The most common mistakes we make - What experts say
Proper
lighting is very important for a commercial property, and equally
important for a home. Proper lighting accentuates the
architectural features of a home, but this could seem secondary
compared to the effect it can have on our mood and psychology, but
also on our health. Have
we realized the value of proper lighting in our home?
The
study of natural or artificial lighting is a process more complex
than we may think, as it is carried out in collaboration with the
architects and designers of each project and of course according to
the wishes and needs of each owner-user.
The study of lighting is currently relatively unknown in Greece and
is not given much consideration. A company or a store that sells
lighting surely does not have the ability to carry out a complete
lighting study.
The
cost of a lighting study
The
cost of a lighting study is
determined according to the time spent by the designer for its
preparation, either based on the area under study or on the budget
available for the project. Otherwise
it can be related to the surface, which is more expensive. For a
maisonette with a garden in the northern suburbs, the cost for indoor
and outdoor lighting starts at 3,000 euros, depending on the quality
and complexity of the equipment that will be selected.
Common
“mistakes” and tips for a better lighting
The
living room is where most of the daily activity of the vast majority
of households is concentrated, so its lighting is of special
importance. The
use of dimmers allows to control the intensity of lighting depending
on mood and conditions. A simple dimmer controls the intensity
but not the energy consumption, this can be achieved with a more
sophisticated equipment or a central lighting panel. Floor lamps with
adjustable intensity to the right and left of the sofa, or a lighting
column - although energy consuming - are good solutions as they
reflect light on the ceiling and diffuse it in space ensuring
satisfactory general lighting conditions. Light should preferably not
come directly from the light source, as it can be unpleasant. Also,
when watching TV, it is wise to have some low light to avoid the
strong contrast of the intense brightness of the TV, as this is very
tiring to the eyes. The same should happen in areas with large
windows with natural light.
Avoid
spotlights above the bathroom mirror. Spotlights direct a beam of
light that creates shadows, making it difficult for men to shave and
women to apply make-up. Lamps around the mirror -as in actors’
dressing rooms-, a single column above the mirror or two vertical
lighting columns right and left provide the ideal lighting for the
face, while another good choice is a fluorescent bar.
