What does tonal quality refer to in color theory?

Tonal quality in color theory specifically pertains to the degrees of black and white that can be added to a color, which in turn affects its overall value and saturation. This concept is crucial for understanding how colors can be manipulated to achieve various effects in design. When you adjust the tonal quality of a color, you're essentially creating tints (by adding white), shades (by adding black), and tones (by adding gray), which can alter the visual perception and mood of a space.

For example, a color like blue can be made lighter and softer by adding white, resulting in a pastel tone, or it can become darker and more subdued with the addition of black. This understanding allows interior designers to create color palettes that can evoke different feelings, set the atmosphere of a room, and achieve harmony in design.