The Sims 4 offers a tremendous amount of customization options when it comes to decorating your Sims’ homes. One of the most basic but impactful ways to personalize items is by changing their color schemes. Luckily, The Sims 4 provides several methods for altering the colors of furniture, appliances, decor items, and more. Here’s an overview of the different ways you can change object colors in The Sims 4.
Using the Color Swatches
The most straightforward way to change an object’s color is through the use of color swatches. When you select an item in Build or Buy Mode, a palette of color options will appear. Simply click on the swatch you want to instantly change the color of that object. Here are some key things to know about color swatches:
- Each object has its own unique set of swatch options to choose from.
- You can preview the different swatches by hovering over them before selecting.
- Some swatches will be free options that come with the base game, others may need to be unlocked through packs or mods.
- The swatches can completely change the texture and pattern of an object in addition to the color.
Color swatches provide a quick and easy way to test out different color variations of an item while decorating. However, the selection is limited to the predetermined swatches provided.
Editing the Color Channels
For even more customization options, you can edit the specific color channels of an object. Here are the steps:
- Enter Build or Buy Mode and select the object you want to recolor.
- Find the toolbar option called “Change Item Color” and select it. This will open the color editing panel.
- You’ll see slider bars for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness. Drag these sliders to achieve your desired color.
- You can also enter specific numbers into the color value boxes. The red, green, and blue values define the exact shade.
- Select “Apply” to view your edited color on the object.
Editing the color channels gives you freedom to create any color imaginable on an object. It takes a bit more time to use than swatches, but the payoff is having total control over the shade.
Painting Surfaces and Walls
Another coloring technique is to use the Paint tool. This allows you to apply colored textures directly onto surfaces and walls. Here are some tips for painting objects:
- Browse the wide selection of paint colors and textures available.
- Use the palette chooser to pick a starting color, then customize it further.
- Painting over an existing swatch or color will overwrite it.
- Any surface or wall can be painted, including floors, doors, siding, furniture, etc.
- Use the Repaint tool to quickly apply the last selected paint again.
Painting items and walls is great for creating more realism. The color palettes behave like real-world paints, letting you completely transform the look of a room.
Using Custom Content
One of the biggest benefits of playing on PC is having access to Custom Content (CC). CC allows you to install player-created objects, color options, and tools into your game. Here are some of the ways CC can provide more recoloring options:
- New Swatches – Find CC that adds more color swatches for existing objects.
- Recoloring Tools – Use special recoloring tools to customize swatches.
- New Objects – Install recolored object variations and furniture sets.
- Default Replacements – Swap in a recolored version to use by default.
CC recolors and tools can save you time customizing. But make sure to stick to trusted sites and creators when browsing online.
Using Cheats
One last option is to use cheating commands. Here are a couple examples:
- bb.showhiddenobjects – Unlocks hidden bonus color swatches.
- bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement – Lets you access packs you don’t own.
Cheats can help you access more color content. But use them at your own risk – they can potentially corrupt saves or disable achievements.
Key Guidelines
Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind when recoloring items in The Sims 4:
- Be creative and don’t be afraid to try bold colors!
- Consider lighting when picking shades – some may look different in-game.
- Use colors to enhance an item’s style or purpose. For example, use bright white for a sleek modern look or deep reds for a romantic bedroom.
- Customize both large items (sofas, beds) and small accents (books, decorations) for a cohesive look.
- Sample paint or swatches on hidden areas first if you’re unsure of a risky color choice.
- Browse the catalog sorted by color to find items matching your desired shades.
Follow these tips when utilizing all the color changing methods available in The Sims 4.
Limitations
While the recoloring options are very flexible in The Sims 4, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- You are limited to the preset swatch options provided for each object.
- Some parts of objects can’t be recolored individually.
- Items from certain packs may have limited swatches.
- Edited colors won’t transfer between saves or galleries.
- Painting is prone to looking unrealistic up close compared to real textures.
- Custom swatches require mods and PC access.
Work around these limitations by choosing versatile base items with many swatches. Focus recolors on key centerpiece items.
Examples
Here are some examples of ways to creatively edit colors in The Sims 4:
| Item | Original Color | Recolored To | Method Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood floors | Medium brown | White washed gray | Paint tool |
| Kitchen appliances | Stainless steel | Matte black | Color channels edited |
| Living room sofa | Beige fabric | Dark blue velvet | Swatch changed |
| Child’s bed | Wood frame | Mint green metal frame | Custom content swatch |
These examples demonstrate just a few of the countless recolor possibilities available. Taking time to customize the colors in a space can really make it unique.
Conclusion
Changing the colors of objects is an impactful way to personalize builds and spaces in The Sims 4. With the variety of tools and options available, you have the freedom to completely re-imagine items to match your preferences. Take time to experiment with different recoloring methods to find what works best for your decorating style. Don’t be afraid to get creative with bold, unexpected colors that liven up a room. The ability to customize colors so extensively lets you create homes that truly reflect the personalities of your Sims.