While it’s so easy to pick lighting based on the aesthetic of the piece, there is so much more to bringing light into a room. This is one of the most important elements of design. How light enters and fills a room is what creates the atmosphere and the mood of the room. A poorly lit room has a heavy, dreary feeling and can give a person a headache or tire them out. Likewise, a very bright room can cause a headache and create a stark feeling in the space. Ever noticed how those florescent lights in schools, offices, hospitals and conference centers feel invasive? Soft, yellow light bulbs are much more inviting.
There is a comfortable balance between too much and not enough light and this can be found based on the utility of the room. Brighter light is used in the kitchen, living room, foyer and dim lighting is usually found in dining rooms, family rooms and bedrooms. It’s great to have the option of changing the amount of light in a room with a dimmer switch for artificial light and window covering for natural light. Placement of lights is just as important – what’s the use of a reading lamp if its position creates a shadow over your book?
There are five general types of light, and every room should incorporate between 3-5:
- Natural light – through windows and skylights, this is the most pleasant type
- Overhead light – pot lights and bright pendant lights
- Accent light – used to highlight books, artwork or displays
- Task light – for reading, cooking, working etc
- Decorative light – doesn't provide much light for the room, but looks pretty (such as candles)
This condo has lots of natural light flowing in to the dining and living rooms
Left: overhead lighting; right: accent lighting on the stairs
Floor lamp with adjustable head - great for task lighting
Wall sconce with mirrored ribbons doesn't provide much light but is great decoration
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