Invest in the right lighting

Having the right lighting when you create is essential, especially if you want colours to appear as they truly are and not surprise you in daylight. The challenge is that natural light is not always guaranteed, particularly during the darker winter months. Fortunately, there are solutions. Daylight is a British manufacturer of task lighting that replicates natural daylight, offering lamps that combine high quality with thoughtful design for the atelier, studio and desk. In this guide, we explore how light affects colour perception, what to consider when choosing lighting and which Daylight lamps are especially well suited to creative moments.

Before we explore the benefits of good lighting in more detail, we would like to explain a term that is often used in connection with professional lamps and high-quality lighting: the abbreviation CRI.

What is CRI (Color Rendering Index)?

CRI, or Color Rendering Index, is a numerical value that describes how accurately a light source, such as a lamp, renders colours. Imagine you have two lamps in front of you and place a red apple under each one. If a lamp has a high CRI, the apple will appear just as red as it does in natural daylight, whereas a lamp with a low CRI may make it look pale or distorted.

CRI is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where 100 represents a light source that renders colours exactly as they appear in natural daylight. Light sources closer to 100 on the scale are considered to have a higher CRI, meaning they reproduce colours more faithfully.

CRI above 90 is regarded as excellent and is commonly used in settings where accurate colour rendering is essential. Professions that often invest in lamps with a CRI above 90 include artists, designers, photographers, tattoo artists, nail technicians and make-up artists.

CRI between 80 and 90 is considered good and is often sufficient for home use.

CRI below 80 may be less satisfactory, and colours can begin to appear more artificial or distorted.

5 benefits of investing in the right lighting

There is light, and then there is light. We truly want to emphasise that investing in the right lighting is worthwhile, as it offers many advantages. But what are the actual benefits, which type of lamp should you choose, and what sets the different options apart? Below are five benefits of investing in the right lighting.

1. True colour rendering with the right lighting

Whether you are painting a canvas or working with photo editing, you need to be confident that your light source provides accurate colour representation. Daylight lamps replicate natural daylight to ensure your work appears true to life, so you do not have to worry about inconsistent results. Thanks to daylight-quality lighting, painters can feel assured that the shades and tones they are working with will turn out exactly as intended.

If you work in graphic design, visual design or lettering, precise colour matching is even more critical, ensuring consistent results throughout a project, even when working across different media.

2. Reduced eye strain

Long, and perhaps late, hours spent on a project can be demanding on your eyes. Natural light allows your eyes to work with less strain compared to a standard LED lamp. Strained eyes can lead to both fatigue and headaches, but with the right lighting you can avoid these issues. Daylight lighting minimises eye strain, enabling you to work for longer periods and at any time of day. The lamps provide glare-free light, which is especially beneficial if you work with small, intricate details that require a high level of precision, such as embroidery or sculpture.

3. See more details and work with precision

If you’re working with fine detail, such as jewellery making or miniature modelling, high-quality lighting is essential for your eyes to pick up every nuance. Lighting that mimics natural daylight helps you perceive subtle differences in colour and shape. Contrast becomes clearer and sharper, allowing you to work with clarity and precision. Choose a Daylight lamp with a magnifying lens, and you’ll be able to draw on grains of rice. Literally!

4. Boost productivity and mood

Research shows that natural light can improve mood, increase energy levels, and enhance cognitive function. All of which can lead to greater productivity and creativity. By simulating daylight, Daylight lamps help you create an inspiring environment where you can focus on your next masterpiece.

5. Adjustable brightness to suit your needs

Many of Daylight’s lamps offer adjustable brightness settings. Sometimes you need sharp, focused lighting for intricate tasks; other times, a wide, soft light is better, for instance when photographing your work. The versatility of Daylight’s lamps allows you to use the same light for many different projects, adjusting it to suit your needs.

No matter what creative tasks you take on, you can trust Daylight to have a solution that will elevate your workspace. Good lighting shouldn’t be considered a luxury, it’s a necessity for creative work.

Studio lighting and lighting for the atelier

DuoLamp helps eliminate shadows while you work, and allows you to adjust the brightness across four different settings. It easily clamps onto your chosen workspace.

The Electra Floor Lamp features a sleek and discreet design, perfect both by your desk or in a cosy reading corner!

Another floor lamp that’s easy to move around is the Daylight Artist Studio Lamp 2, offering a wide spread of light, adjustable height, and tilt functionality. Some even call it the ultimate work lamp!

If you're working with content for social media or tattooing, the Aura Ring Floor Lamp is designed just for that! The ring light provides soft, shadow-free illumination, optimised for rendering skin tones accurately.

The Wafer/Tabla Lightbox is one of Daylight’s most popular products—an ultra-thin lightbox with dimmable brightness.

And for those painting on canvas using an easel, you must check out the Easel Lamp Go. This lamp attaches directly to your easel and offers outstanding colour rendering.

Magnifying lamps

Daylight offers several lamps that combine natural light with magnifying lenses. A magnifier can be extremely helpful for detailed work or when you need a bit of extra visual support. Once you try working with magnification, you may never want to go back!

MAG Lamp S is ideal for detailed work such as jewellery making and model building. Its height offers broad illumination across your workspace, while the magnifying lens helps you focus on fine elements.

Magnificent Pro is hard to categorise. It has so many features, with the magnifier being just one of them. It can be used as both a floor and desk lamp, depending on how it’s mounted. The flexible arm allows for full adjustability while you work.

Tri Sun Light Therapy & Desk Lamp is both practical and enjoyable. The various brightness levels are great for task lighting and can also be used for light therapy during the darker months. Its compact size makes it easy to move around.

Wireless and battery-powered desk lamps

Portable lamps are perfect if you’re on the move or if you don’t have a fixed workspace.

Smart GO Lamp and Foldi Go Lamp provide wide light coverage for a pleasant work experience. They also look great when not in use and take up very little space.

Halo 5D Table Magnifier includes a magnifying lens, letting you work on fine details without blocking your light source.