How Light Affects Colour
A paint that looks great morning, noon and night
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right colour for your space. According to Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore Colour and Design Expert, lighting is one of the most important. Here, she shares tips for finding a colour that will look great at any time of day.
1. Assess lighting. Light has the incredible ability to play tricks on us, often changing the way we see a colour and the mood it creates,” explains Grech. “This is why it can be so challenging to find the right paint colour for a room. We have to consider lighting on so many levels, from the type of lighting, both natural and artificial, to the direction the sunlight is travelling, to the time of day.” She recommends deep, rich colours like Shadow 2117-30, Guacamole 2144-10, Gentlemen’s Gray 2062-20 and Dinner Party AF-300. “What I love about these bold colours is that their dimension and depth are really brought to life with light.”
WALLS: Shadow 2117-30, Aura®, Eggshell
MANTLE: Ebony King 2132-20, ADVANCE®, Matte
TRIM: Chalk White 2126-70, ADVANCE®, Semi-Gloss
2. Trial run. The most effective and budget-friendly way to choose your paint is to test out the colour before committing. Go to your local retailer and purchase a sample pot. “Testing and enjoying the colour in your space over a few days will allow you to see how the colour evolves and adjusts to lighting throughout the day,” says Grech. “Morning light casts blue undertones while evening light is warmer, more red. It is important to look at colours at different times throughout the day as it may have a significant impact on the undertone of your chosen colour.”
WALLS: Gentlemen’s Gray 2062-20, Aura®, Eggshell
3. Finish with a lasting impression. Just like choosing paint colours, there are several options when it comes to finishes. Grech says 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 dark colour to life. On the contrary, a flat or matte paint finish will have no reflection and can appear darker. For more sheen on walls, Grech recommends satin or eggshell finishes. For less sheen, look for a flat or matte finish in the Aura® line.
