When selecting paint for a room, it’s tempting to focus solely on the colour swatch in the shop. Yet, depending on the room's lighting, that same colour can look dramatically different once applied to the wall. Both natural daylight and artificial sources influence how we perceive colour, sometimes enhancing it and other times distorting it entirely.

This is why a shade that seemed perfect under showroom lights might feel too dull, too bright, or just “off” once it’s on your walls. Understanding the relationship between light and paint helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a space feels exactly as intended.

Why Light Changes the Way Paint Looks

Paint doesn’t change, but our perception of it does. Light interacts with pigment in complex ways, affecting depth, tone, and vibrancy. The amount, type, and direction of light all influence how a colour appears. These variations become especially noticeable across different rooms in the same house or even on opposite walls in a single space.

What seems like a minor detail becomes crucial when the paint is applied on a large scale. Colours that appear soft and neutral can suddenly feel cold or muddy. Bright tones might look overpowering. Even the time of day plays a role, making a room feel bright and airy one moment and sombre the next.

How Natural Light Affects Paint Perception

Natural daylight shifts throughout the day and varies depending on which direction the room faces. These changes can subtly—or dramatically—alter how colours appear.

North-facing rooms often receive cooler, indirect light, which can cause colours to take on a bluish tint. Pale greys may seem icy, while whites can feel stark. Warmer tones like soft beige, warm taupe, or dusty pinks help counteract the coolness and make the space more inviting.

South-facing rooms enjoy the most consistent daylight, usually warm and golden. In these spaces, colours tend to appear brighter and more saturated. Deep colours become richer, and even pale tones gain warmth. This natural boost allows more flexibility in colour choice, especially for bolder shades.

East-facing rooms get bright, warm light in the morning, which then cools as the sun moves. This can make the paint look fresh and warm in the early hours but slightly duller by the afternoon. Soft yellows, peach tones, and gentle neutrals work well, maintaining warmth without relying on intense light.

West-facing rooms are dimmer in the morning and gain warm, golden light later in the day. Because of this contrast, some colours can feel flat in the morning but come alive in the evening. Muted greens, greys, or terracotta tones often feel balanced in this shifting light.

How Artificial Lighting Alters Colour

Most rooms rely on artificial lighting at some point in the day, especially during darker months. The type of bulb you use has a significant effect on how paint is perceived.

Warm white bulbs (common in most households) emit a yellowish light. This can warm up cool colours or make warm tones feel even more intense. It often softens harsh whites but can also make some colours look dull or overly golden.

Cool white or daylight bulbs lean towards blue tones. They enhance crispness in whites and greys but can make warmer colours seem slightly faded or washed out. In areas where precision matters, such as kitchens or home offices, these bulbs can make spaces feel cleaner and more alert.

Halogen bulbs produce a clean, white light closer to daylight. They tend to provide the most accurate colour rendering, so they’re often used in showrooms or galleries.

LED lights are available in different tones—from warm to cool—so they can be chosen to suit the space. Their versatility makes them useful in homes where lighting may shift based on the time of day or activity.

Testing Paint Samples the Right Way

Many people skip or rush the testing phase and then regret it once the paint dries on the wall. Taking the time to test properly helps avoid a mismatch between expectation and reality.

Start with larger samples. Tiny swatches don’t give you a full picture. Use actual paint to apply a square at least A4-sized directly onto the wall. Try it in more than one place, especially if the room gets uneven light throughout the day.

Check the colour at different times. Morning light, afternoon sun, and evening artificial lighting all bring out different undertones. What looks perfect at noon may appear muddy under lamplight. Make notes at various times of day to see how it holds up.

Try out your usual lighting. Use the same bulbs and fixtures that the room will have once decorated. Assess the paint under both if you use a mixture of overhead lighting and lamps. You’ll be surprised at how colour shifts in different settings.

Avoid painting on existing colours. If your walls are currently a dark or bold shade, it can interfere with how the sample appears. Either paint over a patch with white first or apply the sample on a large sheet of white card and move it around the room.

Pay attention to sheen. Flat matt, eggshell, satin, and gloss all reflect light differently. Glossy finishes bounce light and enhance brightness, which can make colours appear lighter. Matte finishes absorb light and soften tones. Always test in the intended finish.

Adapting Paint Choices Based on Lighting

Once you’ve tested the samples, you might realise your original choice needs a slight adjustment. It’s better to tweak the shade before committing to litres of paint.

