How Light Affects Color: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Shade for Your Space

Lighting plays a huge role in how we perceive color. Have you ever picked out the perfect shade of paint, only to find that it looks completely different once it’s on the walls? That’s because light—whether natural or artificial—has a significant impact on the way colors appear. Understanding how different types of light affect paint colors can help you make the best choices for your home.

I’ve covered quite a few topics related to paint like here and here, but this time I want to talk about how light interacts with color and how you can use this knowledge to create a space that looks just as beautiful in the morning as it does at night.

The Role of Natural Light in Color Perception

Natural light is ever-changing, shifting throughout the day and even across seasons. The direction a room faces—north, south, east, or west—determines how much sunlight it receives and what kind of light it gets. Let’s break it down room by room.

South-Facing Rooms: Bright and Warm All Day

South-facing rooms are flooded with warm, golden light from sunrise to sunset. These spaces tend to have the most consistent lighting throughout the day, making them the easiest to decorate.

Best Colors for South-Facing Rooms: Soft, pale shades like Pavilion Blue and Borrowed Light enhance the airy, bright feel of the space.
Want a cozy feel? Try warm neutrals like Joa’s White, which will glow in the sunlight without feeling too stark.
Trim Tip: Use a crisp white, like Wimborne White, on woodwork to create a fresh, polished look.

North-Facing Rooms: Cool and Shadowy

North-facing rooms receive indirect, cooler-toned light, which can make colors appear darker and grayer than expected. This is where you have two choices: embrace the cool tones or counteract them with warmer hues.

Brighten the Space: Warm, yellow-based shades like Yellow Ground, New White, and White Tie help reflect and amplify light.
Lean Into the Mood: Instead of fighting the cool light, embrace it with deep, dramatic tones like Railings or Down Pipe for a rich, cocooning effect.
Pro Tip: Hanging a mirror opposite a window can help bounce light around and make the room feel brighter.

West-Facing Rooms: Cool in the Morning, Warm in the Afternoon

West-facing rooms change dramatically throughout the day. Mornings bring cooler, shadowy light, while afternoons are filled with warm, golden hues.

Warm up your space: Pink-based tones like Middleton Pink or Setting Plaster come alive in the evening light.
Love a classic neutral? Slipper Satin or Shaded White will shift beautifully between cool and warm as the day progresses.
For a dynamic look: Consider a chameleon shade like Light Blue, which subtly shifts between blue and silver depending on the light.

East-Facing Rooms: Bright Mornings, Cool Evenings

East-facing rooms enjoy bright, crisp morning light but can feel a little cool and shadowy by the afternoon. The trick is choosing colors based on when you use the room the most.

Morning Lovers: If you’re in the space during the day, embrace the sunshine with lively colors like Whirlybird or Breakfast Room Green.
Evening Relaxation: Cooler tones like Blue Ground or Teresa’s Green can create a soft, serene retreat in the later hours.
Go Bold: Darker shades like Inchyra Blue or Hopper Head can add depth and drama to evening spaces.

How Different Types of Artificial Light Affect Color

1. Incandescent and Halogen Lighting: Warm and Cozy Tones

Traditional incandescent bulbs and halogen lights emit a warm, yellowish glow. This warm lighting can make colors appear richer and more inviting but can also distort cool-toned hues.

Warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows become more vibrant, making them appear even cozier under incandescent lighting.
Cool colors like blues and greens might look duller or slightly muddy due to the warm cast of the light.
Neutrals can take on a warmer appearance, so a soft gray might shift towards beige, or a white might appear creamier.

Best Paint Colors for Incandescent Lighting:
If your space is lit mostly with incandescent bulbs, choosing warm neutrals, deep jewel tones, or earthy hues will enhance the cozy ambiance. Consider shades like burnt orange, warm taupe, or terracotta, which thrive under this type of light.

2. LED Lighting: A Spectrum of Possibilities

LED bulbs come in a wide range of color temperatures, from warm white to daylight, giving homeowners more control over how their paint colors appear.

Warm white LEDs (2700K-3000K) produce a yellowish glow, similar to incandescent bulbs, making warm colors pop and cool colors appear more muted.
Neutral white LEDs (3500K-4500K) are more balanced, providing a more accurate depiction of most colors. This lighting is great for seeing true color representation.
Cool white or daylight LEDs (5000K-6500K) emit a blue-toned light, which enhances cooler shades like blues and grays while making warm colors seem washed out.

