How Lighting Affects Mood | Lighting and Wellbeing

Lighting has a significant impact on our mood and wellbeing, shaping the way we feel and influencing our mindset.

As we celebrate the International Day of Happiness, let's explore the transformative power of lighting in boosting mood and enhancing productivity and happiness.

Natural lighting

Natural sunlight has been linked to feelings of happiness, thanks to its ability to stimulate the production of serotonin, a chemical messenger which controls mood. Therefore, large south facing windows are a great way to maximise your natural lighting.

When natural lighting isn't available, enhance your space with nature-inspired lighting. This will help you to harness the benefits of the natural elements to enhance your space and nurture your wellbeing. By incorporating lighting that is handcrafted from natural materials like Rattan, Raffia and Moonj Grass, you can bring the rejuvenating feel of nature, indoors.

The role of artificial lighting

Artificial lighting plays a crucial role in shaping our environments and influencing our mood. Artificial light impacts our circadian rhythms in many ways.

From the soft glow of bedside lamps to the bright illumination of kitchen pendants, artificial lighting can have a significant impact on our mood. By carefully selecting and controlling artificial lighting, we can create spaces that promote relaxation or productivity.

There are various types of artificial lighting to enhance mood and create specific atmospheres. For example, layering different sources of light, such as pendants, task lighting, and accent lights, can add depth and dimension to a space, creating visual interest and fostering a sense of comfort.

Ceiling pendants, can illuminate specific areas like dining room tables or kitchen islands, whilst wall lights, can light up decorative wall art and create focal points and ambiance within a space.

Additionally, dimmer switches or smart lighting systems means you can adjust the brightness of your lights to suit different activities and moods throughout the day. All our LED bulbs are compatible with dimmable technology, which means you can create the right ambiance for your space.

Our fixtures are also compatible with smart bulbs, which are a great way to light up a space as they offer remote operation without the need for changing any wiring.

Choosing the right lighting for your space

The key to harnessing the mood-boosting power of lighting lies in selecting the right type of lighting for different spaces. Warm lighting can create a cosy environment and bright lighting can create an atmosphere for focus and concentration.

We can use brighter lights or task lighting, in areas where concentration and focus are needed. For example, bright lighting is ideal for offices, where we're active and productive. Pendant lights, strategically placed above dining tables or kitchen islands, provide focused lighting that is perfect for preparing meals. Similarly, task lighting like table lamps can add layers of brightness and reduce eye strain during long periods of work or study.

But in spaces dedicated to relaxation, such as bedrooms or living rooms, softer, warmer lighting can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and de-stressing. Table lamps are versatile and have the ability to cast soft, diffused light. They are perfect for bedside tables or reading nooks, offering a comforting glow that promotes relaxation and makes the quality of sleep better.

Lighting for relaxation and stress relief

Light is essential to create a calming space. Choose light fixtures that contribute to a relaxing ambiance, especially in bedrooms and living rooms. Pendant lights with frosted shades or ribbed glass are perfect for this. These fixtures diffuse light throughout the room, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a peaceful atmosphere. Also, placing dimmable wall lights strategically around the space allows for further control over the lighting levels, enabling you to adjust the brightness for different moods and activities.

In addition to ceiling lights, incorporating table lamps with warm amber-toned bulbs adds layers of soft, ambient light to key areas like bedside tables or reading nooks. Choosing lamps with adjustable dimmer switches allows you to tailor the brightness to suit different activities, whether it's winding down with a book or relaxing before bedtime.

Lighting for better sleep quality

Lighting can have a huge impact on sleep quality and mood. Exposure to bright, blue-rich light in the evening can disrupt our circadian system by suppressing the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. For better sleep quality, it's essential to limit exposure to artificial light sources before bedtime and opt for softer, warmer lighting in the hours leading up to sleep.

Choose light bulbs with a colour temperature of around 2700K to 3000K, which emit a gentle, amber-hued light. These bulbs help signal to the body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. We offer a LED bulbs in a range of finishes including clear and amber, which can contribute to a better sleep environment.

Place bedside lamps with soft, diffused shades either side of the bedroom to provide a gentle glow and avoid any harsh brightness. Choose bulbs with lower brightness levels to avoid stimulating the brain and disrupting the natural sleep cycle.

Incorporating lighting into interior design

Lighting is essential in interior design, serving to highlight architectural features, create ambiance, and add visual interest. Whether it's the bold statement of cluster pendants or the subtle sophistication of exposed bulb lights, integrating lighting into interior design creates character and charm within a space.

The impact of lighting on mood cannot be overstated. Lighting can make a huge impact on enhancing our productivity and promoting overall well-being.

On International Day of Happiness, we're reminded of the importance of creating joyful environments. So choose lighting fixtures that promote wellbeing, ensuring a well-lit and happy environment everyday of the year.