COLOR PALETTES BY LIGHTING
Discover curated color palettes optimized for different lighting conditions. From natural sunlight to warm evening ambiance, find the perfect colors that look stunning under your specific lighting environment.
Natural
Professional color palettes specifically optimized for natural lighting conditions.
Warm
Professional color palettes specifically optimized for warm lighting conditions.
Cool
Professional color palettes specifically optimized for cool lighting conditions.
Mixed
Professional color palettes specifically optimized for mixed lighting conditions.
Bright
Professional color palettes specifically optimized for bright lighting conditions.
Dim
Professional color palettes specifically optimized for dim lighting conditions.
Test Colors in Your Lighting
Colors look dramatically different under various lighting conditions. Always test paint samples and materials in your actual lighting environment throughout different times of day.
Warm vs Cool Light Effects
Warm lighting enhances reds, oranges, and yellows while muting blues and greens. Cool lighting does the opposite, making blues and greens more vibrant while dulling warm tones.
Natural Light Direction
North-facing rooms receive cool, consistent light that favors warm colors. South-facing rooms get warm, bright light that can handle cooler colors. Consider your room's orientation when choosing palettes.
Layer Multiple Light Sources
Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and properly illuminate your chosen color palette. Multiple light sources prevent flat, washed-out colors.
How does natural light affect interior colors?
Natural light reveals the truest color appearance and changes throughout the day. Colors appear most vibrant in natural light, but the direction and intensity of sunlight can warm or cool the appearance of your palette.
What colors work best with warm lighting?
Warm lighting enhances reds, oranges, yellows, and warm neutrals while making them appear richer and more inviting. Cool colors like blues and purples may appear muted or grayish under warm lighting.
Which colors suit cool LED lighting?
Cool lighting makes blues, greens, purples, and cool grays appear more vibrant and crisp. These lights can make warm colors appear less saturated, so balance is important for a natural feel.
How do I choose colors for low-light spaces?
Low-light spaces benefit from lighter, more reflective colors that maximize available light. Avoid very dark colors that can make spaces feel smaller, but consider warm mid-tones that create coziness.
Should I consider artificial lighting when choosing paint colors?
Absolutely! Since you'll use artificial lighting daily, test colors under your actual light fixtures. The color temperature (measured in Kelvin) of your bulbs significantly affects how colors appear.
Can I mix warm and cool lighting in one room?
Yes, but choose colors that work well under both lighting types. Neutral colors and those with balanced undertones adapt better to mixed lighting than strongly warm or cool colors.