Knowledge Hub
Lighting is a complex yet exciting industry, requiring an understanding of everything from how we as people are affected by light, to how we can optimise technical solutions and how we can plan lighting for the future. Based on more than 75 years of experience, we are happy to share our selections and thoughts as well as our sources of inspiration, in order to spread all the possibilities that good lighting has to offer.
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What is colour temperature and why does it matter?
There’s a reason that when we picture a romantic dinner for two, we tend to imagine the lighting as a low, warm glow, rather than being brightly lit from above: it’s the impact of colour temperature. Colour temperature, or Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) measures the hue of light, represented in Kelvins (K), ranging from warm (yellow/orange, low K) to cool (blue/white, high K). It matters because it impacts ambience, mood, and how colours appear. Warm light (2700K-3000K) creates cosy atmospheres, while cool light (5000K+) feels more energising, making it ideal for workspaces. Selecting the right colour temperature for a setting can influence comfort, productivity, and aesthetics, affecting how a space is perceived and experienced. The difference between warm and cool light Warm white (2000K – 3000K): Emits a soft, warm glow, similar to traditional incandescent bulbs and creates a cosy, inviting and calming atmosphere. Warm white lighting is often used in living rooms, bedrooms, and restaurants to promote relaxation and sociability. Warm lighting can also enhance warm colours - reds, yellows and browns, for instance - used elsewhere in the setting. Neutral (3100K – 4500K): Provides a brighter, neutral light which offers a balance that some spaces benefit from, like workspaces or areas that require clarity but not a stark ambiance. Colour temperatures between 3100-4500K provide flexibility for areas like home offices, or open plan areas, where activities might change from day to day. Cool white (4600K – 6500K): Mimics natural daylight with a crisp, bright light. Light in the higher Kelvin range often has a blue or white tone and provides an energising and focused atmosphere, suitable for workspaces, kitchens, and bathrooms. Cool lighting can help to ensure visibility and cleanliness in areas that benefit from a brighter, clearer light, but also stimulate concentration and productivity. Lighting and materials For architects and interior designers, the interaction between light and materials is crucial. Different materials react very differently to varying colour temperatures, affecting the overall perception and aesthetic of a space. For instance, warm lighting can enhance the natural richness of wood, stone, or brick, bringing out their textures and warm tones. Conversely, cool lighting often complements modern materials like glass, metal, or polished concrete, accentuating their sleek and crisp qualities. Surface reflectance also plays a role - matte finishes diffuse light, creating softer, subtler effects, while glossy or reflective surfaces intensify the brightness and sharpness of light. Transparency and translucency further influence how light interacts with materials; for example, frosted glass may glow warmly under a soft light but appear stark under cooler lighting. Designers need to consider these factors to ensure that lighting complements both the functional and aesthetic aspects of their material choices. Cultural differences and perceptions One of the most important factors when considering colour temperature, however, is cultural context. Cultural perceptions of colour temperature vary significantly, often shaped by environmental, historical, and social factors. In Scandinavia, for example, warm lighting (3000k) is commonly used in offices to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, countering the region's long, dark winters. This preference reflects the Scandinavian ethos of hygge, or comfort and warmth. In contrast, other regions favour bright white light in similar environments, as it is associated with cleanliness and functionality. Warm lighting, by comparison, may be perceived as unclean or outdated in some contexts. Light is an integral part of our lives, and these differences highlight the importance of understanding cultural nuances when designing lighting schemes, particularly in international or multicultural settings. The transformative power of colour temperature Colour temperature plays a fundamental role in shaping the ambience, mood, and functionality of spaces. From enhancing materials and textures to aligning with cultural expectations, its influence extends beyond simple illumination. Thoughtful consideration of colour temperature enables architects, designers, and homeowners to create environments that are not only visually appealing but also comfortable, productive, and culturally resonant. By tailoring lighting to the unique needs of a space and its users, we can harness its power to transform and elevate everyday experiences.
