You can define your home's interior style through different types of lighting.
Whether you are redecorating, remodeling, or building a new home, it pays to study the array of lighting options. Visit lighting showrooms, talk with professionals, and study the products at your local home improvement stores to get an idea of the vast choices.
After you have studied and surveyed the styles and created a wish list, it is time to look around your home and decide what you really need in the way of light.
Basics include knowing the different categories that make up an interior lighting scheme:
-Natural light comes from the outside in. Determine how you can make it work for you and how you wish to supplement it for optimal visibility during family and guest activities.
-General lighting includes ceiling fixtures, which spread light throughout a room rather than placing the focus on one area.
-Task lighting targets particular spots. Kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices use task lighting for focused brightness. This style can be moveable and includes study lamps and vanity lights.
-Ambient lighting creates emotion and sets the mood in a room. Indirect lighting, such as that from torchieres, creates a warm feel. Soffits with built-in lighting that throw light upward are also ambient. Dimmer switches on ceiling or fan fixtures can produce ambience.
-Decorative lighting includes any fixture that is pretty to look at and is still functional. Chandeliers, table lamps, and wall sconces fall into this category.
-Focal lighting highlights specific objects and is a bit different from task lighting. Art, photo groups, and even china cabinets can use focal lighting to the greatest effect.
Define the layout of your rooms and map out the tasks performed in each space. It will help to decide furniture placement before making lighting decisions. Now you can see where and why to apply the different types of lighting. Remember that no single light source will provide everything you need in one room. Interior decorators use a technique called layering, which means they overlap lighting styles to meet multiple needs within a single space.
Some rooms need only one light source. For instance, a workroom or garage might have one large task light positioned directly overhead. Each closet might need only one general light source.
Kitchens will require strong task lighting. A track system may allow for great versatility in the kitchen, but will also create shadows. Complement track placement by strategically locating fluorescent fixtures to offset this problem. Alternately, use a general light in this area for energy savings when task lighting is not in use.
Cove, or sconce, lighting is useful in hallways and in entryways. Light that faces upward creates a warm welcome for visitors as well as a homey feel in narrow spaces. Place sconces about eight feet apart. Art and furniture placement will determine height, but about six feet should be suitable in most homes.
Bedrooms are a layering challenge. They can use general lighting, ambient lighting, and task lighting. If you have a sitting area, subdued task lighting might be appropriate. A lamp stand is convenient here; its flexibility would allow the user to adjust not only direction, but also placement to left or right of the furniture grouping. Ambient lighting above the bed will set a mood and possibly highlight artwork. Use focused task lighting on nightstands for late-night reading. Nightstand lighting should be beneficial to the individual user without intruding on a partner's space.
In bathrooms, combine general and vanity lighting carefully. The best placement for vanity lights is to each side of the mirror. In a larger area, such as a double vanity that does not butt against a side wall, place overhead lighting as close to the mirror as possible and leave general lighting to the back and center of the room.
Powder rooms that function only for gatherings can benefit from general lighting and a subdued task light over the mirror. This light should flatter the user rather than detecting facial flaws.
Position recessed lighting with care. It can create bright lighting throughout a room along with unflattering shadows. Any room with recessed lighting should layer with other light sources to temper the strength of the bulbs.
In fact, any place in the home that has down lighting - those lights that focus directly downward - will benefit from layering. Lamps and chandeliers can alleviate the stark shadows of down lighting, especially if placed at varying heights within a room.
Dining areas can be dramatic, bright, happy, and intimate. Dimmer switches and layered lighting will be able to achieve these effects. Chandeliers will be the champion here as they can function as decorative, ambient, and general lighting. Experiment with lamp and candle placement as well as natural light during the day.
When looking at lighting ideas and options, you will discover much crossover among categories with plenty of room for your own ideas. Decide what will work within your own home and within your budget. Shop around and - most of all - have fun.
