Microcement is one of the most appreciated materials in contemporary interior design, thanks to its extreme versatility. To obtain the maximum aesthetic and functional impact from surfaces covered in microcement, it is not secondary to consider the role of light and its interactions with the material.
Light, whether natural or artificial, has the ability to influence the perception of colour, texture and depth of surfaces, making the space dynamic and changeable depending on the lighting conditions.
The reflectivity of microcement
Microcement, available in a variety of finishes ranging from glossy to matte, reacts differently to light. The chosen finish affects how light is reflected or absorbed by the surface.
– Glossy finishes: Surfaces coated with glossy microcement reflect a lot of light, amplifying the brightness of the space. This effect is particularly useful in smaller spaces or in rooms with little natural light, as reflectivity creates an illusion of greater spaciousness and brightness. However, too intense or direct light on glossy surfaces could result in annoying reflections.
– Matte finishes: on the contrary, matte surfaces tend to absorb the light and diffuse it more softly. The result is a more welcoming and intimate environment, where the light creates warm and enveloping atmospheres. Matte finishes are perfect for those who want a more natural or industrial style, since the irregularities of the material stand out through diffused light.
In both cases, light is an essential element to enhance the continuity of microcement surfaces, especially in open spaces or with large surfaces.
The interaction between natural light and microcement
Natural light is one of the main factors that influences the appearance of microcement. Its intensity and quality vary throughout the day, changing the perception of the finished surfaces.
– Morning: the softness and warmth of morning light gives microcement surfaces in light tones a luminous and delicate effect, while on dark surfaces it creates a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
– Afternoon: During the central hours of the day, natural light is more intense and direct, highlighting textures, finishes and colors. On smooth surfaces, light can create more evident reflections, while on textured surfaces it will bring out the details of the material.
– Sunset: the warm light of the sunset gives microcement surfaces golden silken tones. This lighting is ideal to create intimate environments, especially in spaces where dark or earthy colours predominate.
Taking into account the orientation of natural light when designing spaces covered in microcement is essential to optimise colour perception and the final effect of the material.
Artificial lighting: enhancing textures and colors
Artificial lighting plays a crucial role in defining the atmosphere of a microcement-covered environment, especially when natural light is scarce. The type, intensity and tone of artificial light can drastically change the appearance of surfaces.
Different types of artificial lighting
– Direct light: Spotlights or directional lamps can be used to emphasise the texture of microcement, especially in highly textured surfaces and rough finishes. This type of lighting creates shadows that add depth and personality to the space.
– Diffused light: Ceiling lamps or light panels distribute light evenly, and are therefore ideal for smooth, seamless surfaces. Diffused light creates relaxing, welcoming environments, enhancing the softness of matte finishes.
– Accent lighting: The use of LED strips or hidden lighting can be strategic to highlight the details of microcement, creating an effect of light and shadow that gives depth to the space. This technique is particularly effective for enhancing corners or special surfaces such as backlit walls or contrasting floors.
Light temperature: warm or cold?
The temperature of the light directly affects the perception of the colour of the microcement:
– Warm lights (2700-3000K): ideal to create welcoming and relaxing atmospheres, warm lights enhance the earthy and soft tones of microcement, making it perfect for residential environments or spaces where you want to convey comfort.
– Cold lights (4000-5000K): perfect for modern and minimalist environments, cold lights enhance the more neutral or cold tones of microcement, such as greys or whites, giving the space a clean and professional look.
The influence of microcement colour on light
The colour choice of microcement is extremely important when considering the impact of light. Each shade responds differently to lighting, changing the visual perception of space:
– Light colours: Microcement in light shades, such as white, light gray or beige, reflects light more efficiently, creating bright and airy environments. Natural light enhances this effect, especially in spaces with large windows or diffused light. With artificial lighting, warm lights make the space more welcoming, while cold lights give a modern and clean look.
– Dark colours: Dark microcement, such as anthracite, dark grey or brown, absorbs more light, creating a more intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. Natural light in these cases can enhance the deep shades of the material, while artificial lighting, especially if warm, creates a welcoming environment full of character. Cold lights, on the other hand, can make the space more severe and formal.
– Neutral shades: Intermediate shades, such as medium grey or dove grey, offer a good balance between brightness and depth. They are perfect for environments that require visual flexibility, easily adapting to both natural and artificial light, without appearing too bright or too dark.
Contrast between colour and light
If you decide to use microcement in contrasting shades for floors and walls, light becomes a key element to balance chromatic harmony.
– Natural light and contrast: Daylight can create interesting effects on contrasting microcement surfaces, such as light walls and dark floors. This play of light and shadow gives the space depth and dynamism. Using strategic windows or openings is essential to enhance the contrast.
- – Artificial light and contrast: Artificial lighting, with spotlights or directional LED lights, can help balance the visual perception of contrasting surfaces, highlighting both light and dark colours. Dimmable lights also allow to create different atmospheres, accentuating or attenuating the colour contrast.
Experimenting with dynamic light
Another interesting option is the use of dynamic light — lighting that varies in intensity or colour temperature. This type of light interacts differently with microcement surfaces depending on the colour chosen. Light shades shine under cold lights, while they become softer and more welcoming with warm lights. Dark shades, on the other hand, are enriched with nuances under soft lights and create dramatic environments with intense lights.
A well-planned project, which takes into account light, finishes and colours, can make microcement surfaces the centrepiece of the space, transforming it into a dynamic, elegant and unique environment.