"Choosing the right light source and taking quality features into account are crucial for optimal lighting indoors, but also outdoors. In addition, quality features are also important for the use of light in art and design as well as in medicine and technology."
What are the basics of light?
The basics of light are that it is an electromagnetic radiation that we can perceive with our eyes. It propagates at a certain speed of about 299,792,458 meters per second and consists of photons that carry energy in the form of electromagnetic waves . Light can have various properties, such as color, brightness, color temperature and color rendering index .
The color of the lighting depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic waves, while the brightness depends on the intensity of the light source. The color temperature describes the color of the light source on a scale from warm tones (such as yellow or orange) to cooler tones (such as blue or white).
Brightness is measured in lumens (lm) and indicates how much light a light source emits. Luminous intensity is measured in candelas (cd) and indicates how much light is emitted in a certain direction.
The beam angle.
The way light is distributed in a room is determined by the beam angle .
The beam angle describes the spread of illumination from a light source and can vary depending on the type of light source.
Direct light has a narrow beam angle and creates hard shadows, while indirect light has a wider beam angle and creates softer shadows.
The way light is distributed in a room is determined by the beam angle . The beam angle describes the spread of illumination from a light source and can vary depending on the type of light source. Direct light has a narrow beam angle and creates harsh shadows, while indirect light has a wider beam angle and creates softer shadows.
When choosing light sources, it is important to consider the color rendering index (CRI). The CRI describes how well a light source can reproduce the colors of an object and is rated on a scale of 0 - 100. A higher CRI number means better color rendering. A wide beam angle creates diffuse lighting and is well suited for general lighting of rooms. A narrow beam angle, on the other hand, creates a spot and is well suited for accent lighting of objects or areas in the room.
Here we can recommend the article from s.luce Beam , which is available as a recessed spotlight. Typical beam angles for lamps range from 15 to 120 degrees . LED lighting often has a narrower beam angle than conventional light bulbs , as they can emit the light more precisely and efficiently .
The quality characteristics of light.
Light has various quality characteristics that influence its effect on the environment and the people who perceive it. An important characteristic is the color temperature , which is given in Kelvin (K) . Another characteristic is the color rendering, which indicates how true to life colors are represented. The brightness of the light is measured in lumens (lm) and indicates how much power comes from the light source. In addition to these technical quality characteristics , there are also psychological factors that influence the perception of light, such as the type of light source, the type of control and the light dynamics . Choosing the right light is therefore of great importance for a pleasant and productive environment .
The color temperature.
The temperature of a light is measured in Kelvin (K) and indicates how "warm" or "cold" the light appears. For example, an incandescent lamp is called " warm white " and has a color temperature of about 2700 K , while daylight is called " cool white " and has a color temperature of about 6500 K.
The color rendering index.
This indicates how well a light source reproduces the colors of objects compared to natural light. A light source with a CRI of 100 would reproduce the colors of objects as well as natural light . A light source with a CRI of 0 would not reproduce any colors . A CRI of 80 or higher is generally considered good and is recommended for most applications.
Particularly important in applications where accurate color reproduction is required, such as photography , lighting artworks or the fashion industry . Inaccurate color reproduction can lead to color counterfeiting and false color perceptions .
Further quality features.
- Glare : Glare is the degree of visual interference caused by light. It can be reduced by choosing the right light sources and placing the lighting .
- The light distribution : This indicates how the light intensity is distributed in the room and on the surface. An even light distribution can create pleasant lighting and reduce glare .
- The lifespan of LED light : The lifespan indicates how long a light source can be used up to a certain level of brightness loss . LED lamps have a longer lifespan than conventional light bulbs and can last up to 50,000 hours . The LED lights save electricity costs and are more energy efficient compared to conventional light bulbs.
The different types of light.
Direct light is a type of lighting in which the light from the light source is directed directly at the illuminated surface . It produces clear and focused lighting that is often perceived as energizing and productive . A typical application of direct light is desk lighting . A table lamp with a directed light source produces a clear , focused beam of light that is ideal for working or reading .
