What is the best number of paint colors to shortlist for testing?

A practical paint color shortlist includes three to five colors. This size keeps options manageable while allowing enough variety to compare undertones, mood, and light response. Shortlisting facilitates focused testing on large samples in your actual room, enabling clearer decisions. Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many hues, as this leads to indecision. Curate your list based on your desired mood, lighting effects, and how colors interact with your floors and trim.