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Lighting plays a huge role in creating a desirable atmosphere at home.
Warm-coloured lighting is a popular choice in interior design, owing to its ability to create a warming and cosy atmosphere.
Though an unconventional choice for illumination, blue-hued lighting can create a magical effect.
From ocean aesthetics to whimsical decor, deep blue lighting may be the key to unlocking an enchanting atmosphere in your home.
The colour blue often evokes mixed interpretations in terms of symbolism. While it's commonly associated with sadness, it also carries positive connotations such as openness, freedom, serenity, inspiration, and wisdom.
These diverse associations make blue lighting an excellent choice for interior design spaces.
In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of blue lighting, along with tips and tricks on how to use blue lighting to achieve both calming mood lighting and increased focus and productivity.
Different Types of Blue Light and Their Effects
As the effects of blue light can vary depending on the type, it's essential to define the various forms and what they should or shouldn't be used for.
Definition: The Circadian Rhythm is our body's 24-hour clock controlling sleep. Light synchronises it, with blue light reducing melatonin (sleep hormone) and increasing cortisol (alertness hormone). Bright blue light in the morning energises, while evening exposure disrupts sleep.
Click on the expandable items below for a definition of each of the four types of blue light.
It's helpful to understand these before implementing blue light into your interior design.
Blue Light (Sun)
The sun produces a form of blue light. Even though this light is natural, it emits harmful blue light that can damage our eyes with overexposure.
Blue Light (Screens)
Cool White Light
Soft Blue Light (Lights That Emit a Deep Blue Hue)
To learn more about the science of blue light's effect on health, read Healthline's article here.
The Dos and Don'ts of Blue Lighting in Interior Design
When incorporating blue lighting into your interior design, consider the following dos and don'ts:
Do:
Opt for small light sources to avoid overwhelming brightness.
Choose flexible LED strips or bendable lamps for customisable illumination.
Consider the room's function and desired mood when selecting lighting types and intensities.
Don't:
Use bright blue lighting in spaces designated for relaxation or sleep.
Overuse bright blue or cool white light bulbs in areas not intended for work tasks.
Spend too long in a space with uncomfortably bright lighting.
5 Ways to Use Blue Light in Your Interior Design
1: To Accelerate Productivity and Focus
Blue light needed: Cool white or deep blue lighting.
As mentioned earlier, cool white light emits a type of blue light that increases alertness, improving focus and productivity as a result.
You can also use lighting with a blue hue for this purpose, but you may wish to opt for slightly brighter intensities to reap the same benefits.
Therefore, it is best used in workspaces such as:
- Home Offices
- Kitchens
- Garages or Studio Spaces
E.g. where you might perform physical tasks, such as exercise or mechanical work and creative activities such as carpentry, music production or painting
Additionally, you may benefit from using this type of light to help you feel more alert in spaces where you spend time in the morning, such as:
- Bathrooms
- Morning Routine Spaces
This could be where you get ready for work or have your morning coffee.
Note: If the desired space doesn't already have cool white light, consider incorporating a small lamp or LED strips fitted with this colour temperature. This way, you are only exposed to this light during daylight hours.
2: Blue Ambience for Whimsical Mood Lighting
Blue light needed: Deep blue lighting.
The goal of mood lighting is to use light to create a specific atmosphere within a room.
Soft lighting is used to illuminate the room with a gentle glow and the use of bright lighting is limited. This can create a calming environment within your home which is perfect for relaxing and recharging.
Blue ambient lighting is perfect for spaces where a touch of whimsy is desired, such as a galaxy-themed bedroom for a child or an ethereal design style.
A clever tip is to place light sources at a low height to distribute the light evenly and soften its intensity.
Here are some ideas to bring your space to life with blue light:
Conceal blue LED strips strategically along the tops of shelves, behind screens, or under cabinets.
Use lamps with deep blue lightbulbs positioned at a low height.
Incorporate blue projector lights, offering various projections like stars or ocean waves.
