A room with a lighting design should never be overlooked.  The right lights can completely change a room’s appearance. It can draw attention to specific areas of the room, expand or contract the size of the room, and assist in setting the mood.

Poor lighting may detract from even the most tastefully decorated space but getting it just right isn’t always easy.  Here are a few basic principles and tips that you can follow to get the lighting perfect in your environment.

Types of Lighting

General Lighting – Popular general lighting options include downlights and traditional ceiling-mounted pendant lamps. We recommend that you install dimmers to your lighting fixtures so you can soften the lighting when the occasion calls for it.

Task Lighting – Whether you’re working, reading, or doing any other form of activity, you need to be able to see what you’re doing at all times. A crucial part of building an efficient workspace is to have both functional and aesthetically-pleasing lighting. Pockets of light can also help create depth and a well-lit area if scattered around the room.

Accent Lighting – Accent lighting in a living room may be used to focus on an architectural element, such as a fireplace or bookcase, or on a painting, sculpture or plant. Up-lights placed on the floor maybe used as accent lighting for a plant, while track lighting may be used as accent lighting for artwork. Accent lighting is a great way to liven up any space in your home. It adds visual appeal and mood to a room and accentuates the room’s architectural elements, artwork, and furnishings.

How to use the proper lighting in rooms.

Even if your home doesn’t look like the Blackpool Illuminations (an annual lights festival) having a variety of lights you can switch on and off is essential. Depending on the time of day, how you’ll be using the space, and the mood you’re trying to evoke, there are various options. Make sure you can alter the lighting to fit your current situation.

Plan you lighting based on how you’ll be using the space.

Before choosing your lighting, consider how you intend to make use of the space. Do you use it during the day?  Do you just sit and relax or do you get some work done there? Do you sit in the same place every time or are you mobile?  All of these factors will help you determine what type of lighting you’ll need for the room.  Make a list of what you’ll be doing in your room and how often you’ll be doing it.

Consider your sense of humiliation

If you’re watching a movie with someone you love, you probably don’t want bright ceiling lights glaring down on you.  However, if you’re trying to put a puzzle together or get some work done, you’ll need to be able to see what you’re doing. It’s critical to have the ability to turn the lights on or off independently.

Create darkness

Even though it sounds strange, the goal is to cast shadows. To pique one’s interest, one must contrast light with dark.  A room with no natural light might make you feel claustrophobic, as if you were in a waiting room, rather than your own house. Lighting zones are an effective means of generating visual interest, contrast, and variation. Rooms are made more intriguing by the contrast of light and dark. If possible, avoid excessively harsh shadows.

Be able to change your mindset

Put a variety of lights in various places. Lighting for different uses generally necessitates a different type of illumination. Lamps with varying levels of brightness are ideal. It’s also a good idea to install dimmers if you want to have more control over your lighting.

Conclusion

Although we’ve covered several topics, there are still many methods to improve your lighting. The internet is a great place to explore and gather more information, but if you’re stumped, an interior decorator or lighting planner could be a lifesaver.