by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Have you ever painted a room, only to realize the color looks completely different than the swatch you picked? Whether you're going for a dramatic accent wall or repainting your entire home, lighting plays a crucial role in how colors appear and the overall ambiance of a space. Before you head to the hardware store and grab chips of your favorite shades, take a step back and evaluate how natural and artificial light interact in the room. The right lighting and paint color combo can make a space sing, while the wrong one leads to a room that feels off. This quick lighting primer will help ensure you choose paint colors you'll love for years to come.
Introduction: The Importance of Lighting When Selecting Paint Colors
The lighting in a room has a huge impact on how paint colors appear. Whether you have lots of windows or rely more on artificial light, it's critical to consider the lighting situation before making your final color choices.
Natural light changes throughout the day
If a room gets lots of natural light from windows, the paint color will look different in the morning, afternoon and evening. Colors tend to appear warmer and more intense in direct sunlight. As the sun sets, colors may seem duller or darker. The lighting at the time of day you use the room most should guide your color selection.
Artificial light affects hue
Under incandescent bulbs, colors take on a warm, yellow cast. Fluorescent or LED lights can make some colors appear cooler or more vivid. Test your color samples under the type of lighting used in the actual room. Better yet, buy sample sizes of your top choices and paint them on the walls to see how they look throughout the day and night before committing to a color.
Consider the room’s purpose
The room’s purpose also plays a role in choosing the right lighting and paint colors. Bright, energetic hues are great for an active space but may seem overstimulating in a restful bedroom. Softer, more muted shades are usually better for rest and relaxation. Task lighting, natural light or full-spectrum bulbs help ensure you have good visibility for activities like reading, crafting or applying makeup.
By accounting for variations in natural and artificial light as well as the room’s purpose, you'll choose paint colors you'll love no matter the time of day or night. With the perfect lighting and color scheme working together, your space will be both beautiful and highly functional.
How Lighting Changes the Appearance of Paint Colors
The lighting in a room has a huge impact on how paint colors appear. Whether natural or artificial light, the intensity and color temperature dramatically influence the shades you see.
How Natural Light Changes Paint Colors
The brightness and color of natural light shifts throughout the day and year. Paint swatches will look different in the warm glow of sunrise versus the coolness of midday. North-facing rooms with indirect light tend to wash out colors, while southern exposures intensify them.
For the most accurate assessment, view swatches in the room at the time of day you use it most, and during different seasons. The shade that seems perfect on a summer morning may appear dull on a winter afternoon. Consider how the changing angles of the sun will interact with your wall colors over time.
The Effects of Artificial Light on Paint
Type of bulb - LEDs, fluorescents, and incandescents each emit their own color temperature and brightness, altering how we perceive paint shades. LEDs and fluorescents tend to cast a cooler, bluer light, while incandescents produce a warmer, yellower glow.
Placement of fixtures - Overhead lighting washes out colors, reducing contrast. Lamp light is softer and more diffused. Multiple light sources can interact in unexpected ways, creating shadows and highlights that shift the appearance of color.
Dimmers and color temperature - Dimmers reduce brightness, allowing undertones and subtleties to emerge. Adjustable color temperature gives you control over the warmth or coolness of the light.
With an understanding of how lighting influences color, you can choose the perfect shades for your space. Then use fixtures and bulbs to showcase your wall colors in the best possible light. By taking the time to view samples under multiple lighting conditions, you'll end up with a result you'll love in any illumination.
Choosing Paint Colors Under Natural Light vs. Artificial Light
The lighting in a room has a significant impact on how paint colors appear. Choosing paint colors under natural light from windows versus artificial light from overhead fixtures or lamps can lead to very different results.
When selecting paint colors, it’s best to do it during the day when there is plenty of sunlight streaming in. Natural light shows the truest colors. What you see is what you get. If you choose colors at night under artificial light, they may look completely different in the daylight. The bright white light of LEDs or fluorescents can make some colors seem more vibrant or washed out than they really are.
In rooms without much natural light, opt for broad spectrum or “daylight” bulbs that mimic natural light as closely as possible. Still, expect some variation in how the colors appear at night versus during the day. It’s a good idea to view your color samples under both lighting conditions before making a final decision.
Consider the color temperature of the artificial lights in the room. Warmer lights with more yellow and red undertones will make colors look different than cooler lights with more blue undertones. For the most accurate assessment, choose a light with a color temperature close to daylight which is around 5000K.
The sheen or glossiness of the paint also impacts how colors show under different lighting. In areas with limited natural light, matte or eggshell paints help colors look rich and saturated. Glossy paints can create glare which washes out colors. So keep the level of sheen in mind for the specific lighting conditions in your room.
When possible, buy sample sizes of your top color choices and view them on walls in the room you want to paint. There’s no better way to see how they change in different lighting through the day and night before committing to a color. With some adjustments to the lighting and sheen, you can find hues that you’ll love no matter what time of day it is.
The Effect of Different Light Bulbs on Paint Color Perception
The type of light bulbs you use can significantly impact how paint colors appear in your space. It’s important to consider the effect of different light sources before finalizing your color palette.
Incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs emit a warm, yellowish glow that can make paint colors seem more muted and dull. Colors may appear slightly darker and less vibrant under incandescent lighting. If you have mostly incandescent bulbs, choose paint shades that are slightly brighter and more saturated than you think you want. The colors will appear more muted once the paint is on the walls.
LED or CFL bulbs
LED (light emitting diode) and CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs provide a cooler, bluer light that can make paint colors pop. Hues may seem more vivid and bright. When selecting paint colors, you may want to go slightly darker or less saturated if using mostly LED or CFL bulbs. The colors could end up appearing too bright once the paint is applied.
•Consider doing a test swatch. Paint sample swatches of your top color choices on the wall and view them under different lighting conditions (daylight, incandescent, LED, etc.). This can help determine how the colors may translate in the space with your normal lighting.
•Factor in natural lighting. The effect of artificial light bulbs will be less dramatic in rooms with plenty of natural light. Natural light tends to provide the most balanced view of paint colors. If possible, choose your paint color based primarily on how it looks in natural light.
• You can also mix bulb types. Use incandescent bulbs in some fixtures and LED bulbs in others to create layers of light that balance each other out. This approach helps avoid colors that appear too bright or too drab.
The lighting in your home significantly influences how you perceive paint colors. Make sure to consider the effect of different bulbs and lighting conditions before picking out your perfect hue. Your color choice will look its best when the lighting complements the shade you choose.
North, South, East or West: How Light Direction Impacts Color
The direction a room faces plays a significant role in the amount and quality of natural light that enters the space. This in turn impacts what paint colors will look their best. Here are some tips for choosing colors based on the main direction your room faces:
North facing rooms
Rooms facing north typically get soft, indirect light that remains fairly consistent throughout the day. These spaces are ideal for darker, moodier hues like deep reds, forest greens or navy blues. Warm neutrals with yellow or orange undertones also work well to brighten up a north-facing room.
South facing rooms
South-facing rooms are bathed in bright light for much of the day, especially in the middle of the day. Light, airy colors are most flattering here, such as light grays, soft blues, mint greens or peach. Deeper shades may end up looking too dark and intense with the abundant light. Stick to colors rated as “light” or “extra light” on swatch cards or paint samples.
East facing rooms
Rooms facing east get intense morning light that fades throughout the day. Warm, vibrant colors like yellow, terracotta and coral will glow in the morning sun. Muted shades of these colors, such as mustard, peach or burnt orange are also nice options if you prefer a subtler look. Avoid very cool colors which may appear too stark in an east-facing room.
West facing rooms
West-facing rooms are bathed in warm afternoon and evening light. Warm sunset shades like orange, gold and amber will come alive as the sun sets. Warm neutrals in the beige, tan and light brown color families also work beautifully. As with south-facing rooms, avoid deeper, darker colors which won't show as well in the waning light.
The direction your room faces is key to choosing colors you’ll love. Pay attention to the quality and intensity of the light each direction provides and pick shades that will complement it. Your space will feel cohesive, balanced and inviting when you choose paint colors suited to the natural lighting you have.
Paint Color Undertones and How Lighting Affects Them
The type of lighting in a room has a significant impact on how paint colors appear. The undertones of a color refer to the hints of other shades that affect the overall tone. Undertones tend to be more prominent in certain lighting conditions.
Natural Light
Colors will look most vibrant and true to tone in natural light from windows. This balanced, full-spectrum light allows you to see the undertones clearly. Warm colors like reds and yellows will appear brighter in natural light, while cool blues and greens will seem more crisp.
Incandescent/Halogen Lighting
These warm, yellow-toned lights will bring out the warmth in paint colors. Colors with red or yellow undertones will glow, while those with blue undertones may look dull or muddy. Incandescent lighting is ideal for accentuating earthy, cozy colors in living rooms and bedrooms.
Fluorescent Lighting
The cool, bluish light of fluorescents will make warm colors appear more muted, while enhancing the vibrancy of cool colors with blue undertones. Fluorescent lighting can work well for kitchens, bathrooms or workspaces where you want neutral or bright cool colors to pop. However, it may wash out or skew the appearance of warm, rich paint colors.
LED Lighting
LEDs provide a bright, crisp light that can make both warm and cool paint colors appear more vivid. However, some LEDs may have a slightly cool tone, which can make warm colors look more muted and alter their undertones. Be sure to view paint samples under the specific LED bulbs you’ll be using to get the most accurate impression of the color.
The type of lighting in your home has a significant impact on how you perceive paint colors and undertones. Test your color selections in all the types of lighting conditions in the room to ensure the perfect color harmony in your space. With the right illumination, your new paint color is sure to shine through.
Tips for Viewing Paint Swatches at Different Times of Day
When it comes to choosing paint colors, lighting is everything. The way a color appears on a small swatch or sample in the store may look completely different on your walls depending on the lighting in your room. Following are some tips for viewing paint swatches at different times of day to ensure you pick a hue you'll love.
