Unless proper training has been given in design, most people won’t even think about the type of lighting they have in their homes. They will simply accept the kind of lighting they have and won’t revisit the subject until their lightbulb dies out and they are forced to visit their nearest hardware store. Most might know about natural sunlight, but they’ll often overlook the effects their overhead and floor lighting can have on their living spaces. Home color and lighting are two things that go hand in hand, and ignoring how they go together could throw off the vibe of a room.
Different Lighting in Bulbs
Have you ever noticed the lighting display section when going to the hardware store? There are overhead, floor, and wall lighting items. If closer attention is paid, you’ll notice that their light is never the same. This can be due to the type of bulb and even the glass or cover encasing the bulb. To assume that any bulb will do for any room in a home is a mistake. For white lightbulbs, there are descriptions such as ultra-warm white, warm white, natural white, daylight, cool white, and yellow. The list doesn’t end there either; different companies have different names for them too! Each of these bulbs creates an extremely distinct look in a living space.
Ultra Warm White
This color is best displayed where someone might spend most of their time relaxing. It is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. Ultra-Warm White makes bright colors such as yellow, orange, and red appear more intense. Cool colors such as green, blue, and gray will become duller on the other end of the spectrum. This color works well for decorative outdoor lighting and commercial spaces like restaurants.
Natural White
Natural white gives off a brighter look than the orange hue that warm white gives off. This color compliments the kitchen, bathroom, and workspaces best. Other work areas, such as office spaces and garages, also benefit from this lighting. Natural white is the best to help paint colors retain their look. Have you ever noticed, while painting, that the color doesn’t quite look like the one you bought at the store no more than 20 minutes ago? That’s because the lighting is off, and failing to consider that when decorating can completely change the mood of a room. If you want to keep the color the same as when you saw it at the store, natural white is the way to go.
Cool White
Cool White is a color that can be used in various locations. However, just because it can be used in almost any room doesn’t mean it should be. The right colors must still be in place for the room and colors to thrive. No one wants to stare at an off-colored red wall while working in the office. In addition to being used in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, cool white is used in offices, closets, utility rooms, game rooms, basements, and commercial spaces such as hospitals. Always remember that if you opt for this color, the colors in your space will have an added bluish hue.
Pro Opinion
Sometimes, figuring these things out on our own can be difficult. Paint should look its best in any room and situation, but not everyone has the knowledge and experience we do. If you need clarification on what your next step is, contact us! We are always more than happy to help with your paint and home.
Members of the Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial and news staff were not involved in creating this content.