House and apartment Colour temperature

The effect of light on human well-being

how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on the blog.

house lighting - Kanlux Mini Gord

According to scientists, the amount of light during the day is one of the factors affecting human well-being. It can be easily noticed from spring to autumn when the days are long, there is plenty of sunlight and the level of satisfaction with life increases.  It all changes with the arrival of winter.  We should know that just like natural light, artificial lighting also has an impact on how we feel.

Did you know that...?
Light stimulates the production of serotonin, which is known as the hormone of happiness, and melatonin, which regulates our sleep and wakefulness. Reduced amount of light causes fluctuations in the level of cortisol - the stress hormone - which makes us feel drowsy. These aren't the only aspects of our life affected by light. Light supports human metabolism and helps us maintain a healthy weight. It also keeps our eyes in good shape.

Natural and artificial light

The good news is that the dynamics of daylight can be to a significant degree recreated with the use of lighting.  When it is similar to natural light - it makes us feel better.

See also: Creating space with the use of light

The natural rhythm of the day begins at sunrise, with the warm light of the morning that gradually reaches its daylight colour, approx. 6, 500 K. The colour temperature of light  decreases around 2 PM. At noon and in the afternoon the amount of blue light significantly decreases and warm colours begin to dominate.

The colour of light and the way we feel

The colour of light should be the most important parameter when we are choosing lighting (colour temperature expressed in Kelvin)

● Cool white (CW - 5,000 to 6,500 Kelvin), it invigorates and helps concentration.

● Neutral white (NW - 3,500 - 4,000 Kelvin), intermediate colour, matching the colour of the natural light in the afternoon. It has a neutral effect on humans.

● Warm white (WW - 2,700 - 3,300 Kelvin), it makes it easier to rest and puts us in a state of relaxation; it is the colour observed at sunrise and sunset.

Now you know how to properly select the colour of light for your rooms.

● Bedroom - the warm colour (it will improve the quality of your sleep and make your rest effective).

● Hallway - the warm colour (it will make these rooms look cosier).

● Office - the cold colour (it will help you concentrate). 

● Rooms with a lot of traffic: kitchen, bathroom, living room, workshop - the neutral colour (it renders the colours of objects in the most realistic way and will be helpful during everyday care and makeup).

● Children's room - the colour of the light should depend on the age of the child. The optimal colour for a pupil - especially at the desk - will be cold, and warm colour will help your child fall asleep in the evening.

Using the Kanlux XLED STEP CCT bulb, you can easily change the colour of the light, regardless of the time of the day.With its help, you will be able to create a cosy atmosphere in your interior that will help you relax in the evening, or select a colour that will increase your concentration during the day. With just a few clicks of the light switch, the colour emitted by the bulb will change (from cold, through neutral, to warm). 

Remeber!
Adjust your light sources to the needs of your child. Studying at the desk requires an additional source of light that will help avoid eye fatigue, headaches and will make learning effective. Choose a desk lamp in which you can change the colour of light from cold, used while studying, to warm - for an evening's rest.

 

How to plan the lighting?
You can choose lighting that will positively impact the way you feel.  For example, artificial LED lighting, which is similar to the morning light, can increase the level of cortisol, enhancing resistance to stress. Such lighting is stimulating.  The cold colour accelerates the rhythm of the day and improves your functioning during the day.
In the evening, it's best to choose the warm colour of lighting that will help you relax. It increases melatonin production in the organism and lowers blood pressure, preparing your body for sleep.

 

Remember that during the fall and winter season it is particularly important to be surrounded with light that is as similar to the natural rhythm of the day as possible. The sun rises and sets later, so with proper lighting we can stay productive for a longer time. 
Did you know that working in front of a computer, using smartphones and watching television before sleep is not good for the human body? The light emitted by these devices keeps brain activity at a high level which can make falling asleep difficult?

