A deep dive into layered lighting. Thanks to Thomas Edison, the days of relying on sooty lamps and candles to light our interiors are long gone. While we often take it for granted, the comfort of a well-lit room is a relatively recent development in history. Nowadays, we’re truly spoiled for choice, and when it comes to selecting the right layered lighting plan for your home, it can feel like a daunting task. Hopefully this leaves you feeling illuminated and helps guide you on your lighting journey.
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The Science Behind Layered Lighting and Mood
Source: luxlightingshop.com
Your vitamin D levels are a clear reminder of just how essential light is to our well-being. Whether natural or artificial, light surrounds us on a daily basis and has a profound impact on both mind and body—even while we sleep. Lighting and mood have a powerful and ongoing relationship with one another. Every light source, from the bright rays of the sun to the dimmest glow of an alarm clock, produces lightwaves that our nervous system reacts to and acknowledges.
Key Highlights:
Our bodies function through various biological systems, one of which is the circadian system. This system relies on light cues to regulate other bodily processes. Natural daylight cycles play a crucial role in positively synchronizing our internal clocks. However, artificial light exposure also influences us, bringing both positive and negative effects.
Artificial indoor lighting ranges from warm to cool tones. For your home or office, it’s best to choose soft, white light to enhance focus and reduce eye strain. Warm lighting creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, perfect for socializing and fostering creativity. On the other hand, cool lighting is ideal for tasks requiring focus and alertness, such as working or detailed activities. Save the warm light for writing poetry or spending time with friends, while dimmer lighting adds an extra layer of relaxation, making it better suited for casual gatherings than brighter lights.
Types Of Layered Lighting
There are six principal types of layered lighting:
- Natural Daylight.
- Incandescent Lighting.
- Fluorescent Lighting.
- Tungsten-Halogen Lighting.
- LED Lighting.
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting.
When it comes to interior design, you’ll often hear the terms:
- Ambient lighting.
- Task lighting.
- Accent lighting.
- Decorative lighting.
Colour Temperature
Source: lightingstyle.com.au
Color temperature defines how warm or cool a white light is, as seen by the human eye. Warm white gives off orange and yellow tones, cool white has more neutral tones, and daylight is characterized by its light blue tones. The image above shows the differences in shades between color temperatures.
Source: lightingstyle.com.au
Color temperature is typically measured in Kelvin (K), which is a unit of absolute temperature. The measurement is based on the color of light produced by a light source when it is heated to a certain temperature.
Warm White: 2600K to 3200K
Cool White: >3200K to 4500K
Daylight: >4500K
Ambient Lighting Layered Lighting
Source: ANDREEA BRAESCU
Gone are the days of a single light bulb in the middle of your ceiling. Ambient light refers to the light that comes from multiple directions, providing overall illumination rather than focusing on a specific spot or area. It’s the primary source of light in a space, creating a soft, all-encompassing glow that fills the room and is the foundational layer on which all other lighting elements are built. It typically includes sources such as LED downlights, chandeliers, pendants, and wall-mounted fixtures, all of which help set the stage.
Task Layered Lighting
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Whether you’re chopping onions in the kitchen, hyperfocusing on your latest creative obsession, captivated by the latest bestseller, or plucking your eyebrows, it’s there to help you get things done. Think of it as your ally, ready to shine precisely where you need it most. From under-cabinet lights in the kitchen to desk lamps in your home office or wall lights in your bathroom, task lighting keeps the glare off your workspace and your productivity on point. It’s practical, purposeful, and, let’s face it, your eyes’ best friend!
Accent Layered Lighting
Source: johncullenlighting.com
Accent lighting is about adding drama and drawing attention to the finest parts of your space. Whether it’s casting a glow on an architectural feature, highlighting artwork, or showcasing your well-loved fiddle fig plant, accent lighting knows how to steal the show. Think picture lights, sleek LED strips on shelving units, up-lights, or spotlights. Subtle but indisputably impressive in any room.
Summary
Elevate your home’s ambience by thoughtfully combining these lighting layers. This approach balances function and mood, adding depth and personality to a space. It’s a practical way to make interiors both functional and delightful.