How Lighting Affects Paint Color and Why it Matters
Posted on March 14, 2022
Does sunlight affect how colors look on your wall?
Yes, sunlight affects the way paint color looks. Depending on what colors you choose, and what rooms you want to paint, the amount of sunlight received can have quite a different impact. Pay good attention to the direction the windows are facing in the room or rooms you are planning to paint. The amount of natural light that comes in is relevant.
· Northern-facing windows will make the designated room a soft, warm color. So, you could consider lighter colors for that room.
· Eastern-facing windows give off lots of natural light in the morning but can make colors look darker in the evening.
· Southern-facing windows can emit vibrant natural light, so pale colors and whites can look dull, but slightly darker colors may look brighter.
· Westward-facing windows can give off light that can look a bit dark in the morning, but an almost yellow gold in the evening which could make colors in that room look quite different throughout the day.
There is also something called illuminant metamerism, which is when two colors may seem the same but are different underneath different lighting. It is always important to consider the location, the climate, the daily light, and seasonal light when choosing the right color for your rooms.
Does artificial lighting affect how colors look?
Yes, artificial lighting does have an impact on your colors as well. For example, a higher temperature bulb can give off warmer tones, and lower temperature bulbs give off cooler tones. Artificial lighting focuses on colors with high wavelengths, like reds, yellows, and some oranges. Usually, the lower the wavelength is, the less vibrant a color may appear. If you have white walls, you may want very bright, warm light bulbs, to bring out the white. Or if you rather have a cooler tone, try white lights to give it a little dullness.
Choosing lights can be hard, so check how many Kelvins your bulbs have. Low Kelvins, ranging from 2000-5000 will give your walls a warmer undertone, while high Kelvins give off a cooler undertone to your walls. 2000-3000 Kelvins is the average household light bulb.
Need help finding the right color for you?
Choosing colors for your home is an important and personal decision, but it can be tricky sometimes, so having tools to help you can make it a bit easier! You can check out color samples at your local Sherwin Williams paint store and apply and assess them on your walls under different lights. It will give you a visual of what the paint will look like on your walls once the project is completed.
If you are still having trouble, consider hiring a color consultant. Contact your CertaPro Sales Associate for steps on scheduling a complimentary color consultation. These professionals can help you find the right color for your home!
