See the ways
Pillows, tables and indoor plants – these are just some elements that help us create a warm atmosphere, not only in our home, but often in our workplace. But all the decorations of the world are in vain if lighting does not respond to the desired atmosphere of the room. For example, white and cold light is not suitable for the living room or bedroom, as it may prevent you from relaxing, but in other places it may be necessary. How to choose the right lighting for your home?
Put functionality first
The basis of a happy home is mainly functionality, which is in line with comfort. Choose the lighting not only based on the look, but also depending on the activities you will do in the space. For example, in the kitchen you will need a lot more light than in the living room.
Multipurpose spaces: Divide them into zones
Lighting management in smaller apartments and multifaceted spaces, such as children’s rooms, can prove to be demanding. The solution is to divide the space into zones, depending on the activities intended to serve each. In the main lighting of the room it is advisable to add different types of lamps for each zone.
For example, the children’s room can be equipped with:
- Roof centers with moderate intensity and temperature, as a main source of light.
- Study zone: Choose a table lamp with warm white light, which does not tire your eyes.
- Game corner: Use soft, indirect lighting, such as LED strips or floor lamps.
- Sleeping area: Prefer a low night light or an adjustable lamp for reading before bedtime.
A similar approach is also required for the kitchen with the dining room:
- Kitchen counter: Lighten it with a neutral white light high intensity. Ideal choice are the Led spots embedded in the cabinets.
- Dining table: You need lighting in warmer shades. A pendant that matches the shape of the table is ideal. When mounting, make sure the lamp is at least 60 cm above the surface of the table.
It is worth investing in multiple light sources and in the bathroom
Although the bathroom has a clear main purpose, the use of different light sources is just as important. For the main lighting and spotlights around the mirror, neutral white light is the best choice. It offers the right tension and clarity for daily hygiene. However, during night visits to the toilet, bright light can be annoying. For such cases, prefer low -intensity spots or LED strips with motion sensor. These solutions offer discreet lighting, avoiding the discomfort and maintaining the atmosphere calm.
Take into account water resistance to bath lighting
When choosing bathroom lighting, water resistance is a decisive factor. Lights should have at least IP44 protection, while for points near the shower or bathtub, an even higher level of protection is recommended. A properly sealing lamp ensures maximum safety and durability, protecting against moisture and splashes, which is essential in areas with increased humidity such as bathroom.
Light Flow (Lumen – LM)
The bright flow shows how light a light or a lamp emits. The higher the price of Lumen, the more intense the light will be. It looks simple, right? However, to get a complete picture, you need to take into account the intensity of the lighting, which is measured in LUX (LX). This value shows how light it reaches the desktop, table or floor.
Imagine starting reading a book and after a while feeling your eyes tired because the lighting is very weak. Otherwise, an overly intense lighting can cause you a headache. Where is the solution located? The intensity of the lighting must match the light placement point and the activity you run there.
In the table below you will find suggested lighting tensions for various situations.
You will find it in the table below.
The size of the space must also be taken into account, especially for ceiling lighting. Fortunately, you can calculate the intensity of lighting in a particular space using the simple type:
Lighting intensity (lux) = bright flow (lm) / surface (m²)
Example: A light with a brightness of 4080 lm in a space of 10 m² will have a lighting intensity of 408 lux.
In general, it is best to use more light sources with less intensity than an extremely intense. The intensity of the falling light depends largely on the distance from the source. Two meters from the lamp, the tension is already four times smaller. The angular orientation of light also plays a role.
If, for example, rely on a single light source in the living room, it is easy to happen that in the center of the living room the light will be very intense, and near the walls will be inadequate.
Color temperature (Kelvins – K)
Based on the color temperature, you can determine the color of light or lamp light. In the market you will find many variations, from cold white (higher prices) to orange and red shades (lower prices). Below you can see an overview of color temperatures, divided according to the desired shade:
- Hot white light (2700–3000 k) – Suitable mainly for relaxation, so it is mainly used in bedrooms and lounges,
- Neutral white light (4000–4500 k) – has widely used and is more frequently placed in the kitchen, bathroom or on work surfaces,
- Cold white light (5000–6500 k) – Strengthens concentration, so we find it mainly in workplaces and offices.
Consumption (Watts – W)
Anyone who has experience with traditional lamps knows this parameter very well – in the past, they were usually chosen exactly on the basis of it. Consumption indicates the energy consumed by the lamp, which in older models were closely linked to brightness. The more intense the lamp shone, the more energy it was consumed.
However this has changed with the advent of LED technology, As the lamps LED consume much less energy to achieve the same brightness. A 8 W consumption LED lamp shines as vigorously as an old 60 W lamp.
For easier orientation, manufacturers report both data to LED lamps, ie actual consumption and corresponding consumption for older models. For fast calculation, you can also use the table below:
Base type
The base type determines the type of lamp that is compatible with the luminaire. We usually find the following types:
- Base with screws or edison threads (eg e27, e14) – The most common type in which the lamp is rounded and placed in the slot.
- Base with bolts (eg b22) – Instead of rounding, it is placed with lock and rotation.
- Base with pins (eg GU10, g9, gu5.3) – Characteristic for point lamps, recognized by the two pins that fit the socket.
While the first letter specifies the base type, the following number indicates the size or distance of millimeters, depending on the type. For example, the E27 means that the lamp has a 27mm Edison thread. In the case of the GU10 lamp, the number indicates that the pins are 10mm apart. The extra letters refer to specific shapes or ways of mounting the lamp.
Protection Grade (IP)
The degree of protection indicates the level of protection from dust and water and is particularly important for bathrooms in bathrooms and outdoors. For easier guidance, we have prepared a handy table with the most common signals you will find in the lighting frame.
