What Is Safe & Suitable Lighting?

Incandescent lights can be used to remove shadows in the kitchen.

Lighting a room may seem to be as easy as a flip of a switch, unless you're the one to choose how to light it. Some basic interior design concepts and safety precautions can guide these decisions.

Purpose of Your Room

Analyze the room's purpose, whether it is a home office, bedroom, conference room at work or a venue for parties. Decide what mood should be evoked from the room, e.g., creativity, relaxation and romance.

Office Lighting

Natural light is beneficial in the office unless it causes a glare on your computer, in which case a skylight might fix this problem. Natural light emits ultraviolet rays and when the skin absorbs it, it produces vitamin D, which regulates the calcium and phosphates in the body. Since many people do not spend enough time outdoors for sunlight exposure, the use of natural light in the office could benefit your health.

Home Lighting

Home lighting is more versatile than office lighting. Using different colored lights can enhance a room's feeling of mood. Yellow lights create a calming mood, which works well in a study room. To increase romantic moods in a bedroom, use pink lampshades. Purple can increase passion and red can increase energy. For a quick fix to increase energy, place mirrors in dark corners of the room.

Over-Illumination

Over-illumination has harmful effects that should be avoided. Long exposures to such lighting as fluorescent, lighting can cause headaches, fatigue and stress. Avoid using fluorescent lights, especially in an office. If this is not possible, turn the lights out and use task lighting.

References

• Indobase: Lighting Feng Shui Style
• Rebuild Your Vision: Over-Illumination and Fluorescent Light And Your Vision Health
• Content Caboodle: How to Use Color and Lighting to Enhance Your Home Office
• CBS Moneywatch: Seeing the Light: Why Your Body Needs Regular Doses of Natural Light