Your eyes are responsible for sending about 80% of the total information that goes to your brain so it’s crucial to keep them healthy. While technology has made certain things better for our eyes, it’s also introduced new challenges.

And while it may be common sense that balanced lighting promotes eye health, what really goes into balanced lighting? First, we’ll explain how to create the best lighting for your eye health, then cover three main ways your home lighting habits may negatively impact your eyesight.

Ways Light Affects Our Eyes

Our eyesight is 100% dependent on light– the way it bounces around a space makes it possible for us to  see color, depth, and texture. Without light, there wouldn’t be any data for our brains to process. The quality of light you use has a big impact on your eyes – and your overall health – so getting the right types of light throughout your day is important. It can be a bit of a balancing act!

Bright light is essential to do good work– and working without enough light can strain or damage our eyes. Whether you’re reading a book, working at a computer screen, or slicing up veggies for dinner, you need lighting that supports your focus and subtle movements.

But dim light is also essential to eye health! Living with only bright light can seriously strain your eyes, particularly if you don’t decrease brightness in the evening. Top offenders include office fluorescents, overly powerful LEDs, and of course our phone and computer screens. 

Finally, we need a break from all light every day. Sleep resets our entire body, including our eyes. Dark spaces promote restful sleep, reducing dry eyes, itchiness, and vision-related headaches and increasing healthy eye nerves.

So how do you balance the need for bright, dim, and total darkness? And how does this apply to your home? Let’s dive into some specific tips.

3 Ways to Make Your Home Light Healthier

So, how customized does your home lighting need to be to pull off the perfect balance for your eyes? While high customizations are available, there’s no need to overdo it! By focusing on the following three categories, you can confidently know that your home has healthy lighting.

1. Screen Light

Screens are the number one culprit of today’s eyestrain and deteriorating eyesight for two reasons: the type of light and the proximity of the light.

All tech screens use blue light, from phones to tablets to computers. Blue light sends high-energy waves like the sun. This light spectrum shows true color and activates the brain to pay attention. So it’s typically a good thing that our screens use blue light.

However, shining that bright light at close range for eight or more hours a day can cause a lot of damage over time. To reduce the wear on your eyes from necessary screen time, consider the following tips:

• Use task or bias lighting. Introducing additional light sources behind or next to your screen will help break up the contrast. Try adding lamps, improving your overhead light source, or sticking an LED strip around the back of your TV or computer monitor  to diffuse the light.

• Take regular breaks. Experts recommend taking a screen break every hour for 5-10 minutes. Children should take more frequent breaks since their eyes are still developing. Kids should take a break every twenty minutes of screen time
• Use blue light glasses. Blue light glasses help filter out harmful light waves and allow you to work longer, doing less damage.

2. Match the Light to the Room’s Needs

You use your kitchen, office, and bedrooms in a variety of ways throughout the day, so their lighting should change too! Otherwise you may accidentally strain your eyes with too much or too little light for what you need. With a bit of thought and a few simple tools, you’ll have your high-traffic areas perfectly prepared for all your needs, day or night.

• Work Zones: Bright light is best for areas where you are performing skilled work. It will help you avoid mistakes and stay alert. So kitchens, offices, makeup tables, garages, and craft areas all need bright lighting. Make replacing current bulbs a priority in these rooms.
• Resting Areas: Bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms are mainly for relaxing. Warmer, dimmer light is better for these locations. This will help you to give your eyes a rest, blend colors, and signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down.

• In-between Places: You may have some spaces performing multiple functions. Bathrooms are a great example: you need bright light to get ready, but you also need a place to relax with a bath. Consider adding a dimmer switch in these rooms, or test out some color-changing LED bulbs that can be warm or cool with just the touch of a buttom.

Did you know that local lighting experts can help you get the right tools for your space? Bring your tricky areas to them to get help matching the proper lighting for your needs.

3. Types of Bulbs

Finally, let’s talk about bulbs. Your bulb selection will help you get the right balance for your eyes and avoid having them work too hard. Here’s a rundown of common bulb types and their effects on your eye health:

• Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs): These twisted bulbs were trendy in the early 2000s as a domestic fluorescent option. However, fluorescent lighting is generally hard on eyes because it emits more UV rays. They also flicker at a high rate, so even though you likely won’t notice it, flourescents are associated with headaches and eye strain. So we’d recommend using another bulb first.

• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs are quickly phasing out as a non-efficient energy light. But, with no UV rays and low blue light emission, they’re “easy on the eyes.” So you could leave a trusty incandescent bulb in your favorite reading lamp!

• LEDs: LEDs are highly customizable, meaning you can easily adjust brightness and temperature to help reduce strain on your eyes anytime. However, they emit quite a bit of blue light. They also flicker at a high frequency– it’s not visible to most people, but those prone to seizures may be triggered by too many LEDs. In general, LEDs are a safe option!

• Halogen: Halogen bulbs are very bright, making them great for task and outdoor lighting. They’re also dimmable, making them more flexible than CFLs. However, they can get very hot and have been known to cause fires. Handle these bulbs cautiousl!

A little research will help ensure that you have the best bulbs, lumens, and temperatures for your family.

Need Help?

Proper lighting is essential to a fully functioning home– but it can be challenging to nail balanced brightness, great fixtures, and a budget! Contact the experts at Illuminations for advice on your project!

Bright, natural lighting can contribute to alertness and increased energy in the mornings, or any time of day. Of course, it does the same at night, so it is best to avoid bright, overhead lights when it’s time to rest. Darkness and warm dim lights, especially at eye level, mimic the natural rhythm of the sun and notify your brain that it is time to slow down, so they’re a great tool to use in the evening hours. 

1. Excessive Blue Light Can Lead to Sleep Deprivation and Stress 

All lights have a color rating that ranks them on how much warmth (reddish, yellowish lights) or coolness (blue or white lights) they emit. Our bodies respond differently to each, but blue lights are especially worth mentioning. While exposure to blue light can provide a much-needed energy boost during the day, it also makes it much harder to sleep at night. Exposure to blue light from smartphones, laptops, and even low-quality bulbs in the hours before bedtime suppresses the bodies’ production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, which can make it harder for us to drift off to sleep.

Though it’s difficult to achieve a consistent sleep schedule, sleep-deprivation has a whole host of emotional and physiological side effects, from impaired judgment and heightened stress to higher blood pressure. To avoid this and protect precious sleep, consider using indirect or accent lighting at night, or perhaps installing a dimmer to make your main light adjustable. Whenever possible, limit screen-time before bed to reduce your exposure to blue light for a better night of sleep.

2. Warm Lights Enhance Relaxation and Mood Regulation 

Just like blue light from screens can keep you awake; warm lighting can aid relaxation and emotional regulation. In one study, participants experiencing anxious feelings calmed down more quickly in rooms with warm, cozy lights, as opposed to rooms with bright, blueish lights.

The principle applies equally in your home, which is why residential spaces most often use bulbs between 2700k and 3000k. Lights in this Kelvin range (the ranking of light color) are warm and relaxing, well-suited for your everyday environment. Lighting your spaces with lamps, dimmable lights, and layers of lights can enhance this even more, allowing you to control the quantity of light as well as its calming color.

3. Poor Lighting Worsens Depression, Vitamin D Deficiencies, and Migraines  

We’ve all heard that poor lighting could cause eye damage, especially when reading, but what other effects can poor lighting have on us in our homes? Inadequate light can irritate existing conditions such as depression and vitamin D deficiencies, while proper lighting is known to improve mood and energy levels.

Surprisingly enough, insufficient light is not the only health-related lighting hazard. Overly bright, harsh light can be similarly detrimental to mood and productivity since it often triggers headaches and migraines. 

4. Glare Causes Poor Eyesight and More 

As stated above, many are already aware of the danger that dim lights have for our eyesight. What most underestimate, however, is the similar risks posed by reflected light and light glare. Blazing overhead lights, badly positioned spotlights, or reflected lights from screen can increase irritability, drowsiness, headaches, and double vision.

This obviously varies based on eye conditions, exact lighting configurations, and more. However, next time you flip that switch, it would not hurt to ask how that lighting makes you feel, and if different lighting might be more helpful for productivity and positivity. 

5. Natural Light Increases Work Productivity

Research on office lighting and employee productivity provides great insight into personal and professional productivity. Natural light, and lots of it, helps to create the happiest, most productive work environment, while dim lighting can decrease work productivity. Working in a room with dim lights can cause eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness, all of which interfere with typical tasks.

