How to Choose Optimum Lighting for Your Home
Regardless of the room in question, a well-positioned and suitable lighting fixture should be able to provide pleasant and functional illumination.
For contemporary lighting solutions, you need to consider several criteria, including purpose, cost, quality of light, and the type of fitting. Outlined below is some expert advice to help you come to the right decision.
Photo by Etienne Girardet
1. Measure the space
If you want to ensure that you will have sufficient space for a chandelier, you should measure the length and breadth of your room. You can then use this measurement to help you determine what size of chandelier you should install.
For instance, a 36”-wide chandelier would be ideal for a room measuring 18’ x 16’. Nevertheless, you should also consider the visual weight. If the fixture is:
Light and airy – size up
Dark and enormous – size down
2. Consider the interior architecture and decor
While the main aim of lighting is to provide functional illumination, it can also serve an aesthetic purpose and generate an emotional ambience. Every type of lighting can fulfill a particular need. For instance, ceiling lights can:
Provide a room with an overall glow
Illuminate sculptures or other works of art
Make cleaning tasks much easier
3. Take account of a room’s multiple functions
Most of the rooms in your home will serve a variety of different purposes. As a result, your lighting should be adaptable depending on the particular occasion or need. For example, a dimmer switch can help create a romantic mood in your dining room or, alternatively, make it more functional if you are dining with children.
4. You can oversize
Some designers believe that large lighting fixtures are better than small ones. Nevertheless, you always need to balance the fitting with the room space. For example, four lanterns placed strategically in the corners of a room may be a better option than one very large chandelier in the centre.
What are the different layers of lighting design?
Your room size and type will determine which lighting fixture will be most suitable. The following three layers of light should also be given careful consideration.
1. Ambient lighting
You will need ambient or general lighting for every room in your home. These lights are often placed overhead or on the ceiling. Typical ambient lights include:
Chandeliers
Pendants
Recessed lighting
Torchiere lamps
Vanity lighting
Wall sconces
2. Task lighting
Task lighting provides intense and direct light, allowing you to see what you are doing. You will need this type of lighting in your kitchen, office, and bathroom. You should also consider the following task lights as part of your overall lighting plans:
Desk/work lamps
Under-cabinet lights
Vanity lights
3. Accent lighting
As the name implies, this type of lighting will allow you to cast a spotlight on interesting pieces of home decor, such as paintings or other works of art. You can also use it as an additional light source as a complement to your ambient lighting. Some of the accent light fixtures you can install include:
Recessed lights
Track lights
Wall sconces
What are the possible lighting options for each room?
Choosing the correct light fitting for every room in your home can be quite an exciting challenge.
1. Bathroom
A vanity light above the bathroom mirror is the traditional option. However, if you would like to establish a spa-like atmosphere, you may wish to install a chandelier. In addition:
A bathroom fan with lights can provide ventilation and overhead lighting
Wall sconces or pendant lights paired with vanity lights can create the best ambient and task lighting combinations
Sconces can provide cross-illumination for everyday routines, such as flossing and shaving
Recessed lights are suitable for showers and water closets
2. Bedroom
The light fixtures in your bedroom should engender a calming mood but they should still provide ambient light.
Ceiling fans or flush mount lighting can provide the ambient light
Table lamps or wall sconces placed above the bedside table can produce task lighting
3. Dining Room
As well as being the space where you sit down and eat your meals, the dining room may also be used for a wide range of family activities. For this reason, you may prefer the classic option of a chandelier, which can also serve as an excellent source of ambient light.
You can also use table lamps and wall sconces for additional ambient and accent lighting.
4. Foyer
People’s first positive impression of your home will begin in your foyer. Here, you can combine ambient and accent lighting by using flush mount or semi-flush mount fixtures.
A chandelier or pendant lantern can create a dramatic entrance for foyers with arched ceilings.
5. Kitchen
You will need multiple layers of light for your kitchen. You can use recessed lights as ambient lighting regardless of the size of the room. An island pendant or a group of mini pendants will work well as task and accent lighting. Installing under-cabinet lighting may be a good idea for task lights that require little space.
6. Living room
Your living room is the place where you relax, read a book, or watch a movie, and it, therefore, requires various types of light. For ambient lighting, you can install recessed lights, flush mounts, or semi-flush mounts.
Track lights also work well as accent lighting, showcasing your precious possessions. For your room’s focal point, you can install wall sconces for additional accent lights.
You also have a host of ambient lighting options, including:
Ceiling fans with lights
Chandeliers
Pendant lights with a drum shade
Torchiere floor lamps
7. Office
Naturally, you will need enough illumination in your office to allow you to do your work to a high standard. An adjustable desk lamp works well as a task light, so there will be no need to squint to read your computer screen.
Recessed lights can also provide enough ambient light for the whole room, and you can even adjust the brightness with a dimmer switch. You can also add a pendant light or ceiling fan for additional overhead illumination.
Conclusion
Your choice of contemporary lighting solutions for your home will often depend on a number of different factors, including the light layers and types of fitting. Each room will require a specific type of lighting based on its function and aesthetics. The first thing you need to do is measure the space. Then, you can select the lighting fixtures that will provide one or all of the required lighting layers – ambient, task, and accent.
Author : Anna Alforque
