The sustainability movement in interior design is definitely not just a passing fad. In 2019, the global market size for eco-friendly furniture was at USD 35.2 billion. This has been a way for people all over the world to take control of bigger issues by participating on a more personal level. By blending principles of sustainability with interior lighting,
you don’t have to sacrifice on style because you can personalize the process and still express your own style. You may also do your part by starting with one category, such as choosing sustainable Interior lighting for your home.
Designing Your Space for Light Efficiency
If from the very start, you have built your space to optimize for light efficiency, then that would be the most intensive and powerful way to do it. An open floor plan allows light to flow freely around the whole structure, making your energy use for lighting more efficient. This option may also be done as part of a renovation project, but it may not be the most accessible for everyone.
In this case, renovating to have larger windows may be more doable. Natural light alone can light up your home while consuming no energy at all. Installing day night blinds and curtains will allow you to easily adjust the brightness or dimness of your environment during daylight.
The only drawback is that it can only be done during the day. Another consideration is that the paint on your walls can be used to “wash” your home with light, day or night.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose paint with lighter hues that reflect light so that it can diffuse the light and spread it evenly throughout your space. This will also make it require less wattage from your lightbulbs to get your space up to a certain level of brightness.
Mood Lighting and Warmth Using Sustainable Materials
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean only practicality above all else. People usually resort to candles when they want some mood lighting. They may also see it as an option that consumes less energy than dim lights or lamps.
However, most traditional candles are made from paraffin derived from petroleum and straight-chain hydrocarbons which can lead to soot, stains, and respiratory problems.
They are also made from animal products such as beeswax, tallow from the fat of animals, and some wax even comes from whales or dolphins. For these reasons, traditional candles are not sustainable.
This doesn’t mean that you have to resort to fake flickers if you want some mood lighting. The best alternative is to choose phthalate-free soy candles that safely bring fragrance to your home without any harmful chemicals like paraffin.
According to realsoycandles.com, using fragrant candles that are made from 100% soybeans, which are renewable, recyclable, 100% vegan (make use of no animal products whatsoever) and hand-crafted (which supports soybean farmers) are one of the most sustainable ways to enhance the ambiance of your home. Soy candles also have a longer-lasting burn because it doesn’t need to get as hot as paraffin to be lit up.
They can preserve the air quality in your home while setting a relaxing mood to any room, whether you have a guest over for dinner or are enjoying some “me-time” in a bubble bath.
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
It almost goes without saying because the most common way to have sustainable lighting in your home is by using energy-efficient LED light-bulbs. They are a good long-term investment as they can use at least 75% less energy and are usable up to 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.
Dimming technology and smart lights can also help you save energy, especially when it can adjust automatically or as needed. This feature also extends the life of your lightbulbs.
Otherwise, using a lamp either for specific tasks or for ambiance can do the job efficiently. Keeping your fixtures and lightbulbs clean can also make them more efficient and return their original luminosity.
All these ways to have sustainable interior lighting in your home will not only lessen your carbon footprint, but also create a cleaner and safer environment inside your home without compromising on your style. You can do this either through designing your home for optimal light efficiency, choosing candles that use natural and non-toxic materials, or choosing energy-efficient light bulbs.