Light can influence your mood and make a space feel inviting or cold, so planning out lighting is crucial in every design scheme. A good lighting scheme should strive to enhance the overall design of any room. Whether you are reading, cooking, working, or even trying to relax, appropriate lighting definitely comes into play. The type of illumination that is selected for each room will vary on the occupants designated room's purpose.
All light sources, both artificial and natural sunlight, are combinations of wavelenghts of color. Depending on the light selected, the color of the light may be white, blue, or yellow. Natural sunlight is a pure white color when it shines through out windows and is the only one true light.
There are basically three types of light bulbs to choose from:
1. Incandescent light bulbs ~ these are the most common bulbs. This type of light bulb turn on immediately, can be dimmed, come in many shapes and sizes, and are inexpensive to buy. However, incandescent bulbs are usually expensive to operate and give off a warm, yellowish glow.
2. Halogen light bulbs ~ are a form of incandescent lighting, but are more costly to buy but are more energy efficient to use. Halogen bulbs can cause burns if touched directly. Halogen bulbs do not work in standard light fixtures and require protective housing. A benefit of halogen bulbs is the bright white color they give off is the closest to natural sunlight.
3. Fluorescent light bulbs~ have been used in homes for decades but have a slower start up than the other bulbs. Recent improvements in fluorescent bulbs make them more favorable to home owners. This type of bulb is very efficient and uses only 25% - 35% of the energy required for a comparable incandescent bulb, but cost more than incandescent bulbs. Flourescent light bulbs can be used in most light fixtures but some can not be dimmed. This bulb also contains mercury, so be careful if you break one. This bulb gives off a bluish-white light.
Types of Lighting:
Every room must have at least two types of lighting ~ ambient lighting and accent or task lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination to a room while accent or task lighting is focused on a particular area. Artificial ambient lighting usually comes from overhead fixtures, you would use task lighting to supplement ambient lighting. Accent lights, usually from smaller fixtures, can be used to illuminate artwork or accent fixtures. Candle light is also a great form of light to use to great a romantic, relaxed feeling in your home.
Light fixtures comes in many different types and styles - table lamp, floor light, pendant, wall-mounted, ceiling mounted - and the room's purpose must be taken into consideration. Table and floor lamps are very versatile and can be moved at any time. Pendant light fixtures, such as chandeliers, are typically used in dining rooms, kitchens, master bedrooms, and even some master bathrooms. Ceiling mounted fixtures may be recessed or sit on or just below the surface; recessed lighting usually works well in the kitchen over the preparation area. Places such as bookshelves are a great place to install accent lighting, when you are designing a room's lighting scheme it is important to remember all the places that could be dark and forgotten.
Lighting Tricks to Remember:
- Halogen bulbs will work well in a room with white or very lightly painted walls, since the white light will reflect off everything.
- An updated chandelier in your entry way and dining room is a must is you are planning on selling, use the highest wattage bulbs possible.
- A light fixture should be stylish and have a purpose, the purpose could be to simply provide light behind a floor standing plant.
- Avoiding shadows in the corners of rooms is always a good idea, this will make your room look larger.
- Colors look different under warm (yellow) light versus cool (blue) light, so it is always important to look at paint colors and fabrics at different times of the day and under natural sunlight.
- Always use the highest wattage bulbs in all your light fixtures.
- If you are involved in the addition of a home, increasing natural sunlight by adding a window or skylight is usually a good idea.
Now, that we all understand the types of light bulbs and fixtures to choose from the fun part begins - the design and lighting scheme of your home (or your client's home). A dark home with inadequate lighting does appear dreary and can affect our moods, without us even realizing it. With the addition of some well placed lamps, I bet your home will feel brighter during these dark winter months.
Kate
Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, serves Rockland County and Orange County, New York and Passaic County, New Jersey. We specialize in home decorating, interior design, home staging, color consultations, custom wood signs, vacant home staging, home decor discounts, semi-custom window coverings, please call Kate for your design consultation at 845-538-3623 or visit www.kateshomestaging.com for more info. Making every home better through redesign.
