How lighting effects paint color in your space is a critical issue in choosing colors for your home. Have you ever wondered why a paint color that look perfect in the store seems a little off in your space? The lighting in your home is often to blame. From the beauty of natural light to the varied tones of artificial lighting, understanding the connection with color is critical.
UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHT / COLOR RELATIONSHIP
Lighting is an often unspoken, yet powerful element that can redefine the aesthetics of a room without changing any other thing. Your search for the perfect wall color begins at the paint store, but then it is up to you to take that color home and try it out on the wall. Choose one of these tips:
- Buy paint samples in the colors you are considering. Get an 11 X 17 posterboard for each color and apply a coat of the paint sample. Let it dry and apply a second coat. Write the color and the identifying color number on the back for easy identification. Now you can hang the posterboard and live with the color. Observe it day and night for several days in different types of lighting.
- An alternative method is instead of one 2 X 3 card, tape 4 together and put them on the wall for observation. Again, light dramatically affects paint color perception. So, its not just how a color appears at a single moment, but how it will appear throughout the day and in different lighting conditions.
Natural light that streams through your windows reveals the most authentic color, but it varies throughout the day. Additionally, each home has its own unique lighting patterns depending on which direction your home faces and at what time of day light comes in the windows. That is why it is critical to observe your color sample throughout the day.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
Artificial light can enhance or clash with natural light. Choosing the right light bulbs for each space is important. Light bulbs have a lumen and a kelvin measurement. Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a light bulb. Here are some general guidelines for selecting the ideal lumens for different rooms.
- Living room: 1,500 – 3,000 lumens
- Kitchen: 3,000 – 4,000 lumens
- Dining room: 3,000 – 6,000 lumens
- Bedroom: 1,000 – 2,000 lumens
- Bathroom: 2,000 – 4,000 lumens
Kelvin is a unit that measures the color temperature of a light source. Here are some recommended kelvin units for various rooms.
- Living room: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white)
- Kitchen: 3,000 – 4,000 K (neutral white)
- Dining room: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white)
- Bedroom: 2,700 – 3,000 K (warm white)
- Bathroom: 3,000 – 4,000 K (neutral white)
DARK COLORS VS LIGHT COLORS
Dark colors give your room a cozy vibe and can lend an air of elegance to a room. You will need to double up on your artificial lighting for the room to look bright. Choose a paint finish that will compliment a darker color. Matte finish is recommended because it allows dark colors to stay deep while hiding imperfections in the walls.
Light colors make a room feel airy and spacious and reflect a substantial amount of light. Light colors are particularly beneficial in areas that lack natural light. Popular choices for finishes in a light colored room include egg shell, semi-gloss or gloss. These make the walls easier to clean and reflect more light.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lighting dramatically alters paint color perception
- The color temperature of bulbs (measured in Kelvins) and the color rendering index (CRI) directly influence how paint colors look in your home
- Sampling paint colors in your space is essential
If you need professional help with your interior or exterior paint projects, ColaTown Painting is at your service. We offer our clients top-notch work at reasonable prices and we back our work with integrity and pride. Call Britt at (803) 603-6486 or e-mail him at ellisb@colatownpainting.com.
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