Guest Post - Let the Light In: The Importance of Lighting in Interior Design

Lighting plays a very important role in our lives. Simply put, people need opulent lighting in order to be able to function properly. That’s why lighting is considered to be one of the most crucial aspects of interior design.

No matter the type of interior in question, having opulent lighting will not only boost the aesthetic appeal of the space; it will also make the space far more functional. Furthermore, in commercial settings, proper lighting will improve overall safety as well. With that in mind, we’ll explore some of the key benefits of lighting in both the residential and commercial settings.

The importance of lighting in residential interior design

In a residential setting, proper lighting will boost the aesthetic appeal of the space, making it far more comfortable. By creating a proper lighting layout, you will make your abode feel homier and cozier.

Improved aesthetics

In residential interiors, lighting is used to boost the aesthetic appeal of the living space. When coming up with the best lighting layout for your home, make sure you first learn more about different layers of lighting and how they contribute to making your space look good. Use ambient lighting to bring overall illumination in your rooms. Boost the appeal further with the use of accent lighting by placing it so that it brings greater attention to specific elements of the design. In the end, use task lighting to boost the functionality of certain design features.

Healthier living environment

Since people need lighting in order to function properly, well-illuminated areas make for healthier living environments. Spending time in a well-lit space will significantly reduce eye strain and generally make us feel better. That’s why some experts even suggest lighting as a therapy to treat conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. Basically, spending time in a poorly-lit environment can have a lot of negative effects on both your physical and mental health. Of course, since we all want to make our homes as comfortable as possible, this is certainly something you need to keep in mind.

Improved functionality

Moreover, proper lighting will significantly boost the functionality of your interior design, specifically in areas such as the kitchen and the bathroom. In such areas, having opulent lighting will not only contribute to the design of the space but it will also reduce the possibility of any potential accidents. Kitchens are most commonly full of sharp objects so it becomes quite clear how the lack of lighting could potentially cause issues. Bathrooms, on the other hand, need to be properly illuminated to prevent any trips, slips and falls that could potentially have very negative outcomes.

The importance of lighting in commercial interior design

The benefits of good lighting that apply for residential spaces also apply for commercial environments. However, in a commercial setting, good lighting can even carry some additional benefits. These include:

Greater safety

In a commercial setting – and especially if we’re talking about manufacturing facilities, hospitals, emergency rooms and similar – proper lighting will significantly improve the safety of everyone present. Since commercial environments usually require more heavy-duty lighting, it would be wise to consult with experts before you start looking for proper solutions. For instance, if you are not quite sure which type of lighting would be best for your working environment, you can visit the trade fair for lighting in Frankfurt, Germany. Here, you’ll be able to find an ideal lighting solution that will fit right into your commercial setting.

Improved productivity

Moreover, well-illuminated commercial environments are not only safer to work in but they also improve productivity. However, make sure that your workers are not exposed to too much lighting, as this can create an environment that’s as uncomfortable to work in as the poorly-lit one. That’s why many businesses choose to equip their fixtures with LED and fluorescent light bulbs because these provide the most comfortable illumination.

Healthier workforce

Finally, workplace lighting will have a huge effect on your workforce. That’s why you need to ensure that your offices are well-lit. Not only will your employees be far more productive and motivated working in an office that offers comfortable illuminating but they’ll also feel generally happier. Office lighting can greatly affect your workers’ mental well-being. If your workers are unhappy, they won’t be the only ones suffering. Rather, your business will suffer as well. So, to prevent this from happening, you should certainly up your office illumination game.

These were just some of the benefits of having opulent lighting in your interior. Ideally, you should always try to use lighting to your advantage and create an environment that not only looks good, but that’s also comfortable and safe to spend time in. 

Lana Hawkins is a young architect and a home décor blogger on Smooth Decorator. She enjoys writing about interior decoration and landscaping. Lana is interested in sustainability and green building, and that's where she gets most of her inspiration from.

