Using Lighting in Interior Design

Whether artificial or natural, the type of light under which a particular colour is viewed, impacts how the eye perceives the hue. This is an integral part of planning a successful colour scheme for a room.

Natural light: Direct sunlight is considered the ideal light source because it provides the truest representation of colour as it a balance between the warm (yellow cast) and cool (blue cast) ends of the light spectrum. However, natural light changes throughout the day. The intense golden rays and distinct shadows of a sunny, late afternoon can have a significant effect on the colours in a room. The difference in the same hue in artificial light is significantly noticeable. Natural light will also be affected by whether the room is south, north, west or east facing.

The sunlight that floods into a south facing room for much of the day can be harsh. Subtle and muted colours with a lot of grey will absorb a little of the light and soften the effect. 

Rooms with north facing windows never receive direct sunlight. For these rooms the colours chosen should contain no black and should be colours that brighten and lighten the space.

For rooms with east or west facing windows the light still needs to be maximised, as when the sun is off the house, either in the morning or in the afternoon, the room may feel a little dreary. Similar to north facing rooms, colours selected should be kept bright and light.

Artificial light comes in several forms, all of which influence the way hues are seen. The advantages of using artificial light are that the amount, source and direction can all be manipulated. There are also many choices of styles such as chandeliers and pendants, low voltage halogen down lighters as well as incandescent table lamps and up lighters. Dimmers are also very useful, as they can be altered to balance the changes in daylight.

Incandescent light comes in the form of a light bulb and enhances red and yellows in the room. It gives off a warm, comfortable glow and seems warmer when it's dimmed. Incandescent lights complement low-lit rooms best.

Halogen light is most like direct sunlight - cooler and clearer than incandescent light and therefore benefits rooms that need good lighting. It can create a lot of light in a room, especially used in overhead lights.
 

Fluorescent lights come in tubes and spread a flat, cold light throughout the room and look best when illumination is highest. Blues and greens will be enhanced, while reds and yellows are muted. They make the colours in the room appear active, lively and invigorating. Fluorescent fixtures offer an even light and are great in areas where lots of light is needed such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Style of house: The final consideration on how light can influence hues is considering the style of the house that is being decorated. For example, rooms in a country cottage may be in a sunny location and have south facing windows, but may also have low ceilings and tiny windows, which can make the interior feel dark and gloomy. Rooms with such low levels of natural light will benefit from having light, warm colours, such as yellows and reds to compensate for the lack of natural sunlight.

Conversely, modern homes with spacious open-plan interiors and large windows will be even more affected by seasonal changes. They may be flooded with warm, natural light in the summer but the colours chosen may look dull in winter. The dominating colour would best be subtle and muted, combined with warm and bright accent colours as well as strategically placed artificial lights to create balance throughout the seasons.