How do incandescent and fluorescent lights affect the appearance of colors?

In the context of interior design, the choice of light source significantly influences how colors are perceived within a space.

• Incandescent Lighting: These lamps produce light that is slightly redder than natural daylight, but they contain all colors of the spectrum. Because they provide a full spectrum, they generally render colors in a way that is familiar and warm.1
• Fluorescent Lighting: Unlike incandescent sources, fluorescent light has an uneven spectrum. Consequently, colors viewed under this type of lighting often appear distorted.1

To achieve the highest level of color accuracy, designers often recommend using a mixture of both incandescent and fluorescent light. While traditional fluorescent lighting has historically struggled with color fidelity, manufacturers continue to improve the technology, and some modern fluorescent lamps are now capable of approaching daylight accuracy.1