Well-designed lighting plays an important role in everyday life. The color of the light flux created by the light bulb affects our state, the perception of the environment and the shades of objects. Let's figure out what kind of light, warm or cold, will be better for the eyes, and how to choose lighting for different areas of the apartment.

How the shade of light affects a person

There is no direct connection between lamp color and eye health. So, in an effort to maintain normal visual acuity, you don't have to worry about which shade of light to choose for your office or living room.

Nevertheless, the color temperature indirectly affects the health of the inhabitants of the room, influencing the mood and general psycho-emotional state.

• The cold glow tones, increases concentration, dispels drowsiness, and therefore is recommended for illuminating work areas.
• The warm tone of light is characterized by the opposite properties: it relaxes, soothes, creates an atmosphere of comfort and coziness.

The human eye is capable of recording color temperature changes in the widest range - 800–20,000 K.

Light source selection

To find out what shade of light a conventional or energy-saving light bulb emits, they look at the value of the color temperature of the product, which is applied to the package.

The temperature of light is measured in Kelvin (K). A light bulb with a lower value of this value gives a yellow glow. And at a high color temperature, the light from the fixture will be cool and slightly bluish.

The most common lamps with the following shades of light:

1. Cold white, which corresponds to values ​​from 5400 to 5000 K.
2. Natural (neutral) white with a temperature of 3500 to 5000 K.
3. Warm white with a range of values ​​from 2700 to 3500 K.

The differences between light of different temperatures are shown in the photo.

What shades of light are best for different areas of the room

Let's find out what glow colors are suitable for different rooms and zones.

Cold Spectrum Light

The glow in the cold temperature range is close to the perception of the eye to the light of the sun in the winter season. It is ideal for working areas of an apartment, office. Cold light lamps:

• looks brighter;
• stimulates mental activity;
• helps to concentrate, tune in to work;
• suitable for workspaces with combined lighting - artificial and natural.

Note! The cold glow distorts the color scheme of objects painted in warm tones. Orange will turn brownish, yellow will appear green, and red will appear purple. At the same time, the green and blue palette becomes brighter and deeper.

It should also be borne in mind that the final color of the lighting depends on the color of the plafond, the bulb of the device.

Luminaires with high color temperature values ​​will be used:

• In the washbasin area in the bathroom. Cold glow invigorates and stimulates brain activity, contributing to early awakening.
• In the kitchen area. Here, spot lighting is used to help the hostess improve organization and productivity.
• In large rooms with ultra-modern design.
• In work areas and offices to increase focus and mental alertness.

You should not use lamps with a cold glow in bedrooms and living rooms, where the inhabitants of the apartment relax in the evening. Scientists have found that bluish light slows down the production of melatonin, a hormone that is responsible for biorhythms and healthy sleep.

Neutral white lighting

Neutral electric lighting is optimal for rooms in which you have to be for a long time. Certain types of fluorescent and halogen lamps allow you to achieve a glow close to the sun. Such illumination does not affect the tones of surrounding objects, so you can not be afraid of color distortion when it is turned on.

• Above mirrors to see the most faithful reflection without distorted colors.
• In corridors and hallways for quick adaptation of vision after street light.
• In a child's room where natural lighting is desired.
• In kitchens and dining rooms, where the owners spend a lot of time.
• In places intended for reading.

Warm spectrum lighting

Light with a temperature of 3500-2700 K has a cozy warming yellowish tint that is well perceived by the eyes. Such a glow is subconsciously associated with the morning or evening sun.

The light we are accustomed to with a yellow tint can be emitted by both traditional incandescent lamps and halogen devices. Luminescent illuminators and LED devices with low color temperature are also produced.

Light in the warm range enhances the color saturation of objects made in a pastel palette. This feature is actively used by interior designers to create unique images. Cold-toned details with this kind of backlighting will become less expressive.

Important! Due to the lack of rays of the corresponding spectrum, cold colors look distorted under a yellow glow. Blue approaches green, blue turns black, purple turns red.

A yellowish warm light would be appropriate:

• In the dining rooms. During a meal, lighting like this will make the food more appealing and promote good digestion.
• In the bedrooms to create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

• In the living rooms. Warm lighting will give the atmosphere ease and lightness, relieve the psychological stress of the guests and owners of the apartment. A diffusing chandelier in this room is the perfect solution.
• In the bathroom in the bath area, to relax and create a sense of tranquility, necessary for relaxation and getting the maximum benefit from relaxing water treatments.

Extra options

In addition to the color temperature of the lighting fixture, other characteristics of the lamps are also important. There are several main criteria that need to be considered when choosing:

1. Functioning principle. Distinguish between incandescent, halogen, LED and fluorescent lamps.
2. Efficiency. In the first place in this parameter are LED devices.
3. Flask device. It can be in the form of a ball, tube, mushroom, pear, spot.
4. Price. Incandescent bulbs are cheaper. LEDs are more expensive than others, but a one-time overpayment will pay off over time with lower power consumption.
5. Color rendering index. It is designated on the packaging of the device by the letters Ra. If it is equal to or greater than 90, then the colors of the interior when illuminated with this product will remain as natural as in daylight. With a value of 80 or less, be prepared to distort the usual colors.

This is not to say that a particular light tone - cold or warm - is better or worse. Each of them affects a person in a certain way, so it is important that the color of the lighting matches the purpose of the room or functional area.