Yes, Your Lighting Really Is Affecting Your Mood
We’ve all felt it—even if we didn’t have the words for it. Light can absolutely influence how we feel and how much energy we have. And in the gloom of winter, that can mean our tanks are empty.
The Washington Post recently highlighted this, noting that the lighting in your home can affect your mood. For those of us who live and breathe lighting, it’s exciting to see this getting mainstream attention. And honestly, it’s about time.
Light and emotion have always been linked. We use the same words—bright, gloomy, warm—to describe both our surroundings and our feelings. Research into Seasonal Affective Disorder helped confirm what many people sensed intuitively: the amount and type of light we’re exposed to can directly affect our mental health. Some of us have even tried full‑spectrum phototherapy devices and walked away feeling more energized than after a triple espresso.
So it’s worth rethinking the idea that lighting is just “decorative.” It’s not just about pretty fixtures. It’s about well‑being.
Here’s the simple version of what the Post article explains: our bodies are wired to respond to sunlight. The more our indoor lighting mimics natural light throughout the day, the better we sleep, the better we feel, and the more balanced our internal rhythms become.
Think of it this way:
Bright, cool, overhead light feels like midday sun. It wakes us up and keeps us alert.
Warm, golden light from lamps and sconces evokes the feeling of a sunset. It signals the body to wind down and get ready for rest.
When our home lighting doesn’t follow these natural cues, it can throw off sleep, increase stress, and even contribute to anxiety.
So how do we get our lighting back on track?
A great first step is choosing the right color temperature:
3500K–4000K for places where you want to feel focused and energized—home offices, workshops, exercise rooms.
2700K–3000K for everywhere else—living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas—spaces meant for relaxing and recharging.
Dimmers are another easy win, and you can even get plug‑in versions for table and floor lamps.
If you want to take things further, smart lighting systems can automatically shift color and brightness throughout the day to mirror the sun. High‑end systems can get pricey, but there are plenty of affordable DIY options that let you upgrade one bulb at a time.
And if all of this feels overwhelming, that’s exactly why we’re here. Schedule a complimentary lighting consultation with our team, and we’ll help you create a healthier, happier lighting plan for your home.
