[Home Tips] How to choose indoor lighting, white light or yellow light?
🕵️♀️ Editor’s observation: Why do Hong Kong homes often feel dark?
In Hong Kong, whether it is old or new buildings, many units have the same problem - insufficient lighting . The reasons include:
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Unit area details
The furniture is placed densely, blocking the light. -
Densely populated buildings
There is another building opposite the exterior wall, making it difficult for natural light to enter the house directly. -
Small window design🪟
Especially in old tenement buildings or subdivided flats, the windows are not very large. -
The original light source design is poor💡
In order to save costs, developers often use single ceiling lights, which results in uneven light distribution. -
The wall and furniture are darker in color🎨
Dark colors absorb light, making the room darker.
💡 Editor's recommended solutions (from easy to difficult)
1. Make good use of multiple light source design🌟
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Main light + auxiliary light + accent light three-layer lighting principle
- Main light : Use ceiling lamps/chandeliers to provide even lighting in the living room or room.
- Auxiliary lights : floor lamps, wall lamps, to fill in shadows.
- Accent lights : spotlights and cabinet lights to highlight specific areas.
- Tip: Choose warm white light (3000K-4000K) , which is bright but not dazzling.
2. Replace with high lumen LED bulbs 💡
- The voltage in Hong Kong is 220V. We recommend choosing LED bulbs > 1000 lumens , which are more energy-efficient and brighter than traditional fluorescent lamps.
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Color temperature selection :
- Living room: 4000K neutral light, enhancing the sense of brightness.
- Study: 5000K white light improves concentration.
- Bedroom: 3000K warm light, relaxing for the eyes.
3. Use the reflection principle to increase brightness🪞
- Install large mirrors or glossy metal furniture to reflect light and natural light.
- Choose light-colored paint (off-white, milk tea color) for the walls, which looks brighter than dark colors.
- The floor can be light wood color or glossy tiles , which has better light refraction effect.
4. Improve window and curtain design🪟
- Choose thin, light-colored curtains (such as gauze curtains) to avoid blocking natural light.
- If feasible for the unit, replace with larger glass windows .
- Clean window glass regularly to prevent dust from reducing light transmittance.
5. Rearrange the furniture📦
- Move tall cabinets and bookcases away from windows to allow light to reach the room directly.
- Avoid placing large amounts of clutter in the light path.
- Use open shelves instead of sealed cabinets to reduce the feeling of being crowded.
6. Install a smart lighting system 📲
- Different brightness scenes can be set (such as reading mode, movie mode, full brightness mode).
- Some smart bulbs support automatic light sensitivity adjustment and automatically increase the light according to the indoor brightness.
- It is convenient to control with mobile phone or voice, and is suitable for saving space in small units in Hong Kong.
7. Seeking professional lighting designers👷♂️
- If the budget is sufficient, you can find a professional lighting consultant to provide a zoned lighting plan based on the unit structure and light source direction.
- Especially suitable for families who are newly renovating or want to make major changes.
📝 Editor's Summary
To brighten up your Hong Kong home, you don't necessarily need a major renovation. Starting with upgraded bulbs, multiple light sources, and reflective design can already make a noticeable difference. ✨ If you have a bigger budget, adding a smart lighting system will be even more flexible, energy-efficient, and convenient. Remember, light not only affects your vision but also your mood and quality of life. Investing in lighting is well worth it! 💖