Life has plenty of complexities, and a house full of perfect light bulbs obviously cannot solve all of them. What proper lighting can do, however, is eliminate visual stresses from your environment and send the right signals to your brain, helping it do what is best for you.

Lighting done right increases energy and productivity, not to mention relaxation and mood regulation, while bad lighting can interfere with sleep and worsen depression and migraines. For any questions about how to light your home and maximize health through lighting, call our experts at Illuminations. We are committed to your well-being and we are confident we can help.

Is your workspace working for you? Studies have demonstrated that the way you light your business affects everything from how customers perceive your brand to your mood and even employee productivity. Get lighting right and take your business to the next level!

Here, we’ll cover seven lighting tricks to add that ‘it’ factor to your office or store.

1. Health Benefits

Every good business owner knows that a happy, healthy worker is a productive worker—but what can a business owner do to promote employee wellness? One influential strategy is investing in dimmable lights for your workspace. Bright lights are the best way to augment the natural energy we feel in the morning, and can even lead to increased productivity. As the day goes on, however, excessively bright lights (with too much blue light) can cause eye strain or induce irregular sleeping patterns. 

To prevent this in your office, dim the lights slightly in the afternoon. Bright morning light and waning afternoon light match the natural daylight cycle our bodies crave, and will help regulate circadian rhythms for everyone in the office. This can lead to improved mood, more restful sleep, and increased workplace productivity.

2. Visual Emphasis

Your lights send a message—but how? Overall lighting is important, but here we’re talking about something specific: spotlights. Round lights, shining directly on an object of emphasis, communicate importance and draw a customer’s eye.  Highlight a new item in stock, or make your mission statement a central part of the décor. Tell your customers about your brand values, great deals, and more by using intentional spotlights.

3. Increased Artistic Appeal

Artistic flair and evenly distributed light make any room feel classy. No matter the size of your office or shop, strategic lighting can augment the atmosphere. Use lights to create a visual division in a large space, or open up a small area by placing lights accordingly. Make a bland area more interesting or a gathering area feel inviting, using specific light color, brightness, direction, and placement.

4. Emotional Influence

Overall lighting affects more than just employee mood and productivity—it also influences your clients. The color, brightness, and placement of your business lights can make people feel focused, at ease, or excited. Bright lights heighten emotions and energize customers, while dim lights will calm and relax. Colors like yellow, blue, and orange tend to stimulate the brain while greens and browns tend to calm. Use light intensity and color to put your customers in the mood that most benefits your business!

5. Energy Savings

Cost cutting can be as simple as changing your lights. Energy efficient lighting is a must-have for small businesses, not to mention a great way to increase profit margins. Simple upgrades like switching to LED bulbs or implementing a timer can save money and the environment. It’s an all-around win!

6. Increase Brand Clarity

Selling your brand can be quite the task if your customers aren’t sure what your brand really is. Use spotlights to draw the eye to physical objects and areas in your office, but don’t stop there! Your brand colors communicate company values and help customers connect with your brand. For example, upscale offices might opt for a classic white on black look, while a hip downtown storefront might catch attention with a more colorful display. When appropriate, choose colored lights that match your brand image and use them around the office.

7. Photo Opportunities

In a world of selfies and peer marketing, it doesn’t hurt to make your business a photo-friendly space. Create an attractive, well-lit area primed for a photo, and don’t be surprised if it gets a lot of use! As customers have positive experiences with your business, photos are a natural way to capture memories and then take them to social media. You may even go the extra mile and make your logo a focal point for photos—satisfied customers will become your brand ambassadors!

Whether you run a professional office, a retail store, or any other type of business, your professional lighting really makes a difference. Color and brightness affect the mood and productivity of employees and clients. Placement and quantity of light change the visual appearance of your space, and colored, directional lighting can emphasize important brand messages. For personalized advice on how to maximize your business lighting, call our design experts at Illuminations. We’re happy to help!

Thanks to old age and plenty of other conditions, bad eyesight is far too common. Some of us here at Illuminations suffer from it, too! Surprisingly, home lighting has significant influence in improving (or worsening) one’s vision. So though your home lighting likely has great style, it may not be functional for struggling eyes.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to light for function and style. In fact, having the right home lighting can make details clearer and reduce the need for magnification. Improving home and office lighting can simplify everyday tasks and ease vision strain, so try applying a few of these easy tips! 

1. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

The first suggestion is to be in natural light at every possible opportunity. Sunlight provides a soothing, bright light that maximizes vision and improves mood. For flexible activities like crossword puzzles, reading, or even homework, place a chair in natural lighting and enjoy the benefits of the brightness.

2. Switch to LED Bulbs

Aside from sunlight, the next best lighting option is LED bulbs. They provide bright light, last for hours, and come in a variety of cooler tones than incandescents. LED lights last thousands of hours so you won’t need to worry about replacing them after they’re purchased.

3. Increase the Number of Lights

Another simple way to boost your lighting is to increase the quantity of lights in the home. Lamps are a great way to start, since they require no structural changes. Remember, when putting lamps in a room, maintain consistent light throughout the space to avoid having dark spots. Also note that lamps with exposed bulbs will increase the glare, so avoid those when possible.

4. Use Lamp and Lighting Timers

Prevent any stumbling around in the dark by putting your lamps and task lighting on a timer. These automatic timers can turn on lights in the times they’re needed the most, lighting key areas. They prevent extra difficulties because without unexpected dark hallways or rooms, the eyes don’t have to adjust from lit rooms to dark spaces.

5. Maximize Task Lighting

Consider your frequent tasks. We’ve been around lighting long enough to know that there’s always some type of lighting that can make those tasks easier! There are adjustable lamps that illuminate your specific task, like a gooseneck lamp. Hanging fixtures can also be pointed at desks, chairs, or other areas. You might even need less magnification because of the better illumination!

Keep in mind, these tips may not work for every eye condition, but they’ve helped us! You can always contact us, or a vision specialist, to determine what type of lighting will be most beneficial for your unique circumstances. 

If you’ve ever purchased an appliance, light bulb, or television, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Energy Star”. And sure, it sounds like a good thing, but what does it really mean? There’s a lot we could say about it, but here are just four things we want everyone to know about Energy Star.

1. They Save the Planet

ENERGY STAR is a program developed by the US government (and the Environmental Protection Agency) that aims to reduce energy consumption, and specifically, greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers, manufacturers, and businesses use the Energy Star label to select products that conserve energy, reduce pollutants, and save money.

2. They Cut Your Utility Bill

To quantify those energy-efficient measures and show how it affects you directly, Energy Star products come with an Energy Guide. It’s often brightly colored, displayed on the side or front of an appliance, or on the box of a lightbulb. Based on national energy costs, the Energy Guide shows the estimated yearly energy cost, allowing you to compare the long-term cost of the products you buy.

For example, LED lights use up to 90% less energy than incandescent lighting, which saves (you guessed it) 90% of your typical electricity costs for bulbs. They also reduce repeat purchases, because these high-quality bulbs last longer than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. LEDs also produce very little heat, so you may even see reduced cooling costs.

3. They’re High Quality

In order for products to be ENERGY STAR rated, they must rank among the top 25% of all similar products. Every Energy Star product is certified by an independent third-party for quality and energy efficiency. That said, when you buy an Energy Star product, you’re not only investing in the environment—you’re also getting a top-notch product.

Some Energy Star products cost more than similar models, but cost difference balances out when you consider it an upfront investment in utility savings. Calculating these costs is easy with the Energy Guide.

4. They Have Great Warranties

Because these products are high-quality and built for long-term use, manufacturers are confident about guaranteeing Energy Star products. Any Energy Star purchase will come with a good warranty, so consumers can rest easy about purchasing. Light bulbs, for example, typically come with at least three-year warranties.

Energy Star for the Win

Here at Illuminations, we’re pretty converted to Energy Star products. They save the environment while also saving money on consumer utility bills. They’re high quality, built to last long beyond typical products. And they’re an easy choice when making purchases, thanks to the extra performance measures they’re built to meet. If you’re looking for lighting, click here to browse some of our favorite Energy Star bulbs.

Though we love the dimension and beauty that stairs can add to any home, they’re a common area for falls and injuries. Luckily, a little extra lighting can prevent some of those stumbles by increasing visibility and security.  Every home is different, so we’ve broken it down into categories that apply to everyone.

1. Material

Are your steps made of wood, carpet, tile, or something else?  Carpeted stairs are comfortable, but they absorb a lot of light. Use fixtures with a high light output to achieve maximum results. 

