In theory, a lamp socket with a light bulb is enough to provide light in a room. But of course most people would like to make their surroundings a little more homely and functional. And investing some effort in the selection and positioning of lighting elements in the living room can actually be worthwhile. Because the right lighting makes everyday life easier and creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Our guide on the subject of lighting reveals what is important:
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Consider different lighting needs
Not every lamp is suitable for every purpose and every room. While bright work lighting is needed in the hobby room, for example, this would be the case at a cozy TV evening rather annoying in the living room. And even within a room, the lighting requirements are not always the same. For example, you need bright light in the bathroom for shaving or applying makeup. When relaxing in the bath, on the other hand, subtle lighting is desirable.
When choosing lamp holders and lamps, there are various aspects to consider. What purpose should the light serve in a room? What mood should it create? Light can also be used to set cozy accents, to emphasize certain areas and to let others recede into the background.
It therefore often makes sense to provide several light sources in a room that serve different purposes.
It all comes down to positioning
Depending on where and how a lamp is positioned, it creates different effects. Direct light, for example from a ceiling lamp or a work lamp, can illuminate particularly well, but also creates strong contrasts and cast shadows. For indirect light, on the other hand, the lamp holder is positioned behind furniture, under paneling or in niches. It is not the light source itself that is visible, only the reflected light. Interesting effects and a cozy ambience can be created in this way.
Additional table or wall lights can be used to create brighter areas within a room that can be used for working or reading. Special eye-catchers, such as a painting or a special piece of furniture, can be set in scene with spotlights.
If you can't find anything suitable in the lamp trade or just want to get creative yourself, you can also design lamps yourself relatively easily. The specialist trade offers corresponding needs, such as lamp socket, cables, switches and bulbs, also individually. If you are looking for inspiration, you will find it numerous suitable suggestions online.
Light is not just light
To achieve the desired effect with a lamp should also be on brightness and light color be respected.
Since the introduction of LED bulbs into our households, it is no longer the wattage that is the decisive factor when it comes to brightness, but the lumen specification. 1000 lumens roughly correspond to the light output of a 75 watt light bulb. However, LED lamps only need 8-10 watts to generate them.
With the light color is given in Kelvin Color temperature meant. A lower Kelvin number means a higher proportion of red in the light. The light is then warm white and looks cozier. With a higher Kelvin number, the blue component in the light increases. The cold white light produced appears brighter, but rather cool and uncomfortable.
Good to know: Blue light can disrupt the formation of the sleep hormone melatonin. Warm white, subdued light is therefore more suitable for lighting before going to bed.
Adjustable and dimmable lamps can be particularly useful in areas with very different lighting requirements.