A Guide to Color Drenching
Color drenching is a bold interior design technique. Using a single paint color across an entire space—covering walls, ceilings, woodwork, and sometimes even furniture or floors—is a big decision.
But have no fear! Below, you’ll find everything you need to use color drenching to great effect.
The Benefits of Color Drenching
Done well, color drenching creates a unified and immersive look, eliminating visual breaks and giving the space a more harmonious feel. It also enhances space perception, making smaller spaces feel more spacious, or larger spaces more inviting.
It’s also greatly effective at creating a mood. Whether you go with a rich, dark tone or something soft and calming, you can set a strong emotional tone.
Color drenching can draw the eye to architectural details, while adding layers of visual interest with various finishes, from matte and gloss to satin.
Whether the aesthetic you’re going for is minimalist or maximalist, this modern and increasingly popular technique can help you achieve the look and feel you want.
How to Choose the Right Color for Drenching
If you’re using one color to drench a space, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right color.
Start by considering the room’s function and the kind of mood you want to create. For a cozy feel, consider soft neutrals, warm earth tones, or muted pastels. On the other hand, deep blues, rich greens, and charcoal can add drama and sophistication.
If the room is small or lacks architectural detail, you might want to use a lighter shade to help open up the space. If the room is larger, darker hues can create a more intimate effect.
It’s also key to note how much light the room gets, and how that light changes throughout the day. Different temperatures of light do different things to different colors, and you’ll want to observe these effects before making your choice.
The most crucial step in choosing your colors, of course, is sampling. Read on for a mess-free and stress-free way to do just that.
How to Sample Colors With Samplize
1. Explore the Possibilities
Start by going here and browsing our huge collection of paint colors from leading brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
You can go with some of our color bundles or handpick a stack of samples in just a few minutes. (Keep in mind that it’s usually best to steer clear of extremely bright or neon colors, which can be overwhelming when used for color drenching.)
Finish your order, and your large-format peel-and-stick samples will arrive on your doorstep the very next day.
2. Peel and Stick
Every one of your samples will be painted (not printed) with two coats of real paint, so you’ll be able to really see how each shade will look in your space.
Make sure to test one sample on an inconspicuous spot first and then feel free to apply them all.
For color drenching, make sure to apply samples to various surfaces, like your walls, trim, and ceilings.
3. Choose With Confidence
Take your time on this step. Turn the lights on and off. Draw and then open curtains. Wait for sunrise, midday, and sunset. Notice how each color behaves in various conditions, and what kind of mood it will set in your space.
After all that, if you haven’t found your ideal color, just repeat these easy steps until you do.
Some Color Ideas
Here are six distinctive hues that work beautifully for color drenching. Consider them when selecting your samples.
1. Hale Navy is a deep and sophisticated blue that can add timeless drama.
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2. Essex Green is a rich and moody hue that feels sophisticated and enveloping.
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3. Kendall Charcoal is a dark gray with warm undertones, perfect for a grounded and elegant look.
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4. Naval is another navy blue, this one ideal for creating a warm and serene atmosphere.
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5. Iron Ore is a rich charcoal that makes a powerful impact when used for color drenching.
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6. Rosemary is a deep, muted green that adds a rich, organic feel.
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How to Color Drench a Room: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have your color, follow these steps to put it to use.
1. Choose Your Finishes
Using different finishes can add depth and visual interest. Consider matte or eggshell for walls, satin for trim and doors, and flat for ceilings.
2. Prep the Room
Cover floors and remove or cover furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
3. Prep the Surfaces
Clean and sand all surfaces you’re going to paint. Repair any cracks or holes and apply primer if needed. Primer is especially important if you’re painting over darker colors.
4. Paint the Ceiling
Starting from the top down helps prevent drips or splatters on finished surfaces. Using a quality roller with an extension pole, start near a corner and work in smooth and overlapping strokes.
5. Paint the Walls and Trim
Continue with walls, followed by baseboards, window frames, doors, and moldings.
6. Apply Second Coat
Once your first coat is dry, apply the second in the same order as above. Most surfaces will only require two coats, but you might need a third if you’re painting over a dark color.
7. Incorporate Matching Decor (Optional)
For a fully drenched look, coordinate furniture, textiles, and accessories in similar tones or complementary shades to extend the color scheme beyond the walls.
8. Perform Touch-ups
When the last coat is dry, inspect for missed spots or uneven areas and touch up as needed.
When all this is done, you’ll be ready to furnish the space and enjoy the powerful visual impact of color drenching.
Ready to Start?
Color drenching can truly upgrade the visual impact and mood of a space, so long as you use the right color. When you’re ready to explore the vast range of options, start right here.
