When it comes to updating your kitchen, there are a lot of details to think about – kitchen cabinet paint colors, flooring, wall paint colors, counters, backsplash tile, and more! One thing people often overlook is the fact that the lighting in your kitchen can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Lighting can also affect your design choices, specifically your cabinet paint colors. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you make any final decisions on your cabinet paint color.

Why Lighting Impacts Kitchen Cabinet Colors So Much

When painting your kitchen cabinets, the lighting in the room plays a crucial role in how the colors appear. You might have noticed that a paint color can look vastly different at home compared to how it appeared online or in a store. This discrepancy is due to the lighting conditions. In a brightly lit room, colors tend to look more vibrant, while in dim lighting, they can appear muted or dull. By combining natural and artificial light, you can better control the color intensity, allowing you to adjust the ambiance to suit different times of day and activities.

What to Know About Natural Light

Consider how natural light affects your home throughout the day when choosing paint colors for your kitchen cabinets. The sun’s changing position influences how your cabinet color looks at different times, and factors like the time of year and your home’s orientation can further alter the appearance.

In kitchens with limited natural light, paint colors may appear less vibrant. To achieve the true color of your chosen sample, you’ll need to supplement with appropriate artificial lighting or opt for a brighter hue.

Even if your kitchen lacks abundant natural light, there are strategies to maximize the light available and enhance the look of your cabinets.

  • Choosing a light, bright paint color for your cabinets
  • Skipping window treatments or opting for light, airy window treatments rather than heavy ones
  • Hanging mirrors to reflect light
  • Pruning shrubs or trees that are blocking sunlight from getting inside.

If, on the other hand, you have a lot of natural light in your kitchen, achieving the true color is much easier.

What to Know About Artificial Light

Artificial lighting significantly impacts how your kitchen cabinet colors appear. Different light bulbs offer varying wattages and color temperatures, affecting your perception of paint colors. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best lighting for your kitchen:

  • Incandescent Lighting: This type of lighting intensifies warm colors but can make cool colors look dull.
  • Halogen Lighting: Similar to natural light, halogen bulbs provide a true-to-life appearance for your cabinet colors.
  • LED Lighting: Available in a range of color temperatures, LED bulbs can make your cabinet colors appear either cooler or warmer, depending on the specific bulb you choose.
  • Smart Lightbulbs: These offer multiple settings, giving you greater control over your kitchen’s lighting and ambiance. For instance, you can use a brighter setting when cooking and reading recipes, and switch to a softer, cozier glow when entertaining or enjoying a meal with family.

By understanding the effects of different artificial lights, you can select the perfect bulbs to enhance the look of your kitchen cabinets.

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Colors with Lighting in Mind

Remember that the bright fluorescent lights in stores differ greatly from your home lighting. Avoid committing to a color in the store. Instead, bring home several samples and observe how they look in your kitchen. Check them at different times of day and under various lighting conditions—turn off the lights, open the blinds, light a candle, etc. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of how your cabinets will appear in different scenarios.

Unsure where to start with choosing a color for your cabinets? The experts at N-Hance of Columbus are here to help. We understand the interplay between lighting and paint colors and can recommend options that perfectly suit your kitchen. Our cabinet color change process ensures an even color and a durable finish.

No matter the lighting in your kitchen or your color temperature preferences, you can trust N-Hance of Columbus to bring it all together beautifully. We offer a wide range of colors and can even match a specific shade you provide. Our process will not only enhance your cabinets but also brighten and revitalize your entire kitchen space.

Are you ready to learn more about painting your kitchen cabinets while keeping lighting in mind? Give N-Hance of Columbus a call to set up a FREE consultation and price estimate!