Boost Wellbeing with Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked at home, typically being the last aspect considered in a design scheme. However, as we head towards the shortest days of the year, lighting is now more important than ever. Poor indoor lighting is associated with a number of ill-health effects including fatigue, stress, and anxiety. As we spend much of the day indoors, these reduced levels of sunlight can also trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Considered lighting at home is essential for creating ambience and enhancing your productivity and overall mental health.

Explore our tips on how you can use different types of lighting around the home to help boost your wellbeing…

Set the mood 
Accent lighting with a soft, warm glow can provide a cosiness to any interior, creating a range of atmospheres in your space and mimicking the light outside helping to lift low moods. Misty glass designs like our Ines pendant and wall light can add a warm and comforting glow, whilst table lamps can add a wash of warmth to a blanketed reading corner. We recommend installing dimmer switches to pendant or ceiling lighting, to create levels of light that adapt to both a productive and relaxed ambiance.
 
Add a pop of colour
Warm earthy tones help to bring the outdoors in and create a soothing space at home. Rooted in nature, some key colours include moss green, rust orange and burnt red. Green is recognised for its calming qualities, whilst ever-popular red can an interior a boost of energy. Another quick and easy way to add colour at home is with houseplants. They are great for livening up a neutral scheme and actively make us feel better.

Bask in sunshine 
With a decreased exposure to sunlight, our moods can naturally deplete. Using lighting to imitate natural daylight can benefit not only the flow of light in a space but also improve your general well-being. Utilising ceiling fittings against open spaces can help illuminate the room, whilst keeping an open floor plan. Also, incorporating mirrors will reflect your lighting and maximise the feel of natural daylight, even in the more compact and dark corners. Finally, try rearranging your room so you can maximise the morning sun; position your desk by a window or turn your armchair to face the light.

Embrace functionality 
Resembling the midday sun, cool light (5000K and above) helps increase alertness and focus, whether you’re working from home or cooking at the kitchen island. Warm light, on the other hand (3000K and below), is similar to the hue of a sunset. Ideal for the evenings when you’re winding down from the day, this light promotes calmness and creates a cosy atmosphere.