Have you ever noticed that a colour can look completely different depending on where you see it? Maybe you’ve picked the perfect paint colour in the shop, only to find it looks totally different when you get home. Or perhaps you’ve designed a website, and the colours don’t look quite the same on your phone as they do on your laptop. Let’s look at colour perception in web and print design, together.
I recently filmed a video that showed this in action. The tiles on two different walls of a room looked like completely different shades – even though they were exactly the same!
So, why does this happen? And more importantly, how does it affect web and print design?
How Light Changes colour perception in web and print design
The reason my video showed such a drastic difference in colour comes down to one simple thing: light.
Light Source & Direction – The tiles on the wall facing the window were lit by direct natural light, while the side wall was getting reflected light from elsewhere in the room. This made the same colour appear lighter on one wall and darker on the other.
How Our Eyes Work – Our brains don’t just see colour as it is; they interpret it based on the surrounding light and context. This is why shadows can make the same colour look different, or why something can appear warmer or cooler depending on the type of light in the room.
This is the same reason why people argued over The Dress (remember the viral debate – was it blue and black or white and gold?). Our brains take lighting cues into account and adjust our perception accordingly.
But does the same thing happen with screens? Yes – just in a slightly different way.
Why Screens Display Colours Differently
If you’ve ever noticed that a website colour looks different on your phone than on your laptop, you’re not imagining it! Screens don’t work the same way as paint or printed materials because they use light emission rather than light reflection. Colour perception in design matters.
RGB vs. CMYK – Digital screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) to create colours by emitting light, while printed materials use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) which absorbs light. Because they work differently, colours often don’t match exactly between screen and print.
Different Screens, Different Displays – Colours vary between screens because of:
- Screen calibration (some are more vivid, some are more muted)
- Display types (OLED, LCD, Retina, standard monitors)
- Brightness and contrast settings (even personal settings change things!)
Room Lighting Affects Screens Too – Even though screens emit their own light, the environment they’re in still affects how we perceive their colours:
- Warm indoor lighting can make whites look yellowish.
- Cool daylight can make colours appear crisper.
- Glare & reflections can slightly distort colours, especially on glossy screens.
This means that the same website or image can look different depending on which device you’re using, how bright your screen is, or even where you’re sitting in the room!
Why Print Colours Look Different in Different Lighting
Just like in my video, a roller banner, brochure, or business card can appear different in different lighting – even though the colour is exactly the same. Why? Because printed materials rely on external light sources rather than emitting their own light like screens do.
Glossy vs. Matte Finishes – A glossy print will reflect light differently than a matte one, which can make colours appear more vibrant or more muted.
Lighting Conditions – A banner that looks perfect indoors might look completely different outside in natural daylight.
Shadows & Positioning – The same printed colour can appear darker in a shadow or lighter in direct light – just like in my video!
This is why consistent branding across print and digital requires careful colour management. You need to make sure your colours are adapted properly for both screen and print use.
How Luminite Design Ensures Colour Consistency
At Luminite Design, I specialise in ensuring brand colours look amazing whether they’re displayed on a screen or printed on a business card. Colour consistency is essential for strong branding, and I take every detail into account to keep things looking just right.
Calibrated Screens – I check designs on different screens to ensure accuracy.
RGB & CMYK Proofing – I create colour-matched versions for both digital and print.
Testing in Different Lighting – I consider how your designs will look in various lighting conditions.
Advising on Best Finishes – Whether it’s a matte business card or a glossy banner, I help you choose the right print finish for colour accuracy.
The goal? Making sure your brand looks just as amazing in print as it does online – no matter where or how people see it!
The Takeaway: Colour Is Never Static
The biggest lesson from my video and this blog? Colour is never static – it changes depending on lighting, material, and display. Whether you’re designing a website, printing brochures, or setting up a roller banner, understanding colour perception is crucial to keeping your branding consistent.
Do you need help with a Colour Palette? This website can help.
If you’re looking for a professional touch to make sure your branding stays flawless across print and digital, let’s chat! At Luminite Design, I help businesses shine with expert web and print design solutions.
