Selecting Color Based on Natural Light

Light definitely affects color – so consider checking colors you choose for your home in both daylight and artificial light before making a final decision. As a decorator, I often close the blinds or draperies and look at the color in the artificial lighting, then open the window treatments to consider the color in full lighting. Only then do you get a complete idea of how the color will work. I also encourage my clients to tape several swatches of the color on the wall in areas of shade and light to see how they will like the color both ways.

Your first consideration in selecting the appropriate lighting should be the natural light that comes in through your windows. If your home features larger windows, then you would have the option to choose a few bright dramatic shades as your ultimate color selections. And conversely, the smaller the windows are in your room, might lead you to choosing lighter color shades due to the lack of more natural lighting.

It is important that you remember to take into consideration the direction that the windows in your room face. Windows with a northern or eastern exposure ultimately mean the light in the room will be cool – so selecting a warmer color palette will give you a much friendlier room. Southern or western exposure provides your room with more direct sunlight, so, ultimately the light in these rooms will be warmer. Here bright colors will appear more intense, so you might consider utilizing a cooler color scheme to help your room become appear calm and relaxing. Good luck choosing your color based on the light available to you!