Natural light
View swatches during the day in natural light from windows. This will show you the truest color and how it changes at different times. A color may appear lighter and brighter in direct sunlight versus overcast light. Compare swatches in the morning, afternoon and evening to see the subtle shifts.
Turn on the lights
Don't forget to also view swatches under artificial lighting at night. Incandescent bulbs cast a yellow glow, while LEDs and fluorescents give off a cool, bluish tone. See how the colors are impacted under the type of lighting you have in the room. A swatch that looked great in daylight may appear drab at night, or vice versa.
Use a lamp
For the most accurate representation, place swatches under a lamp that mimics the primary light source for the room. If you do most of your activities in the evening under overhead fixtures, view the swatches under similar lighting. Compare how swatches look under ambient overhead light versus task lighting like a reading lamp.
Take photos
As an additional check, take photos of the swatches under different lighting conditions and view them on your device. Sometimes seeing the subtle differences in the photos can help in making a final selection. Look for a swatch that has the most consistent appearance across all lighting situations.
Ask for larger swatches
Don't decide based only on the small swatches or paint chips. Ask for larger 2x2 foot swatches, especially for darker colors. Large swatches give a more realistic sense of the tone and how it will look on a full wall. They also show the color at different angles, giving you a better overall impression of the hue.
With some time and patience viewing swatches under different types of lighting at different times of day, you'll choose a color you'll love in any room and for years to come. The perfect swatch is out there, you just have to find the right light.
Testing Paint Samples on Walls Under Real-Life Light Conditions
Testing paint samples on your walls under different lighting conditions is key to choosing colors you'll love. The way a color appears on a tiny swatch or even a large sample board can be deceiving. Here are some tips for evaluating paint samples in your home.
Natural light
View samples in rooms during the day to see how they appear in natural light. Colors often take on different hues in sunlight versus artificial light. Paint that looks vivid and bright in the store may appear muted or dull in a room with little natural light. Conversely, a color that seems subtle on the swatch could become overpowering in a sun-drenched space.
Nighttime lighting
Come back after dark and turn on the overhead fixtures and lamps you normally use in the evening. In artificial light, some paints may pick up different undertones, or the overall intensity of the color could change. A color that energizes a room during the day may feel jarring at night under cooler, bluer light sources. Make sure any color you choose works well around the clock.
Dimmer settings
If a room has dimmable overhead lighting or you frequently use table and floor lamps with dimmers, see how the samples look at different brightness levels. Some colors remain relatively unchanged in lower light while others can take on a completely different feel as they become deeper and more saturated. Check that your paint selection still appeals whether the lighting in the room is bright, medium, or dim.
Accent lighting
Turn on any accent lighting like recessed spots, track lighting, or decorative sconces and pendants. The concentrated light from these fixtures can significantly impact how colors appear on the walls. Pay attention to any areas where there may be uneven lighting or shadows once the room is painted. It’s best to choose a color that you like under all the types of lighting in the space.
Evaluating paint samples under real-life conditions in your own home is the only way to end up with a color palette you truly love. Take the time to view samples at different times of day and with all your room’s lighting turned on. The perfect hue is out there—you just have to see it in the right light!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting and Paint Colors
One of the most common questions is:
- How much does lighting affect the appearance of paint colors?
The short answer is: a lot. The type of lighting in a room can dramatically impact how paint colors look and feel. Natural light from windows will show the truest color, while artificial lighting like incandescent or LED bulbs can alter the appearance. It's best to view and select paint colors in the actual room you'll be painting whenever possible.
Another frequent question is:
- Should I choose paint colors based on the amount of natural or artificial light in a room?
Both the quantity and quality of light should be considered. Dark rooms without much natural light are best suited for lighter, brighter paint shades. Rooms with abundant sunlight can handle darker, richer colors. For the most pleasing effect, choose a color that is slightly darker or lighter than the overall level of light in the space.
People also want to know:
- How do I choose the right paint color for low-light rooms?
In dim rooms without a lot of natural light, stick to light, bright paint colors to keep the space from feeling dark or cramped. Pale shades of blue, green, yellow and pink work well. White and off-white are also good options. Avoid deep, dramatic shades which will make the room appear darker. Semi-gloss or high-gloss paint finishes help reflect more light, making the space feel more open and airy.
And a common concern is:
- I have a mix of natural and artificial light in my room. How do I choose a color that will look good in both?
The key is to find a versatile shade that is flattered by multiple light sources. Medium-toned, muted colors in the blue, green and tan color families tend to work well. Look for a color with warm, golden undertones which helps prevent the color from looking too cool or stark in artificial light. A satin or eggshell paint finish will give the color dimension so it appears natural in any lighting conditions. Test your color choices in all the types of light in the room to ensure the perfect, lighting-friendly paint color.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some key things to keep in mind when picking the perfect paint colors for your space. Make sure to consider how natural and artificial lighting impacts the shades you see in the store versus at home. Test your favorites in your actual room before committing to a color. And don't forget that lighting changes throughout the day and year, so pick a color you'll still love no matter the time of day or season. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a classic, neutral shade. The most important thing is choosing colors that make you happy in your own home. Now go forth and paint away, you're armed with everything you need to make the best choice!