The number one consideration before selecting a color or color scheme is to determine the light source(s) in the room to be painted. It is critical to take light that is both present in a room, and absent, into consideration when selecting a paint color.
Color selection and approval decisions should be made under lighting conditions that replicate those of the area to be painted during the periods of maximum usage.
Take the same can of paint and apply it to two rooms, one that receives limited natural light and another that's flooded with sunshine, and it will look and act like two different colors.
The truth is, color never stands alone. Any kind of light – daylight, artificial light, even candlelight – can dramatically change the way a certain color appears.
Debbie Zimmer, color and paint expert, explains that when making a color decision and designing a space, "it's all about balancing the type of lighting, gloss level and the impact of other colors in the space," says Zimmer. "Some things are controllable and others are not, but it's a matter of creating harmony with these three factors."
Further Information and Resources:
Understanding the relationship between light and color is essential for anyone choosing a paint color for a particular space. Here are some tips and tricks to consider:
CCI Color Matching processes include various quality checkpoints solely for this purpose - we must ensure that the color we produce is achieving the same effect under each different light condition so that you get the most accurate sample of a paint.
By understanding how light can affect color, you can create the desired environment you are looking for, whether on the interior or exterior of your home. At CCI we implement this knowledge throughout the entire production process of our color products and tools.
