Everyone has different preferences for decoration styles and lighting. However, regardless of the style chosen, it is crucial to ensure that the lighting is healthy, practical, and comfortable.
You can focus on the following four key areas:
💡 1. Luminous Flux
When selecting a lamp, many people only consider the wattage, assuming that higher wattage equates to greater brightness. However, wattage does not accurately reflect the brightness of a lamp. A more scientific approach is to evaluate the luminous flux. The higher the luminous flux, the brighter the light. The recommended luminous flux for a room can be calculated as: room area * illuminance requirements. For instance, a standard 20 square meter living room requires an illuminance of 100 lux, thus necessitating a luminous flux of 20 * 100 = 2000 lumens (lm).
Note: * indicates mixed lighting illuminance.
💡 2. Color Temperature
In addition to providing basic illumination, lighting also significantly influences comfort. The color temperature of the lamp largely determines this comfort. Cold white light enhances concentration and learning efficiency but may affect sleep quality if too high. Warm yellow light promotes relaxation and better sleep. Therefore, we recommend:
- Living room and dining room: 3000~4000K
- Bedroom for natural comfort: around 3000K
- Kitchen and bathroom for a bright and clean environment: 4000~5000K
It is important to maintain consistent color temperatures within the same space by using lamps of the same brand and model to avoid excessive differences.
💡 3. Color Rendering Index (CRI)
For activities requiring accurate color perception, such as studying, painting, makeup, or dressing, the color rendering index (CRI) of the light source is critical. For example, study areas, makeup mirrors, and dressing rooms should have a CRI (Ra) > 95. In general spaces, the CRI should not be lower than 80, preferably > 90, to ensure overall visual comfort.
💡 4. Absence of Flicker and Blue Light Hazards
Ensure the product's test report indicates no flicker or blue light hazards. It is recommended to choose lamps with a blue light hazard classification of RG0.
Additionally, different rooms have specific lighting requirements. Below are some recommendations for each room:
Living Room
Complex chandeliers in the living room require significant maintenance (e.g., dust accumulation, insect intrusion, complex repairs). Consider whether you can manage the upkeep before installation.
Kitchen
Centralized lighting in the kitchen often causes shadows during food preparation. Install under-cabinet lighting strips to ensure adequate illumination.
Additionally, install a light above the sink at an angle towards the wall to avoid obstruction by the head.
Dining Room
Position the dining room light directly over the table rather than in the center of the room. Determine the table's location early in the decoration process to avoid misalignment. If uncertain about the table's placement, consider installing an adjustable arm light. For optimal ambiance, set pendant lights approximately 65 cm above the table.
Bedroom
Avoid installing spotlights near the bed, as they can cause discomfort when lying down. Instead, opt for wall-mounted or table lamps for bedside reading. If the bedroom includes a dressing area or vanity mirror, use lights with a high CRI (Ra > 95) to minimize color discrepancies between clothing and actual appearance.
Bathroom
Similar to dressing areas, bathroom vanity mirrors should have a high CRI (Ra > 95) to prevent inaccurate color perception, which can lead to unsatisfactory makeup results.
