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A simple guide all professionals use for designing the lighting of interiors

Top Architects and interior decorators create visually stimulating and pleasant lightings inside many homes. This on the first look might seem very difficult to achieve but using simple techniques can be achieved. We present you the methodology used by the most seasoned professionals along with simple industry tricks and secrets to light up your homes perfectly.

Layers of Lighting

Progress Lighting

The layering of light is at the heart of the lighting design of interior spaces. Based on utility, lights can be layered to achieve one or multiple effects. In fact, light layering is central in designing multipurpose rooms which work as dining, study, theater, and whatnot all at the same time! Just like layers of material is used to flavour the food, lights in the room are layered to provide desired mix and flavour. But unlike food best part is that we can control these layers with a simple push of a button!

The rule of ThirdsFor Light Designing

Every space should have three types of lighting namely – ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. Why so? Well, think about it. You enter a room, you need light to walk around and easily distinguish the items in the room so that you or your guest not bump into some furniture (or one another). This is where ambient lighting comes in.

Second, after taking your position you might want to accentuate some part of the room. These could be painting on a wall, a fireplace, some art pieces or the ceiling, etc. For this, you need accent lighting. Third, every room is designed to do one more specific task. This could be studying on the desk, making food, reading a book in the lounge, sleeping on the bed, watching TV, or simply sitting and having a chat with the folks. This requires task lighting as each task is different and requires different lighting.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is for the overall illumination of a room that lets you see and move clearly throughout the entire room. It is the base layer of light in any room. Good ambient lighting should be:

  1. Glare-Free
  2. Evenly Lit
  3. Proper Color Temperature
  4. Sufficient Lumens for moving around

The glare of a car coming from the other side of the road passes by in a few seconds. But, the glare coming from a bright source not only is annoying but long-term exposure for even a small amount of glare can cause headaches and migraines. One should use ceiling Panel lights with anti-glare filters and diffusers to have glare-free lighting. If there are no electrical points in the ceiling, one can use a wall sconce that provides glare-free lighting for the room.

Learn More About Photophobia - Medikoe
Avoid lights that produce direct glare at the level of the eyes
Plaster in downlight - gives a seamless solution to integrating lighting  into your space.
Deep recessed panel light reduces the direct glare of the light

If one place of the room is more lit than the other, it makes it look smaller. Ideally, the ambient light source should be evenly placed on the ceiling and the spread of the light should be even and not focused. Using a single light source (such as a tube light on a wall) may light up one region much more brightly than the other and hence should be avoided as much as possible. Instead Panel or conceal lights should be used which are placed evenly across the room.

There is an entire cheat sheet on using panel and tube lights to avoid common fails in using them.

Fluorescent Tube Light Fixture Gallery 100 4 Foot Led How To Recycle Fluorescent  Light Fixtures | Fluorescent light fixture, Fluorescent tube light, Light  fixtures
Single tube light placed on wall illuminates one part of the room much more than the other
Led Panel - Buy LED Panel At Best Price Online in India - Crompton
Evenly placed Ceiling panel provides even lighting in the room

Very few people and even some naive designers are aware of the huge impact of the light color temperature on the feel of the room. The use of different color temperatures in sync with the movement of the sun during the day improves our circadian rhythm. Use the following simple table:

Color TemperatureTemperature RangeUtility and Use
Cool White 5500K-6000KHigh Lumens | Workplace, workbench, and study
Natural White3800K-4500KNatural Daylight | Living Rooms and Kitchen
Warm White2800K-3000KRelaxing and Night Lighting | Bedrooms
Color Temperature and Use
How Light Bulb Selection Can Enhance a Room's Appearance | HD Supply
Lighting temperature mimic the sunlight at different times of the day

The amount of lumens depends on the room dimensions such as height and wall distance. But, as a general rule of thumb, 20 lumens per square foot is sufficient for ambient lighting (not total but only ambient lighting). Since products are rated in watts and not lumens you can refer to this sheet as a conversion for it. Good quality panel lights have a watt/lumen ratio of 0.85 to 1. Cheaper panels have a low price but add to the overall cost due to the higher number of units for the same lumens leading to additional wiring, electrical accessories, and labor costs.

