The Impact of Lighting on Paint Colors

Lighting plays a significant role in how we perceive colors. Lighting can make a shade that looks ideal in one type of lighting appear entirely different in another. When choosing paint colors for a room, it’s essential to consider how types of lighting can dramatically affect a color’s appearance.

Let’s explore how natural, incandescent light, and LED lighting can affect paint colors.

Natural Light

Natural lighting is generally considered the best source for evaluating paint colors. It provides the most accurate representation of hues. However, the amount and quality of natural light can change throughout the day and with the seasons.

Take note of which direction your rooms face before selecting a paint color. Eastern-facing rooms receive cooler, bluer light in the morning, while Western-facing rooms bask in warmer, golden hues in the afternoon. Northern exposure tends to provide consistent, cooler light, while southern exposure gives warmer and brighter light throughout the day.

Incandescent Lighting

Incandescent bulbs, the longstanding, traditional bulbs, emit a warm, yellowish light that can make a room feel cozy. However, this type of lighting can also make paint colors appear more yellow or orange than they are. For example, cool colors like blues and greens might take on a warmer, more muted tone under incandescent lighting.

LED Lighting

LED lighting, a newish type of light, is versatile, offering a range of lighting color temperatures from warm to cool. This selectability allows for better control over the appearance of paint colors in a room. Warm white LEDs can mimic the effects of incandescent bulbs, adding warmth to colors, while cool white LEDs can enhance cool tones and create a crisp, modern look. Neutral or daylight LEDs provide the most balanced lighting, closely resembling natural daylight and preserving the true color of the paint.

Conclusion

When selecting paint colors, it’s important to consider the type of lighting in the space. We strongly recommend testing paint samples under the room’s lighting conditions and at various times of day to see how the color changes.

By understanding the impact of natural light, incandescent, and LED lighting on paint colors, you can make informed choices and achieve the desired look for your space.