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3 components of light

The three components of light

Nature combines the soft, scattered light from the sky with the vibrant, focused light from the sun. In the home, this finds its parallel in ambient lighting which provides the basic brightness in a room, and zone lighting which focuses on selected areas. Both components are essential for lighting that is not merely functional but which also enhances well-being and good health. Mood lighting complements ambient and zone lighting. Rather than actually illuminating, mood lighting is like a fire, serving as a light feature in itself to create an exceptional atmosphere.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is evenly distributed and illuminates entire rooms. It is usually produced by light that is directed upwards towards the ceiling, or by luminaires that emit the light evenly to all sides. It provides the fundamental brightness which eyes need for orientation. It evens out sharp differences in brightness within a room, helping your eyes adapt to different zones and putting less strain on them. If there is no ambient lighting, for example in a living room with a single reading lamp above the sofa, this is unpleasant to the eyes. Balanced ambient lighting on the other hand creates a comfortable atmosphere that enhances your sense of well-being.

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Zone lighting

Zone lighting provides a large amount of light where it is needed for specific activities, e.g. reading, eating, working or looking at pictures or paintings. At the same time, it creates exciting lighting accents which are as important for the harmony of rooms as uniform ambient lighting. Zone light is produced by light fixtures that direct their light downwards or against the wall. The more flexible the focus of the luminaire, the easier it is to direct the light precisely to where it is required. If a dining table is lit by ambient light alone, the resulting atmosphere is similar to that found in an industrial kitchen. Zone lighting on the other hand creates the pleasant atmosphere of family meals.

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Mood lighting

Mood lighting creates an exceptional atmosphere. It shines but provides little illumination. Instead it represents cosiness, romanticism, fascination and passion. Its sole purpose is to caress the heart and soul. Mood lighting produces its best effects in the evening when the surroundings are dark. Mood lighting must not be too bright since this will lead to the mood being lost soon. A mood light should therefore glow rather than shine. And if you really want to switch off, you should switch off any artificial light. After all, candlelight offers the perfect setting for a relaxed evening with a glass of wine. Mood lighting can be used wherever it can develop its full potential, e.g. on window sills, sideboards, chests of drawers, dining tables, side tables or coffee tables, shelves or floors.

Discover more about lamps for good mood lighting

Ambient lighting

Type of light
e.g. floor lamps to illuminate the ceiling (floor uplighters)

Function
illuminates the room for general orientation purposes

What is being illuminated?
Rooms:
e.g. living rooms or dining rooms

Characteristics
Makes ceilings appear to be higher, however, it creates few shadows which can make rooms look dull and two-dimensional.

light11 recommendation

Combine ambient lighting with zone lighting.
The focused illumination of brightly painted ceilings and walls makes rooms appear large and bright.

Good ambient lighting

Zone lighting

Type of light
e.g. reading lights

Function
illuminates specific areas and improves visibility

What is being illuminated?
Areas of use:
e.g. armchairs & sofas, dining tables, desks, cupboards & shelves.
Areas of use:
e.g. pictures and other objects

Characteristics
Complements ambient lighting and makes a room look interesting and lively.

light11 recommendation

Directly illuminate frequently used areas in which a particularly high amount of light is required (desk, kitchen worktop).
Avoid illuminating the floor.

Good zone lighting

Mood lighting

Type of light
e.g. candles or dimmed table lamps

Function
creates harmony and emphasises a certain atmosphere

What is being illuminated?
Areas for decoration:
e.g. dining tables, window sills, sideboards & commodes

Characteristics
Shines but provides little illumination. It unfolds its full potential in the dark.

light11 recommendation