A similar application of direct light is accent lighting of works of art or decorative objects. The s.luce Book table lamp can be perfectly integrated here, thanks to the latest LED technology and as a modern, innovative bookend for your bedside table . Since direct light is often perceived as bright and intense, it is important to take glare into account. Glare can be caused by incorrect positioning of the light source or by light sources that are too bright.
One way to reduce the impact of light is to use diffuse reflectors or lampshades to scatter and soften the light. Although direct light creates clear and focused lighting, it can sometimes be perceived as too harsh or unnatural.
An example of this is direct sunlight , which is often perceived as too bright or dazzling . In such cases, indirect lighting, where the light is reflected from the wall or ceiling, can create softer and more natural lighting.
Indirect light is a type of lighting in which the light from the light source is reflected on ceilings, walls or other surfaces before it fills the room with a relaxing and calming feeling. The Cloud model or the Plinth model from s.luce are suitable for this. A typical application of indirect light is the general lighting of rooms.
Indirect lighting creates even and soft lighting that diffuses the room. A similar use of indirect light is the backlighting of furniture or decorative objects. Here you could use the s.luce LED light board to put your favorite decorations or photos in focus .
Because indirect light is often perceived as soft and relaxing , it is ideal for rooms where you want to create a calming atmosphere , such as living rooms, bedrooms or wellness areas . However, it can be difficult to achieve sufficient brightness with indirect light, especially in rooms with high ceilings.
One way to improve the efficiency of indirect light is to use reflective surfaces to diffuse and reflect the light. For example, ceilings with white or light color can reflect the light and distribute it throughout the room. Another option is to combine indirect lighting with direct lighting to create balanced and versatile lighting .
The effects of light on humans.
The effect of light is an important aspect in the design of lighting systems. Light can have various effects on the human body and the environment , including physiological , psychological and aesthetic effects .
- Physiological effects of light can, for example, affect the sleep-wake cycle . Too bright or blue light in the evening hours can reduce melatonin levels and thus impair the body's ability to fall asleep. On the other hand, bright light in the morning can reduce melatonin levels and make it easier to wake up.
- Psychological effects of light can also be powerful. For example , warm, dim lighting in a living room can create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere , while bright lighting in an office can increase productivity and alertness . Light can also affect mood, as it is linked to the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
- Aesthetic effects of light can also be an important factor in the design of lighting systems . Lighting devices can help to highlight and accentuate architecture and interior spaces . For example, targeted lighting of artwork or architectural features can create a dramatic effect.
It is important to consider the effects of light when planning lighting systems to ensure that the light serves its intended purpose and creates pleasant and effective lighting . Appropriate positioning , orientation and intensity of light sources can help to achieve the desired effect of light. To this end, we offer you individual lighting planning in our house to find the perfect light angles and lamps for your home .
The course of daylight.
The daylight cycle describes the changes in light conditions over the course of a day , from dawn to dusk . These changes are influenced by the movement of the sun in the sky and can vary depending on location and time of year .
- Typically, the daylight progression begins at dawn , when the sun begins to rise above the horizon . During this early stage of daylight, the light is often softer and more diffuse as it is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere . As the morning progresses, the sun rises higher in the sky and the light becomes brighter and more direct .
- At midday, sunlight is at its highest intensity and shadows are shortest. The light is generally brightest and cooler than at other times of the day.
- In the afternoon, sunlight begins to decrease again, resulting in longer shadows and softer, more diffuse light .
- Dusk is often associated with spectacular colors and a warmer color temperature.
Daylight progression plays an important role in lighting design as it can affect people's wellbeing and productivity . A balance of direct and indirect daylight can help improve mood and increase concentration .
By taking the course of daylight into account, a lighting plan can be developed that meets the needs and requirements of the user. Here we recommend lamps with an integrated daylight gradient, such as the Kiteo Vibe HCL pendant lamp . With this lamp you have direct and indirect light at the same time, can illuminate large areas of the interior , and many other great settings.
