How Lighting Impacts Your Paint Choice

March 19, 2025

How Lighting Changes the Way You See Your Paint Colours

Ever picked the "perfect" paint colour, only to have it look completely different once it’s on your walls? You’re not alone. Lighting plays tricks on our eyes, and what looked like a dreamy sage green in the shop can turn into an unexpected muddy tone under your home’s lighting. But don’t worry—we're here to help you make the right choice!

Natural vs Artificial Light: Your Paint’s Chameleon Effect

The colours on your walls will shift throughout the day. Morning light is crisp and cool, bringing out fresh undertones, while afternoon sun casts a golden glow that can warm up your walls. As evening sets in, your chosen paint faces its final test under your home’s artificial lighting.

Understanding these shifts before you commit to a colour helps you avoid surprises and ensures your space looks exactly how you imagined.

The Power of Natural Light

If your room gets loads of natural light, congratulations! You’re working with the best light source. However, even sunlight has its quirks:

North-facing rooms tend to bring out cooler, sometimes slightly shadowy undertones in paint.
South-facing rooms bask in consistent brightness, enhancing warm colours.
East-facing rooms see a strong morning light that shifts cooler in the afternoon.
West-facing spaces have the opposite—cooler mornings and a golden afternoon glow.

Before you decide on a colour, grab a tester pot and see how it looks at different times of the day.

Artificial Lighting and Paint Colours

Once the sun sets, artificial lighting takes over. The type of bulb you choose will change how your paint looks:

Warm white bulbs enhance earthy tones like beige, creams, and rich terracottas.
Cool white bulbs bring out the crispness in blues, greens, and greys.
LED lights can be adjusted between warm and cool, giving you flexibility with your colours.

Think of it this way—if you've chosen Haymes Paint, its quality finish remains consistent, but lighting will bring out different undertones depending on the room setup.

Quick Tips for Making the Right Choice

Always sample your paint on multiple walls before committing.
Check your paint colour in the room’s natural light during the day and under artificial lighting at night.
Use white or neutral-toned light globes in spaces where you want the truest representation of colour.
Opt for a high-quality paint with great coverage, like Haymes Paint, which helps maintain consistency across lighting conditions.

Seeing Colour in a New Light

Choosing the right paint colour isn’t just about the swatch—it's about understanding how lighting plays a role in your home. Take your time, test your samples, and ensure your lighting works in harmony with your walls.

Need a little extra help? Visit us at Strathalbyn H Hardware, and let’s chat about your next project!

Cheers,
Candeece