 

Safe light 

Make sure that the bulbs you are choosing are compliant with the standards of photobiological safety. According to PN-EN 62471:2010, there are four hazard groups. The risk-free group means that there is no photobiological hazard. Risk Group 1 means that there is no photobiological hazard under normal conditions of use. Risk Group 2 means that there is no photobiological hazard associated with the reaction of the eye to bright sources of light. The final risk group, Group 3, means that photobiological hazard occurs even during a short exposure, and the bulb should not be used.

What are the hazards associated with the use of light sources that are not compliant with the standards?

● Hazard to the eye and skin from actinic UV radiation.

● Hazard to the eye from UV-A radiation.

● Hazard to the eye from blue light.

● Hazard to the eye from infrared (IR).

● Thermal risk to the skin.

● Thermal risk to the retina.

Even though photobiological safety is one of the basic requirements included in European directives, many marketed light sources do not comply with these standards. Make sure that you are using bulbs and lamps from renowned manufacturers, with certificates of marketing authorization. 

For women who do their makeup it is important that the colour of their skin in the mirror is natural so that they are able to choose the right shade of foundation. I advise against using traditional bulbs which have a very short lifespan, produce yellowish light, consume a lot of energy and get very hot. Traditional fluorescent lights, flickering on the ceiling, are also quite inconvenient. LED lighting, on the other hand, is long-lasting and highly energy-efficient. It enables us to select the adequate colour that will render the natural colour of our face.  The IQ-LED GU10 bulbs with CRI exceeding 95 and a neutral colour of the light will be perfect.   
Teresa Sosinka Kanlux Junior Product Category Manager

Colours and artificial light 
Apart from the colour of the light, we should also pay attention to the colour rendering index (Ra) which is expressed by a number between 0 and 100.
The colour rendering index (CRI/Ra) of your bulbs should be as close to 100 as possible - this is when the light renders the original colours of objects. You will notice it in your dressing room, looking at your clothes and shoes, but you will also see it in the bathroom. 
When you are designing lighting, you should remember to make it as similar to daylight as possible. Thanks to that you will support the biological processes occurring in your body. Select bulbs and lamps which are suitable for particular rooms and meet your needs. 

 


Other articles

Lighting for the living room. Trends for autumn 2024

When autumn comes, the days grow shorter and we are more likely to spend our evenings in the comfort...

Table lamps for reading. How to choose the best one?

Autumn is around the corner and it's the perfect time for long evenings with a book. Whether you're immersed...

How to illuminate a coworking space: 5 tips for entrepreneurs

Coworking spaces are environments where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and teams can work in a collaborative...

LED lighting and healthy sleep: how to create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom

Good quality sleep plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting mental and physical well-being and...

LEDs in the kitchen: How can lighting improve ambience and efficiency

LED lighting is also a great choice for the kitchen … Why? Apart from its energy efficiency, it has...

How does lighting affect your sense of security?

Lighting not only impacts comfort but is also crucial for safety. Choosing the right lamps and modern...

Energy-efficient lighting: a beginner's guide

One of the simple yet effective ways to reduce household energy consumption is to use energy-efficient...

LED technology: unusual applications for lamps

Since LED light began to revolutionise the lighting industry, fresh, innovative applications for this...

How to create a special atmosphere in the garden with LED lighting?

The garden is a place where we spend more and more time. Spring and summer are conducive to relaxing...

Which lighting to choose for the barbecue area?

The right lighting around the barbecue area can make evening gatherings with friends even more enjoyable....

Which LED lighting to choose?

LED lighting is increasingly popular thanks to its energy efficiency, long life and wide range of applications....

LEDs for the outdoors: garden and backyard lighting

LED lighting for the garden is a solution that combines efficiency, durability and a wide range of...

Energy audit – everything you need to know about it

Lighting plays a significant role in an energy audit. It is one of the key areas that can improve the...

Spring interior makeovers: How to transform your space with lighting?

Spring is often a time of change, of new beginnings. It is the ideal time to refresh interiors and introduce...

