A Guide to Chromotherapy and Interior Lighting.

 A Guide to Chromotherapy and Interior Lighting.

DIY Bonus: Create your own...Off-grid LED lamp. Old coffee tin with LED lights. Wooden side table lamp.

 

What is Chromotherapy?

A lot of people ask me what exactly is chromotherapy. I tell them that Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is an alternative healing method that utilizes color and light to balance the energy in our bodies. The power of color is as old as the mountains. The concept dates back to ancient Egypt but has gained popularity in recent years due to its non-invasive nature and potential health benefits. All colors are light waves, each with a different wavelength, measured in nanometers (nm). These wavelengths are what our eyes perceive as different colors.

• Violet: 380-450 nm
• Blue: 450-495 nm
• Green: 495-570 nm
• Yellow: 570-590 nm
• Orange: 590-620 nm
• Red: 620-750 nm

Now, you see these light waves do more than just help us see colors. They can also have different effects on our bodies and minds. Color waves, or light waves of different colors, can have various effects on our brain and, consequently, our mood and behavior.

This is due to a process called photoreception, where our eyes absorb light and convert it into signals that our brain can interpret. To explain the effects of color (and its waves) a little better...

Red: As the color with the longest wavelength, red light is often associated with energy and stimulation. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, making us more alert.

Orange: This color can stimulate mental activity and increase oxygen supply to the brain, which can lead to increased contentment and improved memory.

Yellow: Yellow light can stimulate the nervous system, which can boost mood and motivation. It’s also associated with cheerfulness and creativity.

Green: Often associated with nature, green light can have a calming and relaxing effect. It’s often used in chromotherapy to promote healing, balance, and harmony.

Blue: Blue light has a short wavelength, and it can help regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to blue light during the day can make us feel awake and alert, but too much blue light at night can disrupt our sleep.

Indigo and Violet: These colors are often associated with tranquility and can help reduce anxiety and stress.

 

I do feel that I need to mention that it’s important to note that the effects can vary from person to person, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact of different color wavelengths on our health and well-being.

The colors in our environment significantly impact our mood and well-being. By incorporating chromotherapy into your home’s interior, you can create a space that not only looks good but also makes you feel good.

210L Steel drum with a red light inside.

These are my favorite do's and don'ts of colored lights. When I'm asked how to use these lights correctly, this is what I go by...

Do use colored lights strategically. Think about the purpose of each room and choose the color accordingly.

Don’t overdo it. Too much of one color can be overwhelming and counterproductive.

Do use dimmers. They allow you to control the intensity of the light, which can change the effect of the color.

Don’t forget about natural light. It’s essential for our circadian rhythm and overall well-being. And besides, God created it! :)

Some tips on colored lights that are always useful.

 

Each color in the color spectrum has a different wavelength and energy level, which can affect our mood and behavior. For example, red light has the longest wavelength and is considered stimulating, while blue light has a shorter wavelength and is considered calming.

 

Colored lights can be used as accent lighting to highlight specific areas or features in a room. For example, you could use green light to highlight a plant or piece of artwork, creating a focal point in the room.

 

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors. You can create different moods and effects by combining different colored lights. For example, combining blue and green light can create a tranquil, natural atmosphere.

The intensity of the light can also affect the mood of the room. Bright, intense colors can be energizing and stimulating, while softer, more diffused colors can be calming and relaxing.

 

Color temperature refers to how warm or cool a light appears, and it can greatly affect the mood of a room. Warm colors (like reds and oranges) can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, while cool colors (like blues and greens) can create a calm, serene environment.

 

They have this new thing they call a Smart lighting system. A smart lighting system allow you to change the color and intensity of your lights with just a few taps on your smartphone. This makes it easy to adjust your lighting to suit your mood, the time of day, or the task at hand.

Personally, I know that the key to successful chromotherapy is balance. While colored lights can have a significant impact on our mood and well-being, they should be used in conjunction with natural light and a balanced color scheme.

Safety should always be your top priority when working with electricity.

Before you start adding or changing lights in your home, or think about making your own lamp, keep these important safety tips in mind.

