One of the most marvelous things about nature is how it is always changing. A tree or a field looks one way at mid-afternoon, but near evening it is remarkably different! This same thing happens with interior house paint. The color that seems rich and cool at noon can look altogether different at dawn or sunset. How can you plan for this? How do you choose interior paint colors knowing they will change?
Evaluating Your Lighting
In order to account for color shifting in interior paint, we need to understand the effect of various lighting. Also, the type of interior house paint you use will affect the outcome.
First, how much natural light is there? If there are large windows, the daily shifts in the direction and quantity of light will be significant. When more light is present, the wall colors appear lighter in tone, and less intense. When less light is present, you actually see more of the true color of the paint, since there is less reflection off the surface. This effect even causes various walls in the room to appear different colors, based on the angle the light hits them.
Your artificial lighting also makes a difference. For example, do you use “warm white” or “soft white” light bulbs? This makes a remarkable difference in the paint color when it is dark outside and your interior lights are on. Warm bulbs give your walls a more yellow or reddish hint, while cool or soft bulbs create a more bluish tone.
Considering Your Sheen
The more reflective your interior house paint sheen is, the more it will be affected by the lighting. A satin or semi-gloss interior paint will reflect much more light, so the changes in color will be more dramatic. A flat or eggshell sheen will not display nearly as much variety.
What Other Colors Are in the Room?
In addition to the factors mentioned above, the other colors present in a room will affect the perception of wall color. For example, a blue bedspread in a bedroom could cause white walls to seem slightly blue. Likewise, a red accent wall could cause tan or gray walls to seem warmer in hue.
Talk to a Professional Painter
The best way to make sure your interior paint colors work well is by working with a professional painter. Because they have applied hundreds of colors in thousands of homes, they can help you understand how the colors will look in your rooms.
For homeowners in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region, Cherry Hill Painting is a name you can trust. Since 1968, we have been providing exceptional quality at affordable prices. As a family-owned business, we believe in customer satisfaction and enduring results. Contact us for a free estimate, and we will be happy to discuss how lighting will affect your paint color choices. We look forward to meeting you!