All About Blue Light

Lighting Work

Jul 31

Computer, phone, mug and plants on a surface

You’ve probably already heard about blue light. It’s in our phones, our computers, the fluorescent and LED lights that brighten up our interior design, and even in the sunlight. Because it exists all around us, you should be aware of its function and effect — especially with regards to the spaces you frequent such as your work or home. For that reason, our Chandra Interiors team has summarized it all for you.

The What

If you haven’t already heard of blue light, it’s pretty self-explanatory. The colours we see are all just different forms of light, each one with their own wavelengths. The reason why blue light is so important is because it has a short wavelength. This means that it produces higher amounts of energy, keeping you awake and boosting your energy in the process. In work-related spaces, high exposure to blue light is a good thing. However, there are other spaces that is not well-suited for such cool tones of lighting.

The Good and The Bad

Blue light has its good and bad sides ― ultimately, it all boils down to the way you balance your exposure to it. The blue light we get during the day is necessary, especially when we get it from sunlight. Since blue light produces higher amounts of energy, we absorb it as we’re exposed to it. It boosts alertness, aids in memory retention and cognitive function, while also elevating one’s mood. This is why the colour blue is a perfect colour for office spaces.

The downside of blue light comes with the exposure to it during the night time. Too much exposure to blue light at night messes up our circadian rhythm, or our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Since blue light energizes us and wakes our minds up, it can be harmful to be exposed to it during the hours we should be preparing our bodies for a good night’s sleep. It can be cause for a troubled night and, in the long run, could be the cause of many other health issues, if not properly addressed. This is why a lot of gadgets have the option to activate a blue light filter and many glasses manufacturing companies have blue or UV light filters.

The Possibilities

In yesterday’s post about designing your work desk, we suggested adding a small lamp to brighten up your space and contribute to your mood. Having a blue light desk lamp is a good idea if you need to keep yourself energized throughout the work day.

On the other hand, consider warmer lights for your bedroom, to trigger the opposite effect during resting hours. Look at your bedroom lights if they are warm-toned — these emit a lower energy, aiding in a better sleep cycle. A lamp by your bedside would be sufficient, but if you’re looking for a more committed approach, LED ceiling lights or wall lamps may fit you better.

Additionally, if you’re particular about the intensity of your lights depending on the time of day or your mood, you may opt for something that can be adjusted, such as light dimmers. The possibilities are vast when you know what to look for. If you’d like to begin your search, check out Chandra Lamp Shades for effective lighting solutions and products. You may also call at +91 80-4124 0269 or email cs@chandralampshades.com for any projects.