Turn Off the Power: Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before starting any electrical work. Even if you think the power is off, use a voltage tester to double-check.

Use Insulated Tools: Use tools with insulated handles to protect against electric shock.

Wear Protective Gear: Wear rubber-soled shoes and gloves for insulation. Safety glasses can protect your eyes from sparks or debris.

Don’t Touch Live Wires: Never touch a wire until you’ve confirmed it’s not live. Treat all wires as if they’re live until you’ve confirmed otherwise.

Know Your Limits: If a project seems beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Electrical work can be dangerous, and it’s important to know your limits.

Follow Instructions: If you’re installing a new light fixture or making changes to your home’s wiring, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check Your Work: After you’ve completed your work, double-check everything before turning the power back on. Make sure all connections are secure and that there are no exposed wires.

Stay Dry: Never handle electrical items or switches with wet hands or while standing in water. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination.

IMPORTANT! When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional electrician. Stay safe! 

DIY - Create Your Own Colored Lamps.

Off-grid LED lamp.

Materials Needed:

• LED light strip with battery pack
• Mason jar or similar transparent container
• Frosted glass spray (optional)
• Decorative items (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by cleaning your mason jar thoroughly. If you want a softer light, you can spray the inside of the jar with frosted glass spray. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
2. Most LED light strips are adhesive-backed, so you can simply stick them to the inside of the jar. Start at the bottom and work your way up, making sure the strip is evenly spaced. If your strip is too long, you can cut it down to size - just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. The battery pack can be attached to the lid of the mason jar. Make sure it’s securely attached and that you can still open the lid to switch out the batteries when needed.
4. This is where you can get creative. You can paint the outside of the jar, add decorative items inside, or even add a handle to make a lantern. Just make sure not to cover up the LED strip.
5. Insert batteries into the battery pack and turn on your lamp to make sure everything works. If the lights don’t turn on, double-check your connections.

Old coffee tin with LED lights.

Materials Needed:

• An old coffee tin
• LED light strip with power supply
• Drill with a bit to make a hole for the power cord
• Sandpaper
• Spray paint (optional)

Steps:

1. Start by cleaning your coffee tin thoroughly. Remove any labels and sand the surface lightly. This will help the paint adhere better if you decide to paint it.
2. On one side of the coffee tin, drill a hole for the power cord of the LED light strip.
3. Thread the power cord through the hole you drilled and attach the LED light strip inside the coffee tin. Most LED light strips are adhesive-backed, so you can simply stick them to the inside of the tin.
4. Plug in your lamp and turn it on to make sure everything works. If the lights don’t turn on, double-check your connections.

Wooden side table lamp.

Materials Needed:

• A wooden block (size of your choice)
• Lamp kit (cord, socket, plug)
• Light bulb
• Drill with a bit that matches the size of your lamp kit’s socket
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish (optional)

Steps:

Start by sanding your wooden block until it’s smooth. This will prevent any splinters and make the wood look more polished. If you want, you can apply a wood finish to give it a more professional look.

1. Decide where you want the light bulb to be. Then, using your drill, make a hole that’s deep enough for the lamp socket.
2. On one side of the wooden block, drill another hole from the bottom that meets up with the first hole. This will be for the lamp cord.
3. Thread the lamp cord through the side hole and up through the socket hole. Attach the socket to the cord according to the lamp kit’s instructions. Make sure to screw the socket into the wood block securely.
4. Once the socket is in place, you can screw in the light bulb.
5. Plug in your lamp and turn it on to make sure everything works. If the light doesn’t turn on, double-check your lamp kit assembly.

Share your thoughts, opinions, and unique lighting ideas in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.

Looking to create a stunning space that speaks to your unique style? Wondering how you can use color to complement your home or which accessories can take it to the next level? Don't hesitate to send an email to coetzee.ietsanders@gmail.com with all the details of your inquiry. While I may be busy answering other queries, I promise to get back to you as soon as possible. I can provide the guidance you need to create a beautiful, functional space that you'll love coming home to.

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👉Have a look at how old traditional recipes (from around the world) and chromotherapy work well together - https://medium.com/@coetzee.ietsanders

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