As we enter a new year, we can look forward to the oncoming spring and summer. But are autumn and winter really all that bad? As the clocks go back in October, we can spend the winter months bathed in the warm light and rich colours of our homes. A time to hunker down and make the most of our cosy retreats.
Every October, the clocks go back one hour. The idea was first proposed by William Willett who spent his days trying to persuade people that putting the clock back was a good idea. People doubted it at first but then it was adopted in law in 1916.
So how much light do we get in October?
The sun gives us about 11 hours of daylight on average and about 13 hours of darkness compared with the height of summer, which can be as much as 16 hours a day light.
During the day this reaches its lowest in December with the lowest level of an average of only eight hours to an average of 16 hours of darkness per day.
However, did you know that darkness does not exist? There is only light. Scientifically, darkness is only the absence of light. Simply put, it is the lack of illumination.
We are all familiar with how a dimly lit room can make you feel a little gloomy or tired. In the same way, a light or ambient room can make you feel more awake or relaxed. Combine lighting with stunning fixtures like Ceiling Roses to get the most from your illumination. For a selection of ceiling roses click here
The great masters of literature, including Shakespeare himself often used the metaphor of darkness to evoke fear, as with characters such as the “prince of darkness” in King Lear.
We’ve all heard about “using the dark side of the force” in Star Wars, evoking the dark side of our emotions. And we are all familiar with how darkness can make us feel. We understand that darkness can affect our mood and brain to stop producing so much serotonin, or “happy chemicals”. So, knowing this, it’s important to get your winter lighting right.
Autumn and winter are not to make us sad but to look at the bright side and how we can make our homes light, bright, welcoming and warm. The dark of night makes you appreciate arriving home to your warm, comfortable home. And of course, the delightful little lights that lift our spirits are a treat to see.
Adding lights and replacing bulbs helps to raise the overall lighting levels and in turn can lighten your mood! We need to be bathed in a warm glow to feel comfortable and relaxed. Darkness strips the homely feel of our living space. Even the most stylish elegant home can look sad in the dim light. Darker houses seem less friendly than the house that is well lit. Why not just add a touch of brightness?
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