Light and Color
Checklist for reading the light in a room before painting
A practical checklist for reading a room's light before choosing paint, covering window direction, the hours the room is used, and each artificial source.
The collection
Light and Color
How daylight, window direction and artificial bulbs change the way paint, fabric and wood look through the day and across the seasons.
Light and Color
Choosing bulb color temperature for the rooms you live in
Learn what kelvin ratings on bulbs mean, which white ranges suit each room and its tasks, and how to read bulb packaging so paint and fabric look right.
Light and Color
How artificial light changes the color of walls and fabric
Lamps and ceiling lights shift how paint and fabric look. Learn how color temperature, color rendering and light direction change hues, and how to check colors at night.
Light and Color
How daylight from north and south windows shifts paint
Learn how north- and south-facing windows change the color of paint in the Northern Hemisphere, and how to choose and test colors for each direction.
Light and Color
How paint shifts between morning and evening light
Paint looks different through the day because the sun's angle and color change. Learn why walls shift from morning to evening and how to choose colors that hold up.
Light and Color
Light or dark rooms: how window size changes the choice
Choosing light or dark paint for a small or dim room depends on window size, direction and use. Learn the trade-offs and when a deep color still works.