Table of Contents
Choosing the right colour for clothing, home décor, or makeup can be tricky. A shade that looks perfect in-store or online might appear completely different when exposed to different lighting conditions. Understanding how lighting affects colour can help you make choices you won’t regret later.
Natural vs Artificial Light
Light sources vary widely, and each one influences how colours appear.
- Natural daylight: The most balanced and accurate light source, making it ideal for choosing true-to-colour shades. However, the time of day and weather can still affect how colours appear.
- Warm artificial light (incandescent or warm LED): Adds yellow or orange tones, which can make cool colours look dull and warm tones appear richer.
- Cool artificial light (fluorescent or cool LED): Enhances blue and green tones while muting warm hues like red and yellow.
- Mixed lighting: Some environments have a mix of lighting, which can make colours shift unpredictably throughout the day.
If you’re selecting an outfit for a special occasion, such as choosing from the latest prom dress collection, it’s worth testing the colour in different lighting conditions before making a final decision.
The Best Colours for Different Lighting
Each type of light interacts with colours in unique ways, so here’s how to choose shades that look their best in various settings.
Colours That Shine in Natural Daylight
Since daylight is the most balanced light source, most colours appear true. However, some hues particularly thrive in natural light:
- Jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red) – Vibrant and rich, these colours maintain their intensity throughout the day.
- Earthy neutrals (terracotta, olive green, warm taupe) – These shades complement outdoor settings beautifully.
- Soft pastels (lavender, blush pink, sky blue) – Look delicate and fresh without appearing washed out.
Colours That Work Well Under Warm Artificial Light
Warm lighting tends to enhance reds, oranges, and yellows while muting blues and greens. Choose colours that complement this warmth:
- Deep reds and burgundy – Appear richer and more inviting.
- Golden yellows and mustard – Glow beautifully under warm light.
- Rich browns and warm taupes – Maintain their depth and warmth.
Avoid cooler tones like icy blues and greys, which can appear dull or muddy under this type of lighting.
Colours That Suit Cool Artificial Light
Cool lighting highlights blues, purples, and greens, while making warm tones appear less vibrant. To complement this type of light:
- Navy blue and royal blue – Look crisp and striking.
- Cool greys and charcoals – Maintain their true depth.
- Teal and emerald green – Retain their richness and vibrancy.
Warm tones like reds and oranges may appear less vibrant or take on an unnatural appearance under cool lighting.
Colours That Adapt Well to Mixed Lighting
If you’ll be in an environment with both natural and artificial light, opt for shades that remain versatile:
- Neutral beiges and greys – A safe option that won’t shift dramatically.
- Dusky pinks and muted mauves – Offer warmth without being overly affected by different light sources.
- Deep greens and warm blues – Maintain a balanced appearance across lighting changes.
How to Test Colours Before Committing
To avoid disappointment, test colours in different lighting conditions before making a final choice. Here’s how:
- For clothing: Hold the fabric up to a natural light source, then test it under indoor lighting to see if it changes.
- For home décor: Paint a small swatch on the wall and observe it at different times of day before committing to a full room.
- For makeup: Apply products in natural light whenever possible to get the most accurate representation of the shade.
Lighting plays a huge role in how we perceive colour, so taking the time to test and choose wisely ensures you’ll be happy with your selection no matter the setting.