Consider choosing colours with a warm base in dark or poorly lit rooms. Creams, muted yellows, or soft peaches can make a space feel brighter and more welcoming. Avoid overly cool tones unless you want a deliberately moody effect.

In overly bright rooms, bolder or darker colours can prevent the space from feeling washed out. Natural light will lift these shades, making them feel rich but not oppressive. Navy, charcoal, or forest green can be surprisingly subtle in bright spaces.

In mixed-light rooms, neutrals with balanced undertones—often called greige—work well. They adapt to shifting light without veering too cool or too warm. These flexible tones suit hallways and open-plan spaces where light varies throughout the day.

Design Considerations Around Light and Colour

Choosing paint is not only about picking a colour you like—it’s about selecting one that works in the space you live in. Take stock of your flooring, furnishings, and soft décor. All of these elements affect how colour is perceived.

A pale grey wall might look clean and crisp in a modern, minimally furnished space. The same colour in a room with wooden floors and beige upholstery could take on a greenish or lavender tone. Lighting interacts with surrounding elements, so view your paint alongside everything else in the room.

Mirrors, curtains, and flooring materials also affect how light moves around the space. Glossy floors or mirrored surfaces bounce light, amplifying brightness. Dark carpets or thick drapes absorb light, making the same paint colour appear slightly more muted.

Bringing Lighting and Colour into Harmony

The best rooms achieve harmony between paint and lighting. Whether you're working with abundant natural daylight or relying on artificial sources, understanding how light affects colour is essential. Taking the time to test, observe, and tweak before committing allows you to create a space that feels intentional and well-balanced.

Rather than focusing solely on the colour swatch, look at how light changes it throughout the day. Consider your fixtures, bulbs, and existing furnishings. By planning with lighting in mind, you’ll avoid surprises—and enjoy a paint finish that truly complements your home.

FAQs

Can I rely on digital mock-ups or online previews when choosing paint?

Digital previews can be helpful for visualising colour schemes, but they aren’t reliable for final colour decisions. Screen settings, brightness, and image filters all affect how colour appears. Always test physical samples in the actual space.

Why does the same paint look different in two rooms?

Light direction, bulb type, surrounding colours, and surface textures all influence how paint is perceived. Even if the colour is identical, the environment changes how our eyes interpret it.

Should I change my lightbulbs before choosing paint colours?

If you’re planning to update lighting, do it before selecting paint. The type and tone of lightbulbs significantly affect how colours appear, so it’s important to test under the final lighting conditions.

© APA Painters & Decorators

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a home, but achieving a flawless finish requires more than just skilled painters and quality materials. Proper preparation before the professionals arrive makes all the difference in ensuring a smooth process and a long-lasting result. Homeowners who take the right steps in advance not only help speed up the work but also contribute to a better finish. Here’s how to get your home ready for a professional paint job.

Decluttering the Space and Protecting Belongings
Before the painters start, it's essential to clear the area as much as possible. Removing furniture, wall décor, and any fragile items allows for easy access to walls and ceilings, preventing potential damage. If moving everything out of the room isn’t feasible, shifting furniture to the centre and covering it with dust sheets works well. This ensures that paint splatters don’t ruin upholstery or delicate surfaces. Curtains, blinds, and rugs should also be taken down or covered to protect them from dust and accidental splashes.

Cleaning Walls and Surfaces
Paint adheres best to a clean surface, so any dust, grease, or stains should be dealt with beforehand. Kitchens and bathrooms, in particular, tend to accumulate grime that could affect paint application. A simple solution of mild detergent and warm water is usually enough to remove most surface dirt, while stubborn stains may need a specialised cleaner. Once washed, walls should be left to dry completely before any painting begins.

Addressing Repairs and Damage
Small imperfections such as cracks, dents, or peeling paint can affect the final result. While professional painters will often carry out minor repairs as part of their service, homeowners can save time by identifying and addressing these issues in advance. Filling holes left by picture hooks or nails, sanding rough patches, and replacing damaged plaster where necessary ensures a smoother finish. This step is especially crucial in older homes where wear and tear is more pronounced.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation
A well-ventilated space helps paint dry efficiently and minimises the build-up of fumes. Opening windows and doors improves airflow and speeds up the curing process. If painting is planned for colder months, checking that heating can be adjusted to help maintain an appropriate drying temperature is beneficial. Proper ventilation not only enhances the outcome but also ensures a safer environment for those in the home.

Confirming Paint Choices in Advance
A professional paint job is a significant investment, so finalising colour and finish choices before work begins avoids last-minute decisions and delays. Testing sample patches on the walls in different lighting conditions helps homeowners feel confident in their selection. Once a choice is made, confirming it with the painting team ensures the correct products are ordered and ready for application.

