When choosing a paint colour, most people focus on the shade itself. But in reality, lighting is the single biggest factor that changes how paint looks. The same colour can appear warm and inviting in one room, but cold and flat in another — all depending on the type and direction of light.
As professional London painters at Wallmasters.co.uk, we’ve seen countless cases where homeowners were surprised at how different a colour looked once applied. In this article, we’ll explain how lighting influences colour and how Wallmasters can help you make the right choice.
Natural Light: The Direction of Windows Matters
- North-facing rooms: Natural light is cooler and softer. Paint colours here often look more muted or slightly greyed. Warm tones (creams, beiges, soft yellows) can counteract the coolness.
- East-facing rooms: Bright and cool in the morning, softer later in the day. Mid-tones work well because they balance changing light.
- South-facing rooms: Sunlight makes colours look warmer and more intense. Bold shades can appear brighter than expected, so consider softer or muted versions.
- West-facing rooms: Rooms glow warmly in the afternoon and evening, making reds, oranges, and warm neutrals especially inviting.
👉 Not sure how your room’s light will affect paint colour? Contact Wallmasters.co.uk for a free consultation — our experts will guide you.
Artificial Lighting: Bulbs Change the Mood
- Warm LED or incandescent (2700K–3000K): Enhance reds, yellows, and warm neutrals, but can dull cooler tones like blue or grey.
- Cool LED (4000K+) or daylight bulbs: Make whites and cool tones crisp, but can feel harsh in cosy spaces.
- Halogen: Bright and clean, closer to daylight, making colours appear truer.
Tip: Always test your paint samples both in natural light and under your evening lighting setup.
Why Test Paint Samples in Different Lighting?
A colour that looks “perfect” in the shop under fluorescent light may look completely different in your living room. That’s why we recommend:
- Painting large test swatches (at least 30×30 cm) on different walls.
- Observing them in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Checking under both daylight and artificial lighting.
This way, you’ll avoid expensive mistakes — and get a colour you’ll truly love.
How Wallmasters Can Help
At Wallmasters, we don’t just paint — we advise. Our London painters combine expertise in application with knowledge of colour psychology and lighting effects. We help you choose colours that work beautifully in your space, under your light.
- Free, no-obligation quotes via Wallmasters.co.uk.
- Expert guidance tailored to your home’s orientation and lighting.
- Professional finish that makes colours shine as intended.
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Lighting transforms colour — and colour transforms your space. Don’t leave it to chance. Trust the experts at London painters Wallmasters to guide you from colour selection to flawless finish.
👉 Visit Wallmasters.co.uk today and request your free painting quote. Let painting London Wallmasters turn your vision into reality.