By Maria Deschamps
Lighting is more than just a practical necessity; it’s an integral part of our daily lives, influencing our mood, productivity and overall well-being. In this third interview of a four-part series with lighting expert Lynne Stambouly, we explore the transformative power of modern lighting technologies, from tunable white and color-changing LEDs to advanced dimming systems.
Whether you’re seeking to create a calming ambiance at home, enhance focus in a workspace, or support your health with circadian lighting, this discussion is packed with practical insights and expert advice. Join us once again as we dive into the nuances of lighting design and its profound impact on our environments and lives.
Do care about the lighting in your space – it’s one of the most impactful elements of your environment. Don’t just tolerate poor lighting because it’s what you’ve always had. Often, improving your lighting takes less than an hour and a minimal investment, yet it can dramatically enhance how your home feels and functions.
Maria: Let’s start with the psychological impacts of lighting. How does lighting affect our mood, and what can people do to address poor lighting?
Lynne: Lighting has a profound effect on mood and well-being. Think about how different lighting makes you feel – whether it’s bright and energizing or dim and cozy. Personally, when I come home, I have a ritual with my lights. I’ll turn on my wall sconces or a warm table lamp – those make the space feel inviting and comfortable. I also have a chandelier for a touch of elegance. But if the overhead downlights are on during dinner, it’s a dealbreaker for me. They’re too harsh and create glare, which ruins the mood completely.
I think everyone can relate to how bad lighting can affect your day. For instance, in the winter, when there’s so little daylight, I notice how it really impacts my energy. In places where there’s barely any sun, the lack of light can bring on seasonal depression. To make things better, I recommend layering your lighting. Use a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting to create balance. Also, think about the activity you’re doing: I keep my office lighting bright for focus, but at night, I’ll switch to softer, cozier lights to wind down.
Another example is our AutoCAD professional colleague who prefers working in dim lighting to focus better, while I thrive in a well-lit workspace. These small adjustments can have a huge impact on your mood, energy and productivity.
Maria: That brings me to my next question: how does screen brightness, blue light, and modern lighting technology impact our health?
Lynne: For decades, we relied on incandescent lighting, but today’s lighting varies so much – and it’s not always comfortable. Think about a public restroom with harsh lights or a doctor’s office with glaring fluorescents. Those environments can make you feel uneasy. Now imagine softer, well-placed lighting, like wall sconces or gentle ambient lights. It’s less threatening and much more calming.
The future is dynamic lighting. Tunable products let you adjust color tones to match your needs – bright and energizing in the morning, cozy in the evening. These systems use advanced technology, like addressable chips that mix colors to create the perfect light. Picture an array of red, green and blue chips working together. It’s all about a mathematical equation, adjusting the intensity of each color to produce the exact tone you want. I’m already seeing some of this technology in use now, and I expect it to become even more common in the future. Control systems will likely evolve to app-based solutions, making it easier to adjust lighting for mood, energy and tasks, like working in front of a computer screen. This is a major step forward for human-centric lighting and well-being.
Maria: Since lighting affects mood and energy, is there a simple formula for setting the right lighting for activities like dining or working? Or is it more about personal preference and trial and error?
Lynne: That’s a great question, and the answer is … both! Lighting is personal. The light I prefer in my office is different from what our AutoCAD colleague likes or what our office manager uses. Still, there are some standards. For example, natural light’s color temperature changes throughout the day – it’s warm in the morning, cooler at midday, and warmer again in the evening. It’s a good guide.
When I’m eating dinner, I want lighting that helps me relax while staying functional. I need enough light to see my plate and accurate color rendering of it. Especially for seeing if a steak is medium, rare or well-done. Poor color temperatures can make food look unappealing by washing out reds or adding a bluish tint.
There are also industry standards, like those from the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society), that specify recommended light levels for tasks. These ensure adequate lighting but don’t account for personal preferences. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how a client feels about lighting. I always ask what they’ve loved or disliked in past spaces because everyone knows what doesn’t work for them. Ultimately, it’s about balancing standards with individual comfort.
Maria: How do tunable white and color-changing LEDs enhance ambiance, and do you think the trend toward more customizable lighting will continue, or could we eventually revert to simpler standards for residential and commercial spaces?
Lynne: That’s another great question. When fluorescent lighting first emerged, it was a harsh blue-white light that flooded spaces with brightness. At the time, brighter seemed better, so it was widely adopted in schools, hospitals and commercial spaces, replacing the warmer glow of incandescent light. While it revolutionized lighting, it wasn’t healthy or comfortable.
Today, we’re in an era where lighting can create amazing, dynamic spaces. I don’t think people will want to revert to a single color temperature. The flexibility to adjust light to suit the moment whether for work, relaxation or well-being is here to stay. For commercial buildings, architects and owners are increasingly focusing on lighting design to enhance spaces. COVID shifted how and where people work, and employers now recognize that creating inviting, well-lit offices encourages employees to return.
