When you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen, there are many details to consider: cabinet paint colors, flooring, countertops, and backsplash tiles. One important factor that is often overlooked is lighting. Both natural and artificial lighting significantly affect the overall look of your kitchen and can greatly influence your design choices, especially when it comes to cabinet paint colors. Here’s what you need to know before selecting a cabinet paint color.

Why Lighting Impacts Kitchen Cabinet Colors So Much

The color of your kitchen cabinets will look different depending on the natural and artificial lighting in the room. If you’ve ever picked a paint color online or in a store, only to find it looks completely different when you bring it home, you’ve experienced this effect. In a room with plenty of light, colors can appear more vibrant, while in a dimly lit space, they may look muted or dull. A mix of natural and artificial lighting allows you to better control the color intensity, helping you create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

What to Know About Natural Light

Consider how the lighting in your home changes throughout the day, as the sun’s position affects the way your cabinet color appears. The time of year and even the orientation of your home can also influence the look of the paint on your kitchen cabinets.

In kitchens with limited natural light, paint colors may appear less vibrant. To achieve the true color of your chosen sample, you may need to incorporate the right artificial lighting. Alternatively, opting for a brighter shade for your cabinets can help enhance the appearance of the color.

If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your kitchen, there are some ways to make the most of the light you do have. This includes:

  • 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

Not all artificial light is created equal. Lightbulbs come in various wattages and color temperatures. Here’s what to know about the difference between different light bulbs so you na pick the best one for your home:

  • The more incandescent lighting you have in your kitchen, the more intense warm colors will be, while cool colors will be dulled. 
  • Halogen lighting, on the other hand, tends to act more similarly to natural lighting, so whatever color is on your kitchen cabinets will look truer to life. 
  • LED lighting comes in many different color temperatures. Depending on the bulb you select, this type of lighting can make kitchen cabinet colors appear cooler or warmer.
  • There are even smart lightbulbs to consider which offer multiple settings. These bulbs give you more control over the level of lighting and ambiance in your kitchen. When you’re cooking and trying to read a recipe, you can opt for a brighter light setting. When you’re entertaining or relaxing over a meal with your family, you can choose a softer, cozier glow.

How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Colors with Lighting in Mind 

Remember that the bright fluorescent lights in stores are very different from the lighting in your home. Instead of choosing a color in the store, bring home several samples to see how they look in your kitchen. Be sure to check them at different times of the day and under various lighting conditions—turn off the lights, open the blinds, or light a candle. This approach will help you see how your cabinets will look in any situation.

Unsure where to begin with choosing a color for your cabinets? The experts at N-Hance of North Indianapolis Suburbs are here to help. We understand how lighting affects paint colors and can provide recommendations perfectly suited to your kitchen. Our cabinet color change process ensures a smooth, even color and a rock-hard finish that lasts.

No matter how much lighting your kitchen has or your color temperature preferences, N-Hance is the team you can trust to bring it all together in a way you’ll love. We offer a wide range of colors and can even match a specific color you provide. Throughout the process, we’ll revitalize your cabinets and bring new life—and more light—into your kitchen.

Ready to find out more about painting your kitchen cabinets while keeping lighting in mind? Call N-Hance of North Indianapolis Suburbs at (317) 273-8500 to set up a FREE consultation.