The Truth About Colour Accuracy on Your Smartphone Screen

Posted by Ali Daly on 16th Oct 2023

The Truth About Colour Accuracy on Your Smartphone Screen

The Truth About Colour Accuracy on Your Smartphone Screen"

Hello, and welcome back to another invaluable chapter of #thedalydose! If you caught our recent Instagram reel and TikTok video, you'll know we've been delving into the captivating world of colour tones, especially those gorgeous paint colours. 

Today, we're homing in on a topic that's crucial for anyone contemplating a painting project: Why the colours you see on your smartphone screen might not be all they appear to be.

Have you been eyeing that trendy shade of teal or that "perfect" warm grey on your screen? Well, before you rush to order gallons of it, hold your horses—we've got some vital insights that could save you both time and disappointment.

Smartphones, despite all their bells and whistles, do fall short in colour representation. So, ask yourself, would you risk the aesthetics of your living space— we didn't think so.

Today's post demystifies the sometimes obvious colour inaccuracy on digital screens. We'll explain why it happens, consider the variables at play, and, most importantly, provide guidance. But beware: Photos of those trendy teals and elegant neutrals online often don't match the real deal.

The bottom line? Trust but verify. And there's no better way to verify than to see these colours for yourself—in different lighting situations, right here in our shop.

So, grab a cuppa, and let's get started on unmasking what you really see in the realm of digital colour.

The Real Reasons Behind Colour Inaccuracy on Digital Screens

Screen Tech and Your Paint Choices

You may have noticed that some phones display colours that seem to leap off the screen. This could be due to the type of screen technology—OLED, AMOLED, or LCD. For instance, if you're using an iPhone or high-end Samsung, chances are you have an OLED screen. These screens are known for deep blacks and vibrant colours because each pixel illuminates itself. But remember, OLEDs are not the end-all-be-all for colour accuracy; advanced LCDs can also be contenders.

Practical Tip: When scrolling through paint swatches, bear in mind that the kind of screen you're using can affect how the paint will actually look on your walls. Be open to testing a physical sample in your actual space. You can order paint swatches here on our e-commerce site, but we always recommend calling in-store, where we can always make you up a tester, or we can actually show you the hues and colours by opening a thin or showing you the colour board.

Colour Profiles: The Unsung Heroes (or Villains)

Every device has its own set of rules, especially when it comes to colour profiles like sRGB and Adobe RGB. These industry standards aim to maintain consistent colours across digital platforms, but they don't always capture all the nuances of real-world hues. This can affect how paint colours translate from your screen to your wall.

Practical Tip: While it's possible to tinker with colour profiles for more accurate colour representation, this is often a technical step best suited for professionals in fields like photography or graphic design. For most people, the easiest and most reliable method is to visit our shop to see the colours in person or order a selection of paint samples from our online site. This will give you a more accurate sense of the colours you're considering.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much)

You may have noticed that the colours in your home look different at various times of the day. The same paint colour can appear to transform under different lighting conditions. We emphasise the importance of viewing paint swatches under various lighting conditions to really grasp how a colour will perform in your space. We recommend scrutinising the swatches in natural light first for the most genuine colour representation, followed by incandescent and fluorescent light, each affecting the colour differently.

Practical Tip: Check how your selected paint colour looks under different lighting conditions in the actual space where it'll be applied. You might be surprised at how it changes.

And this, of course, wouldn’t you believe it, leads neatly onto……... Why Lighting Tests Matter

Here at the shop, we strongly encourage you to sample paint colours in various types of light—daylight, incandescent and LED. By doing so, you can get a much more accurate sense of how your chosen paint will look in your unique space at different times of the day and under different lighting conditions.

Why Colourtrend?

When it comes to reliability in colour choices, Irish paint brand Colourtrend offers a wide range of options that go beyond digital limitations. Their palette is designed to give you a versatile and authentic hue that stays consistent under different lighting conditions.

Colourtrend's vast array of paint options is designed to maintain their integrity under a wide range of lighting conditions. Their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure that you get what you see, irrespective of the lighting environment you are in.

The Next Step: Experience Colour in a Whole New Light

You've been armed with insights and information, but nothing beats experiencing these colours for yourself. This isn't just about painting a wall; it's about creating an environment that you'll call home.

While online swatches are convenient, we can't emphasise the importance of in-person colour sampling enough.

In our shop, we offer you the chance to see Colourtrend's shades in various lighting settings. Whether you're seeking the ideal neutral or a statement colour, seeing these choices in natural daylight and artificial light will ensure you're utterly satisfied with your final selection.


You've been armed with insights and knowledge, but nothing beats experiencing these colours firsthand. This is more than just painting a wall; it's about creating a sanctuary you'll call home.

 Book a personal consultation at our Daly's shop today. Witness firsthand how different lighting conditions transform your favourite colours and make an informed choice you'll adore for years to come.

Still on the fence? Grab a sample swatch kit and try to match the colours in the comfort of your own home. See how they engage with your lighting conditions and existing décor.

#TheDalyDose of Reality: Your Perfect Colour Awaits!