The essential lighting guide: how to transform your space

Lighting is far more than a functional necessity; it is the soul of a home, capable of shaping our mood, defining spaces, and completely transforming an environment's atmosphere. At Boah Nova, we believe that light is essential for well-being and that a well-lit home is the first step toward a more balanced and sustainable life.

In this guide, we explore the fundamentals of lighting in a simple, practical way so you can create the perfect setting for every moment.

The three layers of light: the secret to balance

To achieve professional and welcoming illumination, you should never rely on a single light source in the center of the ceiling. The secret lies in layering:

• Ambient lighting: this is your foundation. It provides uniform, soft illumination across the entire space, allowing for safe movement and basic activities. Ceiling fixtures and pendants are the primary examples.

• Task lighting: as the name suggests, this helps you perform specific tasks that require focus, such as reading, cooking, or working. It should be brighter and directed to reduce eye strain. desk lamps or led strips under kitchen cabinets are ideal.

• Accent lighting: This is the "finishing touch" used to highlight architectural details, artwork, or favorite furniture pieces, creating depth and drama in the room.

Understanding "Temperature" and "Intensity"

Brightness and color are often confused, but they are distinct concepts that drastically change how a room is perceived:

• Color temperature (Kelvin): measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Lower numbers (1800K–3000K) emit a warm, amber light, perfect for relaxing and stimulating melatonin production before sleep. Higher numbers (4000K–6000K) emit a cool, crisp light that keeps us alert and productive.

• Brightness (Lumens): forget Watts, which only measure energy consumption. The actual brightness of a bulb is measured in Lumens. The higher the lumens, the more intense the light.

Use warm lights in the living room and bedrooms for maximum comfort, and reserve neutral or cool lights for the kitchen, offices, and bathrooms.

Room-by-Room Guide

Each space in your home has unique needs. Here is how to coordinate your light points:

• Living Room: a place for socializing and relaxation. Start with a ceiling light for general brightness, but add floor lamps in dark corners to create volume. If you enjoy watching TV, avoid lights that cause screen reflections and opt for soft, indirect lighting behind or beside the sofa.

• Kitchen: visibility is the priority here. Combine powerful ceiling lights with focused lighting on worktops to eliminate shadows while prepping food.

• Dining Room: the suspension lamp over the table is the protagonist. It should be hung approximately 75–90 cm above the table surface to illuminate dishes well without glaring at guests.

• Bedroom: avoid harsh ceiling lights upon waking. Use bedside lamps with warm light. If you have a wardrobe, consider a light directed specifically toward the doors to make choosing clothes easier without disturbing someone still sleeping.

The Boah Nova Philosophy: simplicity and sustainability

At Boah Nova, we believe lighting design must respect the environment. We follow principles that make your choice more conscious:

• Universality with E26/E27 Sockets: all our lampshades use the global E26/E27 standard. This ensures you can easily replace bulbs and take advantage of constant innovations in led energy efficiency without needing to change your entire lamp.

• Longevity and Repairability: we create pieces built to last for decades, using intuitive assembly systems that allow for simple component replacement, preventing waste.

• Responsible Materials: we use only wood in our lampshades and water-based finishes, ensuring the beauty of your lamp does not compromise the air quality of your home or the health of the planet.

Lighting a home well is about finding the perfect balance between aesthetics and function. By choosing timeless, sustainable, and high-quality pieces, you are investing not just in decor, but in your daily quality of life.