At Brunswick Cabinets and Countertops, we know that every detail matters when creating your new space. From the cabinetry style to the countertop finish, homeowners put a lot of thought into their selections. But there’s one factor many people overlook until after installation: lighting.

Recently, our Designer Amy received an email from a homeowner that perfectly illustrates how lighting can dramatically impact how cabinetry colors are perceived. The homeowner had chosen KraftMaid’s Linen finish for her laundry room cabinets. Post-installation, she was convinced there was a mix-up in the order. To her, the cabinets appeared to be two different colors, half Linen and half something closer to Vanilla. Naturally, she was concerned, so Amy promptly scheduled a visit to the property to investigate. Armed with the original Linen sample and a variety of other whites for comparison, she carefully inspected the cabinets. The solution to the mystery wasn’t a shipping error or installation mistake; it was all about lighting.

The Lighting Illusion

When Amy arrived, she noticed a stairwell window just outside the laundry room. With the laundry room door open, natural light was streaming through the window, casting a subtle blue hue onto part of the cabinetry. 

This light altered how the Linen color appeared. When the door was shut, blocking the light from the stairwell, all the cabinets looked uniform again.

The experience was a revelation for the homeowner, but something experience has shown Designer Amy a time or two, although it served as a powerful reminder of how lighting can transform the appearance of cabinetry.

How Light Impacts Your Cabinets

This story is not an isolated incident. Lighting plays a significant role in how colors are perceived in any room, especially in spaces with direct or fluctuating natural light. Here are some key insights for homeowners to consider:

• Natural Light Changes Throughout the Day
  Morning sunlight, afternoon rays, and evening shadows all cast different tones in a room. A bright, sunny day might bring out cooler tones, while dimmer light may highlight warmer hues.
• Your Lightbulbs and The Temperature
  The type of lightbulbs you use, whether warm, cool, or neutral, can alter how cabinetry colors are perceived. LED lights with cooler tones might make whites look bluish, while warmer bulbs could emphasize yellow undertones.
• Direct Light on Cabinetry
  Windows or light fixtures that shine directly onto cabinetry can create highlights and shadows, affecting the consistency of color. This is especially true for glossy or reflective finishes.
• Seasonal Light Changes
  Depending on the time of year, the sun’s position changes, and so does the natural light in your space. Winter might bring cooler light tones, while summer light can be warmer and more intense.

Tips for Homeowners Making Cabinetry Selections

• Test Colors in Your Space
  Always view cabinetry samples in your home and in the specific room where they’ll be installed. Observe them at different times of the day to see how lighting affects their appearance.
• Consider Window Placement
  Take note of windows and how much natural light your room receives. Are there any stairwells, hallways, or reflective surfaces nearby that might alter lighting?
• Account for Artificial Lighting
  Decide on your light fixtures and bulbs before finalizing your cabinetry color. Test how your lighting setup interacts with the cabinets.

This real-life example highlights the importance of considering lighting when making cabinetry decisions. In the case of the laundry room with KraftMaid’s Linen cabinets, simply understanding the role of lighting brought peace of mind to the homeowner and validated the design choices.

So, when planning your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, remember that lighting changes everything. From natural light filtering through a window to the glow of your under-cabinet LEDs, it all contributes to the final look of your space.

If you want a design team that can help you create a flawless space in any light, schedule a consultation today, and let’s bring your vision to life!