Did you know that the lighting in your space can totally make or break your mood?
You can’t go a day without proper lighting in your space. You need lights for work, for daily chores and to go about your day generally. But lighting affects you on a deeper level. Yes, you need lights for illumination.
But lights can actually impact your mood, feelings, emotions, productivity and overall health.
Keeping this in mind is critical – especially when you are choosing lights for any particular space.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about how lights impact our mood and psyche. You’ll also learn some of the best ways to optimize lightings in your space to set the right tone!
The Impact of Lighting on Our Mood
As discussed earlier, lighting has a deep impact on your mood. It impacts your emotional state in more than one way.
Think of your favorite high-end restaurant to dine at. Chances are the lights are dim, yellow-orangish and un-glaring. Think of how it makes you feel.
- Do you feel cozy?
- Do you feel relaxed?
- Do you feel like you can let your guard down and just ease into the sofa?
That particular restaurant uses lighting to create a relaxed, romantic and warm interior space for their customers. Their goal is to make you feel elevated. And lighting helps them achieve this goal!
On the other hand, think of a hip ice-cream or snow cone spot popular among teenagers. Odds are, the lights there are bright and vibrant. And this makes the crowd of kids, teens and young adults feel more alert and energetic.
- Type of Lights
There are multiple sources of lights. And each has a unique impact on us.
For instance, natural lighting has a positive impact on our mood. It is known for boosting serotonin levels, which helps to improve your mood and overall well-being.
Just think about it – don’t you feel wonderful when you’re lunching by the window and there’s gentle sunlight pouring in?
On the other hand, artificial lighting, especially fluorescent lighting, has been linked to increased stress and anxiety.
Now think about your experience at a warehouse, commercial building or a hospital with fluorescent lights. Doesn’t it make you feel icky?
- Color Temperature
In addition to the type of lighting, the color temperature of lighting can also affect our mood. Warm lighting, such as yellow and orange tones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They make you feel relaxed.
On the flip side, cooler lighting, such as blue and white tones create a more energizing and stimulating environment.
How to Optimize Lighting – The 5 Golden Rules
Now that you have a better understanding of the way lights impact your mood, it is important to explore more about how you can leverage lighting for a better living experience.
1. Use Natural Lighting
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As mentioned earlier, natural lighting is known to have a positive impact on your mood and well-being.This is why it’s so important to maximize the use of natural lighting in your living or work space.
If you’re trying to optimize natural lighting, then consider positioning your furniture near windows to allow natural light to flow in. You can also use sheer curtains to let the natural light seep into your space without harsh glare.
Still want more hacks to perfectly light up your home? Check out this guide on the best lighting hacks every Singaporean homeowner should know about.
2. Incorporate Different Lighting Sources
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Using different lighting sources helps in creating a more dynamic and inviting environment. For instance, combining overhead lighting with floor lamps and table lamps creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
If you want to switch up the vibe of your space, install dimmers. They help you control the harshness of the lights and set the tone for the day/night.
3. Choose the Right Color Temperature
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To get the most out of your lighting fixtures, make sure to invest in the right type of color temperature. This is key to creating the perfect, well-balanced ambiance in your space.
For example, if you are looking for lights for your bedroom, it’s best to go for warm and luminous lights. This also applies to living room or drawing room space where you’d want a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
On the other hand, it’s best to stick with cooler temperatures for your kitchen, bathroom or work spaces. These are places you want to focus on functionality while creating an energizing vibe. And for this purpose, cool temperatures are your way to go!
4. Pay Attention to Task Lighting
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Sometimes, whether you’re in the mood or not, you HAVE things – and they need to get DONE.
This is where you need your productivity to be at its absolute best. To promote a productive and stimulating environment, you need to make sure you’re incorporating task lights into your space.
Tasks like reading, writing or working on your laptop require a lot of focus. So make sure you add table lamps or floor lamps to your space that offer concentrated illumination.
Did you know task lights help in cutting down eye strain as well? All the more reason for you to get them!
5. Consider Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
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You don’t just have to focus on the aesthetics when it comes to lighting fixtures – you need to focus on the fundamentals as well. This means considering energy-efficient options such as LED lights.
LED lights are a hit choice for several reasons such as:
- Providing optimal illumination
- Being eco-friendly
- Being budget-friendly
- Reducing electricity bills in the long run
You can also replace incandescent bulbs in your fixtures with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last longer and use less energy.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing you need to work well and feel good, it is the perfect level of lighting in your space.
Whether you’re looking for lights for your office, home, restaurant or even a commercial building, factor in the kind of ambiance you’d like to create. It’ll help you pick the right lights for your space.
Struggling to find the best lighting solutions for your space? Then browse through the plethora of amazing lighting options at Light Atelier. Our wide range of lighting options will help you achieve your desired mood in your space!