LED lighting: an investment for years to come. Why is it worth it?

Technology is constantly evolving and environmental awareness is growing. For this reason, an increasing...

Lighting in cultural institutions: museums and libraries

Lighting in cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, or libraries plays a crucial role....

How to illuminate the attic, basement and storage spaces?

Interior design is not limited to the living room and bedroom. More and more people are beginning to...

How does lighting affect the efficiency and well-being of employees?

Properly designed and adjusted lighting can have a significant impact not only on the efficiency but...

Modern premium lighting: what is worth investing in?

Lighting at home no longer has only a practical function but is becoming an important interior design...

Artificial intelligence in lighting: innovative solutions for home and flat

Technology is constantly evolving, introducing innovations in various areas of life. One area where artificial...

Light and consumer sentiment. Lighting of stores

Store lighting is not only a matter of product visibility, but also a key element affecting consumer...

Lighting trends for 2024

What will be on top in the coming year 2024? What lighting trends will designers and architects focus...

How does light affect the perception of interiors?

Interior design is not just a question of aesthetics but also of comfort. Light is one of the key aspects...

Why is home office lighting important?

Today, remote work has become an integral part of many of our lives. More and more people are working...

How to illuminate your attic?

An attic is a space that tends to be unused and forgotten. With a little desire, it can become a place...

How to Plan Lighting for a Home (Part 1)

Planning lighting in your home should be as important as planning the layout of each room. A well-thought-out...

Which desk lamp to choose for the office, bedroom and children's room?

Desk lamps work well not only in offices, but also at home. They are multifunctional. They can provide...

What lighting to choose for the office?

We spend a large part of the day in the office. Work always requires focus, and well-chosen lighting...

How to create mood lighting in a restaurant?

A restaurant is not only a place where you can eat well, but also have a good time and relax. Appropriate...

Hidden lighting: will it work for you?

Lighting hidden in the ceiling or walls works great in modern and minimalist interiors. What rooms will...

All you need to know about light pollution

Light pollution means a situation when outdoor lighting is not properly designed. Excessive clusters...

How to light a small and large terrace?

In spring and summer, we naturally spend more time outdoors. If you have a terrace, this is definitely...

How to light plants in the garden?

Roses, tulips, trimmed shrubs, fruit trees... The garden is the place where the most beautiful plant...

How to make a small room look bigger?

Small spaces in a flat require proper arrangement so that they can be not only cosy but also functional....

How to light a garden gazebo?

Spring is the perfect time to get your garden in order. The next few months mean long hours spent in...

Everything you need to know about connecting and arranging lighting in the garden

In spring and summer, the garden becomes an often visited relaxation area. Find out how to choose a lighting...

How to turn an apartment into a relaxation zone?

You've had a hard, tiring day or maybe you've been thrown off balance at work. You overslept in the...

Lighting in a teenager's room – what to pay attention to?

Active, full of energy, with a thousand ideas a minute. Belonging to a subculture or a typical individualist....

What lighting should you choose for modern interiors?

Interiors decorated in a modern style are not only very aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and...

LED lighting: pros and cons

LED (Lighting Emitting Diode) is one of the modern lighting methods. It has gained popularity through...

7 things you need to know about Kanlux SMART

A smart home not only brings you comfort but also provides you with security. Kanlux SMART is an ideal...

Lighting trends for 2023

Focus on the lighting! 2023 is the year of lamps, luminaires and... light bulbs. Light is set to be next...

Why doesn't the lighting work? 5 reasons

Here we go again. You've checked the fuses, made sure there is no power cut notice yet the lamp still...

5 lighting ideas for house back rooms

Lighting for house back rooms? It sounds a bit strange, but it refers to cupboards, larders, storerooms...

4 changes to home lighting that will help you reduce electricity bills

Have you ever forgotten to switch off the bathroom light in a hurry? Have you ever failed to notice that...

