How to Make Life More Comfortable with Light

Modern lighting technology is not standing still: it aims to make our lives more comfortable and convenient. Together with Konstantin Tsipelov, we tell about the most interesting devices and solutions you'll want to have at home.

Konstantin Tsipelov is an expert and founder of the Bright Buro lighting design bureau

Light bulbs replacing alarms:

It's well known that it's easier to wake up gradually by increasing the amount of light in the room. But what if you pull down blackout curtains at night or get up before sunrise in winter? Designers have created a "smart" lamp that serves as a nightlight in the evening and wakes you up with bird chirps, simulating sunrise.

Expert opinion: "And you can also implement a comprehensive 'smart' lighting control system. Just imagine, instead of an alarm clock, the curtains open by magic, the air conditioner blows fresh air, the bedroom light turns on, and the coffee maker is already brewing coffee... Bliss!"

Light creating mood:

Perfect lighting often depends on your mood: you want it warm on cloudy days, colorful when guests come over, dimmed when you decide to relax. Modern lighting manufacturers offer using "smart" bulbs: they allow remote control of lighting, setting the right atmosphere in a room via an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Expert opinion: "Smart bulbs are a nice find. But calling them new is no longer accurate. Much more interesting is the Tunable White technology — a comprehensive lighting solution for all types of light sources in a project, allowing you to change the color temperature of light depending on time of day, season, circumstances and, of course, mood. This can be done in both automatic and manual modes."

Motion sensors:

You've surely been in a situation where your hands are full and turning on the light in a corridor or room becomes a real quest. In such cases, a motion sensor will save you — no need to search for the switch in the dark. This device not only makes life significantly easier but also helps save electricity.

Expert opinion: "Motion sensors are indeed a good thing. But, like all devices and technologies, they must be used wisely. In my opinion, the optimal placement for this device in an apartment or country house would be a wardrobe, storage room, and utility areas. Also, entrance zones."

Dimmers for lighting control:

In the past, to reduce the brightness of room lighting, you had to change bulbs or turn on only part of the lamps in a chandelier. Today it's much simpler: with a multi-function dimmer, you can manually control all lights in your home.

Expert opinion: "Don't forget: eyes get tired not only from too much or too little light. A key factor is the quality of light and, at minimum, the absence of strobe effect. In short, choose your lighting system and dimming method with professionals."

LED lights:

LED panels and fixtures are gaining popularity among designers and property owners. There are many ideas for their use in interior design: they can illuminate even the most hard-to-reach spots, create the desired lighting and comfort for the eyes.

Expert opinion: "The most dangerous misconception is that LED lights do not have flicker. It does exist and often: when working with LEDs, you must carefully select lighting solutions and types of equipment or else instead of visual comfort you might get eye strain."

Design: Sergey Sargin