Tony Sivori | 2009-08-08 | 8:20:37 AM wrote:

Modest ranch home built in the mid 1950's, so we're talking about
small unlighted closets.

I can't decide whether to paint the closet walls the same color as the
room, or should I paint the closet white?

I'm leaning toward painting the closet the same color as the room it
serves, as it will look more finished and perhaps imply better
workmanship. But all white walls would have the advantage of a
possibly better lighted closet interior.

Is one of the two choices generally accepted as the right way to do
it?

Paint it whatever color you have. If you can finish off a gallon of the
room paint, use that. No one will care.

If you use different paint than the room, use glossier paint in the
closet. I can't tell you how many closets I've seen with black marks on
the wall where someone leaned a folding chair or shoe rack. Flat paint
seems to generate marks all by itself.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX USA