Have you ever impulsively painted something, but were disappointed when you discovered the color looked different in the can? This may be because lighting changes the way paint colors appear. Different lighting conditions can make the paint look warmer, cooler, darker, or lighter.
Understanding how lighting changes paint color is crucial for homeowners who are considering a fresh coat of paint on their walls. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind lighting and color, the types of lighting and their effects, and how to ensure you choose the perfect paint color for your home.
The Science Behind Lighting and Color
The science behind light and color is complex. For the purpose of this blog post, just think of lighting as adding a filter to a photo.
If the filter has a yellowish tint, it will make everything look warmer — reds will become more orange, blues will become less vibrant, and whites will become more beige. If the filter is bluish, it will shift all the colors in the photo to the cooler end of the spectrum — yellows will appear slightly greener, reds will look more burgundy, and whites will become gray.
Lighting does the same thing. Standard lightbulbs range from cool blue (which is often associated with artificiality and sterility) to warm yellow (which more closely imitates natural light from the sun). Cool light will make paint colors appear cooler, while warm light makes everything warmer.
(For more information about the science of light and color, check out this previous blog post: “Keep Your Home Cool This Summer With Exterior Painting”.)
Types of Lighting and Their Effects
Different types of lighting affect paint colors in different ways. One way you can explore these effects at home is by perusing paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore’s website — however, it’s important to remember that screen colors vary and may not show exactly what the paint color looks like in real life.
For each paint color, they include mock-ups of what it would look like in the morning, afternoon, night, and with ambient light. With just a few clicks, you can see the stark difference in appearance based on the time of day.
Real-Life Examples
One of the best ways to see this effect is with pure white paint. The warmth of natural light makes it look more beige, while cooler ambient light gives it a grayish hue.
Let’s also take a look at Cinnamon Slate, Benjamin Moore’s color of the year for 2025. In the can, it’s a relatively neutral purple shade that leans slightly warm. However, in warm afternoon light, it looks beige, and in ambient light, it’s much more cool-toned.
But what happens if you add warm light to a cool color or cool light to a warm color? In this case, the coolness and the warmth cancel each other out, giving the color a more neutral appearance. You can see this with Palladian Blue, a teal shade that loses all its coolness in the afternoon light.
What Does This Mean for My Home?
This transformative effect means that your walls will look totally different depending on the angle of the sun, the direction the windows face, and which lightbulbs you choose. In fact, you can use the same color in every room, and each will look different based on that room’s unique lighting conditions.
As you consider which paint color to use, remember:
- White and neutral tones are most affected by lighting.
- Bold colors can appear more muted or exaggerated depending on lighting.
- Shadows and highlights can alter your perception of a color.
Practical Tips for Choosing Paint Colors
The key to selecting the perfect paint color is carefully considering what type of lighting it will be exposed to. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Use paint samples and test them on walls in different lighting conditions
- View paint at various times of the day
- Consider working with a professional painter or interior designer to select the best colors
- Consider how window placement and direction (north-facing vs. south-facing) impact lighting and color appearance
Expert Color Consultation from Brush Brothers
At Brush Brothers, we are committed to helping you throughout every step of the painting process, from finding the right colors for your home to ensuring a smooth, professional finish. Whether you’re refreshing one room or transforming your entire home, our team is here to help. Contact us today to get started on your next project!
