Are you aware that lighting is an essential component of interior design? It can transform a room’s ambiance, improve your comfort level and even influence your mood. It’s true, lighting can do all this!
But knowing how to layer different light sources is not necessarily intuitive. Here are a few practical tips to help you select the right type of lighting to create a space that is both inviting and functional.
Consider Each Room’s Purpose
First, think about how you mainly use each room. For example, a kitchen requires functional lighting for meal preparation while a living room will benefit from having softer mood lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere. Then, determine which areas will be dedicated to work and which to leisure activities to plan the type of lighting they need. Do this for every room.
Opt for Layered Lighting
Layered lighting consists in utilizing many different types of light sources to create a balanced and versatile environment. Employ a combination of ambient lighting, task lighting and decorative lighting in every room. For instance, in a living room, you could install flush mount fixtures or recessed lights as the ambient lighting, floor lamps as the task lighting, and table lamps as the decorative lighting.
You could also think outside the box and decorate with string lights (like star-shaped bulbs in a kid’s bedroom), or strip lights beneath or behind furniture. The television console, as only one example, can be turned into an accent feature with this little trick. Plus, this will help create the illusion of depth.
Select the Right Light Colour Temperature
The light colour temperature can have a significant impact on a room’s ambiance. Warm light temperature bulbs (between approximately 2700K and 3000K) provide a cozy, glowing light, perfect for relaxation areas such as the bedrooms and living rooms. Cool light temperature bulbs (between approximately 4000K and 5000K) produce a brighter, more energizing light, ideal for task zones such as kitchens and home offices.
Install Light Dimmers
Light dimmer switches (or simply dimmers) allow you to control your fixtures’ light intensity, offering your greater flexibility in changing the lighting according to your needs and your mood. Use dimmers is rooms where you want to be able to create different ambiances, such as living rooms and bedrooms. This can likewise be an interesting option in the bathroom, especially if you enjoy relaxing soaks in the tub.
Remember Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting does more than increase home security. In fact, it can boost your residence’s curb appeal. Install wall sconces, post lights and spotlights to illuminate entrances, walkways and certain areas of the yard. Outdoor lighting can also add a touch of elegance to your property by highlighting its architectural features, such as a stone wall.
Types of Bulbs and the Effects They Create
Choosing the right lightbulb is just as important as choosing the right light fixture. Moreover, they all have their own specific characteristics:
- Incandescent bulbs: They’re less energy efficient and have a relatively shorter bulb life. They cast a soft, cozy light.
- Halogen bulbs: They’re an improved version of incandescent bulbs (more energy efficient and longer lasting). They’re often used in recessed lights, desk lamps and floor lamps.
- Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL): They’re even more energy efficient than incandescent and halogen bulbs, all while providing a similar kind of light. They last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and consume up to 75% less energy; however, they do contain toxic chemicals like mercury.
- Light-emitting diode bulbs (LED): They constitute the most advanced lighting solution on the market at present. They offer maximum energy efficiency, an exceptionally long bulb life, and a wide selection of light colour temperatures to suit various lighting needs. LED bulbs generate little heat and are available in a range of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for use in all types of light fixtures.
Get started transforming your home’s lighting design today!