Accent Lighting

Light Scallops - Wire2wire

As the name suggests, accent lighting is for accentuating effects. These could be for Wall decors, photos, drapes, etc. Using focused accent lightings we can highlight their characteristics, depth, and dimension. As a general rule, accent lighting should be three times brighter than the surrounding ambient lighting for maximum impact. Instead of using higher wattage, this could be achieved via LED COBs .The Accent lighting should have the following feature requirements:

  1. Required Focus angles and flexibility
  2. Desired Lighting effect
  3. Required Color Temperature

For the Focus and Highlighting effect one can use recessed COB LED lights with focus reflectors. There are numerous designs of COBs that can be placed on the ceiling and can be tilted and twisted as per our requirements. COB track lights are great where the lighting point is not directly above the region. They are extensively used in retail outlets.

number of downlights needed in applications - infographic
Focus lighting increases the light intensity in small region

Accent lighting effects in Cove and strip lights as shown in the images are created using strip lights. These lights are encased in should be encased in aluminum profile housing to protect the light fixture. Not only they come in various colors but also in RGB modes that can be changed via a remote or via Mobile devices.

Accent lighting has a subconscious effect on the user. It tacitly directs to place oneself in a particular place of the room or directs the attention to a particular thing. The lighting effect of coves mimics the view of the horizon during sunlight and sunset. It is used not only in ceilings but niches and steps as well.

Cove Lighting - Interior and Exterior - Do It Yourself - aspectLED -  aspectLED

Task Lighting

Task lighting improves efficiency for completing the tasks subconsciously by directing your focus on the lighted area. Table Lamps, torchiere lamps, under cabinet lights, pendant lamps, and linear suspended lights are some of the task lightings that are used extensively. Things to keep in mind while installing task lighting are:

  • Minimize glare and shadows
  • Optimum lumens on the workbench
  • Should not hinder with the working process

The flexibility of task light should also be considered based on the type of work. If the workbench requires close attention to the details table lamps with flexible and rotating arms are best. While for closed cabinets and under cabinets where ambient lighting is hindered due to furniture, undercabinet strip lights or nice lights should suffice.

Task lighting is placed and designed to direct you to do the designed task of the room. These could be a study lamp, under cabinet lights over a kitchen platform, downward-facing pendant lights for reading or working on hobbies, or a floor lamp beside your sofa to highlight the sitting region.

One Rule above all!

While applying these rules one should always take into account the light from window panes. Keep the following in mind for windows on the walls of the room:

  • Northern light (in the northern hemisphere) – no glare high lumens – great for study rooms
  • Southern light – Very slanted but constant sunlight
  • Eastern and western lighting- Highly slanted during Sunrise/ Sunset – have more glare
Avoiding Glare in Lighting Design
Avoid glare lighting in the room

Using dimmers and smart switches, one can achieve more control over the lighting area. To check the lumens in the room and work area one can always use these simple free mobile apps that give the accurate lumens.

Color of Light
How it effects our mood, productivity and life

Light is everywhere around us, without light there can be no life- at least the higher forms that we are. Yet we quite usually ignore the effect of color of light on our mood, health, productivity.
Researches by many scientists have shown that light has a powerful impact on us. It not just enables visual effects (image, shape, intensity, perception, contrast, etc.); it also has biological and psychological effects that can impact the health and wellbeing of humans.

Light impacts us- biologically and physiologically, it can improve or disrupt our sleep, cognition and overall wellbeing. Circadian Rhythm is one such example.
Light can improve mood and stabilize our biological cycle, help us get a better and deeper nights sleep, mitigate depression and even increase cognitive performance such as reaction time and activation.

Does it not then become imperative that we become aware about how color of light effect on us and  build an environment around us stimulating better growth productivity and effectiveness around us?

Light has three main components to play with namely – Saturation, brightness and hue.

Brightness is the amount of light given off by a light source, usually expressed in lumens or lux( Remember your 10th grade science?). Some studies have shown that brighter light can intensify emotions, while low light doesn’t remove emotions, but keeps them steady. This can lead to people having the ability to make more rational decisions in low light and find it easier to agree with others in negotiation.

Saturation is the intensity of a color. More saturated hues can have amplifying effects on emotions, while muted colors can dampen emotions. In art, saturation is defined on a scale from pure color (100% [fully saturated]) to grey (0%). In lighting, we can use a similar scale

Hue is defined as a color or shade. It’s been proven (through various studies) that natural light can make you happier, but colors created by artificial light can also evoke different emotions and have other effects on the bod

In this article we will understand how colors of the light effect us in various ways.

Let us dive in

1. Blue Light

BlueLight

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum – what the human eye can see. It has the shortest wavelength and highest energy. About one-third of all visible light is considered high-energy visible, or “blue,” light. Sunlight is the most significant source of blue light. Artificial sources of blue light include fluorescent light, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, LEDs, flat screen LED televisions, computer monitors, smart phones and tablet screens.