Hang blue string lights on curtains, in jars, or along shelves and mantlepieces for a subtle yet enchanting touch of blue ambience.
Related: Why Your Home Looks Boring and How to Fix It | 7 Fixes for a Dull Interior Design Aesthetic
3: Blue Mood Lighting for Hosting
Blue light needed: Deep blue lighting.
Mood lighting can create a beautiful atmosphere for most events.
Using blue mood lighting is unique and unconventional, meaning it could really get your guests talking.
Depending on the event you're hosting, here are some ways you could make use of blue lighting:
- House Parties
If you're planning a galaxy or beach-themed birthday bash, why not use projector lights that offer cool effects such as a starry-night-like atmosphere or a water ripple effect? This will not only add visual interest but also create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
- Movie Nights
Conceal blue LED strips behind television screens and dim or switch off all other lights. The illumination draws attention to the screen, providing a proper cinema experience.
- Dinner Parties
Use soft blue lighting in your decoration to add interest to a dinner party. An easy way to do this is by using blue string lights placed in jars as centrepieces on the table.
Another trick is to make the light seem blue by using blue-tinted candle holders or glassware such as blue wine glasses and tumblers. As light reflects off them, it will create a beautifully calming effect.
4: Enhance Artwork and Craft Neon Signs
Blue light needed: Deep blue lighting.
The eye-catching nature of blue-hued lighting makes it a great choice to emphasise and accentuate your existing decor.
- Illuminate Artwork
Elevate the appearance of wall-mounted artwork by concealing blue LED strips around the edges of the piece.
Or position a strip of lights above an ornament arrangement on your bookshelves to cast a spotlight effect and draw attention to your favourite decorations.
- Neon Signs
With their attractive glow, neon signs are a popular decoration, simultaneously illuminating and decorative. You can purchase pre-made neon signs in varying designs, or use LED strips to create unique shapes.
5: Use Blue Lighting to Fight Stress
Blue light needed: Blue lighting that emits a deep blue hue
Though the prevailing belief is that blue light increases alertness, according to a 2017 scientific study published in PLOS ONE, blue-coloured lighting can actually accelerate post-stress relaxation.
This study suggests exposure to soft blue light can regulate melatonin production, aiding sleep and mood regulation. Participants exposed to blue light reported increased relaxation and reduced anxiety, owing to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
These findings suggest blue light's influence on mood is more complex than many think.
With this in mind, how can blue-enriched lighting create a serene and stress-busting environment?
- Reading Nooks
Consider creating a cosy nook in your home where you can unwind. Incorporate a soft and indirect blue glow by installing blue LED strip lights along bookshelves or behind furniture. Since this type of blue light may not be ideal for easy reading, complement it with an additional lamp to provide adequate illumination for your books.
- Bedroom Sanctuaries
When it comes to blue light in bedrooms, the key is to opt for soft lighting in small doses. Light projectors designed for sleep are ideal for this setting.
- Yoga and Meditation Spaces
If you practice yoga or meditation at home to combat stress, try using soft blue lighting to illuminate the room. Achieve this using blue LED candles, light projectors and strategically placed LED strips.
For a soft and calming glow, place lights as low to the ground as possible and layer small light sources. You could also follow the same method to create an at-home spa retreat!
In conclusion, while scientific findings on the impact of blue light vary, it's evident that blue lighting can enhance both energy and relaxation levels.
When it comes to interior design, the unusual use of blue light can induce some beautiful results and, depending on your style, it might be the perfect addition to accentuate your home's character.
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Disclaimer: While this article aims to provide helpful information on incorporating blue lighting into interior design, it is important to note that the content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The effects of blue light on health may vary depending on individual circumstances, and it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about its potential impact on your well-being. Additionally, the article does not endorse the use of UV rays or blue light from screens, such as phones or computers, for health purposes. If unsure about the effects of a particular type of light on your health, refrain from using it until you can verify its effect and consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
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