Types of LightingAlthough interior design is now a popular occupation and pastime for many, the use of lighting within a home is often overlooked. This can not only decrease the functionality of any living space, but also reduce the impact of the d?cor itself. By utilising lighting to its full potential and incorporating different layers of light within each room, a range of atmospheres can be created, adding another level of style and drama to your home.The base layer for any home lighting scheme is ambient lighting. This is intended to provide a general level of illumination throughout a room and to serve as a replacement for sunlight throughout the evening. Ambient lighting is typically provided by ceiling fixtures such as pendants or recessed lights and wall fixtures such as sconces. The level of ambient light required will vary from room to room depending on its usage, the kitchen for instance will require a brighter layer of base light than a bedroom or living room, simply because a kitchen is generally a more functional room than one intended for relaxation. When choosing the light fixture intended to provide your ambient light, there is a huge variety available, meaning that you can make as much or as little of a statement with your light piece as you wish. This can vary from room to room with kitchens tending to be fitted with less obstructive recessed lights and chandeliers or dramatic pendant lamps being chosen for a dinning room. Although ambient light should be of a level which is quite adequate for performing the majority of tasks, without the inclusion of additional light sources it can leave a room feeling one dimensional and lacking warmth. To eliminate this and to add drama to a room accent light is needed. Accent lighting can be used to give depth to a room by focusing light in some areas and creating shadows in others so as to create a more interesting and inviting appearance. Accent lighting can also be used to highlight specific features within a room such as a beautiful vase, plant or picture and additionally to illuminate corners or alcoves which would usually remain in shadow. A variety of different light sources can be used alone or in combination to create an interesting lighting scheme. Table lamps and torchieres are popular, as are up lighters and downlighters. Additionally spotlights are an incredibly versatile option as they can be focused so as to create pools of light in different areas of the room without taking up any floor or wall space. To maximise the potential of a room there are also a number of different techniques that can be used to highlight interesting architectural features, these include wall washing and wall grazing which look particularly striking on chimney breasts and on other unobstructed walls. Although general light provides the lighting foundation and accent lighting creates the atmosphere, task lighting cannot be overlooked. Task lighting is specifically designed to illuminate a workspace where tasks are performed, whether this is reading or cooking. It is essential that task lighting illuminates the work area without creating shadows or glare. For this reason under cabinet lighting works particularly well in the kitchen as it provides direct illumination where you need it and eliminates the shadows caused by you obstructing light from a central source. Additionally desk lamps are ideal for office or homework areas as they can be positioned to focus on work without glare. By considering the individual features, architecture and uses of each room and lighting them accordingly, you can ensure that your home can be used to its full potential whilst setting off the d?cor with beautiful yet complimentary lighting. |
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