How-to Choose your Hue

If you’ve ever tried to pick out a paint color for your wall, you know that the color magically changes from place to place and from sun-up to sundown. Thus, finding the right paint color is no easy task!

So, we’ve got a few tips to help you select the perfect paint color for your room.

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First, let’s look at some basic LIGHT RULES:

Dark colors absorb light and tend to create a cozy, intimate feel.

Light colors reflect light and make a room feel more open and airy.

Different paint sheens will change this absorption factor.  Gloss finishes will reflect more light.  Flat or matte sheens will typically hide flaws because they are less reflective.

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Next, for some natural LIGHT CHANGING facts:

Colors change according to the natural sunlight in your environment.

In north facing rooms–light is cool and bluish.  It is said that north facing rooms are the most difficult to decorate because of the harsher light level.  Bold colors tend to look well in these rooms.

On the other hand, south facing rooms get plenty of bright sunlight. Bold colors look brighter and light colors have more glow.

East facing rooms are warmly sunlit before noon, then cooler and bluer toward evening.

West facing rooms have cool morning light, followed by dramatic sunlit illumination in the afternoon.  The morning light may produce shadows; by the afternoon, colors may appear duller.  White, gold and metallic paint colors are a good option here.

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Now comes the fun part! You can plan your lighting design so that your favorite paint colors and LIGHT SOURCES work together for you.

LED light sources are available in virtually every size and shape, but the most important factor to consider is the bulb temperature.

To warm up a paint color, go for bulbs listed as having 2700K color temperatures.

To cool down a paint color, try bulbs with 4000K.

A professional lighting designer will be able to help you find the best light sources to complement the paint colors in your home.

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It is best to finalize your lighting design before you paint.  If you must choose a paint color before the lighting is installed, try using a portable lamp equipped with intended light sources to observe a sample swatch of your selected hue.  

You will notice that the color looks completely different depending on your lighting design and the amount of natural sunlight in the room.  Remember to observe your paint color at various times throughout the day, before making the final decision.

Have any colorful stories you’d like to share?  We’d love to hear from you!