Investigating the biomechanical impact of lighting placement on visual and physical comfort in living room interior design

Lighting is a key factor in shaping comfort, ambiance, and functionality within residential spaces, influencing not only visibility but also a room’s overall experience and usability. In living rooms, where activities range from socializing and relaxation to reading and television viewing, lighting design must balance visual clarity, warmth, and adaptability to meet diverse needs. This study investigates the effects of specific lighting placements—overhead, wall-mounted, and floor/table lamp setups—across warm (2700 K), neutral (4000 K), and cool (6500 K) color temperatures on visual and physical comfort in a simulated residential living room environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative metrics, such as brightness consistency and luminance contrast, were combined with qualitative assessments of perceived comfort and activity suitability. Findings reveal that warm-toned floor and table lamps (2700 K) provide the highest levels of perceived warmth and relaxation, with average ratings of 4.9 and 4.8, making them particularly suitable for social and leisure activities. Overhead lighting in cool tones (6500 K) enhanced visual clarity, achieving an average clarity rating of 4.5, making it more suited to tasks requiring focused attention, such as reading. Wall-mounted lighting in neutral tones (4000 K) offered a balanced solution, with comfort and activity suitability ratings of 4.5, supporting a range of activities without compromising ambiance or clarity. These results underscore the importance of selecting lighting configurations that align with the intended use of residential spaces. Warm lighting, especially at lower levels, creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere most effectively, while cooler overhead lighting offers enhanced brightness and clarity for more visually demanding tasks. By highlighting the impact of lighting placement and color temperature on residential comfort, this study provides practical insights for interior designers and homeowners, contributing to developing adaptable, user-centered lighting solutions that optimize functionality and ambiance in home environments.