10 Ways You Can Add More Lighting For Your Room Or Business
Ever wondered why some spaces feel brighter and more welcoming than others? It’s not just about turning on more lights. In fact, how you design your lighting and the types of light you use can make all the difference, whether you’re looking to brighten up your home or a commercial space.
Did you know that natural light can increase productivity by up to 20%? In fact, research shows that good lighting, especially natural light, can improve mood, energy levels, and even help people sleep better at night (source). For businesses, upgrading lighting systems to modern LED technology could save up to 75% in energy costs, while also providing customizable lighting options. With such tangible benefits, it’s clear that lighting isn’t just a practical choice—it’s an investment in comfort, productivity, and energy savings (source).
1. Maximise Natural Light
The easiest and most cost-effective way to brighten any space is to make the most of natural light. Not only does it save on electricity bills, but it also offers health benefits like boosting vitamin D and regulating circadian rhythms. If your room or business has large windows, you can install frameless glass balustrades or custom-made glass mirrors to reflect and maximize the light throughout the room.
2. Use Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors and glass surfaces can work wonders in bouncing light around a space, making it appear larger and brighter. Strategically placing mirrors opposite windows can amplify natural light. For businesses, consider adding frameless glass shopfronts or glass doors to enhance visibility and create a more inviting environment for customers.
3. Choose the Right Artificial Lighting
Not all artificial lights are created equal. LED lights, for example, are incredibly energy-efficient and long-lasting. They’re also available in different color temperatures, allowing you to customize the atmosphere of your space. Warm light creates a cozy ambiance, while cooler light is better for tasks that require concentration. Fluorescent lights are another option, but they are less efficient than LEDs. Consider what kind of mood or activity will take place in each area and adjust your lighting accordingly.
4. Layer Your Lighting
One light source is rarely enough to cover all needs in a room or business. Layering lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting creates depth and dimension. This approach also ensures that different areas of a room are adequately lit for their intended use. For example, frameless glass shower screens can pair beautifully with task lighting to create a spa-like atmosphere.
5. Install Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches give you control over the brightness levels in a room, making them perfect for creating mood lighting. They also help save energy by reducing the light output when full brightness isn’t needed. In commercial settings, dimmer switches are ideal for controlling lighting in meeting rooms or retail spaces, depending on the time of day or activity taking place.
6. Choose Light Colours for Walls and Decor
Light-coloured walls and decor can significantly impact how light interacts with a room. Lighter colours reflect more light, making a space feel brighter and more open. If you’re working with a small or dimly lit room, consider repainting the walls in soft whites, creams, or light greys to enhance the brightness.
7. Add Skylights
For a dramatic improvement in natural lighting, consider adding skylights. They flood the space with sunlight, making even the darkest rooms brighter and more inviting. Skylights are a fantastic option for both residential and commercial spaces where natural light is limited. This can be especially effective in warehouses, retail stores, or offices.
8. Use Glass Partitions
Glass partitions can help share light between rooms without sacrificing privacy. They’re perfect for offices that need separate spaces but still want to maintain an open, airy feel. Check out frameless glass doors and partitions to enhance natural light flow in your business space.
9. Go for High-CRI Lighting
The color rendering index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source reveals the colors of objects. Lighting with a high CRI, especially above 90, makes colors look more natural and vibrant. This can be particularly important in settings like retail stores, where true color representation can affect purchasing decisions.
10. Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure where to start, consider getting expert advice. At Clear Brilliance, we specialize in glass installations that maximize light flow in homes and businesses. Whether you’re looking to install frameless glass pool fencing for your outdoor space or revamp your shopfront, we can help bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a consultation.