Sunny Room Paint Ideas

Light and Color

• Light affects how color will appear on your walls. A sunny southern window can make the colors look lighter and brighter, while a northern exposure makes colors look darker. When you are trying to choose a paint color, bring the color chips home and look at them in the room you plan to paint. Check it out at different times of the day to see how the changing light patterns will affect your color choice. You might be able to bring a small sample of paint home to test on the walls before you make your decision.

Function of Room

• Consider the function of the room you plan to paint. A kitchen is often the main gathering place, as well as the room in which you store, prepare and eat food. The living room has different functions for different families. You might use the living room as a formal area for entertaining adult guests or as a playroom/TV room. The bedroom is used for sleeping, resting and intimacy. Other rooms, such as the dining room and the laundry, also have specific purposes. Think about the atmosphere you want to create when you choose your color scheme.

Colors That Reflect Light

• You can choose paint colors that reflect the light. If you do, your room will appear even brighter and sunnier than it would with a different color scheme. This might be a good choice for a kitchen or playroom. Yellow walls will make your sunny room light and warm. Yellow lifts the spirits and gives off a glow. There are many hues of yellow from which to choose, ranging from golden to lemon to sunshine. Warm yellows look best paired with browns, reds and oranges, while sharper yellows need to be matched with cool colors such as blue, pale gray and lavender for balance. White also reflects light. Use white in a sunny room and accessorize with primary colors to create a fun, lighthearted environment.

Colors That Absorb Light

• Colors that absorb light make a sunny room seem a little cooler and darker. If your bedroom is too sunny, you can downplay it by painting the walls blue. Blue will absorb the light and create a peaceful mood. Blues range from green-blues such as aqua and turquoise to purplish blues like lilac or lavender; they include dark shades like navy, as well as soft sky blues. Blue pairs well with most any color; using blue and white together creates a cool color scheme that will tone down a sunny space and make it more comfortable on warm days.