There are many articles on the internet dedicated to the topic of lighting and lighting solutions for private interiors. Some of these materials were written a long time ago and are no longer relevant, but they continue to be read and considered as accurate sources of information. Today’s technologies are significantly different from those that existed 10-15 years ago. However, the information accumulated on the internet has transformed into erroneous statements and myths that need to be dispelled.
Let’s consider some of these claims.

WHAT MYTHS EXIST IN LIGHTING DESIGN FOR PRIVATE INTERIORS

Myth 1: The more light, the better.

This statement is erroneous because overly bright light can create sharp shadows and glare that can cause eye fatigue and headaches. Also, throughout the day, a person needs various changing lighting conditions. Natural comfort is the natural conditions in which humans existed and developed. Sunlight is not static, it constantly changes – its shades, intensity, characteristics, and direction change. The human eye easily adapts to lighting conditions. For example, when you walk in the dark along the street at moonlight, such an amount of light is quite enough to see the road and continue moving. Or if you spend a long time in the sun, there comes a moment when you want to wear sunglasses or hide in the shade, because your eyes get tired from the bright light. Of course, it is not necessary to completely abandon the use of bright light, but it is important to understand that it is not always needed and in certain quantities.

Even artists have pondered the concept of light, for instance in Vladivostok, a street artist named RADYA created a neon sign on a multi-story building with the phrase “The more light there is, the less you can see.” The inspiration for this came when the artist was walking with friends along a rocky path at night, trying to illuminate their way with flashlights but constantly stumbling over rocks. The shadows were too deep due to the landscape and the flashlight beams blinded them. The solution came from a friend who suggested to turn off the flashlights with the words “the more light there is, the less you can see.”
Regarding this myth, it can be said for sure that more light equates to more energy costs.

Myth 2: If you want to make a space bigger, use cold white light.

The use of any type of lighting (warm or cool) in an interior space is determined by its architectural features, color schemes, and functional requirements. If a room is filled with cold light without reason and justification, it is likely to resemble an office rather than visually enlarge the space. Monotony in lighting shades makes a room faceless and devoid of the desired volume.
In order to expand visually a space using light, we recommended to create multi-level lighting. This is achieved through a combination of light sources with different color temperatures, varying light intensities (dimming), or with different types of lighting fixtures (wall-mounted, table lamps, floor lamps, etc.).

Myth 3: All light sources in the interior should have the same color temperature.

There are several different functional zones are usually organized in residential spaces. And which color temperature to choose for each of them depends on the specific function. Different color temperatures can be used to create the right atmosphere in different zones.
For example, in the bedroom where a person prepares for sleep and relaxes, we recommended to use a warm yellowish light in the bed area. But if there is a dressing table or a wardrobe in the same bedroom, it’s better to use a cooler tone there.
The color temperature in the interior can be different. It is convenient when it can be adjusted as you wish from warm shades to cool shades (luminaires with tunable white function), creating an optimal light environment depending on your wishes.

Myth 4: The brightness of light is directly related to light quality

Actually, the quality of light depends on the characteristics of the light source (color temperature, spectral characteristics, color rendering index, light flux pulsation) and the quality of the design of the lighting fixture (material, coating, optics, accessories), but not the brightness.
Many people do not understand why professional lighting equipment is expensive when there are cheaper options of similar design are available on the market. Usually, the answer lies in the technology and materials that are used in the luminaries. After all, in order to provide quality lighting characteristics are used high-tech components, which add up to the final price. High-quality professional lighting cannot be cheap. If you are persuaded otherwise, most likely you are simply not told what makes it cheaper.

Myth 5: Geometry and symmetry are the basis of design

Often in residential interiors, light fixtures are arranged in accordance with the architectural geometry of the design solution. Luminaries can also be arranged in accordance with a grid in order to create an even visual picture and a uniform illumination in the space. Such solutions can be used in public interiors, for example in offices, where many identical desks are arranged in an open-plan space. But it is not necessary to follow this approach in the organization of the lighting environment of residential interiors. The organization of space in the home is more complex and diverse than public spaces. Residential interiors have different functional zones, materials, objects, and colors. Lighting solution for private residences should consider the specific interior and its architectural and planning features. If you simply arrange lamps in a symmetrical or geometric pattern in a space, you won’t achieve the desired result – this approach will only produce a mediocre solution with average results.

Certainly, when light fixtures are positioned on a grid or along the prominent lines of architectural geometry, they appear tidy and does not “break” the space. It’s important to keep in mind that lighting is not just meant to create an attractive visual during the daytime, but rather to address functional and aesthetic concerns once darkness falls. Nowadays, there are minimalist light fixtures available that are almost invisible in the interior during the daytime, but come evening time, they can produce the desired lighting effect.
In homes, it is important to create a comfortable atmosphere, both in terms of design and lighting. And often the right lighting is not the easiest thing to create.

Myth 6: Compliance with lighting standards

There is a specific document called SNiP “Natural and Artificial Lighting” which outlines the lighting standards for living spaces. This document defines specific values indicating how much light is required for illuminating rooms with varying functions. SNiP – a document of general meaning, which presents standards for both non-residential and residential premises. The document indicates the average values that can guide anyone, even non-professional. It is also possible to be guided not only by Russian norms, but also by European ones.

It is necessary to comply with standardized indicators in the design of public spaces, but this approach does not apply strictly to private interiors. Private interiors are the owners’ personal spaces. Each person’s perception of lighting conditions is different, and lighting preferences are also different. When it comes to creating a comfortable lighting environment in private interiors, it’s important to prioritize the preferences and requests of the client rather than solely adhering to the numbers specified in SNiP or GOST. If a person likes to be in a dim light, it is his choice. There’s no need to insist that the lighting is inadequate based on the standards. Instead, you can explain the unique characteristics of the planned lighting environment, provide options and control systems, and offer examples. Ultimately, however, it is up to the individual who will inhabit the space to make the final decision.
Creating a comfortable and safe lighting environment in private interiors requires careful consideration to ensure that it meets both functional objectives and personal preferences.

Author:
Alevtina Kalinina
Leading Design Engineer at QPRO