Is it Better to Paint Your Walls Before or After You Move In?

Whether you’re moving to a different floor in your current building or across the city, you want your new place to feel like home. Painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to create your preferred aesthetic, but should you do this before or after you move in? Our designers weigh in on when is the best time to paint.

When you paint before moving in, it takes less time and effort. You don’t have to move or cover furniture, which will reduce the cost if you’re paying professional painters. Painting before you live in your new apartment will allow you to check a major item off your to-do list, which can make the move less stressful.

Just as a coin has two sides, there are reasons to delay painting until you settle into your new space. Lighting is ample reason to consider waiting. It’s worth it to first get paint samples and see how the light affects those paint colors as the day goes on. By painting after you move in, you can also give yourself the time to choose colors you know will complement your furniture, artwork, and accessories. You won’t risk scuff marks on a fresh paint job if you paint after moving in.

The timing of your painting is less critical than choosing the right colors. Neutrals are always safe, but pops of color help to personalize your home. The first rule of paint shopping is to never commit to a color in the showroom. Undertones significantly impact a color’s appearance but are often overlooked; it’s essential to place samples of potential hues on a wall and view how they appear at different times of day. What looks like a crisp white in the store may have a yellow or pink hue in your home.

You should also consider the size of the room. Small spaces often look their best with lighter shades on the walls, while larger rooms are made more cozy with dark colors. If you want to use light and dark colors in a room, use deep hues at the bottom and gradually lighten the shades as you move toward the ceiling. The 60-30-10 rule is an excellent guide for selecting colors. One color should cover 60% of a room, 30% a secondary hue, and 10% an accent shade.

When you paint your home is a matter of preference, and the color specialists at Janovic will ensure the shades you choose will perfectly match your interior. Find out why we are the city’s premier Benjamin Moore paint and Hunter Douglas window treatments dealer!

Visit one of our paint stores across New York City, including Chelsea, Gramercy Park, Hell’s Kitchen, Long Island City, Soho, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Uptown West, Yorkville, and The Bronx, or book a consultation online.