When picking Paint Colours, it can be hard to judge how a swatch held in hand is going to look on our walls. Factor in some lighting to this equation and you might find that your first pick of paint was nothing like the swatch or even what you saw in the tin. It’s too often that after painting the entire room you notice something’s amiss.

To avoid this predicament, we’ve got some tricks and tips on how to factor the impact that lighting has on interior paint colours, but first we need to understand a little on how we actually “see” colour.

You may already know that colour is all light at play and that the baby blue you’ve picked out for the hallways won’t read the same to others because of it.

  • To put it simply, objects have no inherent colour and instead colour is perceived through light that reflects off the surface of an object.
  • If we see an object as black it means that all the light was absorbed, while white means that all light is equally reflected.
  • Anything in the middle is just a combination of red, green and blue lights being processed by our brains to see colour.

So the question now becomes how can light sources, both natural and artificial, effect these Paint Colours? And what can you do to ensure your paint looks great no matter the time of day?

Natural Lighting

Most professionals will advise that you always use natural light when comparing swatches against walls as the amount of sun will have a huge effect on your room’s colour.
Sunny All Day

Lucky enough to be sunkissed all day, we recommend taking advantage of the natural light. Alternatively, bold and rich hues always look great, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to decorating.

Depending on the direction of how your room faces, try north light or cooler while south light is brighter.

Sunny In The Morning

Common in east-facing rooms, your light will start warm in the morning and turn bluish later in the day. Sticking with fresh and mild colours that will pop in the morning but still feel fresh in the afternoon.

Sunny In The Afternoon

West-facing rooms get most of the evening glow, with light that is warm and intense casting many shadows. The key to painting this room is to avoid vibrant and bold colours as shadows, and harsh lighting. Stick with pale and more subdued tones that will warm up later in the day.

No Natural Light

While it’s great to warm up rooms, be wary of how your artificial lighting affects colours in the following ways.

  • Incandescents: Provide a yellowish glow that is great for bringing out brighter colours while muting blues and greens.
  • Fluorescents: Can make bold and vivid colours feel flat and dull with its cool light.
  • Halogens: Pure white light, halogens most resemble sunny, natural light.
  • LEDs: Gve you more control over the colours of your rooms, you can pick and choose how warm or cold.

Need Help Choosing a Colour Palette for Your Home?

Call T&B Mauro Painting 0432 267 977 to book your onsite quote! Fully insured, QBCC License: 1201465, Taubmans Accredited Painters.