A home’s lighting design is important for more than simply aesthetics. Without realising, many residents are failing to optimise or consider their home’s lighting and, as a result, affecting their energy levels throughout the day. While this may sound surprising, light is directly linked to our circadian rhythm and our bodies rely on exposure to sunlight to estimate the time of day, setting an internal clock accordingly.
The reason this is important to acknowledge, especially within a home environment, is because our internal clocks can be easily led astray. The blue light associated with many devices, especially mobile phones, mimics sunlight, confusing our bodies. Surrounding ourselves with such light late at night can leave our bodies struggling to fall asleep, believing it may still be daytime.
Other aspects, such as the natural light in our homes, can affect sleep hygiene too. Darker homes can leave residents without much exposure to daylight and, as a result, struggling to keep regular sleeping hours.
These health considerations occur alongside interior design considerations too. A home that has been designed well can easily be undermined with poor artificial lighting and large spaces can even appear smaller if the lighting is not appropriately considered. As such, it is crucial that homeowners consider their lighting, with many interior designers considering it to be the foundation of proper aesthetics.
It is important to recognise the different sources of lighting within a home, such as natural and artificial. Once these have been identified, they can be creatively affected. Windows can be cleared and cleaned, bulbs can be swapped, and lamps can be repositioned, all of which can dramatically affect and improve a room’s feel.
In certain rooms, especially outbuildings, natural lighting is crucial, which is why when residents choose to buy log cabins they must also consider the direction they are facing, so as to get as much sunlight exposure as possible.
Artificial lighting can not only be arranged in a way that changes a room’s appearance but can also have a different tone. Bulbs, for example, can be warm or cold. Those that are more toward orange on the colour spectrum are generally warmer and can imbue a living space with a relaxing glow, being ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. However, colder and bluer bulbs are more appropriate for bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring that it is appropriately and fully lit.
Lighting can also elevate specific areas of a home, drawing attention away from unwanted areas and toward more impressive features. Spotlights remain popular for this exact purpose, being able to highlight decorations and rooms effortlessly.
There are also practical purposes for lighting too, increasing safety around a living space while also guiding guests to naturally avoid certain obstacles. Cupboard lighting can help those searching in a kitchen, with countertop lighting able to guide residents toward sockets, tools, and surfaces. Nightlights are useful for much the same reason, not only supporting children but adults who might want to navigate their homes in the dark.