NEWS ARTICLE |
Lighting the Way: Creating Inclusive Retail Spaces
Dave Hughes, Head of Lighting Design at Fagerhult, shares his thoughts on how strategic lighting choices can enhance accessibility, comfort, and the overall shopping experience for everyone. Retail lighting has evolved far beyond its traditional role of simply illuminating spaces, products, or displays. Today, it plays a crucial part in shaping the overall shopping experience, creating an inviting, comfortable, and inclusive environment that works for both customers and staff, and showcases the products housed within. From a design perspective, truly inclusive retail spaces should not only reflect a brand’s identity and aesthetic but also enhance accessibility, wellbeing, and engagement. Thoughtfully designed lighting can make all the difference, influencing mood, navigation, and even purchasing decisions. To explore the role of lighting in fostering an inclusive retail experience, we spoke to Dave Hughes - Head of Lighting Design at Fagerhult - to gain his expert insights on how lighting can help transform retail spaces for everyone. Tell us a bit about your background. I’ve been with Fagerhult for just over eight years, primarily as a Retail Design Manager, and I recently stepped into the role of Head of Lighting Design. Before that, I spent over 11 years at iGuzzini, progressing from a Junior to a Senior Designer. I also have a background in product design, which definitely complements my current role. What does inclusivity mean for you, in your role? Inclusive lighting is about recognising and responding to the diverse needs of individuals, creating spaces that are welcoming, functional, and emotionally enriching for everyone. You can’t, therefore, take a one-size-fits-all approach, as what works for one person may not be suitable for another. What kinds of conditions do you take into account when considering lighting solutions for inclusive retail environments? We consider how lighting can best support a wide range of needs, from people with disabilities, people with health conditions, neurodivergent conditions, people with sight loss, as well as older customers. This is why there isn’t one, single recommended approach. For instance, someone with autism may prefer calm, low-light environments, while an older shopper may require higher light levels to read clearly. Balancing those needs in one space, like a busy bookstore, can be a challenge. We’ve worked on projects specifically aimed at supporting neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism. In one case for a major banking group, we collaborated with a charity to better understand the needs of autistic customers. We walked through a branch together, and they highlighted specific lighting triggers, such as areas that were too bright, high in contrast or glare, which could cause discomfort or distress. Based on their feedback, we provided tailored recommendations to help create a more supportive environment. It’s encouraging to see businesses increasingly aware of the diverse challenges customers may face and actively seeking ways to reduce those triggers through thoughtful design. What are the core principles you follow for inclusive lighting design? Reducing glare and avoiding high contrast is key. We advise a softer light scheme to avoid this. Sensory or breakout rooms are also starting to appear in retail spaces. These quiet, personalised spaces often feature adjustable lighting. They’re still relatively rare, but they can be a valuable addition for creating more inclusive and supportive environments. It pays to be aware that, in some cases, well-planned lighting schemes can be undermined during commissioning, for example when spotlights are repositioned to highlight a particular product without consideration for how that could impact the overall environment. What starts as a glare-free setup can quickly become uncomfortable if fixtures are aimed too sharply. Have technologies like control systems helped with inclusivity? Absolutely. Control systems have allowed far more flexibility. With digital lighting control systems like DALI or Casambi, you can customise environments more easily than with traditional mains voltage setups. Casambi offers wireless control via apps, making it easy to tweak lighting without rewiring, ideal for creating flexible retail spaces. These systems allow for more responsive, user-friendly environments, helping to make retail lighting both inclusive and efficient. How do you balance a brand’s aesthetic with inclusivity, comfort, and sustainability? It all has to be considered from the beginning. Too often, these essential considerations get brought into the conversation late, which makes integration harder. For inclusivity and brand aesthetics, it’s about compromise and prioritising the most critical needs for the environment you’re creating. At Fagerhult, we focus heavily on sustainability too, exploring new materials like hemp-based composites, and recycled aluminium in our fittings. What does the future look like for inclusive retail spaces? Creating inclusive retail environments is a balancing act, merging brand aesthetics, accessibility, sustainability, and comfort. Thoughtful lighting schemes play a crucial role, from reducing glare and contrast to enabling flexible, calming atmospheres for people with different sensory preferences. I’ve seen retailers now leveraging advanced technology to gain deeper insights into customer behaviour. With complete store mapping, a combination of cameras and sensors can be used to track movement throughout a space. One fascinating aspect of this technology is its ability to distinguish between staff and customers. By analysing movement patterns, the system can recognise individuals who spend extended periods in the store and automatically classify them as staff members. Though it doesn’t identify individuals personally, it can tag and follow a single person’s movements anonymously to build behavioural insights. Some stores have also integrated cameras into digital screens, adding another layer of data collection. These cameras can estimate a shopper’s age and gender in real time and link this information to heat mapping, allowing retailers to track how different demographics navigate the store. Additionally, facial expression analysis enables the system to gauge reactions to advertisements or displays, whether a person is engaged, indifferent, or even frowning. While this level of detail may seem daunting to some, it also opens up possibilities for enhancing the shopping experience, and could contribute to creating more inclusive environments. For example, if the system detects an elderly shopper, it could theoretically adjust lighting levels in their vicinity to improve visibility. However, implementing such personalised adjustments in a busy retail environment remains a significant challenge, and it’s not being commonly adopted – yet! This technology represents a powerful shift in retail analytics, offering opportunities for both businesses and customers, provided it is used ethically and with privacy in mind. While still early days, it’s a powerful reminder that the future of retail lighting isn’t just smart, it’s human-centred.
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