Lights updates

Replacing old lighting or planning a new setup involves more than just picking a bulb off the shelf. Well-designed lighting impacts comfort, health, and energy bills. Whether you’re outfitting a home or an office open space, it pays to know what you're doing.

1. Home: Lighting should match the room’s purpose

Not every type of light suits every room. The key is to match the color temperature and brightness to how the space is used.

• Bedroom / Living room – Warm light (2700–3000K). Calming, relaxing, and cozy.
• Kitchen / Bathroom – Neutral light (3500–4000K). Enhances visibility and keeps colors natural.
• Home office – Cool light (5000–6000K). Stimulating and helps with focus.

It’s not just about color and brightness – lighting fixtures must also suit the environment they’re used in. When choosing lighting for areas like bathrooms, terraces, or garages, it’s important to pay attention to technical specifications such as IP protection rating or housing material. Products from Kobi include this information in their descriptions, making it easier to match them to specific needs (e.g., LED NAIROS G2  ceiling lights for bathrooms, or polycarbonate fixtures for garages).

Key considerations:

• Bathroom (wet zone) – Use fixtures with at least IP44 to protect against moisture.
• Outdoor lighting (terrace or exterior walls without shelter) – IP65, to resist rain and dust.
• Rooms with significant temperature fluctuations (e.g., unheated garage) – Choose fixtures designed for low temperatures (check the "ta" value on the label).
• Mechanical durability – In areas prone to impact (garage, stairwell), opt for fixtures with polycarbonate or tempered glass covers.

Tip: Invest in dimmable lighting – you’ll be able to adjust brightness to the time of day and your mood. Kobi offers models compatible with DALI or 1–10V dimming systems.

2. Office: Comfort is essential

Well-designed office lighting should meet the following standards:

• 500 lux brightness level
• UGR ≤ 19 (to avoid glare)
• CRI ≥ 80 (for accurate color rendering)

But that's not all – lighting must be considered as part of the whole work environment:

• Uniformity Uo ≥ 0.6 – prevents eye strain.
• IP rating – While IP20 is standard in offices, consider IP44 or higher in kitchenettes or entrances.
• Thermal and material durability – Fixtures should be long-lasting and made from materials that effectively dissipate heat, such as aluminum.
• Simply swapping fluorescent tubes for LEDs isn’t enough – you need to design a complete system: layout, color temperature, fixture type. Add motion sensors, DALI or 1–10V dimming, and integrate natural daylight for a modern workspace.

LED panels designed specifically for offices – such as the LED CAPRI series from Kobi with UGR <19 – offer excellent performance with low glare. Consider fixtures with adjustable color temperature to support your natural circadian rhythm throughout the day.

3. What to Replace and What to Keep?

• Outdated fixtures? It’s usually better to replace them – modern LEDs are more efficient and visually appealing.
• Avoid random replacements – Changing light points without a plan can lead to the need for new electrical wiring.
• Check for certifications (like CE, ENEC) and warranty – quality lighting ensures peace of mind for years to come.

If you’re looking for ready-made solutions that meet all relevant standards and offer proven quality, Kobi’s range is a great place to start. It’s available online, clearly described, and includes a wide selection for both home and office use.