IN THIS POST
- Effects of Sunlight on Colours
- Effects of Artificial Lights on Colours
- Best Paint Colours for Dark Rooms
Almost everyone has that one room or a little corner in their home that only gets a little natural light and, as a result, looks dull and gloomy at all times. Well, what if we told you that choosing the right paint colours for dark rooms can make a world of difference in their ambience and visual appeal?
Although it is tempting to paint these spaces in the brightest shade of white, it is not always the best choice. Many experts suggest choosing hues for interior walls based on the source and quality of light that rooms receive. For example, living rooms and kitchens are usually brightly lit with sufficient windows and ventilation points. On the other hand, basements and hallways are generally darker as they have fewer windows that would allow natural light to stream in.
Before we discuss the best paint colours for rooms with little natural light, let’s take a quick look at how sunlight and fluorescent lights can affect hues.
How Does Sunlight Affect Paint Colours?
Have you ever painted your entire room only to realise the colour looks really different on your walls than it did at the store? If your answer is yes, you probably already know how much natural light can impact different hues. So, even if you have a little sunlight entering a space, you should take it into consideration while deciding on the colour palette.
The amount of light and the angle of the sun both play an important role here. Hence, if you have an east-facing room, you may want to go red, yellows, and oranges since the light coming into your room is likely to develop a warm and bluish-hue afternoon. On the other hand, you can choose pretty much any colour for west-facing rooms, as the natural light can make your space look warm and pleasant.
Many industry experts also suggest using bold colours in north-facing rooms as muted tones can get washed away due to the cool and bluish light in the evening. Meanwhile, south-facing rooms are perfect for lighter hues, as they will fill your space with a subtle glow when the sunlight hits your walls.
How Does Artificial Light Affect Colours?
We have already discussed different types of bulbs and temperatures of illumination, so it’s time we talk about the role artificial light can play in enhancing or subduing your choice of paint colour.
Generally, fluorescent bulbs generate cool and bluish light, which amplifies greens and blues while muting warmer tones. Meanwhile, soft white fluorescent bulbs cast a warm and yellowish hue on all shades. Similarly, full-spectrum fluorescents mimic natural sunlight to a great extent, whereas the yellow and warm light on incandescent bulbs can make cool colours look dull and give warm tones a more intense appearance. Lastly, halogen bulbs produce a bright, white light, which means it goes well with most colours.
So, if you are looking for paint colours to make a room look brighter, you must choose a light bulb accordingly.
What Are the Best Paint Colours for Dark Rooms?
These are some of the most popular paint colours for low-light rooms that can not only brighten up your space but also add to its aesthetics.
Grey
Considered a neutral colour by name, grey is among the best wall colours for spaces that receive little to no sunlight. There are quite a few shades of grey available at paint stores, so you should still consider buying sample-sized packs of three to four different options and try them on your wall. It is also worth mentioning that this colour tends to go well with bronze and black accents.
Teal
Yet another timeless choice, this rich and earthy shade can elevate your space by creating a grounded sense of nature. It is also an ideal choice for those who would like to bring the outdoors indoors by incorporating a little bit of this beautiful colour into their home. Moreover, owing to its yellow undertone, this hue pairs well with natural wood. It also looks good with white and creamy accents.
Seafoam Green
This shade of green is not only one of the best colour paints to reflect sunlight but can also make your room look trendy. It introduces a feeling of calmness and serenity while creating awe-inspiring combinations with natural wood and brass fixtures. Seafoam green is considered a cool colour, so make sure to choose your indoor lighting accordingly.
Greige
If you love neutrals and want to make sure your space looks just as minimalistic and elegant as the rest of your home, you should check out the lighter shades of greige – a combination of grey and beige. This beautiful hue is widely used by interior designers due to its versatility and ability to reflect natural light, thus creating an illusion of a bigger and brighter room.
Navy Blue
Those who love moody yet classic hues cannot go wrong with navy blue. Although the colour may appear too dark for a low-light room, you can easily elevate the space by adding a bright accent wall or white trim to the walls. This shade also goes well with grey and has the power to turn a dull and dreary corner into the most alluring part of your home.
Off-White
A warm white with an eggshell hue and creamy undertone is perhaps among the safest paint colours for dark rooms. It looks inviting and charming without making your space look old and traditional. Besides, off-white never goes out of style, does it? Furthermore, this hue works exceptionally well with almost every colour and can make your space feel bigger than it actually is.
Pale Pink
Last but not least, pale pink can transform a boring room with little natural light into a bright space with a calming ambience. Though pink is widely deemed a feminine colour, the truth is it works rather well in all settings. It also complements darker and bolder hues, which makes it an excellent option for hallways and other parts of the house as well.
This concludes our guide to the best paint colours for rooms with little natural light.
Meanwhile, if you are planning to paint your home all by yourself, here are a few guides you may find helpful:
- Applying Primer Before Paint: Yay or Nay?
- Paint Calculator: How Much Paint Should You Buy for Your Home
- How to Paint a Room like a Pro
- How to Choose the Right Paint Finish for Different Rooms
- How Long Does It Take for Paint to Dry and Cure?
If you have any questions or comments about the blog, please feel free to share them with us by writing at blog@zameen.com.
For more home improvement tips and tricks, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the top lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can also visit and like our Facebook page for the latest updates about the real estate industry.
