Color, Finish & Material FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
We welcome additional questions from our
clients and site visitors and will provide answers that are relevant to a
broad range of circumstances. For specific situations please CONTACT us directly via email or phone. Scroll down to view the answers.
What are the effects of light on colors, finishes and materials?
Light
affects how color appears to us depending on exposure to various
intensities, types, the surfaces it hits and reflects from, the
direction it is originated from and in the case of natural light, time
of the day. High light intensity will make color appear lighter or
"washed out" while low intensity will make it appear darker.
Understanding how natural and artificial lights effect our perception of a space is essential for successful selections of CFM.
How should natural light be considered in interior space design?
Many
interior spaces enjoy natural light as the main source for lighting
during the day. The direction from which the light enters a space,
however, effects how color appears at different hours. For example,
light flooding a space from the east in the morning hours adds a warm
tone to surfaces and colors. Light flooding a space from the west in the
afternoon hours adds more intense (contrast) tons. Light flooding a
space from the north appears "colder" (bluish) and will tend to tone
down colors in a space.
Knowing this and other characteristics of light, a trained interior professional would provide more accurate selections of colors for your desired style.
What is the impact of direct natural light on colors and certain materials?
Wood darken with exposure to light over
time, so placing objects on wooden shelves for a long period of time may
leave marks after their removal. Texture or finish of furniture made of
beautiful, rich wood, present slightly different colors in different
light conditions depending on the direction of the grains and the
construction of the piece. Fabric colors, on the other hand, fade faster
when exposed to natural light for a long period of time. So are art
paintings, prints and photographs.
What are the differences between artificial light technologies available in the marketplace?
Most
indoor environments are designed with exposure to daylight, yet nearly
all require artificial light to enhance life or work conditions in them.
Understanding the advantages of artificial light technologies and
making informed selections are important component of space design.
The
light most indoor fixtures produce is not similar to the natural light
from the sun and has unique effects on CFM in a space. For example, most
fluorescent light options add cold, "greenish" tone to indoor surfaces.
Incandescent or halogen light, on the other hand, effect colors by
exposing them to warm (yellowish) tone.
A new light-emitting
diodes (LED) technology developed in recent years, offers an option to
replace current artificial light sources with long service life and
high-energy efficiency light. This attractive light source accentuates
CFM in ways not possible before. The cost to the consumer of
implementing this technology is, however, higher than that of
traditional light sources.
When used properly, light can enhance
the quality and value of a space, helping to make it welcoming and
attractive or reflect a particular style.
