Choosing the right paint for your budget and style

Painting one's home is no longer just about freshening up walls. In today's world—where a vibrant cultural legacy intersects with modern living—choosing paint has evolved into a personal, emotional, and financial decision. Whether it's a modest flat in Dhaka or a family home in the countryside, homeowners are increasingly weighing budget constraints against aesthetic ambitions to make smarter, longer-lasting choices.

Budget first, brand later

The cost of painting a home varies widely, depending on paint type, surface area, and labour charges. For many middle-income families, setting a budget is the starting point. Responding to this reality, brands like Berger, Aqua, Asian Paints, Aqua Paints, Nippon, and Roxy have developed tiered product portfolios, ranging from economy options to premium finishes—ensuring homeowners can find solutions that match both their tastes and their means.

But affordability doesn't always mean going cheap. "A common mistake is choosing the lowest-priced option without considering long-term costs," said one industry expert. "A basic paint may need reapplication in two years, while a premium coat could last five or more."

Md Mohsin Habib Chowdhury, COO & Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, emphasised the importance of innovation in keeping quality affordable. "Maintaining affordability amid rising input costs requires operational discipline and innovation across the value chain. Our goal is to make quality paint accessible to every homeowner, reinforcing our commitment to dependable, high-performance solutions that enhance living spaces across all income levels," he said.

Budhaditya Mukherjee, Regional Head of Asian Paints International Limited, echoed the sentiment: "We maintain a tiered product portfolio that caters to diverse income groups. From economy emulsions to premium finishes, we ensure that quality is never compromised. This approach allows homeowners across the spectrum to access durable, aesthetically pleasing solutions that fit their budgets."

Rajesh Sircar, General Manager of Nippon Paint Bangladesh, added that the company's wide range addresses everyone from price-sensitive buyers to those seeking high-end finishes. "We offer a broad portfolio catering to every budget—value-for-money options to premium solutions," he noted.

Shayaan Seraj, Director of Aqua Paints (Octagon Fibres & Chemicals, a unit of Elite Group), added practical numbers. He said, "Our products range from Tk 6 to Tk 24 per square foot, while labour costs vary from Tk 8 to Tk 16. We've built a portfolio that offers quality at every price point."

Understanding paint types and their purpose

In a country where humidity, salinity, and seasonal extremes affect wall health, choosing the right paint type is crucial. Emulsion paints are widely recommended for their durability and smooth finish—ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. However, they're pricier than distempers, which remain a cost-effective option for low-traffic areas.

To meet diverse needs, paint companies now offer specialised solutions—from anti-saline coatings for coastal areas and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints for eco-conscious consumers, to elastomeric roof paints that reflect heat and resist monsoon wear.

"What matters is reliability," said Shayaan Seraj. "Whether it's a city apartment or a coastal home, paints should be made to perform and endure."

Weather-resistant acrylics, though costlier, are the go-to for exterior walls due to their longevity and ability to resist fungal growth. For interiors, low-VOC or odourless paints are gaining popularity—especially among families with children or elderly members—for their health benefits.

The psychology of colour meets personal taste

Paint is also an emotional choice. Colour can define a room's mood and a homeowner's personality. While practical concerns like durability and maintenance play a role, personal expression has become a central theme.

"Driven by rapid urbanisation and a growing appetite for global design, homeowners are moving away from functional painting toward thoughtful expression," said Syed Salahuddin Abu Naser, Business Director of Dulux Paints Bangladesh, ACI Formulations Limited. "Today's question isn't just 'what colour to use'—it's 'what feeling should this wall evoke?'"

Getting expert help without breaking the bank

A growing number of consumers are turning to professionals or digital tools to help choose colours and finishes.

Berger Paints' Experience Zone (BEZ), currently operating in 17 locations with plans to expand nationwide, serves as a one-stop hub for expert guidance. "These centres offer a unified platform for colour advice, surface evaluation, and access to our Express Painting Service," said Md Mohsin Habib Chowdhury. "From shade selection to surface preparation and professional application, we ensure a cleaner, faster, and higher-quality finish," he added.

Asian Paints, too, offers end-to-end solutions. "Through initiatives like Beautiful Homes and ColourNext, we provide end-to-end solutions from selection to execution, helping customers visualise and realise their dream spaces," said Budhaditya Mukherjee of Asian Paints.

And these services aren't reserved only for the wealthy. "Though they may seem like a luxury, many are free or come at a nominal cost with paint purchases, ensuring even budget-conscious customers benefit," added Md Mohsin.

Digital tools are also transforming the consumer experience. The Dulux Visualizer App, a global benchmark in AR-based colour previewing, is being assessed for a local rollout—customised for Bangladeshi homes, habits, and hardware. Similarly, Nippon Paint's i-Colour App allows users to digitally preview colours on their own walls, making the selection process more personal and confident.

With increasing access to digital tools, professional services, and diverse product lines, homeowners no longer have to compromise. In a world where every colour tells a story, your walls deserve the right voice—one that speaks to your lifestyle, lasts through the seasons, and stays within your means.