Best Paint Colors for LED Lighting:
If your space is lit with cooler LED lights, consider sticking with cooler shades like soft grays, crisp whites, and blues, as they’ll maintain their intended look. If you have warm LED lighting, earthier tones and warm neutrals will still shine beautifully.

3. Fluorescent Lighting: Bright and Cool Tones

Fluorescent bulbs often give off a blue-tinged light, which can make colors feel stark or even slightly artificial.

Cool tones like blues, greens, and purples are enhanced, making them look more vibrant.
Warm tones like reds and yellows can appear unnatural or overly bright.
Neutrals, particularly warm whites, may take on a grayish cast.

Best Paint Colors for Fluorescent Lighting:
If your room is primarily lit with fluorescent lights, opt for colors that naturally have a warm undertone—such as muted greens, warm grays, or creamy whites—to counterbalance the cooler light.

4. Smart Bulbs: Customizable Lighting for Any Mood

With the rise of smart home technology, many people now use smart LED bulbs that allow them to change the color temperature on demand. This means you can adjust the lighting to best suit your chosen paint color.

Want your dining room to feel cozy for dinner? Set the bulbs to warm white.
Need a crisp and clear environment for a home office? Adjust to cool daylight.
Hosting a gathering and want a balanced ambiance? Use a neutral white setting.

By using smart bulbs, you can have greater flexibility in how your paint colors appear, adjusting the mood of your space as needed.

How Artificial Lighting Affects Paint Colors in Different Rooms

1. Living Rooms: Creating a Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere

The living room is often the heart of the home—a place for relaxation, entertaining, and spending quality time with family. Since this space is typically used throughout the day and evening, it’s important to choose lighting that enhances your wall colors during different times.

Best Lighting for Living Rooms:

Warm white LED bulbs (2700K-3000K) create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enhancing warm neutrals like beiges, taupes, and soft yellows.
Layered lighting (floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces) adds dimension, preventing colors from looking flat or dull.
Dimmable lights allow for flexibility, keeping colors vibrant during the day and soft in the evening.

Best Paint Colors for Living Rooms Under Artificial Light:

Warm neutrals (taupe, greige, soft beige): They retain warmth under warm white LEDs and halogen lighting.
Earthy greens and deep blues: These colors add depth and look beautiful in both warm and neutral lighting.
Off-whites and creams: A great choice if your living room has multiple light sources that shift throughout the day.

💡 Pro Tip: If your living room has recessed lighting or bright overhead LEDs, avoid stark whites, as they may appear too sterile or harsh. Instead, opt for a creamy or warm-toned white.

2. Kitchen: Balancing Functionality & Aesthetic

Kitchens need functional lighting for food prep while also maintaining a welcoming feel for dining and gathering. The lighting choice will directly impact how paint colors and finishes appear, especially on cabinets, backsplashes, and walls.

Best Lighting for Kitchens:

Bright white or daylight LEDs (3500K-5000K) enhance visibility and make colors look crisp and fresh.
Under-cabinet lighting helps illuminate backsplashes and countertops without casting unwanted shadows.
Pendant lights over islands can provide a warmer glow, softening the brightness of LED overheads.

Best Paint Colors for Kitchens Under Artificial Light:

Soft grays and whites: These look modern and fresh under bright white LED lighting.
Muted blues and greens: These hues work well under neutral LED lights, maintaining a sophisticated and balanced look.
Warm neutrals and creamy whites: If using warm incandescent or halogen bulbs, these colors will appear inviting rather than harsh.

💡 Pro Tip: If your kitchen has a combination of natural light during the day and artificial light at night, test paint samples at different times to ensure they maintain the look you want.

3. Bedrooms: Enhancing Relaxation & Comfort

Bedrooms are a personal retreat, so the lighting should promote relaxation and a cozy, restful environment. Artificial lighting in bedrooms should create a soft, soothing ambiance rather than an overly bright or sterile feel.

Best Lighting for Bedrooms:

Warm white LED bulbs (2700K-3000K) create a calming and cozy atmosphere.
Soft bedside table lamps with warm tones help avoid harsh contrasts.
Dimmable lighting options allow for different moods, from bright morning light to softer nighttime illumination.

