Many things alter how you perceive colour. Natural light intensifies colour dramatically. When a room is washed in the morning sunlight, it will look different than shadowy at dusk. Also, the warm colouration of natural lighting is dramatically different than artificial lighting. Sunlight just naturally makes everything seem warmer and bathed in a soft yellow cast. When evening arrives, the sun’s light takes on a reddish hue which impacts everything with a soft pink.

TILE FLOORING AND ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

Artificial lighting causes the appearance of tile to vary dramatically.

Incandescent and soft white fluorescent bulbs soften the tile’s warm colours but can fade cool colours
Halogen and full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs are remarkably like the appearance of natural sunlight.
Brightly coloured tile looks lovely in bright white halogen or fluorescent bulbs.
Dark colours are ideal for use in areas with accent lights and dull bulbs.

LIGHT FIXTURES AND TILE

Lampshades direct light downward onto the floor, and sconces aim the light upward. Depending on the bulb used, the impact on the appearance of the tile is often dramatic.
Before you pick tile for your home, take a few sample pieces to check out the colour and lighting in the room before you invest in having the entire floor tiled. You’ll want to see how the tile looks in your home’s interior lighting. Take into consideration the mood light. Does the room have cool lighting or warm lighting? Once you determine the type of lighting in the room, you can tailor your sample tile choices accordingly to pick the best tile flooring for the space.