5 tips on how to prepare lighting for painting and renovation work

Amateur painting, construction works and cleaning up afterwards are serious challenges. How do you protect...

5 things you didn't know about the way light affects your mood

You certainly know that sunlight improves your mood, even if the temperature outside does not allow you...

4 rules for setting up lighting for study corner

September brings about two things that are not necessarily everyone's favourite : the start of the academic...

7 things you need to know about LED bulbs

LED bulbs are becoming more and more popular, mainly due to their energy efficiency. They also have...

Can you configure a set of LED strips by yourself? Yes, but keep these 3 things in mind

LED strips have quickly conquered the market because they can be mounted almost anywhere and their installation...

No need to be an electrician to bring new lighting possibilities to your home

When browsing through online inspirations, you likely often come across striking ideas for adding a bit...

4 reasons to choose lighting with light intensity and colour adjustment options

Home lighting is supposed not only to brighten the rooms, but also create a certain ambience. For this...

5 ways to extend lamp life span

Replacing a bulb in a lamp is nothing complicated, but it is usually an unpleasant surprise and an additional...

9 tips to help you keep your outdoor luminaires clean

Outdoor lamps, to a much greater extent than indoor luminaires, attract dirt and then, to make matters...

5 lighting ideas for balcony and terrace

Spring is finally here, isn't it? We can finally enjoy evenings outdoors and their unique atmosphere....

4 signs indicating that a lamp needs to be replaced

If a lamp blinks after being turned on, it is a sign that it may be time to replace the light bulb. What...

4 mistakes that you can avoid when planning façade lighting

The outdoor lighting of a building's, especially the façade, requires almost as much attention as the...

5 lighting ideas to illuminate your garden in spring

The beginning of spring is the time to plan changes in the surroundings of the house and on the balcony...

3 ideas for springtime changes in lighting and light decoration

Spring usually means cleaning and changes in the house and its surroundings. Find out what's worth changing...

Living room lighting - what to consider

How to light a living room? What lamps should you choose for a room that, regardless of its size, fulfills...

What kind of lighting is the best option for a children's room?

Trying to pick lamps for your child's room? Find out what factors you need to consider in order to make...

5 tips on how to plan lighting arrangements for a small flat?

Which lamps do you choose for a small flat? How can you make any room appear bigger using multiple light...

5 things to remember when cleaning your lamps

All light sources need to be kept clean, as this not only affects the way they look and perform, but...

Kanlux iQ-LED LIFE - natural light at your fingertips

Natural sunlight makes our surroundings more comfortable. This kind of light is the healthiest light...

Four ways to lower your energy bill

Electricity costs more and more, so everyone is looking for ways to reduce energy consumption levels...

How can you use lighting to make getting up in the morning easier?

When the days are shorter and the mornings are gray, it is harder to get out of bed in the morning, isn't...

Key lighting trends for 2022

It is 2022. You have been spending more time at home for two years, which is why the appearance of luminaires,...

What you need to keep in mind when designing lighting in your dining room

When you sit down at a table together with your family, you want the light not only to brighten the space...

How to plan lighting for your kitchen or kitchenette

The less sunshine and warmth there is outside, the more time we spend in our kitchen. Autumn and winter...

4 things to consider when planning your porch lighting

Does shorter and shorter days make you realise you need better lighting of the entrance to your house?...

How to get some more light around the house in autumn?

Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with lighting, either artificial or natural. In the afternoon,...

How to choose the right garage lighting for your household?

A garage is a specific place with multiple purposes, so the lighting in it must meet a variety of requirements....

Bedroom lamps

Bedroom lighting should meet a few basic conditions. The most important include the warm colour of the...

Staircase lighting

The staircase, whether in a residential or office building, is an area that absolutely should be properly...

Hall lighting

Lighting in the hall is often neglected. You spend little time there and rarely care to equip it with...

5 tips to help you choose outdoor lighting

When choosing outdoor lighting for a building, you should take several factors into account - the choice...