Providing Easy Access to the Work Area
Painters need space to work efficiently, so clearing pathways and ensuring access to all rooms being painted is important. Moving personal items out of the way, keeping pets in another part of the house, and making arrangements for children to be elsewhere during painting hours can prevent interruptions. This allows the team to focus on the job without unnecessary distractions.

Discussing Expectations with the Painters
Good communication with the painting team helps set clear expectations. Discussing timelines, preferred working hours, and any specific requirements in advance prevents misunderstandings. If there are areas that need extra attention, mentioning them beforehand ensures they are included in the plan. A brief walkthrough with the painters before they begin allows both parties to confirm details and agree on the best approach.

Checking External Conditions for Exterior Painting
If the project involves exterior painting, weather conditions play a key role in achieving the best results. Heavy rain, extreme cold, or strong winds can interfere with paint application and drying times. While professionals monitor the forecast and adjust schedules if needed, homeowners should also be aware of how changing conditions may impact the project. Ensuring gutters are clear and trimming back any overgrown plants near the walls provides the painters with unobstructed access.

Allowing Enough Time for the Process
Quality paintwork takes time, and rushing the process leads to poor results. While professional painters work efficiently, drying and curing times must be factored in. Depending on the type of paint used and the number of coats required, some areas may need to remain untouched for a day or two before being fully functional again. Being realistic about timelines and allowing extra time for the best finish ensures a stress-free experience.

Final Walkthrough and Inspection
Once the painting is complete, a final walkthrough with the painters helps address any touch-ups or concerns before the project is signed off. Checking corners, edges, and high-traffic areas for any inconsistencies ensures a perfect finish. If there are any areas that require minor adjustments, noting them immediately makes it easier for the team to correct them before they leave.

A professional paint job not only enhances the appearance of a home but also adds to its durability and value. By preparing properly before the work begins, homeowners contribute to a seamless process and a flawless result that lasts for years to come.

FAQs

How long should I wait before putting furniture back after painting?
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before moving furniture back into place. Some paints may take longer to cure fully, so checking with the painters on drying times helps avoid smudges or marks.

Will I need to be home while the painters work?
Not necessarily. Many professional painters work independently, but being available at the start and end of each day to check progress and answer any questions can be helpful.

Do I need to provide any materials or equipment for the painters?
Professional painters bring their own tools, brushes, and ladders. However, if there are specific paint brands or finishes you prefer, discussing this beforehand ensures they use the right products.

© APA Painters & Decorators

Living in a small London apartment can be challenging, especially when it comes to decorating. But one simple trick can make a big difference: painting. Using the right colours and techniques makes your space feel bigger, brighter, and more open. In this blog post, we'll share some painting hacks that will help you maximise the potential of your small London apartment.

Choose light colours

Lighter shades such as white, beige, and pastels create a sense of space and reflect natural light, making your apartment feel brighter and more open. These colours are great for small apartments, making the room more spacious and airy. On the other hand, darker colours can make a room feel smaller and can absorb light, so it's best to stick to light and bright colours.

Paint the ceiling

Painting the ceiling the same colour as your walls is a good idea. This approach can create a seamless transition between the two, giving the illusion of more height and space. Using a lighter colour for the ceiling is essential, making the room feel taller and more open. This is an excellent technique in small London apartments where the ceiling can be pretty low

Use accent walls

Accent walls are a great way to add a pop of colour or interest to a room without overwhelming it. Choose a colour that complements the rest of the room, and don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and patterns. Painting one wall in a contrasting colour can help to create depth and a sense of perspective in a small space.

Go for glossy finishes

High-gloss finishes reflect light and make walls appear smoother, giving the impression of more space. These finishes are great for small London apartments as they create the illusion of more space and make a room feel brighter and more open. However, be aware that high-gloss finishes can also show imperfections more quickly, so ensure the walls are smooth and well-prepared before applying the paint. 

Paint the trim

Painting baseboards, door frames, and window frame the same colour as the walls can make the room feel more cohesive and visually larger. By painting the trim the same colour as the walls, you create an unbroken visual line that makes the space feel bigger and more open. This technique is especially effective when using light colours.

Use vertical stripes

Painting vertical stripes on the walls can create the illusion of more height and make the space feel taller. This is an excellent technique in small London apartments where the ceiling can be quite low. Vertical stripes can also add interest to a room and create a sense of movement. 

