Home Lighting Factors to Consider
Here are some important factors to consider in lighting design.
According to Forbes,
Health Factors
When energy savings became a priority decades ago, builders began shifting from incandescent to fluorescent lighting. While that likely enhanced the health of the planet, it created health issues for people living under those fixtures. A 2008 study conducted by the European Union’s Public Health section reported adverse impacts on migraines, epilepsy, and possible eye and ear issues for some individuals. A 2021 National Institutes of Health study pointed to negative outcomes for anxiety patients.
Safety Factors
Bad and inadequate lighting of all kinds can lead to increased fall risks and injuries. In one study, good (circadian) lighting showed a 43% reduction in falls among a nursing home population.
In a kitchen environment, lighting quality can be the difference between a julienned carrot and fingertip, between seeing a tsp. and tbs. measurement in a recipe. “Since most of the accidents in a home happen in the kitchen,” Lodge comments, “and since it is often attributed to low light levels, it is important to have several layers.”
Buffalo-based designer Lauren Schulte, one of the 50,000 members* of the NKBA and a contributor to the lighting report, suggests, “By incorporating a blend of natural and artificial light, homeowners can create a space that supports their well-being. Safety is key and proper lighting prevents accidents, such as falls [and] cuts and creates a secure environment.”
Designers Weigh In
Indiana-based designer Adam Gibson, another member and report contributor, educates his clients: “I explain the nuances of each light placement and what it will do for the homeowner. Foot candles (FC), color temperature, Color Rendering Index (CRI) circadian rhythms…these are all essential to a quality lighting plan,” he explains.
Their NKBA colleague and fellow report contributor, New Jersey based designer Jennifer McGee, adds, “Lighting can be pivotal in enhancing the overall atmosphere of a space.”
Kitchen Lighting
The days of ceiling-only fixtures are over! “Single sources of light often produce unwanted glare. As we age, more light is needed, but just increasing wattage is not the best solution,” Lodge cautions. Like the three kitchen and bath pros quoted here, she recommends layered lighting. “Installing a lot of light fixtures in the ceiling isn’t the best approach. You can have lighting on top of the upper cabinets, cove lighting around the entire kitchen, interior upper cabinet light, under cabinet lighting, toe kick lighting, wall sconces, pendant lights and, of course, recessed lights.”