Your Home – Your Style Part 3

In the last part of our series Your Home – Your Style, we want to show you ways to decorate interiors...

LED strips - stylish and functional

LED strips are the most "spectacular form of lighting". It allows you to create fancy installations....

Solar lighting. Key advantages and disadvantages

A lamp that doesn't draw power from the mains? Perfect! That is exactly what fixtures with sources powered...

Replaceable-or-non-replaceable-light source–which-fixture-to-choose?

LED lighting, which was initially treated with distrust, has won the market over thanks to its customizability...

Industrial style interior lighting. 5 practical tips

Raw concrete, steel girders and industrial windows - these are the first associations with industrial...

How to choose light bulbs for your home?

How much time do you spend choosing the right bulb? Paradoxically, this is very important. Light, its...

Grill gazebo lighting. 5 tips

Warm spring, summer and early autumn is the time for meetings with friends under the open sky and such...

6 things to look out for when choosing garden lighting

Forced by the pandemic to stay indoors, we have learned to enjoy every moment spent surrounded by nature....

How to choose lighting for your kitchen?

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. That is hardly surprising, given that you spend...

The effect of light on human well-being

how does light affect the way we feel, and why should we plan lighting in our homes? Read about it on...

How to choose lighting for the bathroom?

The bathroom usually does not have access to natural light. Therefore, its lighting is extremely important....

Match the sockets and switches to the style of your apartment!

Can electrical installation equipment decorate your apartment? It can now! See how we combined safety...

Lighting trends in 2021

Are your renovating your house or apartment? Or, perhaps, you are looking to change something or freshen...

Do it yourself - installation of LED strips

LED strips are an increasingly popular type of lighting. We often wonder whether it is complicated. We...

Your Home - Your Style part 2

After recent travels round the world, deriving inspirations from nature in arrangement of flats (have...

Remote work – how to make your home office functional

The current situation has forced many companies to send their employees to work from homes. So what is...

Your Home - Your Style Part 1

Have you ever wondered what interior design style is followed by your home? Are you faithful to one style...

How to choose the perfect desk lamp

A desk lamp seems to be a simple thing, but we should pay attention to several things besides its colour,...

Atmospheric home – everybody’s dream! We know how to do it with light...

We would all like our homes to be an atmospheric place where we go back with joy after a hard day of...

Dark places in your garden - 5 ways to light them up! Discover them all

This year's pleasant and snowless winter will certainly make the start of the garden season faster....

Wardrobe in a light style!

We often face the dilemma: "What to wear?", Although the wardrobe is bursting at the seams. Sometimes...

The magic of colors in outdoor lighting. Which frame color and light color should you choose?

What is the color of light, or rather the color temperature of light? Which lamp color will be the best...

Kanlux XLED: classic form, new quality of light

140 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was invented, and with it, the first safe source of light...

Lighting is the main thing! What to pay attention to in-ground lamps.

In-ground fixtures are used to light pavements, alleys, driveways and elements of the so-called landscape...

How to create atmospheric lighting for terraces, balconies and gardens

When decorating a house, let's try to approach it comprehensively from the very beginning, starting with...

Creating space with the help of light (Part 2)

In the first part we shared with you our ideas for interior lighting using lamps such as Kanlux LAURIN...

Creating space with the help of light (Part 1)

In fact, lighting a home is not an easy art at all, we only find this out when we begin to think about...

Ceiling-mounted lamps for home

Just as there is no life without light, there is no home without light. The most common luminaires in...

Ouch... who put the stairs up here?!

Stairs are present in almost every house. They usually lead to a basement or bedroom located on the first...

Bathroom - a beautiful and safe area for home relaxation

The bathroom is our private world. Research shows that on average we spend 3 years of our lives in it....

Kanlux LEDS SET – designer solutions at hand

LED strips - well known and used for years. How many of you have never decided to do it because of difficulties...