Most people only view lighting as a way to help them see what they’re doing. While lights may be used to increase visibility or improve the appearance of a room, the way a room is lit can also impact your emotions and your circadian rhythm. If you find yourself feeling happier on sunny days, you already know a bit about how lighting can affect your mood. To understand more about the effects of light on your daily emotions, read the guide below.

A Guide to Lighting & Its Emotional Impact

How Does Brightness Affect Your Mood?

Your responsiveness to naturally bright light directly affects the body’s circadian rhythm—or your 24-hour biological clock. This is why your body begins to wake up as the sun rises. It’s recommended to mimic this type of lighting with your indoor artificial lights, using stronger lighting during the daytime and dimmer lighting at night. To keep the natural cycle intact, try installing dimmer switches in your home. 

Also, the brighter the lights, the stronger your emotions may be. Whether it’s how a room looks or how food tastes, your feelings—whether good or bad—may be amplified under bright lights.

How Does Colored Lighting Affect You? 

The color green can evoke sensations of safety and is associated with life, growth, and nature. Consequently, green light therapy is commonly used to treat certain types of chronic pain. Blue light can also make you feel more energetic and focused. However, it can may also negatively impact your ability to fall asleep since it reduces the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

While actual colors can have positive or negative impacts on a person’s mood, the tone of lighting can also have similar effects. Warm, yellow lights can create a more relaxing atmosphere and could be a nice touch to a family room or bedroom. Cooler white lights can increase your concentration and would be best put to use in a home office to increase productivity.

Why Does Light Position Matter?

The way lights are spread out across a room can also impact how you feel. Direct overhead light can make you feel more focused by better illuminating whatever project you’re working on while mounting eye-level lights on walls can make you feel more relaxed. Side-mounted lighting creates a comfortable sensation by making a room appear more spacious. It can also give the illusion of higher ceilings and will brighten the corners of a room to show off a room’s full appeal.

When you’re looking for the perfect lighting setup, turn to Wiseway Design Showroom in Lexington, KY. With over 50 years of experience in electrical supply, their team will provide you with the perfect lighting solution for any home or business. To see their offerings, view their catalog online or call (859) 259-0466 to schedule a showroom visit.