Just bought a $15 lamp, and after turning it on with it on my computer desk, my whole room feels cozier and just more like home. I think an overhead light, even with the same brightness and temperature will not have the same effect.
It really feels like magic that one additional item in a room can instantly make the room seem more comfortable and friendly. What’s the psychological reason behind this?
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You already mentioned temperature (the color of the light) so I won’t speak on that.
Elevation and proximity make it cozy.
**Elevation:** Light position shapes our view of the world around us. When a light is mid level (eye level or on a desk) it illuminates things from the side instead of the top. Side light shows shape better than top light.
If I’m standing under a light my eyebrows will throw shadows over my eyes, my stomache will throw a shadow over my waist. It’s not flattering.
If the light is at my same level, preferably off to the side, my eyes will catch the light and you’ll see the eyes *sparkle*. That reflected dot of light is called a *specular* and in cinematography is called a *catch light*. It’s very important to making people look good. Also with the light at this level it will highlight my form in a much more flattering way. Look at model/athlete photos and you’ll notice the light is usually coming from the side so their abs look defined.
This is an example with the human form, but it applies to everything around you.
**Proximity:** the closer a light is to something, the brighter it makes that thing. Which means a lamp on your desk will light things up brighter when they are close, and less when they are further away. It gives our eyes focus and helps them relax having unimportant things dimmer. A ceiling light is farther away from everything so it all gets about the same level of light. It means our brains have more to focus on and process which is less relaxing.
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