Benefits: Blue light boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function, and elevates mood. It regulates the circadian rhythm, the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle. Sunlight is also important for the growth and development of the eyes and vision in children.

Harms: Since the eye is not good at blocking blue light, nearly all visible blue light passes through the front of the eye (cornea and lens) and reaches the retina, the cells that convert light for the brain to process into images.  Continued exposure to blue light, especially through screen light( Phone, laptop etc) over time could damage retinal cells and cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. It can also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the clear covering over the white part of the eye.

2. Red Light

red-night-light-1296x728-header

Red light, the longest wave length light is one of the lights which is used in many treatments. Red light therapy (RLT) is a controversial therapeutic technique that uses red low-level wavelengths of light to treat skin issues, such as wrinkles, scars, and persistent wounds, among other conditions.
Benefits: Red light wavelengths stimulate the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps you sleep. Your brain releases more melatonin as darkness falls and tends to release less when you’re exposed to light.

Please note that the type of red light that affects your sleep is light that emits red light wavelengths — not simply light bulbs that are tinted red. While red-tinted light bulbs can be quite soothing and put you in a good mood, they don’t actually produce red light wavelengths. Because of this, they likely won’t have the same effect on your sleep.

Harms: Being exposed in excess to too much of the treatment may cause tissue and cell damage. It may also lead to misuse, causing damage to the skin, burns, or damage to unprotected eyes.

3. Green Light

green light

Green light  constitutes a significant portion of the visible spectrum impinging on biological systems. It plays many different roles in the biochemistry, physiology and structure of plants and animals.

Benefits: Green, the color of nature, has been shown to enhance concentration, learning, and healing. Research conducted by Dr. Harry Sherman found that green lighting “reduces glare and compliments hemoglobin .It may decrease migraines and other types of chronic pain.
Harms: Green light, detected by the eye’s vision-producing rods and cones

4. Black Light

Black Light

Although black lights emit light, ultraviolet light is not visible to human eyes, so the light is “black” as far as your eyes are concerned. A light that only gives off ultraviolet light would leave a room in apparent total darkness. Many black lights also emit some violet light. This allows you see that the light is on, which is helpful in avoiding over-exposure to ultraviolet light, which can damage your eyes and skin.There are incandescent lights, fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and mercury-vapor lamps. Incandescent lights produce very little ultraviolet light, so they actually make poor black lights.

Benefits: Ultraviolet light is used to observe fluorescent dyes, improve the brightness of phosphorescent materials, cure plastics, attract insects, promote melanin production (tanning) in skin, and illuminate artwork. There are multiple medical applications of black lights. Ultraviolet light is used for disinfection; diagnosing fungal infections, bacterial infections, acne, melanoma, ethylene glycol poisoning; and in treatment of neonatal jaundice.

Harms: These lights can cause skin burns. Because this light has a higher energy than UVA or visible light, it can damage cells more quickly. Ultraviolet light exposure can damage the lens of the eye, potentially leading to cataract formation. or even cancer.

5. White Light

white light

White light is what we stay in the most. Its the prominent light emitted from various LEDS, bulbs and tube lights.

Benefits: White light itself may be harmful but Cool white light contains more blue light and looks brighter to the eye (this is why cool white bulbs have a higher lumen output when compared to the equivalent warm white bulb.

Harms: White light isn’t the best for our biological clock, and studies have linked bright white light wit increased health risk Exposure to the light of white LED bulbs, it turns out, suppresses melatonin 5 times more than exposure to the light of High Pressure Sodium bulbs that give off an orange-yellow light. Melatonin is a compound that adjusts our biological clock and is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous properties.

6. Yellow Light

Blue light boosts alertness, helps memory and cognitive function, and elevates mood. It regulates the circadian rhythm, the body's natural wake and sleep cycle. Sunlight is also important for the growth and development of the eyes and vision in children . Excess  blue light exposure may lead to age-related macular degeneration and effect your eyes

Yellow light is the light which we use often for mood lighting or creating ambience. .

Benefits: Yellow light will not harm our eyes. In fact Yellow Light Therapy is used to increase wound healing, collagen induction, skin hydration and the overall health of the skin.

