Home maintenance requires a considerable amount of time and effort and we are all in the lookout for ways to make our lives easier. After all, who does not want a little time for themselves? A simple way to reduce the need to clean and maintain your home’s interior decor frequently is by opting for colours that can hide dirt and imperfections. Doing so makes maintenance a breeze and allows you to take it up at your convenience without the urgency to address it immediately. In this article, we have curated a list of colours you should consider incorporating in your home decor scheme for easier maintenance and cleanliness.
See also: 7 most welcoming exterior paint colours
Warm neutrals
This range of colours includes shades like taupe, beige, warm grey, sand and others. Falling in the mid-range of lightness and darkness, they are less prone to making smudges and dust visible as compared to stark whites or deep hues. The soft backdrop they provide blends well with most types of dust. Moreover, since they don’t create sharp contrast between clean and dirty areas, such warm tones are also great for hiding minor imperfections and scratches.
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Earthy tones
Earthy tones closely imitate natural colours found outdoors, making them highly effective at masking everyday grime and wear. Think olive green, terracotta, deep brown and muted mustard. The complex mixture of hues and textures meant for obtaining the perfect shades greatly helps in camouflaging imperfections. One example of the efficacy of such shades can be seen in the ability of terracotta’s reddish-brown hues and earthy undertones to hide dirt and minor marks.
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Muted blues and greens
Colours like sage green, navy blue, powder blue and teal provide a soft and muted effect which is ideal if a subtle and soothing vibe is what you are looking for for your space. Moreover, muted tones don’t reflect light as intensely as lighter colours, making them more effective in hiding smudges and stains. For example, navy blue is dark enough to mask dirt, yet offers a rich and elegant look minus the harshness of black.
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Textured finishes
An effective way to divert attention from dirt and imperfections is by having richly textured or elaborately designed walls. Stucco, textured paint, Venetian plaster and fabric wallpapers are some options you can consider for this effect. The multi-dimensional surface created by textured finishes can obscure small imperfections like dents and scratches, something that regular smooth finishes are not capable of. Textures also differ in their ability to scatter light, making flaws less noticeable and adding more visual interest to your decor.
Source: Pinterest @etsy
Patterned wallpapers
Alongside adding visual interest to your space, patterns featuring a mix of colours and shapes are excellent at disguising small stains and smudges. Think florals, geometric designs, abstract patterns and the likes. A busy or intricate pattern automatically means that dirt and marks gets absorbed into the overall design instead of standing out in stark contrast. Plain colours cannot conceal flaws as efficiently as patterned wallpapers.
Source: Pinterest @etsy
FAQs
What colours are most effective at hiding dirt on walls?
Warm neutrals like taupe, beige and warm grey, earthy tones, and muted blues and greens are highly effective at hiding dirt on walls.
Can dark colours hide dirt?
While dark colours like navy blue, charcoal grey and deep green can hide dirt, they are more prone to making smudges and fingerprints more visible and might require extra maintenance.
How can I use textures to hide imperfections on walls?
The multi-dimensional surface created by textures like stucco, textured paint or Venetian plaster masks flaws more effectively than plain surfaces and diffuses light differently.
Do patterned wallpapers help in hiding imperfections?
Patterned wallpapers featuring complex and busy designs can camouflage small stains and marks by blending them into the overall design.
What finishes are most effective at hiding imperfections in paint?
Matte and eggshell finishes are more effective than high-gloss due to their low-reflective properties.
What specific products are designed to hide imperfections?
Paints with features like high coverage or blemish reduction contain higher levels of pigment and special additives that can better conceal imperfections than regular alternatives.
How can I maintain a clean overall appearance with colours that hide dirt?
Even with colours that hide dirt, regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary. Use gentle cleaners and soft cloth to clean the walls without damaging the finish.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
