There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right color for your space, and lighting is one of the most important. When choosing a color, you want to make sure you consider how paint and light interact. Here are a few tips for finding a color that will look great at any time of day.

1. Assess lighting. Light really can change the way we see a color and the mood it creates. This is why it can be so challenging to find the right paint color for a room. When working with a customer to choose a paint color, I ask questions about lighting in the room. We have to consider lighting on so many levels, from the type of lighting, both natural and artificial, to the direction of the sun, and the time of day. For this reason, I like deep, rich, bold colors, which can feel less changeable in different light, and still convey a strong sense of mood. Their dimension and depth are really brought to life with light.

2. Trial run. The most effective and budget-friendly way to choose your paint is to test out the color before committing. You can stop by JAY-K Lumber and purchase a sample. Testing and enjoying the color in your space over a few days will allow you to see how the color changes and adjusts to lighting throughout the day. Morning light casts blue undertones, while evening light is warmer, more red, so it’s important to look at colors at different times of day, as it can have a significant effect on the undertone of your chosen color.

3. Finish with a lasting impression. Just like choosing paint colors, there are several options when it comes to finishes. The higher the sheen, the more glare there will be from the lighting source. This can be a bonus if you want light to reflect around a room and bring a darker color to life. On the other hand, a flat or matte paint finish will have very little or no reflection, and can appear darker. For more sheen on walls, we recommend a satin or eggshell finish. For less sheen, look for a flat or matte finish in our Premium ben^®, Regal^® Select, or Aura^® lines.

Want to learn more? Start on our Paint Department page, then visit our Paint Department for expert advice, or ask one of our experts a question now.