In the beginning there was light. Over 150 years ago, an incandescent lamp and a simple on / off switch were enough to either illuminate our surroundings or plunge them into darkness. Since then, however, a lot has happened in the field of lighting design. Modern lamps and Design concepts are the now and the future. We show how you can implement a modern lighting concept at home.
Light design as a natural extension of architecture
Both daylight and electric lighting can be used as natural extensions of the Architecture to be viewed as. Daylight is still the best choice, mainly because it has the energy consumption of a building can significantly and sustainably reduce. Since today, however, mainly artificial light is ours Rooms dominates, it is important to be particularly careful when planning, because light not only influences the atmosphere, but also our health.
This has also been researched for a long time Fraunhofer Institute and confirms the influence on human well-being: A correct light source mix supports relaxation as well as performance phases. In short: the biorhythm is influenced by light. With this knowledge, everyone can consciously do something for their health, the environment and aesthetics.
How do different colors of light affect us?
Our day-night rhythm reacts to light, especially the production of melatonia. Brightness acts as a stimulant because it stops the sleep hormone melatonin and releases serotonin. This proves: Light colors and light intensity influence our mind by controlling our hormone reactions:
- Yellow soothes
- Red ensures comfort
- Green stimulates creativity
- Blue light makes you alert and efficient
Spoiled for choice: halogen, energy-saving, or LED lamps?
In addition to being well, it is just as important to consider the environment when choosing a light source. Halogen, energy-saving and LED lamps are probably the most common items in the general light cosmos. But how energy efficient are the variants really?
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
halogen lamps
- + Immediate brightness, universal applicability & pleasant, daylight-like light
- - In comparison, low service life & high energy consumption
Energy saving lamps
- + Comparatively high energy efficiency and service life
- - Slight fragility & toxic, health & environmentally harmful ingredients
Led Lamps
- + High power & energy efficiency & service life, health & environmentally friendly
- - Comparatively expensive, less color intensity than halogen lamps
1. Halogen lamps
The halogen lamp has only been available to a limited extent since September 2018. The reason for this: Classic halogen lamps only convert 5% of the electricity into light. They therefore belong to energy efficiency class D - poor performance in terms of sustainability.
Nevertheless, halogen lamps are still in the focus of many consumers today. Their light is whiter and therefore more similar to daylight. And that immediately after switching on. Despite these advantages, the halogen lamp cannot fully satisfy current customer needs: their service life of 3.000 hours is clearly inferior to that of energy-saving and LED lamps, while their energy consumption is up to three times higher.
2. Energy saving lamps
Energy-saving lamps, including compact lamps, consume a remarkable 70% less electricity than conventional light bulbs and less than halogen lamps. Means: Electricity is converted into light far more effectively - however, it can take up to 20 minutes for the full luminosity to develop. Their service life of up to 10.000 hours is very long. This balance offsets the relatively large amount of energy required to produce them.
Despite their efficiency, there are risks associated with energy-saving lamps. This is because they contain mercury, a toxic chemical element. If the sensitive lights break, poisonous fumes are released, which can dramatically increase the mercury load in a room. Disposal in the hazardous waste is therefore a must.
3. LED lamps
LED (light-emitting diode) lamps are robust, flexible, versatile and sustainable. With energy savings of up to 80%, they are more energy efficient than conventional light bulbs, halogen lamps and energy-saving lamps. And their service life is also impressive. Depending on the quality, this can be between 35.000 and 50.000 hours and thus exceeds any alternatives.
In addition to its functionality, the LED lamp scores with its holistic sustainability. It is not only more energy efficient than its alternatives, it is also healthier and more environmentally friendly. The reason for this is that it contains no toxic chemicals - and therefore does not have to be disposed of as special waste. It is the most environmentally friendly alternative to luminaires.
The right deco lighting concept for your own 4 walls
When it comes to the deco lighting concept for your own home, some factors should be taken into account in order to optimize the functionality of the light sources and the atmosphere created by them.