Harms: Yellow light lacks blue wavelengths which can cause more glare and cause more symptoms. That is why activities requiring sharp vision – such as hunting or competitive shooting

Just remember the type of colored light that affects your sleep is light that emits light wavelengths — not simply light bulbs that are tinted.
While colored-tinted light bulbs can be quite soothing and put you in different moods. they don’t actually produce red/blue light wavelengths. Because of this, they likely won’t have the same effect on your sleep/body.
Now you don’t have to go around and buy all the type of lights. That is neither feasible nor pocket friendly. Then what do you do?

 

The latest technology makes it possible for you to change the color of  light emitted from the bulb according to your day schedule.

Buy a wide variety of bulbs from N-lighten and make your life a better and more enlightened experience.

 

A well-lit ceiling evolves any space multifold. The light decides the theme, ambiance, and much more about the space. Not every space can be lit with chandeliers or focus lights. In this case, Profile Light In ceiling comes handy. They give huge scope for experiments and lighting up space according to the requirement.

Find here 10 new ideas of profile light in ceiling

Here Are Find 10 New Way To Light Up Profile Light In Ceiling

Keep reading here we are going to share with you new ways of light up your profile light in ceiling. And if you have a balcony or a small balcony in your home and you are searching for simple ways of that how you can decorate your balcony in easy ways you can also check out our latest article about small balcony decor ideas.

1. Modern Criss Cross Pattern On Roof

Modern Criss Cross Pattern On Roof

Cove lights on False Ceiling are very commonplace. Now direct Surface profiles are installed on the roof which gives a better appearance and looks on the roof.

2. Heart Beat Pattern on The Roof

Heart Beat Pattern on The Roof

Such designs and patterns can be installed on the roof of the false ceiling of conference rooms and offices. Also one can install logos and patterns with these profile lights to give that effect.

3. Light Up Your Alley

Light Up Your Alley

The gallery of the hallway can be given a new modern and minimalistic look with such profile lights that run from the ceiling to the sides. Installed on drywalls and ceilings, such lights are great at a minimalistic appearance.

4. Plain And Simple Profile Design

Plain And Simple Profile Design

If one wants to keep the ceiling effect clean and minimal, one can have an ambient light effect using profile lights.

5. Corner And Skirting Lighting Via Profile Lights

Corner and Skirting lighting via Profile Lights

Corner Profiles are also used to give that element of design to the corners and skirtings.

6. Profile Lighting In Halls And Living Rooms

Profile Lighting In Halls And Living Rooms

Here the profile runs along the bends of the floor, which adds a unique style to the design.

7. Profiling The Stairs

Profiling The Stairs

Here the profile lights are used both to add as a feature to the steps and also as a step lights. Make sure the steps are made of wood as this would allow for easier workmanship.

8. Cabinet Light Profiling

Cabinet Light Profiling

Profile lights are also used to give that backlighting effect in cabinets and shelves.

9. Cove Lighting Profiles

Cove Lighting Profiles

Profile lights are used to keep the cove lighting in place. We can use profile lights to give that directional lighting in the coves. This is specially used when the high lumen lighting in the coves is needed.

10. Keep The Strip Lights Intact

Ugly look due to non-installation of Cove lighting.

Ugly look due to non-installation of Cove lighting.

the right way to install profile in coves

the right way to install profile in coves

Profile lights as seen here not only keeps the strip lights in place but also help in heat dissipation and provide an even glow. Many times when the strip light is installed directly one can see the light dots which look ugly. This is especially a problem when the paint used is shiny or PVC panel is used in roof false ceiling.

What Are Profile Lights?

Profile Lights

Profile lights come in various sizes and are made of the aluminum casing. Aluminum being a good conductor of heat releases the heat emitted by the LEDs which are placed inside them.

Inside these casings, we place LED strip lights which come in various sizes and Lumens. Typically 12v LED comes in white, warm white, and Natural white color and in 60/120/180/240, etc LEDs per/m grade. As per the LED placed, you need to have drivers attached to them. See this Chart for reference.

Low Cost – More Designs

Typical false ceiling designs that use cove lighting need a lot of workmanship. Hence comes with increased cost. Profile lights can be cut and placed very easily and hence require much less workmanship.

Circular designs and patterns

One can use prefabricated circular rings or use Neon Flex lighting for those rounded and circular design patterns.

Profile Light Can Be Used To Give That Unique Element To Your Walls.

Profile Light In Wall
Profile Light In Wall

Thin Profile lights are very good in giving multiple lines and crossing curves. Thick profiles are used when lighting needed is high and ambient lighting purpose needs to be solved using them.

wall profile light
wall profile light

Also, like here, could be used as a custom designed step light or foot lights.

