How suitable lighting strengthens your well-being

Lighting in our homes is far more than just a practical necessity; it has a significant influence on our well-being, our mood and even strengthens our health. "Feel-good lighting" describes a conscious approach to designing the lighting conditions in our living spaces, in which our emotional and physical well-being is paramount.

As we spend much of our time indoors, whether at home or at work, the quality and design of lighting play a crucial role in our well-being.

Read here why light and the right lighting are so important for our physical and mental health and how you can optimally align your home with it.

Light as a rhythm generator for our body

Our body has an internal biological clock, the so-called circadian rhythm. This inner clock controls many processes in our organism and is largely based on the natural alternation of bright daylight and darkness. This also influences the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. Bright light during the day stimulates our body and ensures activity and alertness, while less light in the evening promotes the release of melatonin and prepares us for sleep. This reaction of the body is also triggered by special light receptors in the eyes, which are not used for visual vision, but influence the hormones in the body.

The downsides of inadequate lighting

Especially in the cold season, we spend a lot of time indoors and get too little of the necessary activating daylight during the day. At the same time, we are often exposed to bright, artificial light in the evening and at night, especially the light from screens, which has a high blue content. This can disrupt our natural day-night rhythm, a phenomenon known as "circadian disruption." The consequences can be manifold and stressful: tiredness and listlessness during the day, difficulty falling asleep and impaired sleep quality at night, concentration problems and reduced productivity. Physical symptoms such as fatigue can also be caused by poor lighting.

The positive power of the right lighting

The goal of human-centric lighting is to use light in a way that supports our biological rhythm and increases our well-being. We do this by designing the lighting in our rooms in such a way that it mimics the positive properties of natural daylight and activates or calms us down at the right times.

Two main properties of light are decisive here: its brightness (intensity) and its colour temperature (light colour). Just as sunlight changes its intensity and colour throughout the day – from cool, bright light in the morning to warm, subdued light in the evening – we can also adjust our interior lighting. Bright, cooler light (often referred to as neutral white or cool white, typically above 4,600 Kelvin) signals activity to the body and promotes alertness, concentration, and productivity. Warm white light (typically below 3,000 Kelvin) creates a cosy, relaxed atmosphere and helps the body adjust to rest and sleep.

Modern technologies such as dynamic lighting make it possible to automatically adjust the brightness and colour temperature throughout the day. Smart lighting systems go even further and allow individual control and adjustment of lighting via apps or preset scenarios, depending on the respective activities and personal needs. The possibilities range from replacing individual light bulbs with smart LEDs to installing a networked system throughout the house.

Noticeable improvements in everyday life

The conscious design of lighting, which takes into account our biological rhythm and adapts flexibly to different times of the day and activities, can significantly increase our well-being. We not only feel more comfortable in our rooms, but also more energetic. In the workplace, the right lighting can promote concentration, prevent fatigue and increase productivity. A stable day-night rhythm, supported by adapted light, leads to better and restful sleep. Our mood can also be positively influenced; warm, subdued light in the evening can even help reduce stress. Studies confirm the positive effect of suitable light on general well-being.

Designing light consciously: practical tips for different rooms

Setting up feel-good lighting starts with thoughtful planning for each area in your home, taking into account the different activities in the rooms. The combination of different light sources - from basic lighting to accent lights - is an important component.

Living room

The living area is used for relaxation and socialising, especially in the evening. A cosy atmosphere is required here. Go for subdued, warm white light with a low colour temperature. Dimmable lights are ideal for flexibly adjusting the brightness to the situation. Complement the ceiling lamp with several floor lamps next to the sofa for reading or as a general mood light, and use table lamps on side tables or dressers for additional light accents that illuminate corners and create depth.

Workspace and home office

In the work area,   concentration and productivity come first. Use as much natural daylight as possible during the day. Ideally, place your desk close to the window, but in such a way that you are not dazzled and no distracting shadows fall on your work surface. For artificial lighting, choose bright, cool light (over 4,600 K) during the day to encourage activity. A good, non-dazzling desk lamp is important. Position it so that it illuminates the work surface well, but does not shine or reflect on the screen. The combination of a ceiling light, desk lamp and possibly an accent light allows you to adjust the lighting depending on the task.

Bedroom

Avoid  bright light in the bedroom, and especially light with a high blue content (from screens) in the hours before bedtime, as this disrupts melatonin production and makes it difficult to fall asleep. If you have to get up at night, it is best to use soft, warm white or amber orientation light with a very low intensity, which does not wake up the body unnecessarily or disturb the dark adaptation of the eyes. These can be small socket lights, underbed lights with motion sensors or toe-kick lighting. Blackout curtains or roller blinds help keep light out of the outside. Dimmable, warm white bedside lamps are good for creating a calming atmosphere before going to bed or for reading.

Kitchen: Bright work light meets cosy atmosphere

Kitchen lighting must be both functional to support food preparation and atmospherically match meals and social gatherings. A combination of bright work lighting and softer ambient light is ideal.

Under-cabinet lights under the wall cabinets ensure good illumination of the work surfaces. Pendant lights above cooking islands or dining tables can serve as both work light and eye-catchers. For work areas, neutral white light (approx. 3100-4500K) is recommended. For the dining area, warmer light can create a welcoming atmosphere. The distance between task lights above the kitchen countertop should be about 75-80 cm, while pendant lights should be placed above the dining table at a height of 60-75 cm.

Bathroom: Functional brightness and relaxing accents

In the bathroom , a combination of bright, functional lighting for personal care and softer, moody light for relaxation is ideal. Side lights next to the mirror at eye level help to avoid shadows on the face. Dimmable luminaires make it possible to adjust the atmosphere as needed. For general lighting, warmer light can have a relaxing effect.

Summarised

How we light our spaces has a profound impact on our daily lives and well-being. By consciously designing our lighting that mimics the natural course of daylight and adapts to our needs and activities, we can not only make our spaces more functional and beautiful, but above all increase our well-being and concentration, as well as significantly improve our sleep. Investing in flexible and well-thought-out lighting that uses different light sources and lighting moods is therefore a valuable investment in your health and quality of life.

FAQs on the right feel-good lighting in living spaces

What colour temperature (Kelvin) should I choose for different rooms?

For living rooms and bedrooms, we recommend warm white light in the range of 2000-3000K to create a relaxing atmosphere. For the kitchen and hallway, neutral white light (3100-4500K) is well suited to achieve balanced brightness. In the study or home office, daylight white light (5000K and higher) can promote concentration.

Why combine direct and indirect lighting?

Direct lighting shines the light directly onto a specific area or object, while indirect lighting directs the light against a surface such as a wall or ceiling, from where it is reflected. A combination of both types is ideal for a cosy atmosphere, with indirect lighting contributing to a feel-good atmosphere due to its soft and glare-free effect.

Should I use warm or cold light in the bedroom?

For the bedroom, warm white light is a better choice because it supports the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and creates a relaxing atmosphere that is ideal for a good night's sleep. Cold, blue light, on the other hand, can interfere with melatonin production and should be avoided before bed.

What are the advantages of dimmable light, and where should I use it?

Dimmable light provides the flexibility to adjust the brightness according to your needs and mood. It is useful in all living areas to create different atmospheres. Especially in the living room, bedroom and dining area, dimmable light is ideal for adapting the lighting to different occasions and times of the day. Smart lights in particular are recommended because the color temperature can also be adjusted here.