Painting with light

We explain how to choose the right paint for the right light

It’s amazing how the same colour can look completely different depending on the light that’s shining on it. The way a room faces, the time of day and whether the light is natural or artificial all play a huge part in how a colour will look on your wall.

Rooms that get morning sun

These rooms see the most variations in light during the day. At dawn the light has a slight pinkish tinge to it, which quickly turns more blue as the morning progresses. Later on, the room may feel quite shady. To make the most of your room at all times of day, paint the walls in a pale blue or green.

Rooms that get all-day sun

Try using pale tones that will bounce light back into the room, creating a bright, airy feel. Golden hues will add to the sun-kissed effect, while light blues will create calm.

Rooms that get the late afternoon sun

These rooms will generally be cooler in the mornings then warm up later in the day, so go for sunny yellows to create a bright, welcoming morning space, or cooler shades for a soothing place to relax later on.

Rooms lit by artificial light:
 

1. Yellow light bulbs and candlelight bring out the best in warm hues like reds and oranges. That’s why red is such a popular choice for rooms that tend to be used in the evening.
   
   
2. White light bulbs give off a light that’s closer to daylight, making your colour choices more versatile than with other types of bulb – you can go as pale or bright as you like.
   
   
3. LED lights tend to give off a bluish glow, which you can embrace with cool pastels for a contemporary look.