A monochromatic color scheme refers to using shades, tones, and tints of a single base hue. This creates a cohesive, soothing look as all the colors are from the same color family. Monochromatic color schemes are easy to pull off and can add visual interest when done right. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about achieving a monochromatic look with your home paint projects.
Choosing Your Base Color
The first step in creating a monochromatic paint scheme is picking your base color. This will be the dominant shade that sets the tone for the whole space. Some popular base colors for monochromatic schemes are blues, greens, grays, and browns. But you can use any color as your base.
Consider the mood you want to achieve when selecting your base shade. Lighter hues like soft blues and grays will create a relaxed, airy look. Deeper base colors like emerald greens and navy blues will be bold and dramatic. The undertones of your color also matter. Cool base colors like blues and greens will feel tranquil and soothing. Warm bases like reds, oranges and yellows will bring excitement and energy.
You’ll also want to take into account the size of the space you’re painting. Darker hues can make small rooms feel closed in, so pale versions may work better. Large open spaces can handle bolder base colors without feeling overwhelming.
Creating Tints of Your Base Color
Once you’ve selected your base shade, the next step is to mix up some tints of it. Tints are created by adding white to a color, making it lighter. Mixing up two to three tints will give you shades to use for accent walls or trimwork to add contrast against your darker base color.
Add white slowly when mixing tints. You want subtle variations, not completely washed out pastel versions of your base color. For a soft, airy look, tints that are three to five shades lighter than your base color work well.
Test your tints on sample boards before committing to painting an entire wall. You may need to tweak the ratios until you get the right undertone and lighter shade you’re looking for. If your base color has strong warm or cool undertones, keep those consistent in your tints for cohesion.
Making Tones with Gray and Black
In addition to tints, you’ll also want to create some tones of your base color. Tones are produced by adding gray or black rather than white. This deepens and muted the original shade.
Mix up a few tones that are three to five shades darker than your base color. Gray will create more subtle, elegant variations. Using black makes for much bolder, dramatic tones. As with your tints, test tones out on sample boards first to ensure you like the end result.
Incorporating these deeper tones is an excellent way to add contrast and visual distinction between walls in a monochromatic scheme. Use the darker tones on accent walls or to paint trimwork and moldings. This grounds the scheme and creates depth and dimension.
Using Shades for Maximum Contrast
Shades refer to pure versions of your base color straight from the tube. Using an ultra-dark shade of your hue as an accent can make a bold statement and add loads of contrast.
You have a few options for working in these deep shade accents. Painting one feature wall in a noticeably darker version of your base color makes it the focal point. Dark shades as trims and moldings also pop dramatically against lighter tints.
Use these powerful dark accents sparingly so they don’t overwhelm the space. Little goes a long way with such deep shades. For most spaces, just one bold feature wall or accent trim color will do the trick.
Selecting Finish Options
Another way to expand your monochromatic color scheme is by utilizing different paint finishes. Matte, eggshell, satin, and high-gloss finishes all read as slightly different versions of the same base color. Combining finishes adds subtle contrast and visual texture.
Flat matte paint absorbs light minimally, creating a classic, velvety look. It works wonderfully on walls. Eggshell has a soft sheen, making it ideal for trim and moldings. Satin finishes have a bit more luster, perfect for doors and cabinets.
Finally, high-gloss paint reflects the most light. Use it sparingly on accents like furniture and metalwork. The reflective sheen makes it a striking accent. Just be sure to prepare surfaces extremely well for smooth, professional results.
Pulling it All Together throughout the Room
With your tints, tones, shades, and finishes selected, now comes the fun part – applying your monochromatic color scheme throughout the space! Here are some tips:
– Use your deepest shade or high-gloss finish on the accent wall or focal feature. This will be the superstar element.
– Paint trimwork and moldings in a deeper tone. Ceilings can be a lighter tint to add height.
– Use your base color on the remaining main walls for balance.
– Add furnishings like pillows, rugs, and art in various tones and tints. This ties the whole scheme together.
– Repeat colors on architectural elements. Paint crown molding trim the same tone as your lower trimwork and doors.
Achieving harmony and flow requires planning the whole space, not just the wall colors. Your monochromatic color scheme should move visually from lightest tones to darkest for maximum impact.
Example Monochromatic Color Schemes
To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of popular monochromatic color schemes:
| Color Family | Base Color | Lighter Tint | Darker Tone | Boldest Shade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blues | Navy | Baby blue | Prussian blue | Midnight blue |
| Greens | Forest green | Seafoam | Hunter green | Emerald |
| Grays | Charcoal | Light pewter | Gunmetal | Black |
| Browns | Beige | Tan | Brown | Dark chocolate |
As you can see, the shades and tones work together beautifully while still providing nice contrast. Use color visualizers online or at your local paint store to explore different monochromatic combinations.
Tips for Properly Painting Your Monochromatic Colors
To ensure your painted monochromatic color scheme comes out looking professionally done and cohesive, follow these best practices:
– Properly prepare surfaces by cleaning, patching, priming, and sanding prior to painting. This allows for smooth application.
– Use high-quality primer matched to your paint types to improve adhesion and coverage.
– Only apply paint in proper temperature and humidity conditions to avoid imperfections.
– Cut in edges neatly with high-quality angled paintbrushes before rolling paint in sections.
– Maintain a wet edge and overlap rolled sections to prevent lap marks and variances.
– Work in the right order from top to bottom. Paint ceilings first, then trimwork, walls last.
– Allow proper drying time between coats according to manufacturer guidelines for durability.
– Use limited brushwork and rolling techniques for each finish type to achieve its intended look.
Patience and care in prep, application, and clean up will pay off in a gorgeously executed, flawless monochromatic paint application you’ll love.
Conclusion
Monochromatic color schemes offer a stylish, elegant look that’s also easy to achieve. By choosing a base color and thoughtfully mixing tints, tones and shades of it, you can craft a soothing, cohesive palette. Add in some bold dark accents and sleek finish options like high gloss for maximum visual impact. Follow best painting practices for stunning results. With some planning and careful technique, anyone can pull off a sophisticated monochromatic room!
