When we talk about comfort and well-being In our home, lighting plays a fundamental role. Thanks to it we regulate our circadian rhythm, we are more active in times of light, as well as willing to rest and relax in the hours when we lack
her.
In this sense, a correct lighting, in addition to creating a warm and cozy atmosphere while we wait for summer to arrive, it also helps us control the moments in which we need to be more active and awake as well as others in which we seek relaxation and rest.
To find out how we can take advantage of lighting in interiors to provide greater warmth, and to know the main factors to take into account when lighting our spaces from a practical and functional perspective that guarantees optimal conditions of comfort, we have spoken with Manuel Delgado, interior designer at Ikea. A firm that has the Nordic countries as its point of reference, where their own geographical condition has led them to become specialists in lighting interior spaces.
Novelties Spring 2022 – IKEA
Ensures the type of lighting according to each activity
For Manuel Delgado, in addition to taking into account the general light, which, as its name indicates, illuminates the spaces in a general way, it is important take into account the type of activity that we are going to carry out and based on this, reinforce the lighting with different types of luminaires.
For productivity activities such as teleworking, studying or cooking, it will be important to have lamps that provide us with functional light, that is, lamps or screens that illuminate directly and focused the surface where we carry out the activity: desk, kitchen counter,
dressing table, etc…
On the other hand, to develop activities aimed at rest and relaxation such as sleeping, watching TV or doing yoga, for example, Ikea advises us to have lamps that provide us with ambient light, those that illuminate the space in a dim and indirect way, creating a cozy environment that leads us to be more relaxed and ready to rest.
Make the most of natural light
Although in winter the days are shorter, it is recommended take advantage of natural light whenever possible. In this case, moving our desk near a window, or exercising on the terrace, in addition to guaranteeing correct lighting to carry out activities,
it also keeps us connected to the outside world and reduces stress levels.
If we have a too direct entrance of natural light and this bothers us on certain occasions, the best alternative is have blinds and shutters that filter the light, but don’t block it completely. This also helps us to maintain thermal comfort within the spaces and consume less heating.
The color of light counts
Our brain reacts to the color of light and associates it with temperature. That is why it is so important to take it into account depending on the activities that we develop: garlands, lanterns or ambient lamps, they provide us with warm light, for example; one that tends to yellow tones, similar to the color of candlelight and provides us with a feeling of warmth and refuge, being ideal for those places of rest such as the bedroom, the terrace or the living room.
On the contrary, white or neutral light is ideal for keeping us active and awake, which is why it is recommended in places where we carry out productive activities such as the kitchen, bathroom or study. Above all, in the months where we have less natural light.
Colors and materials
On the darkest days, the lamps take on a special role, as do their colors and materials. Natural fiber pieces and earth tones, in addition to providing us with interesting light sieves and creating shadow effects, also connect us with nature and enrich the space with their textures and finishes.
smart lighting
Day by day, our home is much more flexible and multifunctional. In the same space we carry out different activities and this requires a type of lighting that can be adapted to different times and situations, especially in the months of the year when the days are shortened
and we spend more time at home: we eat, but sometimes we telecommute in the dining room, for example, or we watch TV in the living room but we also read, study, watch the mobile…
This is where technology plays a very important role and through the smart lighting we can adapt the lamps in our house to different moments, changing the intensity of light or the color temperature. In this way, the same light source helps us to develop
various activities, explains the interior designer Manuel Delgado. One of the latest novelties from Ikea, the speaker lamp designed together with Sonos is a good example.
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