Wellness lighting is a growing trend, but it’s crucial to separate legitimate advancements from misinformation or “fake news”. Lighting that mimics natural sunlight patterns like sunrise and sunset can support circadian rhythms and improve mood. However, lighting alone isn’t a cure-all for health. It’s part of a larger lifestyle equation that includes nutrition, exercise and outdoor time.
Good lighting can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and contribute to overall well-being. For anyone exploring these technologies, I’d encourage doing thorough research and consulting credible sources. When done right, lighting can be transformative, eliminating harmful spectrums and enhancing daily life.
Maria: Let’s talk about how to implement good lighting and the type of technology and control systems that make a difference. I know this is a favorite topic of yours.
Lynne: Implementation depends on the situation. For new construction or significant renovations, I recommend investing in lighting with excellent color rendering, smooth dimming capabilities, and effective glare control. These features not only improve the immediate environment but also provide long-term benefits. It’s also essential to use the right dimmers, such as DMX controls, to optimize LED performance and achieve precise adjustments. In retrofits, prioritize upgrading to systems that allow flexibility and control, such as tunable LEDs or smart lighting solutions. These advancements are key to creating spaces that are both functional and adaptable for future needs.
Maria: Can you give us some examples of how to control glare?
Lynne: Controlling glare starts with choosing the right fixtures. For recessed lighting, opt for fixtures where the light source sits above the ceiling surface. This design reduces glare at certain angles. Smaller aperture fixtures, like two or three-inch recessed cans, also help minimize glare compared to the older, larger six-inch models.
Another option is to use accessories like hexagon louvers, which cut glare by shielding the light at certain angles. However, these can reduce the overall light output, so it’s important to compensate by using higher lumen fixtures. For example, if I’m adding a louver to a recessed can, I’d choose a brighter light to ensure the space remains well-lit.
For homes, replacing open fixtures with ones that have diffusers (like shades or frosted glass) can significantly cut glare. Additionally, silk-spun light bulbs are a great option for chandeliers. These bulbs are coated with a fine silk-like material that softens the light, creating a warm and glare-free effect. They’re an elegant solution for reducing glare in decorative fixtures.
There is also the new vintage bulb. That is a really yellow light, and seeing the filament is part of the decor, and that’s fine because typically you’re not going to have those on at full brightness anyway.
Maria: What about controlling lighting through advanced systems? Can you explain the role of controllers?
Lynne: Every light should have a dimmer – it’s like buying a radio without a volume control. Dimmers give you flexibility and control, but with LED technology it’s essential to use the right type of dimmer. LEDs work differently from traditional bulbs; they operate on microchips and require precise electronic drivers.
The dimmer must be compatible with the LED driver. Without the right dimmer, you risk issues like flickering, premature turn-off, or incomplete dimming. Unlike older systems where dimming was a simple process with filaments, modern LED systems work in milliamps, requiring advanced electronic controls.
For seamless operation, again, I recommend using DMX-controlled dimmers, which are specifically designed for LEDs and allow precise adjustments. This ensures your lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With the right controller, you can create the perfect atmosphere while avoiding technical issues.
Maria: With all the new LED technology available, how do you determine which controller to buy?
Lynne: Choosing the right controller can feel like trial and error, but most light fixtures and bulbs come with a compatibility chart. This chart helps you identify which dimmers work with the specific product you’re purchasing. It’s essential to consult this information before making a purchase.
If a manufacturer doesn’t provide a compatibility chart, that’s a red flag. I’d advise against buying that product. Ensuring compatibility is crucial to avoid issues like flickering, inadequate dimming, or premature failure. Always ask your lighting supplier for guidance and verify that your chosen controller matches the technical requirements of your LEDs. Doing this ensures a smooth and reliable lighting experience.
Maria: Do you have any final tips for selecting the best lighting for a healthier environment?
Lynne: Absolutely! Do Care about the lighting in your space – it’s one of the most impactful elements of your environment. Don’t just tolerate poor lighting because it’s what you’ve always had. Often, improving your lighting takes less than an hour and a minimal investment, yet it can dramatically enhance how your home feels and functions.
Take the time to assess your space. Replace outdated fixtures with modern options that suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment – small changes like adding a dimmer or swapping in better-quality bulbs can make a world of difference. For healthy lighting, consider LEDs with high color rendering indexes (CRI) to ensure colors appear natural and vibrant. Choose warm light temperatures for relaxation areas and cooler ones for workspaces to support concentration and productivity.
Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient, task and accent lights to create depth and flexibility. Avoid overly harsh lights and focus on reducing glare and blue light exposure, especially at night. And if you feel unsure or need advice, reach out to a professional for guidance. Good lighting is an investment in your comfort, health, and well-being, so it’s worth doing right!
Maria Deschamps is an innovative interior designer, naturally bridging the gap between technology and aesthetics, redefining spaces with a global touch. Splitting her time between the vibrant design scenes in L.A. and Montreal, she draws inspiration from diverse cultural influences to create immersive and exclusive environments.