Wood tends to be more reflective, so prepare yourself for a little reflected shine on the steps. The good news is that you can use fewer lights or lower lumens to light wooden stairs. 

Tile and similar materials, like marble, are the most reflective flooring materials out there. They reflect even more light than wood, so consider that as you plan the quantity and type of lights to install.  

2. General Lighting

It’s important to note that step lighting is secondary to overhead, general lighting.  The general lighting should be bright enough to light your stairs even without step lighting. Step lighting enhances the look of the stairs and adds an extra safety measure when other lights are off, but they’re not meant to provide the primary light for your stairs.  

With that in mind, if your stairs are lacking light, start by switching your overhead or wall bulbs. Choose one with a high lumen count, or choose a new fixture with multiple bulbs. The options are endless!

3. Location

The above tips apply especially to indoor lighting, but there are extra considerations for your porch, deck, or other outdoor stairs. Exterior stairs are often made of concrete, Kool decking or wood, so it’s best not to rely on reflective light for outside. 

Look for fixtures with high light output and weatherproof materials. For example, a brass cased fixture will hold up well in weather and withstand soccer balls, kicks, or other outside messes. You can also skip glass fixtures and use an all metal (typically die-cast aluminum) fixture to minimize damage to the fixture in this high-traffic area.

4. Installation

There are several different ways to install stair lighting. Some consumers prefer to have all fixtures on one side of the wall, while others enjoy a slim LED tape light underneath the lip of the riser, (you know, the vertical back of each step). In commercial settings, it’s common to place lights from the middle of the riser.

Step lights come in many different shapes and sizes, so the placement will vary based on your unique needs and the style of the fixture. If you want down light, use a louvered fixture.  Solid panel lights shine out, which makes them very functional, but be careful—they aren’t as soft on your eyes. 

As for placement, there isn’t a right or wrong distance for spacing your step lights.  It’s typical to place a fixture on alternating steps, but lighting every step or every third step can be equally functional and fashionable. When using LED tape, however, it’s best practice to light the under side of each step.

With a little extra stair lighting, your staircase can be a pillar of style and class in your home, not to mention a safer place to walk. Add some architectural appeal by highlighting your stairs, and you’ll be stepping happily through your home. It’s an investment in your home and your safety, so feel free to contact Illuminations with any questions about how to get started on stair lighting!

Snow is melting, skies are clear and birds are chirping. Temperatures are rising, daylight lasts longer and the flowers are starting to bloom.

With all this new life in the air, it may be time to breathe new life into your home too! Spring cleaning goes a long way here, as do a few simple décor tips. Here are three of our favorite ways to freshen up a home in the spring!

1. Add a Houseplant

One of our favorite ways to freshen up a space is to add a houseplant. In fact, the benefits go way beyond just aesthetics. Indoor plants can help you work better by improving concentration, memory and productivity.

They are also excellent for cleaning the air. NASA conducted extensive research on the purification qualities of house plants, stating “Low levels of chemicals such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde can be removed from indoor environments by plant leaves alone.”  

One last, and obvious, reason to bring in a house plant is that they help us breathe!  Inhaling brings oxygen into the body, and exhaling releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants do the opposite. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making plants and humans a dynamic duo.

2. Add a Splash of Color

Extra color livens and freshens your home, and there are plenty of ways to make this happen. You could paint an accent wall, introduce a new rug or switch out your textiles. We love seasonal toss pillows and blankets—what an affordable way to add personality and flair to your home! Layers of various colors and textures create a unique, fashion-forward design.

3. Update Your Lighting

With their fun shapes, sizes, and colors, light fixtures are like the jewelry of a home. Based on your unique style, there are countless affordable fixtures out there that can freshen up your home.

For example, this golden, floral fixture by Alyssaadds a quaint and airy atmosphere to any space. Or if you’re looking for more ways to add color, this Avery pendant is springy, fresh, and trendy. Check out that decorative bulb!

For an even simpler fix, add a lamp instead of switching a fixture! In addition to improving the quantity of light, lamps like this chunky, modern Naomi piece also bring a fun element of style.

Now is the time to spring into action and add some extra atmosphere to your home! With colorful décor, soothing houseplants, and fashionable new lighting fixtures, spring can be an outdoor and indoor affair. Illuminations is here to help make your projects easier, so visit our blog for ideas or call us with questions!