- Plan sufficient sockets
- Think of the external connection and dimmer
- The right type of lamp: ceiling lamp, wall lamp, floor lamp, floor lamp and table lamp, floodlight
- Indirect vs. Direct light: Create islands of light and a balanced relationship between contrasts with background lighting, accent lighting and work lighting. Zones of indirect light and selective lighting create an atmospheric setting for rooms.
- Adapt your furnishings to the lighting concept: Bright vs. dark colors, plants and green areas, reflective materials or unusual, ecofriendly (light) design by David Trubridge, LZF lamps and Varaluz, among others.
It's all in the mix: different types for modern lamps
The lighting design is perceived as particularly efficient and pleasant when different lighting systems are used. While this can be achieved, for example, by using different light colors from LEDs, the choice of different lamp types also contributes to the atmosphere of the room. And not only in terms of design, but also through the light generated.
Wall lights
Modern lamps that are mounted on the wall usually emit indirect light. Regardless of the shape of the lamp, whereby the light beam is typically directed upwards and / or downwards, wall lights provide a cozy, soft light by being reflected on the wall or ceiling. Perfect for romantic evenings in the dining room or sociable TV evenings on the couch.
Pendant lights
Whether opulently traditional or geometrically modern: pendant lights are popular design pieces and the main light sources in a room. Most of the time they are positioned centrally or at regular intervals so that the light can be distributed regularly in the room.
Accordingly, they are particularly suitable for rooms that should be well lit. An example: the dining room. However, it is important to supplement ceiling lights with other light sources. Certain areas - be it home accessories, works of art or mirrors - can be accentuated.
Floor Lamps
Be it modern lamps with a curved or straight leg: They can be used in many different ways in any room and can always be repositioned - due to the urge for an interior upgrade or because the light is needed at a certain point. Since they have a limited light radius, they give off indirect light, which is best used in addition to ceiling lights. The classic: a floor lamp next to the reading chair.
Top brands for modern lamps in the sense of green living
1. Tom Rossau
Wooden lamps - that sounds rather rustic at first, doesn't it? Definitely no. At least when it comes to the Danish designer Tom Rossau goes. This uses veneer, ie wood sheets 0.5 to 8 mm thick, which can be shaped like a sculpture. Filigree craftsmanship creates high-quality design pieces. The organic shapes of his modern lamps stand for a certain lightness and closeness to nature. An additional plus: Each piece is unique due to the individual grain.
2. Pablo Designs
Based in San Francisco it is Pablo designs uncompromisingly contemporary. The highest technical standards go hand in hand with environmental awareness and a minimalist less-is-more style. It's about the essentials: technical solutions with a flawless, sustainable design and lighting effect.
A representative piece from Pablo Designs is the Belmont Pendulum people. Consisting of high-quality natural materials such as oak and fabric, the shade can emit both direct and indirect light. The lamp is therefore suitable for a wide variety of areas in the living space. Of course: the use of modern LED technology.
3. Sector Design
Clear lines, natural materials and timeless design. The chief designer of Secto design, Seppo Koho effortlessly understands the implementation of the Scandinavian style and creates restrained elegance that impresses with its authenticity. Using PEFC-certified birch, artisans in Finland are changing the designer's vision: long-lasting wooden lights that combine sustainability, design and functionality.
4. ferm LIVING
Based in Copenhagen cooperates ferm living with artisans around the world. Responsibility towards people and the environment is guaranteed throughout the entire production process. In terms of design, the items stand for authenticity and longevity through tradition, complemented by avant-garde contours and fine details. A fine example of this is that opal shade, inspired by Venice in the 16th century.
5. Atisan
As a member of our Brand guides for New Luxury, produced Atisan high quality design objects in a sustainable and ethical way. Apart from mass consumption, the environmentally conscious label focuses on the appreciation of organic materials, cultivates personal relationships with fair trade partners and deliberately refrains from interim importers. Our favorite: The elegant bamboo lamp, handmade in Indonesia.
