Lighting is the essence of any space. It can make or break the aesthetics of an interior. A room without good lighting design is comparable to food without salt. It is a crucial element of interior design but often overlooked when planning out spaces. The correct lighting can make the room feel visually larger or intimate and immensely contribute to the functionality of the space.
Over here we are going to discuss what creates good lighting and why is it so important when designing interiors.
Understanding the types in lighting design
There is more to lighting design than selecting beautiful chandeliers or lamps for your homes. There are different types of lighting, which need to be correctly balanced in a space for perfect aesthetics. The different lightings have different uses and its implementation depends on the creative concept and functionality of the desired space.
Ambient or general lighting
This is a necessary part of any good lighting design as it provides the overall illumination in the room and brightens the space. Ambient lighting refers to the main light source that helps with the basic functional aspects of the room. Apart from this, it aids in providing a warm and comforting ambience in the space. Ambient lighting is created using ceiling fixtures such as recessed lights, chandeliers, wall sconces and ceiling lamps. You can say that it is a ‘stand-alone’ type of lighting.
Accent light
Accent lighting is used to accentuate the place and create a point of interest. It is like icing on the cake. When used in a correct manner, this kind of lighting design adds dimension, depth and transforms the basic look of a room. It consists of fixtures such as pendants, recessed or picture lights and sconces that can be directed or angled to create a spotlight effect.
Task light
As the name says, this type of lighting design helps fulfill a task or purpose in a space. They are more functional than accent lights. Task lights should not create a glare and should be bright enough to prevent discomfort in the eyes. Task lighting is achieved with the use of recessed spotlights, track lights and desk lamps in spaces like under cabinet counter, home office, staircase etc.
What can you achieve with a good lighting design?
Adequate lighting helps illuminate the room and brightens up the space. Artificial lighting often needs to be balanced well with natural lighting depending on the location. Lighting design experts need to figure out the amount and direction of the natural lighting into a space that helps in incorporating ambient lighting. Sometimes a house in a tropical area might require less ambient lighting than a house near the North pole. The key here is to have sufficient lighting to brighten the space. This also depends on the wall colours and space dimensions. A smaller room might require less lighting than a large living room. Or you can even add different lighting to widen or narrow the space.
There is no doubt that good lighting design immensely contributes to the functional aspect of the space. Lighting should serve the purpose here, or else it is just waste of electricity. According to the requirements, the different types of lighting should be installed. A home office or reading room might require a combination of general and task lighting to carry out the tasks. A kitchen countertop should be well lit with task lighting for food preparation etc. A bedroom may have warm white recessed lighting for a relaxed atmosphere. If a space is multifunctional, dimmers can be used to control the lighting.
Good lighting is used to add drama and depth to a space, especially in spaces like living area and bedrooms. A chandelier in a living room brightens the space and adds an elegant touch. A beautiful painting, wall accessory or feature can be highlighted with the use of proper picture lighting that is functional and creates a visual appeal at the same time. The different lighting options available today help us create the mood required in a space with the warm and cool lighting effects.
Colours and lighting go hand in hand. You may have lovely wall colours, stylish furniture and furnighings, accessories and rugs but without adequate lighting, the space might look bland. It helps enhance the colours and textures in the room effectively.
The article sums up the importance of having good lighting design when planning interiors. It does not always have to be expensive fixtures, but yes effective lighting is a must. The lighting you choose will reflect your personality, define your space and add a touch of style and elegance to it, so choose it carefully.
This blog splendidly features the essential job of lighting plan in inside arranging. From setting the mind-set to complementing design highlights, lighting reinvigorates spaces.