colour samples painted out

How Light Changes Colour: Choosing Paint Colours for Different Light Conditions

Have you ever chosen a paint colour that looked perfect in the shop but completely different once it was on your walls? You’re not alone. Light has a huge impact on how we see colour. In fact, choosing paint colours for different light conditions is one of the most important parts of creating a home that feels beautifully balanced.

At Turner & Wood, we understand that choosing the perfect colour isn’t always easy— that’s why we’re always here to help you find the perfect colour for your space.

artificial lighting vs natural lighting

Natural Light Changes Throughout the Day

Sunlight is constantly shifting, and with it, so does the colour on your walls.

  • Morning light brings a fresh, slightly cool tone that flatters pale blues, soft greens, and gentle neutrals.
  • Midday light is bright and clear, making colours appear more accurate to their swatches.
  • Evening light adds warmth, enhancing reds, pinks, and oranges while softening cooler hues.

When choosing paint colours for natural light, look for tones that adapt gracefully through the day — calm neutrals or balanced mid-tones are often best.


Room Orientation Makes a Difference

Every room receives light differently depending on its orientation. Understanding this helps you choose paint colours that always feel “right.”

  • North-facing rooms: naturally cooler and dimmer, they suit warmer neutrals, creamy whites, and deep earthy tones to create comfort.
  • South-facing rooms: flooded with sunlight, they enhance warm tones, but soft greys, blues, and whites can help balance brightness.
  • East-facing rooms: bright and cool in the morning, softer later in the day — gentle pinks and greys work well here.
  • West-facing rooms: cooler in the morning, glowing and golden at dusk — ideal for soft blues or blush neutrals.

Choosing the perfect paint colours for each room’s direction ensures harmony all day long.

Artificial light changes colour

Artificial Lighting and Its Effects

Once daylight fades, your artificial lighting becomes the star. Different bulbs can completely alter how your paint appears.

  • Warm white bulbs highlight reds, oranges, and yellows for a cosy evening glow.
  • Cool white bulbs enhance blues and greens for a cleaner, modern look.
  • Layered lighting — ceiling lights, lamps, and wall sconces — helps balance tone and texture, creating depth and interest.

If you’re choosing the perfect paint colours for rooms with artificial light, test your shade under both natural and artificial settings to see the full effect.


Test Colours Properly Before You Commit

Tester pots are your best friends — but small samples rarely show the full story. Paint large swatches (A3 size if possible) and move them around your room. Observe them throughout the day and under different lights.

Better still, book a consultation with a Turner & Wood colour expert who can help you in choosing the perfect colour to match your home’s unique lighting and mood.

Choosing colours with tester pots painted onto paper, instead of the wall.

Light is Everything

Every colour tells a story, but light decides how that story unfolds. When you understand how light behaves in your home, you can select colours that always look beautiful — morning, noon, and night.

Call in store today to chat with our friendly colour consultant. Let us help you in choosing the perfect paint colour that work perfectly in your light.


choosing paint colours, farrow and ball, Little greene, paint and paper library

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FREE Local Delivery

Can't get down to our showroom in Yeadon? Checkout out our locations page or give us a call on 0113 2501143 to see if we can arrange FREE local delivery.

5% OFF ALL OUR PRODUCTS

Sign up for our loyalty card which gives you 5% discount on everything in store. Complete this online form and we’ll add you to our loyalty card list.

Turner & Wood Ltd, Unit 6, Moorfield Road Industrial Estate, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7BN

Tel: 0113 2501143 Email: info@turnerandwood.com
Sign up to our LOYALTY CARD | LOCATIONS | Contact Us

OPEN: Monday-Thursday 7.00am-5.00pm | Friday: 7.00am-4.30pm | Saturday 8am-2pm

Privacy & Cookies Policy