Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in Interior Design, but it is actually one of the most important elements. The truth is, lighting doesn’t just enhance a space, it defines it. There are two different types of lighting: natural and artificial, both playing a crucial role in setting the mood and functionality of a room. Finding the perfect balance between the two, choosing the right colour temperature, and ensuring adequate illumination are key factors in creating a well designed space. Here are some things to consider when picking lighting.

Functionality

Have you ever felt like the lights in your home are just there, without really serving a purpose? You’re not alone, this is very common. For years, homes have been designed without much thought about how lighting can truly enhance a space. But here’s the thing, lighting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about function. Consider how each room will be used and what type of lighting best supports those activities. For example, in a kitchen, warm light just won’t cut it. You need clear, bright light to prepare and cook safely. When walking through with your electrician, think ahead, how will you use this space? What kind of lighting will make everyday tasks easier? By planning with both function and style in mind, we are able to create spaces that look great and work even better.

Location

I don’t know about you, but I have walked into so many homes where I think to myself why would they put the light fixture there? Lighting placement is crucial, especially nowadays, when most spaces feature multiple light sources instead of just one. It is all about having the balance of enough lighting to make the room practical, but not so much that it feels overwhelming or cluttered with fixtures. Thoughtful spacing and strategic placement make sure that the lighting enhances the design rather than takes away from it. The last thing you want is a beautiful design overshadowed by poor lighting choices.

Layered Lighting

Before we used to think that a single overhead light was enough to illuminate an entire space, thankfully we now understand the importance of layered lighting. Incorporating multiple light sources enhances both functionality and ambience. There are 4 different types of lighting: Ambient, Task, Accent, and Decorative. Ambient lighting is used to provide overall, uniform lighting. Task lighting is focused and bright, designed for specific activities. Accent lighting is used to highlight features and adds depth and dimension. Decorative lighting such as chandeliers and wall sconces serve as artistic elements that also provide illumination. Layering lighting has a huge impact on a space, offering versatility and enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Take a living room for example, many people assume minimal lighting is fine, but that is far from the truth. You need ambient lighting like a flush mount or pot lights, to brighten the room evenly. Accent lighting to highlight key areas and create depth, and task lighting such as a floor or table lamp, to have the right amount of illumination for reading or other activities. While decorative lighting is optional, it is never a bad idea to introduce an eye catching fixture to add style. Another key factor to consider is dimmable lighting. Sometimes you want a cozy, intimate atmosphere with soft lighting, while other times, you need a bright space for entertaining. With layered lighting, you can easily adjust the mood and functionality of a room, giving you complete control over your space’s ambience.

Light Intensity

Lumens measure a light bulb’s brightness, making them a key factor when choosing the right bulbs for your space. The Kelvin Colour Temperature scale is made up of lumens ranging from 1,000K to 10,000K, with higher numbers producing cooler tones. The higher the lumen the more white and bright it is. The functionality of a room also plays a role in determining what lumen light bulbs are best for each space. Finding the right balance of illumination is essential for setting the perfect ambience and ensuring practicality. For a cozy, intimate vibe, aim for 3,000-5,000 lumens. Reading spaces function best with 5,000-7,000 lumens, while workspaces typically need 10,000 lumens or more for optimal brightness and focus.

Lumens not only impact ambience and functionality, they also influence aesthetics. One common misconception is assuming that materials will look the same in your home as they do in a showroom or a store. However, lighting in commercial spaces tends to have a higher Kelvin rating, while residential lighting leans more towards the warm end of the spectrum. This difference affects how materials absorb and reflect light, sometimes altering their appearance entirely. Warmer lighting casts yellow and orange hues, enhancing warmer tones in materials. Cooler Lighting gives off blue and green hues, emphasizing cool tones. Have you ever picked out a tile in a store, loved it, brought it home, and suddenly it looks completely different? That is the power of lumens and colour temperature at work.

A good rule of thumb is to always bring samples home or to the space you’re designing before making a final decision. The last thing you want is to complete your design, only to realize that the lighting completely changes the look, and not in a good way.

Lighting is super versatile and can be used in so many different ways, it can be functional or strictly artistic. The right lighting enhances a space’s mood, defines zones within open areas, and brings out the best in colours, textures and finishes. Choosing the right temperature of light can dramatically change the perception of materials like wood, stone, metal, and fabric. In conclusion, lighting isn’t just a finishing touch, it is a foundational element of design that shapes how we feel in a space.

Importance of Lighting

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