Stairs profile light
Stairs profile light

Profile lights are very versatile and can be used to give your design ideas a rich feel.


Things To Avoid While Using Profile Lights In False Ceiling

  • Profiles can be installed only when you have the ability to cut the False Ceiling or Drywall. One must take the sample of the profile to cut it accurately first.
  • Since strip lights are installed inside the profiles, workmanship should be able to hold the strip lights on site.
  • Profiles come in two types i.e Surface and Conceal. That is one that has a small collar protruding and the other that does not. Based on design and site requirements one should choose.
  • While fixing profile lights with screws inside, you should use SDS screws. This will keep the surface plain for strip light installation.
  • One can use an adhesive compound while installing strip lights to keep them fixed.
  • LED drivers take a lot of space depending upon the size and type of strip light, one should make a provision for that beforehand.
  • These profiles can be bent and broken easily so one should keep them safe on-site where it does not come in contact with the workman.
  • Even in cove lighting, one should use profile lighting to give that even lighting. Using strip lights directly wears off the lights and hence can damage them.

To buy profile lights click here

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Most people have a balcony in their house where they like to read books, drink coffee or spend time with them. And everyone wants them to decorate their balcony well. So here we are going to share with you new small balcony decor ideas for your balcony space.summer is also coming and everyone likes to spend most of the time in the morning or in the evening in the balcony during the summer. No matter how small or how big your balcony is. Having a balcony is enough in your space.Because the balcony holds a special place in our homes. And you can give this special space a beautiful look with your creativity.

Find here the latest new 9 small balcony decor ideas

Here Are 9 Simple And New Small Decor Ideas For Your Balcony

Keep reading here we are going to share with you some balcony lights decor ideas so you can decorate your balcony with beautiful lights.

1.Fairy Lights on single wall

Fairy Light On single wall

Nothing gives your balcony a more dreamy feel than fairy lights. Depending on the color of the walls and your furniture choose the color of your fairy lights. Like Wooden structures are complemented with golden lights while a white background can be accentuated by white lights also and so on.

2. Bulbs On Swing

Fairy Light On Swing

If you have a party at home or you want to decorate your balcony for yourself, then you can also decorate the swing of your balcony along with the balcony.

3.Fairy Lights On Railing

Fairy Light On Railing

Fairy light on the railing gives a very wonderful look on your balcony. if you have a small balcony in your apartment so don’t be sad you can also decorate your small apartment balcony in your way. Just use fairy light on the railing and make your balcony space your favorite book reading and coffee space.

4. Bamboo Lamps

Bamboo Lamps

Lamps are the best way to add aesthetic appeal and a romantic ambiance to your balconies. You can experiment with the lamps multifold. You can use Moroccan lamps which create beautiful patterns when lit or simply use scented candles in lamps for that misty effect. If you are someone who wants a more subtle and sustainable ambiance then try bamboo lamps. Bamboo not only looks rich but also survives rain, sunshine, and winters easily. They mix well with the plants as well. Try lamps and recreate the magic in your balconies.

5. Moroccan Pendant Lamps

Moroccan pendant lamp

Use a Moroccan pendant lamp in your balcony area to give your balcony a bohemian look. Moroccan pendant lamp will add a dash of grace to your balcony with its unique design. These lamps look so beautiful and give your balcony a very artistic look.

6. Bulbs and scented candles

Bulbs And Scented Candle

If you want to give your partner a very beautiful surprise so you can decorate your balcony with bulbs and scented candles and this will be a very sweet gift for your partner although this space can be a peaceful reading space for yourself.

7. Wall lights

For a more modern fee use the wall lights which give a very elite and stylish look to your balconies. if you want to focus on one particular wall in your balcony and want to show your one spacial balcony wall. So you can use wall lights in your balcony for focusing on one particular wall, it will give your balcony a very classic look.

8. White bulbs

white bulbs

You can also use big white bulbs to lift up the mood of your balcony. if you want to decorate your balcony in a simple way so you can use white bulbs in your beautiful balcony, these lights will your balcony a very elegant and lovely look. And the white bulbs decoration will give you a very beautiful feel in your balcony area.

9. Add Fairy lights in the element

Adding

If you don’t have a lot of space to add elements then adding fairy lights in elements like in also just amps up the balcony without any effort. Try these styles and see how everyone just goes gaga over your balcony.

If you have a balcony you need light ideas for the comment below and we will help you out choosing the right light for your perfect space.