Guest Post - 10 Reasons Why LED Lighting is Best for Home Décor

We partnered with a lighting company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

The first impression you have upon entering someone’s house is very much affected by the lighting. With perfect lighting fixtures, you can make your living space attractive and elegant. When it comes to home décor, LED lights certainly top the list of modern lighting methods. 

LEDs or light-emitting diodes were first produced in 1968 and are semiconductor light source. They are commonly used as indicator lamps in many devices but are increasingly used for other purposes as well. Here are 10 reasons why you should choose LED lighting for home décor. 

Versatility 

LEDs are showing up everywhere from bathrooms in homes to cupboards to shelves in the kitchen. People are choosing LEDs over the traditional incandescent lights. Around the house, LED lights can be used as accent details for cove lighting or for highlighting a certain décor or architecture feature. With their flexibility, they are easy to install or wrap around any flat, curved, or sculptural object in your house. 

Reduces Bills

Since electricity consumption forms the bulk of the running cost of light fixtures, an energy-efficient option like LED lights can help you save a good deal of money in the long run. With an estimated energy efficiency of 80-90% compared to conventional light bulbs, LEDs significantly reduce energy consumption and thus help save money by lowering electricity bills. 

A good quality LED lasts around 10 times longer than its incandescent counterpart. This results in a significant drop in replacement & maintenance cost. Moreover, subsidized or free lights offered under the government programs can cut the replacements cost to an iota.  

Choice of Colors

LED lights provide you with various color choices from blue to white to purple. They can emit light of a certain color without using color filters. These varying options are perfect for decorative lighting for special events. To ensure that the lights will remain in good condition, you must get products with Energy Star labels. 

Variety

There is a vast variety of LED lights available. The types vary by sizes, shapes, costs, and other features. Initially, they used to cost hundreds of dollars, but nowadays, these lights are being made with more features at cheaper prices. This variety makes it effortless to use them in calculators or as huge lamps on the top of the building. 

Environmentally-Friendly

Unlike incandescent lights, LED lights are an efficient way to save the environment. Incandescent lights consume large amounts of energy, converting it into wasted heat. Usually, these bulbs get used up quickly and end up in landfills. LED lights are less likely to get burned and need replacement. As fewer bulbs are consumed on a massive scale, making them an environmentally-friendly option. 

Energy Efficiency 

The biggest advantage of LED lights is energy efficiency. The incandescent bulbs consume large amounts of energy, which adds up significantly to overall usage. Switching to fluorescent and LED lights is a smart move. Where fluorescent lights are efficient, LED varieties are even more so and can reduce your bills. A regular light bulb uses six watts of power, while an LED bulb consumes less than one watt. 

Reliability

Since their inception, LED lights have grown very popular until today. They are reliable due to the long, average lifespan that can last for several decades. LED devices are found everywhere from calculators to car headlights to televisions. The widespread use of LED lighting further proves its reliability. Nearly all modern electronics are made with LED fixtures included. 

Flexibility

Most LED lights are designed for flexibility. Their flexibility trait makes them easy to attach and stay secured for years. They can be used in any space, indoors as well outdoors. They come with solid waterproof casing, which is a reason why most people prefer using them for Christmas lights. Some are made as strips, ropes, and nets to wrap around things. People attach these flexible lights to walls, floors, and other surfaces. 

Longevity 

It is no news that lighting is a crucial element of home décor. Besides, no one likes to change light bulbs too often and therefore the lifespan matters. LED bulbs can last tens of thousands of hours as compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. To achieve efficiency and longevity, the reliability offered by LED bulbs is unmatched. 

Industrial Use

LED lights are widely used in various industries including health care, education, and agriculture. You can find LED lights installed in ceilings above classrooms and in advanced whiteboards. In the lieu of sunlight, agriculturists and horticulturists use LED lights to grow plants. In everyday science, people use lamps for fiber optics and microscopy. In almost every industry, people need very strong and bright lights in order to focus on objects and analyze the finest details. 

 Author Bio: Pawan Ranta writes about energy efficiency and sustainable development and likes hiking and learning about how people in the Himalayas live in harmony with nature.

