Lighting is the most overlooked factor in choosing paint. A color that looks perfect in the store can look completely wrong on your wall because paint interacts with light differently throughout the day.
Natural light shifts as the sun moves. Morning light brings cool, blue tones. Afternoon light warms up yellows and reds. Evening light can dull everything to taupe. That’s why samples you love at noon might look muddy at night.
Artificial lighting makes an even bigger difference. LED bulbs can shift color temperature from warm white to daylight to cool blue. Fluorescent lighting tends to add greenish hues. Incandescent bulbs brighten warm tones and deepen reds and oranges.
Quick tips for getting the color right:
• Test large samples on multiple walls
• Observe them morning, afternoon, and evening
• Check them with lights off and lights on
• Consider sheen: glossy finishes amplify lighting effects
A pro painter can help you match the color you thought you picked with the way it actually looks in your home. Lighting doesn’t just change the room. It changes the paint.
Want help narrowing down the perfect shade? We offer expert color consultation to ensure the finish you love stays consistent from sunrise to bedtime.