Inspiration Article
Colour Confidential: How light affects colour
Colour has a significant impact on the spaces in our homes and the emotions each room evokes. When selecting colours, we often spend a lot of time finding the perfect shade. However, the colour we choose during the day can look completely different in the evening under artificial light. Why does this happen?
Colour itself is simply different wavelengths of light reflected from the surfaces it hits. Our eyes are designed to interpret these wavelengths through special light receptor cells in our retinas which inform us exactly what colour we are looking at.
The appearance of all colours is affected by the aspect of the room and the time of day you are using it. During the day in natural light, as the sun moves across the sky a colour in a south facing room will look significantly different to the same colour in a north facing room. It will be the same in East and West facing rooms where the colours you choose can influence the way you enjoy and use them.
At night, without natural sunlight, we rely on artificial light, which again changes how colours appear.
As light is really is the most important factor when it comes to choosing colour, we have created a special lighting tool to help you discover a new world of colour that is unlocked by the power of light. With this tool, see what your favourite colours will look like on the walls of your home at any time of the day or night, giving you an idea of the change and help you narrow down your choices.
We then recommend trying out paint testers on your wall to get the true look of the colour and the finish in your space.
Here is a really striking examples of how light can really affect the colour you see
The colour Sage Green is a beautiful classic cool green with a hint of blue in daylight, however when the sun goes down and you turn on a warm light bulb the colour subtly shifts to a soft warm olive. the golden glow of warm lighting on the surface changes the appearance to give the room another dimension and mood.
If the colour is not what you expected in the evening, something as simple as changing a light bulb can alter the entire look and feel of your room.
To try out the tool go to any colour and click “Try different light sources”