Lighting controls human behavior and has a huge impact on medical space interior design. It has the capability to make a space functional, set a mood, and highlight its best features. Whether it be a spotlight directed at a framed artwork, a chandelier hovering over a big area, or a task lamp that shines brightly over a desk – all are examples of direct and indirect lighting options that provide the correct level of brightness for a situation. Here, we list down three suggestions to creating lighting that will elevate your medical space.

1. Lighting Temperature

   There’s an actual science to lighting. One of the key metrics to watch out for is Kelvin, the unit of measurement for color temperature represented by the symbol “K.” This measurement is a number that quantifies the range from a cold blue hue to yellow to orange, replicating heat or lack thereof. 3000-6000 Kelvins is an acceptable range for psychological comfort and our recommended specification is 3,500 Kelvins because this figure closely resembles the color rendition of daylight, giving your medical spaces a natural look and feel.

2. Type of Light

   Identify what types of lighting functions that will be or is currently used in your space. Is it a general area that needs moderate lighting – not too bright and not too dark? Is it a work area where reading and typing require bright task lighting? Examine these necessities and define what type of light and fixtures that are essential for that function
   For general lighting, look up. Lighting for your practice mostly orients from the ceiling which correlates to the type of lighting fixtures you will end up using.
   A suspended ceiling has removable ceiling tiles and is found in most medical and commercial properties. These square or rectangular tiles run like a grid system; most office spaces are suspended to allow for utilities to run unseen from the rest of the space. Our recommendations for panelized light tiles fit into 2×2 or 2×4 grid modules, common to provide general illumination.
   However, a suspended ceiling will not provide the optimal lighting. If you have the opportunity to change the ceiling, or are already fortunate to have a hard-lid ceiling, which has dry wall instead of removable panels, we suggest using recessed pin lights that usually come in 4 inches or 6 inches. This lighting has a cleaner look which is perfect for the modern medical space.

3. LED

   LED, or light-emitting diodes, is a lighting option that allows for affordability and energy-efficiency. They do not eat up as much power which is good for the environment; they do not heat up as older bulbs do which is good for safety, and it has become the cheaper choice in the long run. The market has so many choices — so wide that there are options for whatever you require in terms of color temperature, and brightness. Whenever offered the choice, always opt for LED.
   We encourage you to walk through your space and check the lighting temperature of if you have made the switch to LED. Take note of what works and what doesn’t, what needs to be replaced and what needs to be added. Nothing beats experience when evaluating how well your lighting works for your medical space. Read more about lighting resource from our previous blogs by clicking the links below:

   • Importance of Lighting in Hospital Interiors Part I
   • Importance of Lighting in Hospital Interiors Part II