Best Paint Colors for Bedrooms Under Artificial Light:

Soft blues and greens: These colors maintain a peaceful and serene vibe under warm lighting.
Warm grays and taupes: They complement dimmable lighting and layered lamps.
Dusty pinks and muted lavenders: Perfect for creating a cozy, spa-like bedroom retreat.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid harsh, cool-white bulbs in bedrooms, as they can make soft colors appear too stark and inhibit relaxation.

4. Bathrooms: Achieving the Perfect Reflection

Bathrooms require a balance between functional lighting for grooming and an inviting atmosphere for relaxation. Since bathroom walls are often near mirrors, the lighting can impact how colors—and even your reflection—appear.

Best Lighting for Bathrooms:

Neutral white or daylight LEDs (4000K-5000K) provide the most accurate color representation.
Wall sconces placed at face level prevent shadows and ensure even lighting.
Dimmable lights can be useful if you want to transition from bright morning light to a softer evening glow.

Best Paint Colors for Bathrooms Under Artificial Light:

Soft whites and light grays: These colors appear crisp and clean under bright LED lighting.
Cool blues and greens: These shades provide a spa-like feel and work well with neutral white lighting.
Warm neutrals: If your bathroom lighting leans toward warm white, a creamy neutral or beige will prevent the space from looking too yellow.

💡 Pro Tip: Be mindful of bulbs with strong yellow or blue undertones, as they can distort makeup application and create an unflattering effect in the mirror.

5. Dining Rooms: Setting the Mood for Gatherings

Dining rooms should feel warm and inviting while still maintaining a sense of sophistication. Since this space is often used in the evening, artificial lighting plays a major role in how colors appear.

Best Lighting for Dining Rooms:

Warm incandescent or LED bulbs (2700K-3000K) create an inviting, intimate ambiance.
Statement chandeliers or pendant lights enhance focal points while providing soft, diffused lighting.
Candlelight or accent lighting can add a cozy glow that enhances warm paint tones.

Best Paint Colors for Dining Rooms Under Artificial Light:

Rich jewel tones (deep navy, emerald green, burgundy): These colors appear luxurious under warm lighting.
Earthy neutrals and warm taupes: They work beautifully with candlelight and dimmable lighting.
Warm whites and creams: These are timeless and elegant, especially when paired with warm overhead lighting.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dining room is lit primarily by a chandelier, consider using bulbs that mimic natural candlelight for a cozy, restaurant-like ambiance.

6. Home Office: Maximizing Focus & Productivity

The right lighting in a home office is essential for reducing eye strain and maintaining a productive work environment. Artificial lighting should provide clear, bright illumination without making colors look too harsh.

Best Lighting for Home Offices:

Neutral white or daylight LEDs (4000K-5000K) provide bright, even lighting that enhances productivity.
Task lighting like desk lamps ensures focused illumination for reading and computer work.
Adjustable lighting options allow flexibility throughout the workday.

Best Paint Colors for Home Offices Under Artificial Light:

Soft greens and muted blues: These colors promote concentration and calmness.
Light grays and warm neutrals: They create a professional yet comfortable environment.
Soft off-whites: A great option if your office is small and needs to feel brighter.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overly warm lighting in an office, as it can make the space feel too dim or sleepy. Instead, choose bulbs that mimic natural daylight to keep your workspace bright and energic.

How to Choose Paint Colors Based on Artificial Lighting

Because lighting plays such a significant role in how paint colors look, here are some helpful tips when selecting your perfect shade:

Test Swatches Under Your Home’s Lighting: Paint small patches on your walls and observe how they look during different times of the day under various artificial lights.
Consider the Bulbs You Use Most: If your home is primarily lit with warm lighting, cooler shades may not look as expected. Conversely, if you use daylight bulbs, warm tones might not feel as rich.
Layer Different Light Sources: Instead of relying on a single light source, combine overhead lighting with table lamps, sconces, or accent lights to create depth and balance.
Use Dimmers for More Control: Dimmable lights allow you to control the brightness, which can help maintain the intended look of your paint color throughout the day.

Choosing the perfect paint color isn’t just about picking a shade you love—it’s about understanding how light will interact with it throughout the day. By considering your room’s natural light exposure and pairing it with the right artificial lighting, you can ensure your space looks beautiful in every condition.

Whether you want to create a bright and airy feel or a moody, dramatic retreat, understanding how light affects color is the key to making your space look its best. So grab some paint samples, test them at different times of the day, and find the perfect hue that shines in your home!