colour flow:
- Makes your home feel more spacious
- Reduces visual stress
- Helps furniture and décor work together
- Ages better over time
At My Paint & Co, we regularly help customers simplify colour choices and build palettes that actually work in real homes—not just on sample cards.
Final Thoughts
More colours don’t equal more style.
A well-planned palette with fewer colours almost always feels more refined.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how your colours will work together, getting advice early can save you time, money, and repainting later.
✨ Visit My Paint & Co for help creating a colour flow that feels cohesive, calm, and confidently yours.