Guest Post - Limit Artificial Light in the Evening to Promote a Healthier Lifestyle

From bright sunshine to the light from a computer screen, we’re surrounded by different types of light which impact our lives in many ways.

Exposure to natural, outdoor light during the day has a positive effect on your health, whereas prolonged exposure to artificial lighting, especially at night, can have negative effects on your mood and general well-being.

Natural Light

It’s probably no surprise to hear that natural light is good for you, sunshine streaming through a window can have a calming, peaceful effect. But exposure to sunshine has a physiological effect on your body, and can do more than just brighten your mood.

Spending time outside during daylight can cause a spike in your serotonin levels, a chemical which is thought to regulate anxiety and mood. An increase in serotonin can induce happiness and make you feel more optimistic and helpful, whereas a decrease is often associated with depression.

People often describe having the “winter blues” when days get shorter and darker. Low levels of serotonin could be one of the reasons we feel more negative during darker days, and is also associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to changes in seasons.

Circadian Rhythms

Your circadian rhythm is a biological process which oscillates every 24 hours and is driven by exposure to sunlight. Therefore, a healthy sleep cycle depends greatly on your actions throughout the day, and can be affected by the amount of artificial light you’re exposed to during the evening.

With more and more of us spending the evenings on our computer or phone, it’s no wonder so many people report having sleep problems. Energy-efficient bulbs and electronics with bright screens emit blue light, and this signals your body to stay awake instead of preparing you for a restful sleep.

Dimming the lights in your bedroom and avoiding electronic screens two to three hours before you go to bed should encourage your body to feel drowsy and help you get to sleep more easily.

Studies show that persistent poor sleep can increase the risk of developing certain illnesses and disorders such as diabetes and depression. So if you’ve been having problems sleeping, it may be due to an impact on your circadian rhythm.

Avoiding Blue Light

It’s virtually impossible to avoid blue light during the day as it’s emitted by energy-efficient bulbs, computer screens, smartphones, etc… It also may be difficult to avoid at night if you work night-shifts or spend your evenings using electronics with screens.

Exposure to artificial light during night time has also been linked to reduced levels of Melatonin, a hormone which is vital to your health and helps control your daily body clock.

A reduced production of Melatonin can impact your ability to sleep well, think clearly, and the regulation of vital physiological functions, so it’s best to avoid blue light before you go to bed.

If this just isn’t possible for you due to your work hours or lifestyle, you could use blue-blocking glasses or use an app that filters blue wavelengths.

Emotions

As I mentioned earlier, different light affects us in different ways. Recent studies show that an environment with intense lighting can intensify a person’s a emotions. Sunny days and spending time in an area which is brightly illuminated can make people feel more positive and often report a higher sense of well being - an intensification of positive emotions.

On the other hand, extended exposure to darker days can make people feel more negative about their lives and often results in SAD. In this case, feeling negative emotions more intensely due to limited exposure to natural light.

Waking up to natural light in the morning can also help you feel more alert and energized, which is difficult during autumn and winter months as the sunrise gets later and later. Some people find that Light Therapy helps them develop healthier sleeping patterns during dark, gloomy times of the year.

Light Therapy

Some of the most common light therapy techniques include Light Boxes and Daylight Simulation Lights. Light boxes can help treat SAD and involves light falling directly into the eye. Daylight simulation lights work when you’re asleep, and wake you up by gradually increasing light.

This technique can really help if you’re feeling lethargic, and prompts a biological response to help you feel more energetic and alert when you wake up.

Final Words

With light having such a large effect on our mood and impacting our decision making, it’s no wonder that businesses and interior designers use lighting experts to create exactly the right atmosphere.

Exposure to natural light during the day and limiting artificial light in the evening is the best way to keep your mood up, stay alert and be productive. And most importantly, it will encourage the correct production of Melatonin to keep a healthy circadian rhythm.

Author Bio: Lisa Wetherell runs the blog Lighting House - where she writes about her knowledge gained from 10 years of industry experience in the lighting and interior design field. To learn more about how lighting can improve your space, you can follow her blog.