How Lighting Affects Paint Colour 💡

Ever painted a wall and realised the colour looks completely different from the sample?
You’re not imagining it — lighting has a huge impact on how paint colours appear.
The same colour can look warm and cosy in one room, and cool and muted in another, depending on the light source.

Here’s how different types of lighting affect your paint colour — and how to choose the perfect shade for your space.

1. Natural Light: The Ultimate Influencer ☀️

Sunlight changes throughout the day, affecting how colours appear on your walls.

• North-facing rooms (in Australia) tend to have cooler, bluish light → choose warm neutrals or soft whites to balance the tone.
• South-facing rooms get warmer light → cooler tones like grey, blue, or green work beautifully.
• East-facing rooms glow with morning light → bright whites and pastels feel fresh.
• West-facing rooms get golden sunset tones → avoid overly warm colours that can feel too intense.

🎨 Try these:

• White Dove (OC-17) – soft, balanced white that adapts to changing daylight
• Revere Pewter (HC-172) – a warm greige that looks consistent all day

2. Artificial Lighting: Warm vs Cool Bulbs 💡

Indoor lighting plays a huge role once the sun goes down.

• Warm white light (2700–3000K) – makes colours appear richer and more yellow.
  → Great for cosy spaces like bedrooms and living rooms.
• Cool white light (4000–5000K) – enhances blue and green undertones, making whites look crisper.
  → Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and modern interiors.

💡 Tip: When testing paint, look at swatches under both daylight and your actual room lighting — it can look like two different colours!

3. Paint Finish Also Affects Reflection ✨

Even with the same colour, the finish (sheen level) changes how light interacts with the surface.

• Matte / Flat: Absorbs light, hides imperfections.
• Eggshell / Satin: Reflects some light, making colours appear slightly warmer.
• Semi-Gloss / Gloss: Reflects the most light, enhances brightness but also highlights wall flaws.

🎨 Example:

• Benjamin Moore Regal® Select Satin gives a subtle glow perfect for living areas.
• Benjamin Moore Aura® Matte offers elegant depth for bedrooms and low-sheen spaces.

4. Test Before You Paint 🧪

Always test colours on the wall before committing.

• Paint sample swatches on different walls (especially near windows and corners).
• Observe them morning, afternoon, and evening to see how they shift under various lighting.

✨ You can also use Benjamin Moore Colour Samples for easy peel-and-stick testing — no mess, no surprises.

Final Thoughts

Lighting can completely transform your paint colour — it’s the secret ingredient in every beautiful space.
By understanding how natural and artificial light interact with your walls, you’ll pick colours that truly shine all day long.

At My Paint & Co, we offer expert advice and a full range of Benjamin Moore paints so you can find the perfect match for your home’s lighting conditions.

✨ Visit us in-store at Mitchell, ACT or shop online today.