Color is a very powerful factor when it comes to interior design; the right paint scheme is capable of transforming and influencing a space pretty significantly. However, what many people often overlook is the impact of lighting on the final appearance of a paint color. The way light interacts with paint can drastically change its tone, intensity, and overall effect on a room—meaning that the results you were hoping for might turn out quite different than you’d imagined! Keep reading to learn more about the interplay between light and paint so that you can make a well-informed decision for your next interior painting project.
How Does Light Influence the Color of Paint?
Paint doesn’t always retain its intended color after it has been applied to a surface, and this can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the paint itself wasn’t applied properly or evenly, leading to patches of faded color. Other times, paint that’s in high-traffic areas can experience wear that leaves it scuffed. But one of the biggest factors that determine how paint color looks is lighting, both natural and artificial.
- Natural light – This includes light that enters through windows, doors, and skylights that are provided by the sun. It changes throughout the day as the sun’s angle and intensity shift; for instance, morning light tends to be cooler and bluer, while evening light is warmer and more yellow or red.
- Artificial light – This refers to light being emitted from interior sources like lamps, overhead lights, wall sconces, etc. These can also come in varying temperatures and degrees of brightness; incandescent bulbs tend to produce warm, yellow-toned light, while LEDs and fluorescents can vary from cool to warm. The positioning of these lights can also cast shadows, which might make the paint appear darker than normal.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Selecting a Paint Color?
There are several things to keep in mind going into any type of painting project, but if you’re wondering about the relationship between light and paint, there are a few key things to consider. First, think about the finish you’re going with; certain ones produce certain effects. Gloss adds depth, but can be reflective under certain lights. On the other hand, flat finishes tend to bounce off less light.
You’ll also want to consider the position of all light sources, both natural and artificial. This is where paint samples come in handy; these small cards help you to see what the paint looks like under the lighting conditions it’ll be exposed to. Hue shift can create a subtle shift in the perceived color of your walls, and colors like khaki and sage, for example, can morph under certain types of lighting.
By considering natural and artificial lighting, experimenting with samples and different finishes, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can make well-informed decisions that bring out the best in your chosen paint colors!
About Platinum Painting
The team at Platinum Painting of Frisco has proudly assisted homeowners in Frisco and the surrounding DFW metroplex for over 15 years, and they’d be thrilled to help you with your next interior painting project. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE in-home consultation, feel free to contact their team online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 992-1613.