How indoor lighting affects mood – and how you can use it to your advantage
I am going to tell you something which most of the people have been ignoring till date – the lighting in your house has a direct impact on your brain. If the room is dark as soon as you wake up in the morning, you spend the whole day feeling lethargic. If bright blue light is on in the evening then it disrupts sleep. And if the lighting is right then the it instantly sets the mood. in just an instant.
I always try to have more natural light in the house in the morning. Opening windows, adding light curtains or using sheer curtains helps a lot. I think morning sunlight makes the mood fresh. This makes the mind happy and also makes one feel more like working. If there is darkness in the house in the morning, then one starts feeling laziness and heaviness. Proper lighting is very important during the day, especially when we are working. People living in a house with proper lighting remain happy. Even if everything else is perfect, if the lighting is wrong then the whole house looks dull.
1. Color Temperature – This is the biggest game changer
Light is measured in Kelvin (K). The lower the Kelvin, the warmer the light. The higher the Kelvin, the cooler the light.
- 2700K-3000K → Warm White
This is the light you light in the evening when you come home tired. This light increases melatonin hormone, which leads to good sleep. Perfect for evening lighting of bedroom, living room.
- 3500K-4500K → Natural White
Best for kitchen, bathroom, study table. Neither too hot, nor too cold. This light looks best while having breakfast in the morning or while doing makeup.
- 5000K-6500K → Cool White/Daylight
For waking up at 6 a.m., working from home, or working in the garage. This light increases cortisol and keeps you alert. But don't burn it after 7 pm - you will lose your sleep.
The real game changer is this: Have all three types of lighting in the same room. "You shouldn't have just one light. You should have three lights depending on the mood."
2. Layering of Light – This is the secret that professional designers use
Sitting with only one overhead light on is the worst habit. People make the same mistake.
The correct method is four layers:
1. Ambient Light (Main Light) – Ceiling
2. Task Light – For reading, cooking, makeup
3. Accent Light – on paintings, plants, shelves
4. Decorative Light (mood) – fairy lights, neon signs, salt lamps
3. Room-by-Room Practical Guide
Living room
- During the day: As much natural light as possible. Keep the curtains light, install sheer curtains.
- 5-7 pm: 3000K warm light + floor lamp in one corner 2700K
- After 8 pm: Only table lamps and wall sconces 2200K-2700K. Ceiling light off. Pro Tip: Install bias lighting (Philips Hue Play light bar) behind the TV. Eyes become less tired and the mood becomes cinematic.
Bedroom
The most important room. There is no scope for mistake here.
- Bedside lamp: 2700K, dimmable, and warm glow.
- Also turn off the blue LED of the phone charger at night. Even that little blue light disturbs sleep.
Kitchen
- Under-cabinet lighting is essential. 4000K is best. - Place a 3000K warm pendant light above the dining table.
Home office
- Desk lamp 5000K+ and sit next to the window.
- Go outside or at least stand in the balcony for 20 minutes in the afternoon. Natural light recharges the mind.
4. Cheapest and most effective hacks (less than $100)
1. Replace all your bulbs with 2700K warm white – even 10 bulbs will cost $30-40.
2. Keep a salt lamp in the bedroom – worth 20$, the mood will always be good.
3. Install LED strip behind TV – for 25$.
4. Open all the curtains as soon as you wake up in the morning – this is free and most effective.
Last thing
The right light can make us happy, calm and energetic, while the wrong light can make us feel tired. That's why I always tell people to pay some attention to the lighting of the house. If you do just one thing today – make your bedroom lights 2700K warm dimmable. Just that little change.