Paint furniture

Painting light colours can help it blend in with the walls, creating a sense of continuity and making the space feel less cluttered. This technique can also create a visual break in a space and add interest to a room. Just be sure to choose the right paint for your furniture and properly prepare the surface before painting.

Choose the right sheen

Choosing the right sheen is important when painting a small London apartment. Matte finishes can absorb light and make walls look dull, whereas satin or eggshell finishes have a slight shine that reflects light and makes walls look brighter. Satin or eggshell finishes are great for walls, making the room more optimistic and open.

Keep it simple

Use fewer colours or patterns, making a small space feel overwhelming and cluttered. Instead, please stick to one or two colours and use them throughout the space. This will create a cohesive look and make the room feel more spacious. Keeping patterns minimum is also essential, as they can make a space feel smaller.

Consider painting the floor

Painting a wooden or concrete floor in a neutral colour can make the space feel larger and brighter. A light-coloured floor can also create a seamless transition between the walls and the floor, giving the illusion of more space. Just be sure to prepare the surface before painting correctly and to use a paint specifically designed for floors to ensure durability and longevity. This technique can be especially effective in small London apartments where space is at a premium.

In short, painting is a simple and effective way to make your small London apartment feel bigger and brighter. By using light colours, painting the ceiling, and incorporating accent walls, you can create the illusion of more space and depth. Using glossy finishes, painting the trim, and using vertical stripes can also help to create the illusion of more height and make the room feel taller. Finally, keeping it simple with just a few colours and patterns and painting the floor can create a cohesive look and make the room more spacious. With these painting hacks, you can transform your small London apartment into a comfortable and inviting space.

If you want to hire professional painters and decorators, consider APA Painters and Decorators.

© APA Painters and Decorators

Painting the bricks can be the perfect way to spruce up the exterior of your house, allowing you to enjoy the stylish looks of your home for years ahead. But unlike taking care of a painting job inside your place, painting bricks is more challenging than you think. As many things can go wrong with the project, you need to keep in mind a few useful tips for a DIY job well-done.

Here are Some Painting Tips You Should Always Stick To

Avoid painting new bricks

Freshly installed bricks usually hold onto a powdery substance that will ruin your painting project. For that reason, you shouldn’t rush into painting a brickwork right after the installation has been completed, but wait for at least a month before kicking off with the next step. In a month, your brand-new brick wall will settle and be able to hold on to the paint in the long run.

Clean the surface

Stains, debris, and powder residue will stay trapped over the brickwork; that’s why you should clean your canvas before painting. You don’t want to paint over dust and sand; that will compromise the painting job. Give your brick wall a thorough clean-up with the power washer to eliminate any grime stuck to the surface. However, ensure you don’t apply lots of pressure with the washer. Otherwise, you might cause damage to the brickwork. When you are done cleaning, you should wait for the wall to dry completely before applying the paint. Before painting, you might also want to investigate the surface for possible cracks or missing mortar and fix the faulty areas.

Pick the right primer

Another task you should address before painting a brick exterior is to purchase and apply the right kind of primer. Don’t forget that using a primer before painting a brick surface is a must, as the product fills unwanted crannies, allowing the paint to adhere much better. When shopping for a primer, remember that you can benefit from a product specially made for brickwork. This type of primer is a bit thinner than other solutions on the market, allowing it to penetrate a brick surface easily. Before purchasing a primer, you should also consider the type of paint you are about to apply. If you have picked latex paint, then get a water-based primer. If you have chosen an oil-based kind of paint, an oil-based primer is a way to go.

Invest in quality tools

While any painting job can benefit from decent tools, when painting over a surface as rough as bricks, utilising the best quality equipment is key. To paint a brickwork like a pro, get yourself a brand-new brush with synthetic bristles and don’t be afraid to overspend. If you have an airless paint sprayer, you can use it to get the painting job done. Yet once you are done painting, go over the brick wall with a damp roller to help the primer penetrate the bricks.

Get to know your paint

the type of paint you will select for your brickwork matters a lot, as different kinds of paint come with different advantages and downsides you should be aware of. There is no right or wrong here – you are hardly likely to make a mistake with your choice. Homeowners typically opt for latex paint for their exterior brickwork, as it dries quickly and is simple to keep clean. Oil-based paint usually takes more time to dry, but it is more resistant to wear and tear.

Now that you know all the essential aspects of successfully painting a brick exterior, you can gather your tools and materials and paint over the brick wall like a true expert.

© Evto Bricks Restoration