When it comes to decorating your home, don’t overlook one of the most important aspects. Proper lighting not only makes a room usable throughout the day and night, but can create a mood. Learn how to illuminate your whole home properly!
2. Why is Illumination Important?
• Proper illumination ties
together home décor and
finishes a room’s aesthetics
• A properly illuminated
“well-lit” room refers to
more than its brightness.
• A “well-lit” room can
make small rooms appear
roomier and large rooms
cozier. It creates mood and
personality, and enhances
the room’s natural beauty.
3. Understanding Light Sources
• There are 3 types of light
sources you can work with:
General Illumination,
Ambient Lighting and Task
Lighting.
• General Illumination refers
to lights that wash the room
with illumination.
• Ambient lighting are pools
of light that create emotion and
mood.
• Task lighting are for tasks
such as reading and cooking.
4. Working with Light Sources
• Using a combination of general
illumination, ambient and task
lighting creates dimension and
atmosphere in a room.
• General lighting often comes in the
form of single over head light,
ceiling fixture, or high hats.
• Ambient lighting can take shape as
dimmable chandeliers, wall sconces
and accent lamps.
• Task lighting includes desk lamps,
bedside lamps, work lights and
kitchen pendants.
5. Different Rooms Have Different
Needs
• Bedrooms: Require a combination
of general (overhead), ambient and
task lighting such as bedside table
lamps or swing arm lamps.
• Kitchens: For kitchens use task
lighting for countertops and kitchen
islands. Install under cabinet lighting
to help illuminate counter surfaces.
• Bathrooms: Will usually require
vanity lighting over or besides mirrors
in addition to an overhead light.
Powder rooms can have wall sconces
and/or an overhead light.
6. Different Rooms Have Different
Needs
• Living Rooms: Living
rooms need to be adaptable
to different situations. Install
permanent fixtures (ceiling
lights) as well as floor and
table lamps that can be
added or removed when
needed.
• Entryways: Use lamps or
sconces to create beautiful
accent lightings. Make a first
impression with chandeliers
or hanging pendants.
7. Working from Top to Bottom
• When designing a lighting
plan, start with the ceiling
and work your way down.
• On ground level, look at
how sconces, table lamps,
floor lamps, and ambient
lights can enhance your
area.
• Lighting in layers ensures
you cover all the ground
necessary.
8. Use Vignettes to Create a Story
• In home design and lighting,
“vignettes” refer to the
arrangement of lights,
sculptures and books of
different sizes and shapes to
create a story.
• Vignettes pull a room
together and add a designer
element.
• To create a vignette, start
with a theme and a light
source, then find the objects
that reflect the theme and
arrange them around the
light.
9. Create a Mood
• Illumination is more than
about shopping for a lamp,
it’s about creating a mood
for each room.
• Each room has its own
personality, and its style is
a reflection of you.
• Create a vibrant mood in
kitchens or playrooms, and
subdued moods for relaxing
rooms like bedrooms or
bathrooms.
10. Buy from a Lighting Professional
• A lighting professional will
be able turn your vision into
a reality.
• Not only will they help you
find the lights you need, but
will guide you through the
lighting plan design process.
• Remember, illumination is
one the most important parts
of home décor. Don’t be left
in the dark and contact a
lighting professional today.
http://www.lightingpros360.com