In our daily business and customer contact, we repeatedly hear supposed "facts" about light that have been proven false but for some reason still persist in people's minds. In this article, we dispel many misconceptions and lamp myths that we encounter every day and that you may have heard before.
So what are these misconceptions about lighting?
The choice of lighting is irrelevant
Lighting not only influences the aesthetics and comfort of a room, but also has an impact on people's health and well-being.
Incorrect lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and even depression. It is therefore important to plan and design lighting carefully in order to create a pleasant and healthy environment.
A single ceiling light is sufficient
Multiple light sources in a room allow for flexible and individual lighting that meets the different needs and activities of users. It is important to create different islands of light in order to achieve a
LED light is too cold
The color temperature of LED light can be adjusted depending on the application and personal preference. LEDs are available in different color temperatures, from warm white to cool white.
It is therefore possible to tailor the lighting to the needs and preferences of the users.
Watt stands for the amount of visible light
Watt is a unit for the power consumption of electrical devices and says nothing about the brightness or quality of the light produced. Brightness is measured in lumens, which indicates the total brightness of the light emitted.
It is therefore important to consider not only the wattage but also the luminous flux in lumens when selecting lighting fixtures.
Mosquitoes are attracted to light
Mosquitoes are not directly attracted to light, but to heat and carbon dioxide emitted by human and animal bodies. An effective method of mosquito repellent is therefore the use of insect repellents or traps based on heat and carbon dioxide.
Color temperature does not indicate the type of lighting
The color temperature of light has a major influence on the atmosphere and mood of a room.
Warm white light (2700-3000K) creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, while cool white light (5000K and higher) creates an energetic and lively atmosphere.
Color temperature is therefore an important factor in the design of lighting concepts.
Those who use LEDs no longer need to worry about fires.
LEDs have a significantly lower operating temperature than incandescent bulbs and are therefore safer in the Application.
However, it is important to purchase high-quality LEDs from trusted manufacturers and ensure that they are properly installed and operated.
Improper use of LEDs can still lead to safety issues.
Bright home lighting prevents burglaries
Lighting can help deter burglaries, but it is important to use it in a targeted and effective manner.
Lights that are left on permanently can also be an indication that no one is home. Motion detectors and timers are more effective methods of deterring burglars.
Dimming shortens their service life
The opposite is true—dimming LEDs can actually extend their lifespan because they are exposed to less heat and stress.
However, it is important that the dimming technology used is compatible with the LEDs used to avoid problems such as flickering or overheating.
This is a common misconception—LED bulbs have a higher luminous efficacy than incandescent bulbs and are therefore brighter.
LEDs are also more efficient and durable than incandescent bulbs.
"An important expert tip when it comes to lighting misconceptions is not to rely solely on the CRI value, but to also consider other factors such as the R9 value or the TM-30-15 standard. It is also important to consider the lighting requirements of the specific application and not to blindly follow advertising or price."
Expert tip from Guido H.
Management at skapetze®
LEDs are not sustainable
LEDs are actually very environmentally friendly. They do not contain mercury or other harmful materials that may be found in other types of lamps. In addition, they consume less energy than incandescent or halogen lamps and thus contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. LEDs can also be recycled, making them an environmentally friendly alternative.
Switching from conventional lighting to LED lighting can be very cost-effective, especially in the long term. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.
Although the initial cost of LED bulbs may be higher than other types of bulbs, the energy savings and longer lifespan can lead to significant savings in the long run.
Reading in dim light damages the eyes
Reading in dim light can strain the eyes and cause temporary fatigue, but it does not cause permanent damage to the eyes. However, it is important to have sufficient lighting to make reading more comfortable and reduce eye strain.
Watt stands for the amount of visible light
Watt is a unit for the power consumption of electrical devices and says nothing about the brightness or quality of the light produced. Brightness is measured in lumens, which indicates the total brightness of the light emitted.
Therefore, when selecting lighting fixtures, it is important to consider not only the wattage but also the luminous flux in lumens.
High CRI = high color rendering
A common misconception about CRI (Color Rendering Index) is that a higher CRI value always means better color rendering. In fact, a high CRI value of 90 or higher can sometimes cause colors to look unnatural or distorted, especially with certain color combinations or light sources.
Another important factor in assessing the color rendering of light sources is the so-called R9 value, which measures the ability of a light source to render red colors. A high R9 value is particularly important for lighting situations where red objects are present, such as in the fashion, art, or medical industries.
It is therefore important to consider not only the CRI value, but also other factors such as the R9 value to ensure that a light source renders colors in a natural and accurate manner.
Conclusion on misconceptions about light
In summary, there are many myths and misconceptions about light and lighting that persist even though they have been scientificallydisproved.
For example, it is a myth that the brighter the light, the better the lighting, or that LEDs take a long time to light up. Instead, it is important to understand that lighting is an important design and functional component and that choosing the right lighting can influence the space and mood.
A ceiling light without a connection? With a wall mount or a monkey swing & s.luce pendant lights, you can achieve stylish lighting without any renovations.
The lighting trends 2026 clearly show that lighting is long since more than just functional light. Modern luminaires make statements, create atmosphere, and combine design with technology. Anyone exploring the current lighting trends will quickly see that individuality, colourful lighting, sustainability, and smart solutions are at the forefront.